Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
  • H02J50/20—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/02—Transmitters
  • H04B1/04—Circuits
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
  • H02J50/40—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using two or more transmitting or receiving devices
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
  • H02J—ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
  • H02J50/00—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power
  • H02J50/80—Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/005—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission adapting radio receivers, transmitters andtransceivers for operation on two or more bands, i.e. frequency ranges
  • H04B1/0067—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission adapting radio receivers, transmitters andtransceivers for operation on two or more bands, i.e. frequency ranges with one or more circuit blocks in common for different bands
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/06—Receivers
  • H04B1/16—Circuits
  • H04B1/1607—Supply circuits
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04B—TRANSMISSION
  • H04B1/00—Details of transmission systems, not covered by a single one of groups H04B3/00 - H04B13/00; Details of transmission systems not characterised by the medium used for transmission
  • H04B1/02—Transmitters
  • H04B1/04—Circuits
  • H04B2001/0491—Circuits with frequency synthesizers, frequency converters or modulators

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to a system, a transmitter, a receiver, a method, and a program.
• Patent document 1 describes a wireless power transmission device that wirelessly supplies power to a power supply target, and that can switch between a state in which normal power transmission is performed and a state in which weaker power is transmitted than normal.
• Patent Document 1 in the suppressed transmission mode, an operator performs a pairing process to associate a wireless power transmission device with each sensor unit.
• a wireless power transmission device in the suppressed transmission mode, an operator performs a pairing process to associate a wireless power transmission device with each sensor unit.
• the objective of this disclosure is to efficiently pair a transmitter with multiple receivers in a wireless power supply system.
• the system includes a transmitter and one or more receivers.
• the transmitter executes the steps of transmitting a power supply signal, receiving a data signal including identification information of the receiver from the receiver, and registering the receiver based on the received data signal.
• the receiver is assigned unique identification information, and executes the step of transmitting a data signal including the identification information when the capacity stored in the power storage unit reaches a predetermined value due to the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter.
• pairing between a transmitter and multiple receivers can be efficiently performed.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200 shown in FIG. 1.
• 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data structure of transmitter information 1061 stored in the transmitter 100.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data structure of transmitter information 2081 stored in a receiver 200.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a data structure of receiver information 2082 stored in the receiver 200.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 when pairing between the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200.
• FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining another example of the operation of the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 when pairing between the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200.
• FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200 according to a modified example.
• 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining another example of the operation of the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 when pairing between the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90.
• a transmitter that transmits a power supply signal and multiple receivers that receive the power supply signal.
• the transmitter and the multiple receivers are associated with each other while suppressing radio interference.
• the associated transmitter and the multiple receivers transmit and receive data signals.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to this embodiment.
• the WPT system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a transmitter 100, a receiver 200, a first information processing device 300, and a second information processing device 400.
• the WPT system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, in a building or a factory. Note that the connection between the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300, and the connection between the first information processing device 300 and the second information processing device 400 may be wired or wireless.
• the WPT system 1 includes three transmitters 100, but the number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to three.
• the number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 may be two or less, or four or more.
• the WPT system 1 includes seven receivers 200, but the number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to seven.
• the number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 may be six or less, or eight or more.
• the WPT system 1 includes two first information processing devices 300, but the number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to two. The number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 may be one, or three or more.
• the transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal to the receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example.
• the transmitter 100 transmits a data signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example.
• the transmitter 100 may transmit a data signal by radio waves in the 920 MHz band.
• the transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a power supply signal to one receiver 200, or may transmit a power supply signal to multiple receivers 200.
• the transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a data signal to one receiver 200, or may transmit a data signal to multiple receivers 200.
• the transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit the same data signal as another transmitter 100, or may transmit a data signal different from that of the other transmitters 100.
• the transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a predetermined command signal as a data signal to the receiver 200, or may transmit a preset signal as a data signal to the receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 receives, for example, a data signal transmitted from the receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 may receive, for example, a data signal transmitted from one receiver 200, or may receive data signals transmitted from multiple receivers 200.
• the transmitter 100 transmits the data signal transmitted from the receiver 200 to the first information processing device 300.
• the transmitter 100 transmits information related to the state of the transmitter 100 to the first information processing device 300.
• the receiver 200 receives, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. If the receiver 200 has, for example, a power storage unit, it converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and stores the converted electric power in the power storage unit. If the receiver 200 has, for example, a specified sensor, it converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and drives the sensor with the converted electric power.
• the receiver 200 transmits, for example, information about the state of the receiver 200 or information about the measurement results of the sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal.
• the first information processing device 300 is an information processing device that monitors the operation of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 determines whether the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state based on information about the state of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 transmitted from the transmitter 100. If it is determined that the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state, the first information processing device 300 transmits specified information to the second information processing device 400.
• the first information processing device 300 also accumulates information about the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 stores information about the status of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200, which is transmitted from the transmitter 100, in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300.
