Abstract:
A system, method, and apparatus for data communication including a transmitter and first processor for data transmission in at least two states of operation, a receiver, memory device, and second processor providing at least two states of operation for processing the data. In a ready state, received data is ready for processing upon reception. In an active state, received data is converted into a different format prior to processing. The transmitter transmits first data associated with the ready state, a first transition command associated with transitioning from the ready state to the active state, second data associated with the active state, and a second transition command associated with transitioning from the active state to the ready state. The second processor processes the first data in the ready state, transitions to the active state, processes the second data in the active state, and transitions to the ready state.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2009-168807 filed in the Japan Patent Office on Jul. 17, 2009, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a system, method, and apparatus for data communication and specifically, for example, in noncontact near-field wireless communication, to a receiving device, a receiving method, a program, and a transmitting device and method that enable transmission and reception of data configured by a data structure or format different from a predetermined data structure or format using a communication scheme for transmitting and receiving data configured by the predetermined data structure or format. 
         [0003]    The prior art provides a noncontact near-field wireless communication technology for performing transmission and reception of data using electromagnetic waves between a reader writer and an IC (integrated circuit) card, or the like. 
         [0004]    In the noncontact near-field wireless communication technology, there are plural standards different in command system, communication scheme, data structure or format, or the like. Therefore, for example, in the case where a reader writer and an IC card are respectively compliant to different standards, transmission and reception of data may be impossible between the reader writer and the IC card. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a through command technology by which a through reader is provided between an IC card and a reader writer and the through reader includes commands from IC cards that transmit commands respectively compliant to different standards in through commands that can be recognized by the reader writer and supplies them to the reader writer (e.g., see JP-A-2004-264921). 
         [0006]    According to the through command technology, the reader writer can receive commands from IC cards compliant to different standards via the through reader as through commands. 
         [0007]    Further, there is a transmission and reception technology, for example, in the case where data structures are different between a first message to be transmitted and received between a reader writer and an IC card and a second message to be processed in the reader writer and the IC card, of including the second message in the first message and performing transmission and reception (e.g., see JP-A-2005-242445). 
         [0008]    According to the transmission and reception technology, the second message included in the first message can be processed in the reader writer and the IC card while transmission and reception of the first message are performed between the reader writer and the IC card. 
         [0009]    In JIS (Japanese industrial standard) X 6319-4, which is a standard of noncontact near-field wireless communication, noncontact near-field wireless communication is prescribed to use a communication scheme for transmitting and receiving frames as data configured by a data structure (format) defined in JIS X 6319-4 (hereinafter, referred to as “frame communication scheme”). 
         [0010]    However, in JIS X 6319-4, transmission and reception using the frame communication scheme via noncontact near-field wireless communication of blocks as data configured by a data structure defined in ISO/IEC (international organization for standardization/international electrotechnical commission) 14443-4, commands defined in ISO/IEC 7816-4, responses to the commands, or the like are not prescribed. 
         [0011]    Accordingly, it has been impossible to transmit and receive the blocks having the data structure defined in ISO/IEC14443-4, commands defined in ISO/IEC 7816-4, responses to the commands, or the like using only the frame communication scheme. This is much the same for the above described through command technology and transmission and reception technology. 
         [0012]    Thus, it is desirable to enable transmission and reception of data configured by a data structure or format different from a predetermined data structure or format using a communication scheme for transmitting and receiving data configured by the predetermined data structure or format. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    In an example embodiment, a system for data communication includes a first device including a transmitter for transmitting data, and a first processor operably coupled to the transmitter, the first processor preparing data for transmission in at least two states of operation including a ready state and an active state, and a second device including: a receiver for receiving data, a memory device, and a second processor operably coupled to the receiver and to the memory device, the second processor providing the at least two states of operation including the ready state and the active state for processing the received data upon reception of the data, wherein, in the ready state, the received data is ready for processing upon reception of the data, wherein, in the active state, the received data is converted into a different format prior to processing upon reception of the data, wherein the first processor provides to the transmitter and the transmitter transmits (i) first data associated with the ready state, which is ready for processing upon reception, (ii) a first transition command associated with transitioning from the ready state to the active state, (iii) second data associated with the active state, which is converted into a different format upon reception, and (iv) a second transition command associated with transitioning from the active state to the ready state, wherein the receiver receives and provides to the second processor the first data, the first transition command, the second data, and the second transition command, and the second processor causes data indicative of the at least one transition command to be stored in the memory device, and wherein the second processor (i) processes the first data in the ready state, (ii) transitions to the active state based on the first transition command, (iii) processes the second data in the active state, and (iv) transitions to the ready state based on the second transition command. 
         [0014]    In an example embodiment, in the ready state, data is processed using JIS X 6319-4 protocol. 
         [0015]    In an example embodiment, in the ready state, upon reception of the data, the received data is formatted according to the JIS X 6319-4 protocol. 
         [0016]    In an example embodiment, the ready state includes a ready-requested substate and a ready-declared substate, in the ready-requested substate, a response including an identifier is provided to transition into the ready-declared substate, and in the ready-declared substate, processing is performed when a processing command including the identifier is received. 
         [0017]    In an example embodiment, in the ready-declared substate, the processing command including the identifier causes a transition from the ready-declared substate to a JIS-active state, in which the processing is performed. 
         [0018]    In an example embodiment, the ready-declared substate causes commands to be processed and responses to be formed using JIS X 6319-4 protocol. 
         [0019]    In an example embodiment, in the active state, data is processed using at least one of ISO/IEC 7816-4 protocol and ISO/IEC 14443-4 protocol. 
         [0020]    In an example embodiment, in the active state, upon reception of the data, the received data is formatted according to a protocol other than the at least one of ISO/IEC 7816-4 protocol and ISO/IEC 14443-4 protocol. 
