Power supply system, power supply device, and power supply method

Abstract

Provided is a power supply system, a power supply device, and a power supply method that can perform wireless power supply with a simple configuration. The power supply system includes: a first infrared ray output portion provided on a first object, having a first directionality that outputs a first infrared ray in a first direction in which a second object that moves relative to the first object is present, and outputting the first infrared ray; a reflector provided on the second object and reflecting the first infrared ray in a retroreflective manner; a second infrared ray output portion provided on the second object, having a second directionality that outputs a second infrared ray in a second direction in which the first object that moves relative to the second object is present, and outputting the second infrared ray by power received by wireless power supply; and a power supply portion provided on the first object, outputting a beam in a direction in which the reflected infrared ray or the second infrared ray arrives after receiving the reflected infrared ray in which the first infrared ray is reflected by the reflector or the second infrared ray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to power supply systems, power supply devices, and power supply methods. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional contactless power transmission systems, when a vehicle aligns itself with a power supply unit, the vehicle causes a light-emitting device to flash (on and off), and sends flashing cycle information to the power supply unit. Then, in the power supply unit, a control device identifies the flashing cycle of the light-emitting device, for example, based on an image captured by a camera. If the flashing cycle information received by a communication device matches the flashing cycle identified from the captured image, the vehicle captured by the camera is associated with the vehicle that sent the flashing cycle information indicating the flashing cycle identified from the captured image (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Cited Documents]

[0004] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-121489 Summary of the Invention

[0006] <Technical problems to be solved>

[0007] Traditional contactless power transmission systems are relatively complex in structure because they require determining whether the flicker period represented by the flicker period information received by the communication device is the same as the flicker period identified from the captured image.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a power supply system, power supply device, and power supply method that can provide wireless power supply with a simple structure.

[0009] <Technical Solution>

[0010] The power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first infrared output unit disposed on a first object, having a first directionality of outputting a first infrared ray in a first direction in which a second object moving relative to the first object appears, and outputting the first infrared ray; a reflector disposed on the second object, and reflecting the first infrared ray by retroreflection; a second infrared output unit disposed on the second object, having a second directionality of outputting a second infrared ray in a second direction in which the relatively moving first object exists, and outputting the second infrared ray by power received by wireless power supply; and a power supply unit disposed on the first object, which, upon receiving the reflected infrared ray reflected by the reflector from the first infrared ray or the second infrared ray, outputs a beam along the direction of arrival of the reflected infrared ray or the second infrared ray.

[0011] <Beneficial Effects>

[0012] It can provide a power supply system, power supply device and power supply method that can realize wireless power supply with a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] [ Figure 1 [Schematic diagram of the power supply device in the embodiment.]

[0014] [ Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the polar coordinate system of the array antenna.

[0015] [ Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating an application example of a power supply device.

[0016] [ Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a marker.

[0017] [ Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an example of the operation of a power supply system.

[0018] [ Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the processing performed by the control unit of the power supply device.

[0019] [ Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating the action (operation) of the power supply device when it receives infrared light reflected from an object other than the identifier.

[0020] [ Figure 8 A schematic diagram of other operating examples of the power supply system.

[0021] [ Figure 9 A flowchart of the process performed by the control unit of the identifier. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The following describes the implementation of the power supply system, power supply device, and power supply method that apply the present invention.

[0023] <Implementation Method>

[0024] Before describing the power supply system and power supply method of the implementation method, based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The power supply device 100 of the embodiment will be described.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the power supply device 100 according to the embodiment. The power supply device 100 includes an array antenna 110, a phase shifter 120, a microwave generator 130, a camera 140, and a control device 150.

[0026] The following explanation uses the XYZ coordinate system. A plan view refers to an XY plane view. Furthermore, the X-axis is an example of the first axis, the Y-axis is an example of the second axis, and the Z-axis is an example of the third axis. Additionally, the XY plane is an example of the first plane, and the XZ plane is an example of the second plane.