• the first information processing device 300 also controls the operation of the transmitter 100 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 transmits a predetermined instruction or information to the transmitter 100.
• the first information processing device 300 also controls the operation of the second information processing device 400.
• the second information processing device 400 is, for example, an information processing device operated by an administrator of the WPT system 1.
• the second information processing device 400 receives notification from the first information processing device 300 that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of these contained in the WPT system 1 are in a specified state, it presents to the user that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of these are in the specified state.
• the second information processing device 400 analyzes information on the status of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 stored in the first information processing device 300, and presents predetermined information to the user.
• the predetermined information is, for example, the following.
• Information regarding the placement of the transmitter 100 Information regarding the placement of the receiver 200 Information regarding power consumption Information regarding power intensity
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 1.
• the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are, for example, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.
• the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are installed at a distance of about several meters apart.
• the transmitter 100 is fixedly installed at a predetermined high position provided in a high place indoors, for example, on a ceiling or a wall.
• the receiver 200 is installed in a predetermined device indoors, or placed near a device that requires power supply.
• the receiver 200 may also be carried by a user.
• the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves of a predetermined frequency, for example, 920 MHz band.
• the receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into power, and charges the device with the converted power, or supplies the converted power to a predetermined device.
• the transmitter 100 has, for example, an oscillator 101, a modulator 107, a transmitting antenna 102, a microcomputer (controller) 103, a data transceiver 104, a data transmitting/receiving antenna 105, and a memory unit 106.
• the oscillator 101, the modulator 107, the microcomputer 103, the data transceiver 104, the data transmitting/receiving antenna 105, the memory unit 106, or at least any combination of these, may be mounted on, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board).
• Oscillator 101 oscillates a signal in a specific frequency band, for example, the 920 MHz band.
• the modulator 107 performs modulation processing on the oscillated signal according to instructions from the microcomputer 103.
• the modulator 107 modulates the oscillated signal, for example, with a signal set by the microcomputer 103.
• the modulation method may be any of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation.
• the modulated signal may be amplified and unwanted frequency components may be removed, if necessary.
• the transmitting antenna 102 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example.
• the transmitting antenna 102 radiates a signal modulated by the modulator 107 as a power supply signal.
• the microcomputer 103 controls the operation of the transmitter 100.
• the microcomputer 103 is realized, for example, by a single-board computer equipped with an ARM processor.
• the microcomputer 103 controls, for example, the transmission of radio waves by the transmitting antenna 102.
• the microcomputer 103 also controls the process of associating the transmitter 100 with multiple receivers 200. In other words, the microcomputer 103 controls the pairing between the transmitter 100 and multiple receivers 200.
• the data transceiver 104 performs processes such as converting digital data to analog and modulating analog data.
• the data transceiver 104 also performs processes such as demodulating the data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105 and digitizing the demodulated data. For example, the data transceiver 104 extracts a specific signal from the data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105, converts it into digital data, and transmits it to the microcomputer 103.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 105 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 105 radiates the data signal supplied from the data transceiver 104.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 105 also receives the data signal transmitted from the receiver 200.
• the storage unit 106 is realized, for example, by a memory or the like, and stores data and programs used by the transmitter 100.
• the storage unit 106 stores, for example, transmitter information 1061 and receiver information 1062.
• the transmitter information 1061 includes, for example, information about the own device.
• the information about the own device includes, for example, identification information of the own device.
• the transmitter information 1061 is, for example, stored in advance in the storage unit 106.
• the receiver information 1062 includes, for example, information related to the receiver 200 to be paired.
• the information related to the receiver 200 to be paired includes, for example, identification information of the associated receiver 200 and identification information of the receiver 200 that is pre-set to be paired with the transmitter 100.
• the identification information of the receiver 200 that is pre-set to be paired with the transmitter 100 may be pre-stored in the storage unit 106, for example, or may be transmitted from the first information processing device 300.
• the identification information of the receiver 200 that is pre-set to be paired with the transmitter 100 does not have to be stored.
• the receiver 200 has, for example, a receiving antenna 201, a rectifier 202, a demodulator 209, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, a data transceiver 206, a data transmission/reception antenna 207, and a memory unit 208.
• the receiving antenna 201, the rectifier 202, the demodulator 209, the power management unit 203, the power storage unit 204, the microcomputer 205, the data transceiver 206, the data transmission/reception antenna 207, the memory unit 208, or at least any combination of these, may be mounted on, for example, a PCB or an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).
• the receiving antenna 201 is configured to be able to efficiently receive radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example.
• the receiving antenna 201 receives the power supply signal radiated from the transmitting antenna 102.
• the rectifier 202 rectifies the radio waves received as a power supply signal and converts them into a DC voltage.
• the demodulator 209 receives, for example, a signal extracted by a directional coupler or the like from the power supply signal received by the receiving antenna 201.
• the demodulator 209 demodulates the extracted signal to generate a predetermined signal.
• the demodulator 209 outputs the generated signal to the microcomputer 205.