         [0021]    In an example embodiment, at least one transition command causes a transition to a halt state, which prohibits a direct transition from the halt state to the ready state and from the halt state to the active state. 
         [0022]    In an example embodiment, the at least one transition command includes a third transition command and a fourth transition command, the third transition command causing a transition from the ready state to the halt state and the fourth transition command causing a transition from the active state to the halt state. 
         [0023]    In an example embodiment, a third transition command causes a transition from the halt state to an idle state, which allows for a direct transition from the idle state to the ready state based on a fourth transition command. 
         [0024]    In an example embodiment, the first device is a reader writer and the second device is an integrated circuit card (“IC card”). 
         [0025]    In an example embodiment, an apparatus for data communication includes a transmitter for transmitting data, and at least one processor operably coupled to the transmitter, the at least one processor preparing data for transmission in at least two states of operation including a ready state and an active state, wherein, in the ready state, data ready for transmission is ready for processing upon reception of the data, wherein, in the active state, data ready for transmission is converted into a different format prior to processing upon reception of the data, wherein the at least one processor provides to the transmitter (i) first data associated with the ready state, which is ready for processing upon reception, (ii) a first transition command associated with transitioning from the ready state to the active state, (iii) second data associated with the active state, which is converted into a different format upon reception, and (iv) a second transition command associated with transitioning from the active state to the ready state. 
         [0026]    In an example embodiment, the apparatus is an IC card. 
         [0027]    In an example embodiment, the apparatus is a reader writer. 
         [0028]    In an example embodiment, an apparatus for data communication includes a receiver for receiving data, a memory device, and at least one processor operably coupled to the receiver and to the memory device, the at least one processor providing at least two states of operation including a ready state and an active state, wherein, in the ready state, the received data is ready for processing by the at least one processor, wherein, in the active state, the received data is converted into a different format prior to processing by the at least one processor, and wherein the at least one processor receives at least one transition command from the receiver, causes data indicative of the at least one transition command to be stored in the memory device, transitions from the ready state to the active state based on a first transition command, and transitions from the active state to the ready state based on a second transition command. 
         [0029]    In an example embodiment, the apparatus is an IC card. 
         [0030]    In an example embodiment, the apparatus is a reader writer. 
         [0031]    In an example embodiment, a method for data communication includes receiving a data frame including a first error detection code, determining whether the received data frame contains uncorrupted data using the first error detection code, determining a current status, wherein the current status is at least one of a first status and a second status, the first status indicating that the data in the data frame is ready to process, and the second status indicating that the data in the data frame is to be converted into a different format prior to processing, determining, in response to a determination that the received data frame contains uncorrupted data, whether the received data frame contains a status transition command for transitioning to at least one of the first status and the second status, transitioning to the second status based on the status transition command, removing at least one data portion from the received data frame, when the current status is the second status, calculating a second error detection code based on remaining data in the data frame, replacing the first error detection code with the second error detection code, forming a data block with the remaining data and the second error detection code, and processing the data in the data block. 
         [0032]    In an example embodiment, the received data frame is a JIS protocol data frame and the data block is an ISO/IEC protocol data block. 
         [0033]    In an example embodiment, the at least one data portion includes at least one of preamble data, synchronization code data, and length data. 
         [0034]    In an example embodiment, a method for data communication includes processing data to form transmission data, calculating a first error detection code based on the transmission data, forming a data block with the processing result and the first error detection code, confirming that the transmission data in the data block is uncorrupted, adding at least one data portion to the data block to form a data frame, calculating a second error detection code based on the added at least one data portion and the transmission data, replacing the first error detection code with the second error detection code, and transmitting the data frame, wherein upon reception of the transmitted data frame, the data in the data frame is converted into a different format prior to processing. 
         [0035]    In an example embodiment, the data block is an ISO/IEC protocol data block and the data frame is a JIS protocol data frame. 
         [0036]    In an example embodiment, the transmission data is placed in an information field of the ISO/IEC protocol data block. 
         [0037]    According to the example embodiments provided in the disclosure, data configured by a data structure or format different from a predetermined data structure or format can be transmitted and received using a communication scheme for transmitting and receiving data configured by the predetermined data structure or format. 
         [0038]    Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0039]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a data communication system. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a reader writer. 
           [0041]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are diagrams for explanation of processing of converting a block into a frame. 
           [0042]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are diagrams for explanation of processing of converting a frame into a block. 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an IC card. 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  shows status transition of the IC card. 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart for explanation of reception processing. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart for explanation of command processing. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  shows an example of a format of REQ. 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  shows an example of a format of a response to REQ. 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  shows an example of a PICC identifier. 
           [0050]      FIG. 12  shows an example of a response time descriptor. 
           [0051]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a computer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0052]      FIG. 1  shows a configuration example of a communication system  1  as an example embodiment. 
         [0053]    The communication system  1  includes a reader writer  21  and an IC card  22 . Between the reader writer  21  and the IC card  22 , blocks (exchanged) as data configured by a data structure defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4 are transmitted and received, for example, via noncontact near-field wireless communication using a frame communication scheme for transmitting and receiving frames as data configured by a data structure defined in JIS X 6319-4 protocol. 
         [0054]    The reader writer  21  receives a frame from the IC card  22  transmitted using the frame communication scheme and converts the received frame into a block. Then, the reader writer  21  performs corresponding processing on the block as a processing object. 
         [0055]    Further, the reader writer  21  generates a block and converts the generated block into a frame. Then, the reader writer  21  transmits the converted frame using the frame communication scheme. 
         [0056]    The IC card  22  receives a frame transmitted using the frame communication scheme from the reader writer  21  or the like, for example. Then, when a status transition command for transiting the status of the IC card  22  is included in the received frame, the IC card  22  is in one of IDLE status, READY status, ACTIVE status, and HALT status in response to the status transition command. Details of the status transition command and status transition by the IC card  22  will be explained by referring to  FIG. 6 , which will be described later. 