[0027] As an example, the array antenna 110 is grouped into four subarrays 110A, 110B, 110C, and 110D. Subarrays 110A to 110D are arranged along the X-axis direction. For example, each subarray 110A to 110D includes four antenna elements 111. Therefore, as an example, the array antenna 110 includes 16 antenna elements 111. The antenna elements 111 are rectangular patch antennas in plan view. The array antenna 110 may have a ground plane on the -Z direction side of the antenna elements 111 that is kept at ground potential. It should be noted that, as an example, the center of the 16 antenna elements 111 coincides with (is the same as) the origin of the XYZ coordinate system.

[0028] Four phase shifters 120 are provided corresponding to the four subarrays 110A to 110D, and the four phase shifters 120 are respectively connected to the antenna elements 111 of the subarrays 110A to 110D. In each subarray 110A to 110D, the four antenna elements 111 are connected in parallel with one phase shifter 120. The phase shifter 120 is an example of a phase adjustment unit.

[0029] In each subarray 110A-110D, the four antenna elements 111 are supplied with power of the same phase. Furthermore, the power output by the four phase shifters 120 to the subarrays 110A-110D is phase-dependent. Therefore, the angle (elevation angle) of the beam formed by the radio waves emitted from the 16 antenna elements 111 can be controlled in the XZ plane. Moreover, the beam has narrow-angle directivity, for example, approximately 5 degrees to approximately 15 degrees.

[0030] The beam formed by the radio waves emitted from the 16 antenna elements 111 is synonymous with the beam output by the array antenna 110 (i.e., has the same meaning). Furthermore, the beam output by the array antenna 110 is synonymous with the beam output by the power supply device 100.

[0031] Microwave source 130 is connected to four phase shifters 120 for supplying microwaves with predetermined power. Microwave source 130 is an example of a radio wave generator. As an example, the frequency of the microwave is 915MHz. It should be noted that although the case of power supply device 100 including microwave source 130 has been described here, it is not limited to microwaves; any radio wave of a predetermined frequency is acceptable.

[0032] Camera 140 is configured between subarrays 110B and 110C. Camera 140 has a fisheye lens 141 and a camera body 142. Camera 140 is an example of an image acquisition unit.

[0033] The fisheye lens 141 is a lens that uses the equidistant projection method. For example, the center of the fisheye lens 141 is located at the same point as the center of the 16 antenna elements 111 and the origin of the XYZ coordinate system. The camera body 142 is the part of the camera 140 excluding the fisheye lens 141; it can be any camera capable of receiving infrared light of a predetermined wavelength. For example, the predetermined wavelength is 850 nm, but it can also be a wavelength other than 850 nm.

[0034] For example, the camera 140 that can receive infrared light at 850nm can be an infrared camera equipped with a filter that allows light at a wavelength of 850nm to pass through, or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor that can receive infrared light and allows light at a wavelength of 850nm to pass through.

[0035] Camera 140 acquires an image containing the marker via fisheye lens 141 and outputs the image data to control device 150. The marker is mounted on the target to be illuminated by the beam output by power supply device 100. Power supply device 100 determines the position of the marker contained in the image acquired by camera 140 and illuminates the target with a beam.

[0036] The control device 150 includes a position conversion unit 151, an elevation angle acquisition unit 152, a control unit 153, and a memory 154. The control device 150 can be implemented by a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The position conversion unit 151, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152, and the control unit 153 are functional units that represent the functions of the program executed by the control device 150 as function blocks. Furthermore, the memory 154 is a memory that functionally represents the memory of the control device 150.

[0037] Here, using Figure 1 and Figure 2 The position conversion unit 151, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152, the control unit 153, and the memory 154 will be described. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the polar coordinate system of the array antenna 110. Figure 2 Only the array antenna 110 and camera 140 in the power supply unit 100 are shown. Furthermore, Figure 2 The diagram also shows a polar coordinate system on a plane parallel to the XY plane.

[0038] Additionally, the position of the marker in the XYZ coordinate system is set as P1, the elevation angle of the line segment connecting the origin O and position P1 is set as θ, and the azimuth angle is set as φ. The elevation angle is the angle relative to the +Z direction, and the azimuth angle is the angle relative to the +X direction. Furthermore, in the planar view, the counterclockwise direction represents a positive value. Additionally, the elevation angle of the line segment connecting the projection of position P1 onto the XZ plane, position P1a, and the origin O is set as θa.