• the power management unit 203 manages the DC voltage. For example, the power management unit 203 controls the charging voltage based on the DC voltage. The power management unit 203 charges the power storage unit 204 by controlling the charging voltage. In addition, for example, when the power storage unit 204 stores power equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity, the power management unit 203 supplies the DC voltage to a connected component.
• the power management unit 203 also releases the power stored in the power storage unit 204 in response to control from the microcomputer 205.
• the power storage unit 204 stores power in response to instructions from the power management unit 203.
• the power storage unit 204 is realized, for example, by a battery or a capacitor.
• the power storage unit 204 also releases the stored power in response to instructions from the power management unit 203.
• the microcomputer 205 controls the operation of the receiver 200.
• the microcomputer 205 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by the power stored in the power storage unit 204.
• the microcomputer 205 controls the power management unit 203 and causes the power stored in the power storage unit 204 to be released.
• the microcomputer 205 also controls the process of associating the transmitter 100 with the receiver 200. In other words, the microcomputer 205 controls the pairing between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200.
• various sensors can be connected to the receiver 200.
• a heat sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, etc. are connected to the receiver 200.
• the sensors connected to the receiver 200 are driven, for example, by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power discharged from the power storage unit 204.
• the microcomputer 205 continuously or intermittently monitors the voltage value at a specific portion of the receiver 200, the status of the sensor connected to the receiver 200, information detected by the sensor, etc.
• the microcomputer 205 transmits the voltage value at a specific portion of the receiver 200, the status of the sensor connected to the receiver 200, information detected by the sensor, etc. as digital data to the data transceiver 206.
• the sensor may be built into the receiver 200.
• the data transceiver 206 performs processes such as converting digital data supplied from the microcomputer 205 to analog and modulating the analog data.
• the data transceiver 206 also performs processes such as demodulating a data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 207 and digitizing the demodulated data.
• the data transceiver 206 is driven, for example, by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power discharged from the power storage unit 204.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 207 is formed to be capable of efficiently transmitting and receiving radio waves, for example, in the 2.4 GHz band.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 207 radiates a data signal supplied from the data transceiver 206.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 207 also receives a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.
• the data transmission/reception antenna 207 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203, or by power discharged from the power storage unit 204.
• the storage unit 208 is realized, for example, by a memory or the like, and stores data and programs used by the receiver 200.
• the storage unit 208 stores, for example, transmitter information 2081 and receiver information 2082.
• the transmitter information 2081 includes, for example, information about the associated transmitter 100.
• the information about the associated transmitter 100 includes, for example, identification information of the transmitter 100.
• the receiver information 2082 includes, for example, information about the device itself.
• the information about the device itself includes, for example, identification information about the device itself, information about the specifications for transmitting a data signal during pairing, and information about the threshold value of the power storage unit 204.
• the information regarding the specifications for transmitting a data signal during pairing indicates, for example, the frequency channel for transmitting the data signal.
• the frequency channel is set based on the identification information. Specifically, for example, if the ID as the identification information is an even number, channel 1 is set, and if it is an odd number, channel 2 is set.
• the information on the specifications for transmitting a data signal during pairing indicates, for example, the period for transmitting the data signal.
• the period is set based on the identification information. Specifically, for example, if the ID as the identification information is an even number, 0.7 seconds is set, and if it is an odd number, 0.8 seconds is set.
• the specifications for transmitting a data signal during pairing are not limited to being different based on whether the identification information is an odd number or an even number.
• the specifications may be different for each divisor of a predetermined natural number.
• the information regarding the specifications for transmitting a data signal during pairing is not limited to being based on the identification information of the receiver 200, and may be set for each receiver 200.
• the information related to the threshold of the power storage unit 204 is information used by the receiver 200 when responding to the transmitter 100.
• the threshold is, for example, a power value at which the receiver 200 can perform pairing processing. This power value is, for example, lower than the power value required when the receiver 200 operates.
• the threshold is, for example, the same value for all receivers 200.
• the initial value of the power stored in the power storage unit 204 is different for each receiver 200. Therefore, even if the threshold is set to the same value, the time from the start of charging until the set power value is reached is different for each receiver 200. Note that the threshold may be different for each receiver 200. As a result, the time from the start of charging until the set power value is reached is different for each receiver 200, regardless of the initial power value.
• threshold values may be stored. For example, different threshold values may be used for the first pairing and the second and subsequent pairings.
• For the first pairing for example, a power value lower than the power value required when the receiver 200 operates is set as the threshold. Therefore, there is a possibility that the amount of stored power in the power storage unit 204 of the receiver 200 that is stopped and is the target of the second and subsequent pairings may exceed the threshold set for the first pairing. Therefore, for the second and subsequent pairings, a power value higher than the threshold used for the first pairing is set as the threshold. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility that the already stored power exceeds the threshold even when, for example, the receiver 200 is stopped and pairings are performed.
• Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of transmitter information 1061 stored in the transmitter 100. Note that Fig. 3 is only an example, and does not exclude data that is not listed. In addition, even data that is listed in the same table may be stored in separate storage areas in the storage unit 106.
• the receiver information 1062 shown in FIG. 3 is, for example, a table having columns of identification information 2 and date and time with identification information 1 as a key.
• Identification information 1 is an item that stores the identification information of the receiver 200 to be paired. The information stored in identification information 1 may be pre-stored in the storage unit 106 or may be transmitted from the first information processing device 300.
• Identification information 2 is an item that stores the identification information of the receiver 200 associated by the pairing process. The information stored in identification information 2 is updated based on the information transmitted from the receiver 200.
• the date and time is an item that stores the date and time associated with the receiver 200.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of transmitter information 2081 stored in receiver 200. Note that FIG. 4 is only an example, and does not exclude data that is not listed. Also, even data that is listed in the same table may be stored in separate storage areas in storage unit 208.
• the transmitter information 2081 shown in FIG. 4 is, for example, a table having a column of date and time with identification information as a key.
• the identification information is an item that stores the identification information of the transmitter 100 associated by the pairing process.
• the information stored in the identification information is updated based on the information transmitted from the transmitter 100.
• the date and time is an item that stores the date and time associated with the transmitter 100.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of receiver information 2082 stored in receiver 200. Note that FIG. 5 is only an example, and does not exclude data that is not listed. Furthermore, even data that is listed in the same table may be stored in separate memory areas in memory unit 208.
• the receiver information 2082 shown in FIG. 5 is a table having columns of transmission specifications and threshold values, with identification information as a key.
• Identification information is an item that stores the identification information of the own device.
• Transmission specifications is an item that stores information related to the specifications for transmitting a data signal during pairing. Specifically, for example, the transmission specifications are stored as transmission specifications based on identification information, such as "EVEN: channel 1, ODD: channel 2.” Also, for example, the transmission specifications are stored as transmission specifications based on identification information, such as "EVEN: 0.7 s, ODD: 0.8 s.”
• Threshold values are an item that stores the threshold value of the amount of stored power when responding to the transmitter 100.
• First Example 6 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 when the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 are paired.
• the normal operation mode is, for example, a mode in which the receiver 200 performs sensing by a sensor or the like using a power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.
• the first mode is a mode for associating the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. For example, in the first mode, an operation such as sensing is stopped in order to associate the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 with each other.
• the receiver 200 may be the receiver 200 that is paired with the transmitter 100 for the first time. That is, for example, the receiver 200 may be the receiver 200 that is driven for the first time before being installed in a predetermined position.
• the receiver 200 that is paired with the transmitter 100 for the first time includes, for example, the receiver 200 that is turned on for the first time, the receiver 200 in which the pairing identification state has not been written in the ROM, etc.
• the receiver 200 may be the receiver 200 that has been paired with the transmitter 100 and installed in a predetermined position, and then needs to be paired again. That is, for example, the receiver 200 may be the receiver 200 that has already been installed in a predetermined position and then driven.
• the administrator of the WPT system instructs the transmitter 100, where multiple receivers 200 are present within a predetermined range, to start pairing.
• the instruction to start pairing may be input by pressing a physical button provided on the transmitter 100, or may be input via the first information processing device 300.
• the microcomputer 103 of the transmitter 100 instructs the multiple receivers 200 to transition to the first mode.
• the microcomputer 103 modulates the power supply signal according to a predetermined rule.
• the microcomputer 103 modulates the power supply signal with an instruction signal for switching the receivers 200 to the first mode.
• the microcomputer 103 controls the modulator 107 to amplitude-modulate, frequency-modulate, or phase-modulate the power supply signal with a command for switching the receivers 200 to the first mode.
• the transmitting antenna 102 radiates the power supply signal modulated with the instruction signal into space.
• the command for switching to the first mode consists of, for example, 0 and 1.
• Multiple receivers 200 located within a predetermined range of the transmitter 100 receive the power supply signal emitted from the transmitter 100.
• step S12 when the microcomputer 205 of the receiver 200 receives the power supply signal modulated with the instruction signal, it transitions the mode of the receiver 200 to the first mode.
• the receiving antenna 201 receives the power supply signal modulated with the instruction signal.
• the rectifier 202 rectifies the received power supply signal and converts it to a DC voltage.
• the power management unit 203 controls the charging voltage based on the DC voltage and charges the power storage unit 204.
• a portion of the power supply signal is extracted, for example, by a directional coupler (not shown) and sent to demodulator 209.
• Demodulator 209 demodulates the extracted signal and generates the instruction signal that was modulated into the power supply signal.
• Demodulator 209 outputs the instruction signal to microcontroller 205.
• microcontroller 205 transitions receiver 200 to the first mode.