         [0057]    When the IC card  22  is in the READY status, it functions as an IC card that performs corresponding processing on a frame as a processing object, and, in the ACTIVE status, it functions as an IC card that performs corresponding processing on a block as a processing object. 
         [0058]    That is, for example, when the IC card  22  performs noncontact near-field wireless communication using the frame communication scheme with a reader writer that performs corresponding processing on a frame as an object, the reader writer turns the IC card  22  into READY status. Then, transmission and reception of frames are performed using the frame communication scheme between the IC card  22  and the reader writer. 
         [0059]    Further, for example, when the IC card  22  performs noncontact near-field wireless communication using the frame communication scheme with the reader writer  21  that performs corresponding processing on a block as an object, the reader writer  21  turns the IC card  22  into ACTIVE status. Then, transmission and reception of the blocks that have been converted into frames are performed using the frame communication scheme between the IC card  22  and the reader writer  21 . 
         [0060]    As below, noncontact near-field wireless communication for transmission and reception of the blocks that have been converted into frames using the frame communication scheme between the reader writer  21  and the IC card  22  will be explained. 
         [0061]    Next,  FIG. 2  shows a configuration example of the reader writer  21 . 
         [0062]    The reader writer  21  includes an ISO processing unit  41 , a converting unit  42 , and an RF (radio frequency) transmitting and receiving unit  43 . 
         [0063]    The ISO processing unit  41  performs corresponding processing on a block having a data structure defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4 as a processing object. 
         [0064]    That is, for example, the ISO processing unit  41  performs processing corresponding to a command contained in the block from the converting unit  42 . Then, the ISO processing unit  41  generates a block containing a processing result obtained as a result and supplies it to the converting unit  42 . 
         [0065]    The converting unit  42  converts the block from the ISO processing unit  41  into a frame, and supplies it to the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43 . Further, the converting unit  42  converts the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43  into a block, which is ready for processing, and supplies it to the ISO processing unit  41 . Details of the processing performed by the converting unit  42  will be described later with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and  4 A and  4 B. 
         [0066]    The RF transmitting and receiving unit  43  receives a frame from the IC card  22 , for example, using the frame communication scheme and supplies it to the converting unit  42 . Further, the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43  transmits the frame from the converting unit  42  using the frame communication scheme. 
         [0067]    Next, exemplary details of the processing performed by the converting unit  42  will be explained with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and  4 A and  4 B. 
         [0068]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  show that the converting unit  42  converts a block from the ISO processing unit  41  into a frame. 
         [0069]    The block shown in  FIG. 3A  includes  1  byte of PCB (protocol control byte), 1 byte of CID (card identifier), 1 byte of NAD (node address), 1 to 251 bytes of INF (information field), and 2 bytes of EDC (error detection code). 
         [0070]    The frame shown in  FIG. 3B  includes 6 bytes of preamble, 2 bytes of synchronization code, 1 byte of LEN (length) expressing the data length of INF, 1 byte of PCB, 1 byte of CID, 1 byte of NAD, 1 to 251 bytes of INF, and 2 bytes of EDC. 
         [0071]    The EDC within the block shown in  FIG. 3A  is calculated based on data forming the PCB, CID, NAD, and INF within the block. The EDC within the block shown in  FIG. 3A  is used for determination (detection) as to whether an error has occurred or not in the data forming the PCB, CID, NAD, and INF within the block by CRC (cyclic redundancy check) or the like, for example. 
         [0072]    Further, the EDC within the frame shown in  FIG. 3B  is calculated based on data forming the LEN, PCB, CID, NAD, and INF within the frame. The EDC within the frame shown in  FIG. 3B  is used for determination as to whether the data is uncorrupted or corrupted or whether an error has occurred or not in the data forming the LEN, PCB, CID, NAD, and INF within the frame using CRC or the like, for example. 
         [0073]    Here, in the following explanation, the EDC within the block shown in  FIG. 3A  is referred to as “block EDC” and the EDC within the frame shown in  FIG. 3B  is referred to as “frame EDC”. 
         [0074]    The converting unit  42  determines whether an error has occurred in the data including the PCB, CID, NAD, and INF or not based on the block EDC as shown in  FIG. 3A  supplied from the ISO processing unit  41 . 
         [0075]    Then, if the converting unit  42  determines that no error has occurred in the data including the PCB, CID, NAD, and INF based on the block EDC, the unit adds preamble, synchronization code, and LEN to the head part of the block supplied from the ISO processing unit  41 . Further, the converting unit  42  calculates a frame EDC corresponding to the data including the LEN, PCB, CID, NAD, and INF, and replaces it with the block EDC. 
         [0076]    Thereby, the converting unit  42  converts the block as shown in  FIG. 3A  into the frame as shown in  FIG. 3B  and supplies it to the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43 . 
         [0077]    Next,  FIGS. 4A and 4B  show that the converting unit  42  replaces a frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43  into a block. 
         [0078]    The frame shown in  FIG. 4A  expresses the same frame as that shown in  FIG. 3B . The block shown in  FIG. 4B  expresses the same block as that shown in  FIG. 3A . 
         [0079]    The converting unit  42  determines whether an error has occurred in the data forming the LEN, PCB, CID, NAD, and INF or not based on the frame EDC as shown in  FIG. 4A  supplied from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43 . 
         [0080]    Then, if the converting unit  42  determines that no error has occurred in the data including the LEN, PCB, CID, NAD, and INF based on the frame EDC, the unit deletes the preamble, the synchronization code, and the LEN added to the header or head part of the frame supplied from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  43 . Further, the converting unit  42  calculates a block EDC corresponding to the data including the remaining PCB, CID, NAD, and INF, and replaces it with the frame EDC. 
