Patent ID: 11009596

Abstract:
A storage medium-compatible communications unit, a phase detection unit, a parameter acquisition section and a location detection section are provided. The storage medium-compatible communications unit communicates with a storage medium by wireless using electromagnetic waves at a predetermined frequency. The phase detection unit detects phases of signals received from the storage medium. The parameter acquisition section acquires a distance detection parameter to be used in detecting a storage medium distance from a first position of an antenna to the storage medium. The first position is a position in a range of positions of the antenna from which the distance to the storage medium is shortest. The distance detection parameter is a value set in accordance with a positional relationship between the first position and a second position. The second position is a position of the antenna in the range of positions of the antenna that is different from the first position. The location detection section detects the storage medium distance, using a first phase detected by the phase detection unit at the first position, a second phase detected by the phase detection unit at the second position, and the distance detection parameter acquired by the parameter acquisition section. The location detection section identifies the first position at a time at which a trend of changes of phase detected by the phase detection unit in association with movement of the antenna reverses.