• the microcomputer 103 notifies the multiple receivers 200 of its own identification information. Specifically, for example, the microcomputer 103 modulates the power supply signal according to a predetermined rule. For example, the microcomputer 103 switches the signal to be modulated when the transmission of the power supply signal modulated from the instruction signal satisfies a predetermined requirement. More specifically, for example, the microcomputer 103 switches the signal to be modulated when the power supply signal modulated from the instruction signal is transmitted for a predetermined period of time. Also, for example, the microcomputer 103 switches the signal to be modulated when the power supply signal modulated from the instruction signal is transmitted a predetermined number of times.
• the microcomputer 103 modulates the power supply signal with, for example, the identification information of the device itself. Specifically, for example, the microcomputer 103 controls the modulator 107 to amplitude-modulate, frequency-modulate, or phase-modulate the power supply signal with the ID of the device itself, "1001."
• the transmitting antenna 102 radiates the power supply signal modulated with the identification information into space.
• Multiple receivers 200 located within a predetermined range of the transmitter 100 receive the power supply signal emitted from the transmitter 100.
• step S14 the microcomputer 205 registers the transmitter 100.
• the receiving antenna 201 receives a power supply signal modulated with the identification information of the transmitter 100.
• the rectifier 202 rectifies the received power supply signal and converts it to a DC voltage.
• the power management unit 203 controls the charging voltage based on the DC voltage and charges the power storage unit 204.
• a portion of the power supply signal is extracted, for example, by a directional coupler (not shown) and transmitted to demodulator 209.
• Demodulator 209 demodulates the extracted signal and generates the identification information that was modulated onto the power supply signal.
• Demodulator 209 outputs the identification information to microcomputer 205.
• microcomputer 205 Upon receiving the identification information, microcomputer 205 stores the received identification information in transmitter information 2081.
• the microcontroller 103 causes the transmitting antenna 102 to transmit the instruction signal and the power supply signal without modulating the identification information. For example, when the transmission of the power supply signal with the identification information modulated meets a predetermined requirement, the microcontroller 103 stops modulating the identification information. Specifically, for example, the microcontroller 103 stops modulating the identification information after transmitting the power supply signal with the identification information modulated for a predetermined period of time. Also, for example, the microcontroller 103 stops modulating the identification information after transmitting the power supply signal with the identification information modulated a predetermined number of times.
• Multiple receivers 200 located within a predetermined range of the transmitter 100 receive the power supply signal emitted from the transmitter 100.
• step S16 the microcomputer 205 determines whether the charge amount of the power storage unit 204 has reached a predetermined value.
• the receiving antenna 201 receives a power supply signal.
• the rectifier 202 rectifies the received power supply signal and converts it to a DC voltage.
• the power management unit 203 controls the charging voltage based on the DC voltage and charges the power storage unit 204.
• the microcomputer 205 determines whether the charge amount of the power storage unit 204 has reached a threshold value stored in the receiver information 2082. For example, the amount of power charged in the power storage unit 204 at the start of the pairing process differs for each receiver 200. Therefore, the timing at which the amount of power in the power storage unit 204 reaches the threshold value differs for each receiver 200, as shown in FIG. 6.
• the microcomputer 205 sets the threshold according to the number of pairings. For example, if this is the first pairing, the microcomputer 205 sets a low threshold. Also, if this is the second or subsequent pairings, the microcomputer 205 sets a high threshold.
• step S17 when the charge amount of the power storage unit 204 reaches the threshold, the microcomputer 205 transmits a data signal including the identification information of the receiver 200 to the transmitter 100. Specifically, when the charge amount of the power storage unit 204 reaches the threshold, the microcomputer 205 reads the identification information of its own device from the receiver information 2082. The data transceiver 206 modulates a carrier wave with the read identification information to generate a data signal. The microcomputer 205 reads the identification information of the associated transmitter 100 from the transmitter information 2081 and sets it as the transmission destination. The microcomputer 205 reads information related to the data transmission specifications from the receiver information 2082, and radiates a data signal from the data transmission/reception antenna 207 with the read specifications and addressed to the transmitter 100.
• the microcomputer 205 transmits a data signal through a predetermined transmission channel assigned to an even number and at a predetermined transmission period when the identification information stored in the receiver information 2082 is an even number and the specifications stored in the receiver information 2082 are even numbers
• the microcomputer 205 transmits a data signal through a predetermined transmission channel assigned to an odd number and at a predetermined transmission period when the identification information stored in the receiver information 2082 is an odd number and the specifications stored in the receiver information 2082 are odd ...
• Transmitter 100 located within a predetermined range of receiver 200 receives the data signal emitted from receiver 200.
• step S18 the microcomputer 103 registers the receiver 200. Specifically, the data transceiver 104 demodulates the received data signal and acquires the identification information of the receiver 200. The microcomputer 103 stores the acquired identification information in the receiver information 1062.
• the microcontroller 103 may determine whether pairing has been completed based on this information. For example, the microcontroller 103 compares the identification information of the receiver 200 to be paired with the newly stored identification information of the receiver 200. If there is a receiver 200 from which a response by a data signal has not been received, the microcontroller 103 determines that pairing has not been completed. The microcontroller 103 continues the first mode and continues emitting the power supply signal.