         [0081]    Thereby, the converting unit  42  converts the frame as shown in  FIG. 4A  into the block as shown in  FIG. 4B  and supplies it to the ISO processing unit  41 . 
         [0082]    Next,  FIG. 5  shows a configuration example of the IC card  22 . 
         [0083]    The IC card  22  includes an RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 , a JIS communication processing unit  62 , a status memory unit  63 , a JIS processing unit  64 , a converting unit  65 , and an ISO processing unit  66 . 
         [0084]    The RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  receives a frame from the reader writer  21  which is ready for processing, for example, using the frame communication scheme and supplies it to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . Further, the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  transmits the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  using the frame communication scheme. 
         [0085]    When a status transition command (e.g., REQ, WUP, ATTR, HLT, or the like, which will be described later) for transiting the status of the IC card  22  is contained in the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 , the JIS communication processing unit  62  updates status information held in the status memory unit  63  based on the status transition command. 
         [0086]    The JIS communication processing unit  62  performs processing corresponding to the commands defined in JIS X 6319-4, however, WUP, ATTR, and HLT, which will be described later, are not originally defined in JIS X 6319-4. 
         [0087]    Therefore, in the JIS communication processing unit  62  that performs processing corresponding to the commands defined in JIS X 6319-4, typically, it may be impossible to perform processing corresponding to WUP, ATTR, and HLT. 
         [0088]    However, according to the present disclosure, JIS X 6319-4 is extended so that it may be possible to perform processing corresponding to WUP, ATTR, and HLT even in the JIS communication processing unit  62  that performs processing corresponding to the commands defined in JIS X 6319-4. 
         [0089]    Further, according to the present disclosure, in order to maintain the backward compatibility with JIS X 6319-4:2005, REQ is extended by JIS X 6319-4. The extension of REQ by JIS X 6319-4 will be described later with reference to  FIGS. 9 to 12 . 
         [0090]    Furthermore, as the status transition commands, there is DESELECT for transiting the status of the IC card  22  from ACTIVE status to HALT status other than REQ, WUP, ATTR, and HLT, and DESELECT is defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4. Therefore, DESELECT is processed not by the JIS communication processing unit  62 , but by the ISO processing unit  66 , which will be described later. 
         [0091]    When the status information held in the status memory unit  63  indicates READY status, the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines whether the processing command contained in the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  (the command for allowing the IC card  22  to execute predetermined processing) is a PICC identifier matching command containing a PICC identifier for unique identification of the IC card  22  or not. 
         [0092]    Then, if the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines that the processing command contained in the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is the PICC identifier matching command, the unit supplies the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  to the JIS processing unit  64 . 
         [0093]    Further, when the status information held in the status memory unit  63  indicates ACTIVE status, the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  to the converting unit  65 . 
         [0094]    Furthermore, the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame from the JIS processing unit  64  or the converting unit  65  to the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . 
         [0095]    The status memory unit  63  holds the status information indicating the status of the IC card  22 . The status memory unit  63  holds status information indicating POWER OFF status in advance. 
         [0096]    The JIS processing unit  64  performs processing corresponding to the processing commands defined in JIS X 6319-4 on the frame as a processing object. That is, for example, the JIS processing unit  64  performs processing corresponding to the commands defined in JIS X 6319-4 contained in the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62 . Further, the JIS processing unit  64  generates a frame containing a processing result obtained as a result of processing and supplies it to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . 
         [0097]    The converting unit  65  converts the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  into a block like the converting unit  42  in  FIG. 2 , and supplies it to the ISO processing unit  66 . Further, the converting unit  65  converts the block from the ISO processing unit  66  into a frame, and supplies it to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . 
         [0098]    The ISO processing unit  66  performs processing corresponding to processing commands defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4 on a block as a processing object. That is, for example, the ISO processing unit  66  performs processing corresponding to processing commands defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4 contained in the block from the converting unit  65 . Further, the ISO processing unit  66  generates a block containing a processing result obtained as a result of the processing and supplies it to the converting unit  65 . 
         [0099]    Further, the ISO processing unit  66  updates the status information indicating ACTIVE status held in the status memory unit  63  to the status information indicating HALT status based on the DESELECT as the status transition command defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4 contained in the block from the converting unit  65 . 
         [0100]    Next, status transition of the IC card  22  will be explained with reference to  FIG. 6 , illustrating example states of operation and .transition between states or status. 
         [0101]    When the IC card  22  is not present within an RF field (magnetic field) generated by the reader writer  21  or the like, for example, the status of the IC card  22  is turned into POWER OFF status. 
         [0102]    Further, in POWER OFF status, when the IC card  22  is held over the reader writer  21  within the RF field generated by the reader writer  21  or the like, the status of the IC card  22  transits from POWER OFF status to IDLE status. 
         [0103]    In IDLE status, when the IC card  22  is out of the RF field generated by the reader writer  21  or the like, the status of the IC card  22  transits from IDLE status to POWER OFF status. Not only in IDLE status, but also in any of READY status, ACTIVE status, HALT status, or JIS-ACTIVE status, which will be described later, when the IC card  22  is out of the RF field generated by the reader writer  21  or the like, the status of the IC card  22  transits to POWER OFF status. 
         [0104]    Further, in IDLE status, when REQ (request command) or WUP (wakeup command) is received, the status of the IC card  22  transits from IDLE status to READY-REQUESTED status of READY status. 
         [0105]    In READY-REQUESTED status in READY status, when the IC card  22  transmits a response to the received REQ or WUP (containing the PICC identifier of the IC card  22 ), the status of the IC card  22  transits from READY-REQUESTED status to READY-DECLARED status or READY-REQUESTED substate to READY-DECLARED substate. 
         [0106]    Since the IC card  22  transmits the response to REQ or WUP, for example, the reader writer  21  acquires the PICC identifier of the IC card  22  contained in the response to REQ or WUP. Thereby, the reader writer  21  becomes able to transmit processing commands or the like to the IC card  22  using the acquired PICC identifier. 