[0039] Position P1 is an example of the first position, and position P1a is an example of the projected position. Furthermore, the origin O is an example of the reference point of the XYZ coordinate system.

[0040] The power supply unit 100 controls the elevation angle of the beam output by the array antenna 110 only in the XZ plane. This assumes that the target's position deviates little from the XZ plane (e.g., the elevation angle relative to the Z-axis in the YZ plane is approximately within ±30 degrees). The reason for this is that if the target is located in such a position, the beam can be illuminated towards the target simply by controlling the elevation angle of the beam in the XZ plane.

[0041] The position conversion unit 151 performs image processing on the image acquired by the camera 140, and converts the equidistant projection image obtained through the fisheye lens 141 to the polar coordinate system on a plane parallel to the XY plane. Through this image processing, the position P1 of the marker included in the image acquired by the camera 140 relative to the array antenna 110 can be converted to the position P2 in the polar coordinate system on the XY plane. The position P2 is an example of the second position.

[0042] The position P2 is represented by the radial distance (referred to as "moving radius" in the original Japanese) r from the origin O and the polar angle (referred to as "deflection angle" in the original Japanese) φ. Regarding the radial distance r, if the focal length of the fisheye lens 141 is set as f L , then r = f L is represented by θ. The polar angle φ is the same as the azimuth angle φ. The position conversion unit 151 can obtain r·cosφ that maps the radial distance r to the X-axis through the above image processing.

[0043] The elevation angle acquisition unit 152 acquires (calculates) the value (r·cosφ / f L ) obtained by dividing the X coordinate (r·cosφ) of the mapping position P2a that maps the position P2 to the X-axis by the focal length fL of the fisheye lens 141, and uses it as the elevation angle θa. The reason for obtaining the elevation angle θa in this way will be described later.

[0044] The control unit 153 controls the phase shifter 120 so that the direction of the beam emitted from the array antenna 110 becomes (changes to) the elevation angle θa within the XZ plane. The elevation angle θa is acquired by the elevation angle acquisition unit 152. In addition, the control unit 153 also performs output control of the microwave generation source 130, shooting control of the camera 140, etc.

[0045] The memory 154 is used to store programs executed when the position conversion unit 151, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152, and the control unit 153 perform processing, data used when executing the programs, data generated when executing the programs, image data acquired by the camera 140, etc.

[0046] Next, a method for obtaining the elevation angle θa will be described.

[0047] The elevation angle θa can be obtained by the following formula (1) based on the geometric relationship between the position P1 and the position P1a using the azimuth angle φ and the elevation angle θ.

[0048] [Formula 1]

[0049]

[0050] After expanding formula (1), the following formula (2) can be obtained.

[0051] [Formula 2]

[0052]

[0053] Here, when the elevation angle θ is sufficiently small, tanθ≈θ; when the azimuth angle φ is sufficiently small, cosφ≈1; when the azimuth angle φ is close to 90 degrees, cosφ≈0. Therefore, equation (2) can be transformed into equation (3) as follows.

[0054] [Formula 3]

[0055]

[0056] That is, when the position of the target is not too far from the XZ plane (i.e., the deviation between the two is not large), the elevation angle θa can be approximated by equation (3).

[0057] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the focal distance of the fisheye lens 141 is set to f L Then the polar radius r can be represented by the following formula (4).

[0058] r=f L θ (4)

[0059] According to equations (3) and (4), the elevation angle θa can be expressed by equation (5).

[0060] θa=r·cosφ / f L (5)

[0061] Thus, the elevation angle θa can be approximately obtained by using equation (5).

[0062] As described above, when the elevation angle of the array antenna 110 beam is controlled only in the XZ plane, the position P1 obtained by equidistant projection is transformed to a polar coordinate system on a plane parallel to the XY plane, and the position P2 is obtained. Then, the position P2 is mapped to the X coordinate (r·cosφ) of the mapped position P2a on the X axis and divided by the focal distance f of the fisheye lens 141. L Therefore, the elevation angle θa (=r·cosφ / f) can be obtained. L ).