• the microcomputer 103 instructs the multiple receivers 200 to transition to the normal operation mode. Specifically, for example, when there are responses from all receivers 200 that are scheduled to be paired, the microcomputer 103 transitions the receivers 200 from the first mode to the normal operation mode. For example, the microcomputer 103 instructs the receivers 200 to transition to the normal operation mode using a data signal. In other words, the microcomputer 103 modulates a carrier wave with a command instructing the transition to the normal operation mode to generate a data signal. The microcomputer 103 reads out the identification information of the associated receiver 200 from the receiver information 1062 and sets it as the transmission destination. The microcomputer 103 radiates a data signal from the data transmission/reception antenna 105, with the receiver 200 as the destination.
• step S110 when the receiver 200 receives a data signal, it transitions from the first mode to the normal operation mode.
• the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are associated with each other, and data signals are transmitted and received between the associated transmitter 100 and receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal in which the instruction signal and the identification information are not modulated in step S15.
• the transmitter 100 may continue to transmit a power supply signal in which the identification information is modulated without performing the processing of step S15.
• the receiver 200 is in the normal operation mode at the time when pairing starts, and transitions to the first mode in response to an instruction from the transmitter 100.
• the receiver 200 may be in the first mode at the time when pairing starts.
• FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating another example of the operation of the transmitter 100 and multiple receivers 200 when pairing the transmitter 100 and multiple receivers 200.
• the receiver 200 is a receiver 200 that is paired with the transmitter 100 for the first time.
• the receiver 200 that is paired with the transmitter 100 for the first time includes, for example, a receiver 200 that is turned on for the first time, a receiver 200 in which the pairing identification state has not been written in the ROM, etc.
• the administrator of the WPT system 1 instructs, for example, a transmitter 100 in which multiple receivers 200 exist within a predetermined range, to start pairing.
• the instruction to start pairing may be input by pressing a physical button provided on the transmitter 100, or may be input via the first information processing device 300.
• the microcomputer 103 When pairing is started, in step S21, the microcomputer 103 notifies the multiple receivers 200 of its own identification information. Specifically, for example, the microcomputer 103 modulates the power supply signal according to a predetermined rule. For example, the microcomputer 103 modulates the power supply signal with the identification information of its own device. Specifically, for example, the microcomputer 103 controls the modulator 107 to amplitude-modulate, frequency-modulate, or phase-modulate the power supply signal with the ID of its own device, "1001". The transmitting antenna 102 radiates the power supply signal modulated with the identification information into space.
• Multiple receivers 200 located within a predetermined range of the transmitter 100 receive the power supply signal emitted from the transmitter 100.
• the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 associate with each other through steps S14 to S110, similar to the example shown in FIG. 6. In other words, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are paired.
• the system 1 includes a transmitter 100 and a plurality of receivers 200.
• the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal.
• the transmitter 100 receives a data signal including identification information of the receiver 200 from the receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 registers the receiver 200 based on the received data signal.
• the receiver 200 is assigned unique identification information, and transmits a data signal including the identification information when the capacity stored in the power storage unit 204 reaches a predetermined value due to the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.
• the amount of electricity stored in the power storage unit 204 varies for each receiver 200. Therefore, by transmitting a response signal at the timing when a predetermined capacity is reached in the power storage unit 204, it is possible to stagger the timing at which data signals are transmitted from the multiple receivers 200. This makes it possible to avoid interference between data signals transmitted from the multiple receivers 200 to the transmitter 100, and improve the situation in which the transmitter 100 cannot receive the signals.
• the pairing in this embodiment is different from the pairing for efficiently transmitting a power supply signal from the transmitter 100 to the receiver 200.
• pairing between the transmitter 100 and multiple receivers 200 can be efficiently performed in a wireless power supply system.
• the transmitter 100 instructs the multiple receivers 200 to transition to the first mode for associating the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. After instructing the transition to the first mode, the transmitter 100 transmits identification information of the transmitter 100 to the multiple receivers 200.
• the receiver 200 transmits a data signal to the transmitter 100 identified by the received identification information. This makes it possible to efficiently perform pairing processing for the receivers 200 that are already operating, in addition to the initial pairing.
• the receivers 200 in operation are installed in positions near the corresponding sensors. Since it becomes possible to perform pairing processing collectively for the receivers 200 in operation, it becomes unnecessary for the administrator to go to each position where the receivers 200 are installed, and the burden of pairing is reduced. In addition, since the transition to the first mode can be instructed wirelessly, it becomes unnecessary to, for example, press a physical button provided on the receiver 200 to transition to a mode for pairing, and the burden of pairing is reduced.
• the transmitter 100 modulates the power supply signal with information for instructing the multiple receivers 200 to transition to the first mode. This makes it possible to instruct the receivers 200 to transition to the first mode by transmitting the power supply signal, thereby making it possible to perform the pairing process more efficiently.