         [0107]    In READY-DECLARED status in READY status, when the processing command contained in the frame received by the IC card  22  is a PICC identifier matching command, the status of the IC card transits from READY-DECLARED status to JIS-ACTIVE status. Then, in JIS-ACTIVE status, when the IC card  22  performs processing corresponding to the processing command and transmits a response to the processing command, the status of the IC card  22  transits (returns) from JIS-ACTIVE status to READY-DECLARED status. 
         [0108]    Further, in READY-DECLARED status, when the processing command contained in the frame received by the IC card  22  is not a PICC identifier matching command, the status of the IC card  22  remains READY-DECLARED status. 
         [0109]    In READY-DECLARED status, when the IC card  22  receives REQ or WUP from the reader writer  21 , the status of the IC card  22  transits from READY-DECLARED status to READY-REQUESTED status. Then, in READY-REQUESTED status, the same processing in the case where REQ or WUP is received in IDLE status and the status transits from IDLE status to READY-REQUESTED is performed. 
         [0110]    In READY status or READY state (in either of READY-REQUESTED status or READY-DECLARED status), when HLT (halt command) is received, a response to HLT is transmitted, and then, the status of the IC card  22  transits from READY status or state to HALT status or state. 
         [0111]    Further, in READY status, when ATTR (attribute command) is received, a response to ATTR is transmitted, and then, the status of the IC card  22  transits from READY status or state to ACTIVE status or state. 
         [0112]    In ACTIVE status, when the command contained in the frame received by the IC card  22  is a processing command containing the PICC identifier of the IC card  22 , the IC card  22  performs processing corresponding to the processing command. In this case, the status of the IC card  22  remains ACTIVE status. 
         [0113]    In ACTIVE status or state, when DESELECT is received, a response to DESELECT is transmitted, and then, the status of the IC card  22  transits from ACTIVE status to HALT status. 
         [0114]    In HALT status or state, WUP is received, a response to WUP is transmitted, and then, the status of the IC card  22  transits from HALT status to IDLE status or state. 
         [0115]    Next, reception processing of receiving a frame from the reader writer  21  or the like by the IC card  22  will be explained. 
         [0116]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are flowcharts for explanation of an example embodiment of reception processing. The example reception processing is started when a frame is transmitted from the reader writer  21  or the like, for example. 
         [0117]    On the assumption that the status of the IC card  22  is ACTIVE status, READY status, HALT status, or IDLE status, the reception processing will be explained. 
         [0118]    At step S 1 , the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  receives a frame (containing frame EDC) from the reader writer  21 , and supplies it to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . The JIS communication processing unit  62  determines whether an error has occurred in the frame or not based on the frame EDC from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . 
         [0119]    At step S 2 , if the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines that an error has occurred in the frame based on the frame EDC from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 , the unit discards (ignores) the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  and ends the processing. 
         [0120]    Further, at step S 2 , if the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines that no error has occurred in the frame based on the frame EDC from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 , and moves the processing to step S 3 . 
         [0121]    At step S 3 , the JIS communication processing unit  62  reads out the status information held in the status memory unit  63 . Then, the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines the status of the IC card  22  is ACTIVE status, READY status, HALT status, or IDLE status based on the read out status information, and moves the processing to step S 4 . 
         [0122]    At step S 4 , the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines whether the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is a status transition command or not. 
         [0123]    At step S 4 , if the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines that the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is not a status transition command, the unit moves the processing to step S 5 . 
         [0124]    At step S 5 , if the IC card  22  is in ACTIVE status, processing by the ISO processing unit  66  is performed, and, if the IC card  22  is in READY status, command processing of performing processing by the JIS processing unit  64  is performed. The details of the command processing will be described later with reference to  FIG. 8 . 
         [0125]    At step S 4 , if the JIS communication processing unit  62  determines that the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is a status transition command, the unit moves the processing to one of step S 6  to step S 9  according to the status of the IC card  22  determined in the processing at step S 3 . 
         [0126]    That is, if the status of the IC card  22  determined in the processing at step S 3  is ACTIVE status, the JIS communication processing unit  62  moves the processing to step S 6 , if READY status, moves the processing to step S 7 , if HALT status, moves the processing to step S 8 , and, if IDLE status, moves the processing to step S 9 . 
         [0127]    At step S 6 , the status of the IC card  22  is ACTIVE status. Accordingly, the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  to the converting unit  65 . The converting unit  65  converts the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  into a block and supplies it to the ISO processing unit  66 . 
         [0128]    If the command within the block from the converting unit  65  is DESELECT, the ISO processing unit  66  transmits a response to DESELECT via the converting unit  65 , the JIS communication processing unit  62 , and the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the ISO processing unit  66  generates status information indicating HALT status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from ACTIVE status to HALT status. 
         [0129]    At step S 7 , if the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is ATTR, the JIS communication processing unit  62  transmits a response to ATTR via the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the JIS communication processing unit  62  generates status information indicating ACTIVE status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from READY status to ACTIVE status. 
         [0130]    Further, if the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is HLT, the JIS communication processing unit  62  transmits a response to HLT via the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the JIS communication processing unit  62  generates status information indicating HALT status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from READY status to HALT status. 
         [0131]    In READY-DECLARED status in READY status, if the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is REQ or WUP, the JIS communication processing unit  62  transmits a response to REQ or WUP via the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the JIS communication processing unit  62  generates status information indicating READY-REQUESTED status in READY status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from READY-DECLARED status to READY-REQUESTED status in READY status. 
         [0132]    At step S 8 , if the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is WUP, the JIS communication processing unit  62  transmits a response to WUP via the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the JIS communication processing unit  62  generates status information indicating IDLE status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from HALT status to IDLE status. 