• the transmitter 100 transmits the identification information of the transmitter 100 to the receiver 200 by modulating the power supply signal with the identification information of the transmitter 100 and transmitting the modulated power supply signal. This makes it possible to notify the receiver 200 of the identification information of the transmitter 100 by transmitting the power supply signal, thereby making it possible to carry out the pairing process more efficiently.
• the receiver 200 is preset to a first mode for associating the transmitter 100 with the receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 transmits transmitter identification information to the receiver 200 in the first mode.
• the receiver 200 transmits a data signal to the transmitter 100 identified by the received identification information. This makes it possible to efficiently perform pairing processing for the receiver 200 that is initially set to the first mode.
• the receiver 200 transmits a data signal according to specifications based on its own identification information. This makes it possible to prevent interference between data signals even when data signals are transmitted from multiple receivers 200 at approximately the same time. In other words, the transmitter 100 is able to receive each of these data signals.
• the receiver 200 transmits a data signal at a frequency, period, or a combination of these according to its own identification information. This makes it possible to highly likely prevent interference between data signals even when data signals are transmitted from multiple receivers 200 at approximately the same time.
• the transmitter 100 modulates the power supply signal with a predetermined signal and transmits the modulated power supply signal.
• the power supply signal does not necessarily have to be modulated.
• FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200 according to a modified example.
• the transmitter 100 does not have a modulator 107
• the receiver 200 does not have a demodulator 209.
• FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another example of the operation of the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 when the transmitter 100 and the multiple receivers 200 are paired with each other.
• the receiver 200 is a receiver 200 that is paired with the transmitter 100 for the first time.
• the administrator of the WPT system instructs the transmitter 100, where multiple receivers 200 are present within a predetermined range, to start pairing.
• the instruction to start pairing may be input by pressing a physical button provided on the transmitter 100, or may be input via the first information processing device 300.
• step S31 the microcomputer 103 of the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal that does not include an instruction signal and identification information modulated to the transmitting antenna 102.
• the transmitting antenna 102 radiates a signal oscillated by the oscillator 101 as the power supply signal.
• receivers 200 present within a predetermined range of the transmitter 100 receive the power supply signal radiated from the transmitter 100.
• the receivers 200 are charged by the power supply signal radiated from the transmitter 100.
• the receiving antenna 201 receives the power supply signal.
• the rectifier 202 rectifies the received power supply signal and converts it to a DC voltage.
• the power management unit 203 controls the charging voltage based on the DC voltage, and charges the power storage unit 204.
• the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 carry out steps S16 to S18 in the same manner as in the example shown in FIG. 6. Note that in step S17 in FIG. 9, the receiver 200 does not recognize the identification information of the transmitter 100, and therefore transmits a data signal without specifying the identification information of the transmitter 100. As a result, the microcomputer 103 stores the identification information of the receiver 200 in the receiver information 1062.
• step S32 the microcomputer 103 transmits a data signal including the identification information of its own device to multiple receivers 200. Specifically, the microcomputer 103 reads the identification information of its own device from the transmitter information 1061, and modulates a carrier wave with the read identification information to generate a data signal. The microcomputer 103 reads the identification information of the associated receiver 200 from the receiver information 1062, and sets it as the transmission destination. The microcomputer 103 radiates a data signal from the data transmission/reception antenna 105, with the receiver 200 as the destination.
• step S33 the microcomputer 205 registers the transmitter 100. Specifically, the receiving antenna 201 demodulates the received data and acquires the identification information of the transmitter 100. The microcomputer 103 stores the acquired identification information in the transmitter information 2081.
• step S34 the microcomputer 103 ends the pairing process. Specifically, the microcomputer 103 ends the pairing process when all of the data signals transmitted to the receiver 200 are normally received by the receiver 200. If the data signals are not normally received by the receiver 200, the microcomputer 103 repeats transmitting the data signals to the receiver 200 that is not normally receiving the data signals.
• the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are associated with each other, and data signals are transmitted and received between the associated transmitter 100 and receiver 200.
• the transmitter 100 transmits a data signal including its own device's identification information to the receiver 200, making it possible to efficiently pair the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 even if the transmitter 100 does not have a modulator 107 and the receiver 200 does not have a demodulator 209.
• the receiver 200 transmits a data signal by specifying identification information of the transmitter 100.
• the operation of the receiver 200 at this time is not limited to this.
• the receiver 200 may transmit a data signal without setting identification information.
• Basic hardware configuration of computer> 10 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90.
• the computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, a main storage device 92, an auxiliary storage device 93, and a communication IF (interface) 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.
• the processor 91 is hardware for executing a set of instructions written in a program.
• the processor 91 is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.
• the main memory device 92 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by the programs.
• it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
• the auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for saving data and programs.
• it is a flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), optical magnetic disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc.
• the communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using a wired or wireless communication standard.
• the network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc.
• the network includes 3G, 4G, 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), wireless networks that can connect to the Internet through a predetermined access point (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), etc.
• communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc.
• the network also includes a network directly connected by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.
• computers 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them together via a network.
• the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.
• the computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.
• the functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 that are connected to each other via a network.
• the concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.
• the control unit is realized by the processor 91 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, expanding them in the main storage device 92, and executing processing in accordance with the programs.
• the control unit can realize functional units that perform various information processing depending on the type of program.
• the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.
• the storage unit is realized by a main storage device 92 and an auxiliary storage device 93.
• the storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases.
• the processor 91 can secure a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93 in accordance with a program.
• the control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.
• a database refers to a relational database, which is used to manage sets of data called tables, which are structured according to rows and columns, by relating them to each other.
• a table is called a table
• a column in a table is called a column
• a row in a table is called a record.
• a column is set in each table as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key in the column is not essential.
• the control unit can cause the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.
• the communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99.
• the communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network.
• the communication unit can receive information sent from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit.
• the control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs.
• the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.
• a "processor” refers to one or more processors.
• the at least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be other types of processors such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).
• the at least one processor may be either single-core or multi-core.
• At least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit that performs part or all of the processing (e.g., an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)).
• a hardware circuit that performs part or all of the processing (e.g., an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)).
• FPGA Field-Programmable Gate Array
• ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
• each table in the above explanation is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or two or more tables may all or partly be one table.
• the processing may be explained with the "program" as the subject, but since the program is executed by the processor to perform the specified processing while appropriately using the memory unit and/or interface unit, the subject of the processing may be the processor (or a device such as a controller having the processor, or a microcomputer).
• the program may be installed on a device such as a computer, or may be, for example, on a program distribution server or on a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium.
• a program distribution server or on a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium.
• two or more programs may be realized as one program, and one program may be realized as two or more programs.
• identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (e.g., identifiers including letters or codes) may also be used.
• control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. All components may be interconnected.
• a system comprising a transmitter and one or more receivers, wherein the transmitter executes the steps of transmitting a power supply signal, receiving a data signal including identification information of the receiver from the receiver, and registering the receiver based on the received data signal, wherein the receiver is assigned unique identification information, and executes the step of transmitting a data signal including the identification information when the capacity stored in a power storage unit reaches a predetermined value due to the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter.
• the transmitter performs a step of instructing multiple receivers to transition to a first mode for associating the transmitter and receivers, and a step of transmitting identification information of the transmitter to the multiple receivers after instructing the transition to the first mode, and the receiver transmits the data signal to the transmitter identified by the received identification information in the step of transmitting a data signal (a system described in Appendix 1).
• Appendix 3 The system described in (Supplementary Note 2), in which, in the instructing step, the transmitter modulates the power supply signal with information for instructing the multiple receivers to transition to the first mode.
• (Appendix 4) The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the transmitting step, the transmitter transmits the identification information of the transmitter to the receiver by modulating the power supply signal with the identification information of the transmitter and transmitting the modulated power supply signal.
• (Appendix 5) A system described in any of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 4), in which the receiver is set to a first mode for associating the transmitter and the receiver, the transmitter performs a step of transmitting transmitter identification information to the receiver in the first mode, and in a step of transmitting a data signal, the receiver transmits the data signal to the transmitter identified by the received identification information.
• (Appendix 6) A system described in any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 5), in which the transmitter performs a step of transmitting a data signal including its own identification information to the registered receiver.
• (Appendix 7) A system described in any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 6), wherein in the step of transmitting a data signal, the receiver transmits the data signal in a format based on its own identification information.
• (Appendix 8) The system described in (Supplementary Note 7), wherein in the step of transmitting a data signal, the receiver transmits the data signal at a frequency, period, or a combination thereof according to its own identification information.
• (Appendix 9) A transmitter for use in the system described in (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 8).
• (Appendix 10) A receiver for use in the systems described in (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 8).
• (Appendix 11) A method performed in a system including a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter and receiver performing all of the steps of any of the inventions according to (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 8).
• (Appendix 12) A program executed in a system having a transmitter and a receiver, the program causing the transmitter and receiver to execute all of the steps of any of the inventions relating to (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8).

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Power Engineering (AREA)
• Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
• Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)

Priority Applications (3)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Related Child Applications (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=87469773

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (4)

• 2023
  • 2023-02-22 JP JP2023025976A patent/JP7317418B1/ja active Active
  • 2023-06-12 JP JP2023096179A patent/JP2024119714A/ja active Pending
• 2024
  • 2024-02-08 WO PCT/JP2024/004268 patent/WO2024176853A1/ja not_active Ceased
  • 2024-02-08 EP EP24760155.2A patent/EP4672555A1/en active Pending
  • 2024-02-08 CN CN202480014398.6A patent/CN120752827A/zh active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-08-21 US US19/305,838 patent/US20250392333A1/en active Pending

Patent Citations (4)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events