         [0133]    At step S 9 , if the command within the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  is REQ or WUP, the JIS communication processing unit  62  transmits a response to REQ or WUP via the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the JIS communication processing unit  62  generates status information indicating READY-REQUESTED status in READY status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from IDLE status to READY-REQUESTED status in READY status. This is the end of the example reception processing. 
         [0134]    Next, example details of command processing at step S 5  in  FIG. 7  will be explained.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart for an example explanation of command processing. 
         [0135]    At step S 31 , the JIS communication processing unit  62  moves the processing to step according to the status of the IC card  22  determined in the processing at step S 3  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0136]    At step S 31 , if the status of the IC card  22  determined in the processing at step S 3  in  FIG. 7  is ACTIVE status, the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  to the converting unit  65 , and moves the processing to step S 32 . 
         [0137]    At step S 32 , the converting unit  65  converts the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  into a block and supplies it to the ISO processing unit  66 . 
         [0138]    That is, for example, the converting unit  65  deletes the preamble, synchronization code, and LEN within the frame supplied from the JIS communication processing unit  62  and calculates a block EDC corresponding to data including the remaining PCB, CID, NAD, and INF. 
         [0139]    Then, the converting unit  65  replaces the frame EDC supplied from the JIS communication processing unit  62  with the calculated block EDC, generates a block, and supplies it to the ISO processing unit  66 . 
         [0140]    At step S 33 , the ISO processing unit  66  determines whether an error has occurred in the block from the converting unit  65  or not based on the block EDC contained in the block from the converting unit  65 . Then, the ISO processing unit  66  confirms that no error has occurred in the block from the converting unit  65  based on the determination result, and then, moves the processing to step S 34 . 
         [0141]    Note that, at step S 33 , if it may be impossible to confirm that no error has occurred in the block from the converting unit  65 , a block is generated again at step S 32  until it becomes possible to confirm that no error has occurred in the block from the converting unit  65 . 
         [0142]    At step S 34 , the ISO processing unit  66  performs corresponding processing based on commands defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4 contained in the block from the converting unit  65 . Moreover, the received data is processed after is has been converted into a different format (e.g., from a JIS data frame to an ISO data block). 
         [0143]    At step S 35 , the ISO processing unit  66  generates a block containing a processing result obtained as a result of the processing at step S 34 . That is, for example, the ISO processing unit  66  adds corresponding PCB, CID, and NAD to INF containing the processing result obtained by the processing at step S 34 . 
         [0144]    Then, the ISO processing unit  66  calculates a corresponding block EDC based on the INF, PCB, CID, and NAD, adds the calculated block EDC to the INF to which PCB, CID, and NAD have been added, and supplies a block obtained as a result to the converting unit  65 . 
         [0145]    At step S 36 , the converting unit  65  determines whether an error has occurred in the block or not based on the block EDC from the ISO processing unit  66 . Then, the converting unit  65  confirms that no error has occurred in the block from the ISO processing unit  66  based on the determination result, and then, moves the processing to step S 37 . 
         [0146]    Note that, at step S 36 , if it may be impossible to confirm that no error has occurred in the block from the ISO processing unit  66 , a block is generated again at step S 35  until it becomes possible to confirm that no error has occurred in the block from the ISO processing unit  66 . 
         [0147]    At step S 37 , the converting unit  65  converts the block from the ISO processing unit  66  into a frame and supplies it to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . 
         [0148]    That is, for example, the converting unit  65  adds a preamble, synchronization code, and LEN to the block supplied from the ISO processing unit  66 , and calculates a frame EDC corresponding to the data including PCB, CID, NAD, INF, and added LEN. 
         [0149]    Then, the converting unit  65  replaces the calculated frame EDC with the block EDC supplied from the ISO processing unit  66 , and supplies a frame obtained as a result to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . 
         [0150]    At step S 38 , the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame supplied from the converting unit  65  to the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  transmits the frame supplied from the JIS communication processing unit  62  using the frame communication frame, and returns the processing to step S 5  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0151]    Further, at step S 31 , if the status of the IC card  22  determined in the processing at step S 3  in  FIG. 7  is READY status, the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame from the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  to the JIS processing unit  64 , and moves the processing to step S 39 . 
         [0152]    At step S 39 , the JIS processing unit  64  determines whether the command compliant to JIS X 6319-4 contained in the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  is a PICC identifier matching command or not. 
         [0153]    At step S 39 , if the JIS processing unit  64  determines that the command compliant to JIS X 6319-4 contained in the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  is not a PICC identifier matching command, the unit returns the processing to step S 5  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0154]    Further, at step S 39 , if the JIS processing unit  64  determines that the command compliant to JIS X 6319-4 contained in the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62  is a PICC identifier matching command, the unit moves the processing to step S 40 . 
         [0155]    At step S 40 , the JIS processing unit  64  generates status information indicating JIS-ACTIVE status and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from READY (READY-DECLARED) status to JIS-ACTIVE status. 
         [0156]    At step S 41 , the JIS processing unit  64  performs corresponding processing based on the command compliant to JIS X 6319-4 contained in the frame from the JIS communication processing unit  62 . Moreover, the received data in the data frame is ready for processing upon reception without conversion into a different data format. 
         [0157]    At step S 42 , the JIS processing unit  64  generates a frame containing a processing result obtained by the processing at step S 41 . That is, for example, the JIS processing unit  64  adds corresponding preamble, synchronization code, LEN, PCB, CID, and NAD to INF containing the processing result obtained by the processing at step S 41 . 
         [0158]    Then, the JIS processing unit  64  calculates a corresponding frame EDC based on the INF, LEN, PCB, CID, and NAD, adds the calculated frame EDC to INF to which preamble, synchronization code, LEN, PCB, CID, and NAD have been added, and supplies a frame obtained as a result to the JIS communication processing unit  62 . 
         [0159]    At step S 43 , the JIS communication processing unit  62  supplies the frame supplied from the JIS processing unit  64  to the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61 . Then, the RF transmitting and receiving unit  61  transmits the frame supplied from the JIS processing unit  64  using the frame communication frame. 
         [0160]    At step S 44 , the JIS processing unit  64  generates status information indicating READY status (READY-DECLARED status) and supplies it to the status memory unit  63  for overwriting. Thereby, the status of the IC card  22  indicated by the status information held in the status memory unit  63  transits from JIS-ACTIVE status to READY status. After the processing at step S 44  ends, the JIS processing unit  64  returns the processing to step S 5  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0161]    At step S 31 , if the status of the IC card  22  determined in the processing at step S 3  in  FIG. 7  is HALT status or IDLE status, the JIS communication processing unit  62  returns the processing to step S 5  in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0162]    As explained above, in the example reception processing, the status of the IC card  22  is transited in response to the status transition command. Further, in the command processing in the reception processing, the IC card  22  functions as an IC card with a frame as a processing object in READY status, and functions as an IC card with a block as a processing object in ACTIVE status. 
         [0163]    Therefore, for example, in the IC card  22 , for a frame and a block having different data structures or formats, corresponding processing can be performed. 
         [0164]    Further, for example, when the IC card  22  is in ACTIVE status, the converting unit  65  converts the frame from the reader writer  21  into a block that can be processed by the ISO processing unit  66  and converts the block from the ISO processing unit  66  into a frame that can be transmitted using the frame communication scheme. 
         [0165]    Therefore, between the reader writer  21  and the IC card  22 , blocks can be transmitted and received (exchanged) using the frame communication scheme for transmission and reception of frames. 
         [0166]    Further, in the example command processing, the received frame is converted into a block at step S 32 , and the confirmation that no error has occurred in the block after conversion is made at step S 33 . 
         [0167]    Therefore, at step S 34 , processing can be performed on the block after conversion in which no error has occurred. 
         [0168]    Furthermore, in the example command processing, a block is generated at step S 35 , and the confirmation that no error has occurred in the generated block is made at step S 36 . 
         [0169]    Therefore, at step S 37 , the block in which no error has occurred can be converted into a frame. 
         [0170]    In an example embodiment, JIS X 6319-4 may be extended so that both reader writers, of the reader writer that transmits commands defined in JIS X  6319 - 4  and the reader writer  21  that transmits commands defined in ISO/IEC 14443-4, can perform noncontact near-field wireless communication using the frame communication scheme in the IC card  22 . 
         [0171]    That is, for example, in this example embodiment, JIS X 6319-4 is extended to include the above described ATTR, WUP, and HLT as commands defined in JIS X 6319-4, and the JIS communication processing unit  62  performs processing corresponding to the commands defined in extended JIS X 6319-4. Thereby, the JIS communication processing unit  62  can update the status of the IC card  22  according to the above described ATTR, WUP, and HLT. 
         [0172]    In addition, in this example embodiment, REQ etc. defined in JIS X 6319-4 are extended so that the backward compatibility with JIS X  6319 - 4 : 2005  can be maintained. 
         [0173]    Next,  FIG. 9  shows an example of a format of REQ extended in JIS X 6319-4. 
         [0174]    The REQ in  FIG. 9  includes 1 byte of command code, system code, request code, and time slot code. 
         [0175]    The example command code is set to “00”. The value quoted by “ ” expresses a hexadecimal number. 
         [0176]    The example system code includes a fixed value and AFI (application family identifier). The fixed value is set to “AA”. In the system code, AFI is set to “FF” when a field is not specified. 
         [0177]    AFI is a value compliant to the definition of ISO/IEC 14443-3 (JIS X 6322-3). In AFI, “00” and values having low four bits of zero are not used. 
         [0178]    Further, in order to maintain the backward compatibility with JIS X 6319-4:2005, also “FFFF” is a value of a system code that does not specify a field in addition to the system code “AAFF”. 
         [0179]    When the request code is “00”, it indicates that REQ has compatibility with REQ defined in JIS X 6319-4:2005. Further, when the request code is “01”, the request code indicates that a system code information field is added to a response to REQ. 
         [0180]    Furthermore, when the request code is “02”, the request code indicates that transmission protocol capability is added to a response to REQ. 
         [0181]    In the request code, “03” to “FF” are RFU (reserved for future use). 
         [0182]    The time slot code indicates the maximum value of the time slots that the IC card  22  should accommodate. As the time slot code, any of “00” indicating one time slot, “01” indicating two time slots, “03” indicating four time slots, “07” indicating eight time slots, or “0F” indicating  16  time slots may be employed. 
         [0183]    Next,  FIG. 10  shows an example of a response to REQ. 
         [0184]    The example response to REQ shown in  FIG. 10  includes 1 byte of response code, 8 bytes of PICC identifier, 8 bytes of response time descriptor, and 0 byte or 2 bytes of request data. 
         [0185]    The response code is set to “01”. The PICC identifier is an ID for identification of the IC card  22 . 
         [0186]    The response time descriptor is 8 bytes of information used for calculation of the response time of the IC card  22 , and the high (leading) 2 bytes are respectively set to “FF”, and the lowermost 1 byte is set to “FF”. 
         [0187]    When the request code contained in REQ is “01”, for example, the request data is (data representing) a system code information field. 
         [0188]    Further, when the request code contained in REQ is “02”, for example, the request data is (data representing) transmission protocol capability. 
         [0189]    Next,  FIG. 11  shows an example of a PICC identifier contained in a response to REQ. 
         [0190]    The example PICC identifier is a numeric value of 8 bytes, and the leading 2 bytes are “02FE” and the remaining 6 bytes are a PICC identification number for identification of the IC card as PICC. 
         [0191]    In the PICC identifier, it may be possible that the values other than the leading 2 bytes of “02FE” are used in the communication system different from the communication system  1  to which the embodiment of the invention is applied or the like, and thus, values other than “02FE” are not assigned to the leading 2 bytes. 
         [0192]    Next,  FIG. 12  shows an example of a response time descriptor contained in a response to REQ. 
         [0193]    The example response time descriptor is a value of 8 bytes used for calculation of the response time by the IC card  22  for the received command. 
         [0194]    In the response time descriptor, the leading 2 bytes are set to “FFFF”. Further, the lowermost byte B 7  is reserved for future use, and should be set to “FF”. 
         [0195]    In an example embodiment, the IC card  22  functions as either, an IC card that processes a frame, or an IC card that processes a block depending on the status of the IC card  22 . However, in place of the IC card  22 , the reader writer  21  may be adapted to function as either of a reader writer that processes a frame or a reader writer that processes a block depending on the status of the reader writer  21 . 
         [0196]    In this case, the reader writer  21  can perform noncontact near-field wireless communication using the frame communication scheme with an IC card that processes a frame or an IC card that processes a block. 
         [0197]    Further, in this example embodiment, since blocks are transmitted and received using the frame communication scheme, commands defined in ISO/IEC 7816-4 or the like, for example, may be included in the blocks and transmitted and received using the frame communication scheme. 
         [0198]    Furthermore, in this example embodiment, the reader writer  21  and the IC card  22  that transmit and receive blocks using the frame communication scheme have been explained, however, various embodiments may be applied to any communication device that transmits and receives blocks using the frame communication scheme. 
         [0199]    Further, in an example embodiment, JIS X 6319-4 is extended so that processing corresponding to WUP, ATTR, and HLT can also be performed in the JIS communication processing unit  62  that performs processing corresponding to commands defined in JIS X 6319-4, however, not limited to that. 
         [0200]    That is, for example, JIS X 6319-4 may be extended so that processing corresponding to not only WUP, ATTR, and HLT but also DESELECT can also be performed in the JIS communication processing unit  62 . 
         [0201]    In this case, the JIS communication processing unit  62  can update status information held in the status memory unit  63  according to not only WUP, ATTR, and HLT but also DESELECT. Accordingly, when the status transition command is DESELECT, the status information can be updated more rapidly compared to the embodiment that supplies the DESELECT from the JIS communication processing unit  62  to the ISO processing unit  66  via the converting unit  65 . 
         [0202]    Further, in this example embodiment, the block compliant to the prescription of ISO/IEC 14443-4 is converted into a frame, however, a block to be converted into a frame is not limited to that. That is, for example, blocks having any data structure can be employed as long as the blocks can be converted into frames by the conversion method that has been explained in  FIGS. 3A to 4B . In this case, the data structure of the block is extended (changed) in the prescription of ISO/IEC 14443-4. 
         [0203]    Furthermore, in this example embodiment, the frames compliant to the prescription of JIS X 6319-4 are passed between the reader writer  21  and the IC card  22 , however, frames to be passed are not limited to that. That is, for example, frames having any data structure can be employed as long as the frames can be passed between the reader writer  21  and the IC card  22 . In this case, the data structure of the frame is extended in the prescription of JIS X 6319-4. 
         [0204]    Next, the above described series of example processing may be executed by specialized hardware or executed by software. When the series of processing is executed by software, programs forming the software are installed from a recording medium in a so-called embedded computer or, for example, a general-purpose computer that can execute various functions when various programs are installed. 
         [0205]      FIG. 13  shows a configuration example of a computer that executes the above described series of processing. 
         [0206]    A CPU (central processing unit)  201  executes various kinds of processing according to programs stored in a ROM (read only memory)  202  or a storage unit  208 . In a RAM (random access memory)  203 , programs and data executed by the CPU  201  are appropriately stored. These CPU  201 , ROM  202 , and RAM  203  may be mutually connected by a bus  204 . 
         [0207]    Further, an input/output interface  205  is connected to the CPU  201  via the bus  204 . To the input/output interface  205 , an input unit  206  including a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. and an output unit  207  including a display, a speaker, etc. are connected. The CPU  201  executes various kinds of processing in response to commands input from the input unit  206 . Then, the CPU  201  outputs processing results to the output unit  207 . 
         [0208]    The storage unit  208  connected to the input/output interface  205  includes a hard disc, for example, and stores programs executed by the CPU  201  and various kinds of data. A communication unit  209  may communicate with an external device via a network such as Internet and local area network. 
         [0209]    Further, programs may be acquired via the communication unit  209  and stored in the storage unit  208 . 
         [0210]    When a removable media  211  such as a magnetic disc, an optical disc, a magnetooptical disc, or a semiconductor memory is mounted, a drive  210  connected to the input/output interface  205  drives the media and acquires programs and data recorded therein. The acquired programs and data are transferred to the storage unit  208  and stored according to need. 
         [0211]    The recording medium that records programs that can be installed in a computer and executed by the computer includes the removable media  211  such as a magnetic disc (including a flexible disc), an optical disc (including a CD-ROM (compact disc-read only memory) and a DVD (digital versatile disc)), a magnetooptical disc (including an MD (mini-disc)), the ROM  202  in which programs are temporarily or permanently recorded, a hard disc forming the storage unit  208 , or the like. Recording of programs in the recording medium may be performed using a wired or wireless communication medium such as local area network, Internet, or digital satellite broadcasting via the communication unit  209  as an interface such as a router and a modem according to need as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0212]    In this specification, the example steps described in the flowcharts contain various processing that is time-sequentially performed, however, the processing is not necessarily time-sequentially performed, and may be performed in parallel or individually. 
         [0213]    Further, in the specification, the system refers to the entire apparatus including plural devices. 
         [0214]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.