[0063] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application example of the power supply device 100. As an example, the power supply device 100 is mounted (installed / set) on a vehicle 30, and an antenna 20, serving as a target, is installed on the inner wall 10 of a tunnel. The antenna 20 is connected to a marker 50. The marker 50 includes a reflector that reflects infrared light in a retroreflective manner. Here, the vehicle 30 is an example of the first object, and the inner wall 10 of the tunnel is an example of the second object. When the vehicle 30 travels in the +X direction, the vehicle 30 and the inner wall 10 of the tunnel move relative to each other, and consequently, the vehicle 30 and the marker 50 also move relative to each other. The direction of relative movement of the marker 50 relative to the power supply device 100 mounted on the vehicle 30 is the -X direction. Here, the scenario where the vehicle 30 moves in a manner that relatively overtakes the marker 50 (similar to overtaking) will be described. Furthermore, although the scenario where the marker 50 is stopped is described here, "overtaking" means passing the other vehicle from behind and taking the lead when the other vehicle is stopped or traveling in the same direction.

[0064] When vehicle 30 travels along the +X direction, camera 140 can convert the position of marker 50 to a polar coordinate system on a plane parallel to the XY plane. Then, the X coordinate (r·cosφ) of the mapped position on the X-axis (equivalent to the mapped position of P2a) is divided by the focal distance f of fisheye lens 141. L To find the elevation angle θa (=r·cosφ / f) L Then, the beam is irradiated onto the antenna 20 using the elevation angle θa.

[0065] For example, an antenna 20, a sensor for monitoring the loosening of bolts on the fixing parts of the infrastructure structure such as jet fans and signs on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel are pre-installed on the fixing parts. Other components include a rectifier antenna, a capacitor, and a wireless communication module. When the vehicle 30 is moving, it transmits a beam from the power supply unit 100 to the antenna 20, and the rectifier antenna connected to the antenna 20 converts the microwaves into electricity. The electricity converted by the rectifier antenna is stored (accumulated) in the capacitor and activates the sign, sensor, and wireless communication module. The sign then performs a predetermined action, and the wireless communication module sends a signal indicating the sensor's output. The vehicle 30 receives this signal, allowing the fixing status of the infrastructure structure to be checked while the vehicle is in motion. It should be noted that, for example, the sensor monitoring the loosening of bolts on the fixing parts can be assembled in a washer and fastened to the bolt, thereby detecting bolt loosening. The predetermined operation of the sign will be described later.

[0066] Furthermore, the X-coordinate (r·cosφ) of the position of antenna 20 off the XZ plane and mapped onto the X-axis (equivalent to the mapped position of P2a) is first calculated, and then the X-coordinate (r·cosφ) is divided by the focal distance f of the fisheye lens 141. L The obtained value is (r·cosφ / f) L The elevation angle θa is used to control the beam, so even if the vehicle 30 traveling along the X-axis deviates in the positive and negative directions of the Y-axis (i.e., a positional deviation occurs), the positional deviation can be absorbed, thereby determining the elevation angle θa.

[0067] Here, using Figure 4 The identifier 50 is described in detail. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the marker 50. The marker 50 includes a frame 51, reflectors 52, LEDs 53 (53A to 53G), and a control unit 54. The frame 51 is a cylindrical housing. Two reflectors 52 and multiple LEDs 53 (53A to 53G) are exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the frame 51. In addition, the control unit 54 is provided inside the frame 51.

[0068] As an example, such a marker 50 is installed on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel (see...). Figure 3 The predetermined position is, for example, a predetermined position in a cross-section (section / section) obtained by cutting (cutting) the tunnel in a plane perpendicular to the direction of travel, which is a predetermined height to the left of the inner wall 10 in the direction of travel. If the marker 50 is installed at such positions along the tunnel at certain intervals, the marker 50 will repeatedly appear in front of the vehicle 30 diagonally to the left in the direction of travel when the vehicle 30 is traveling in the tunnel.

[0069] Reflector 52 is a reflector that reflects infrared light in a retroreflective manner, and is disposed on the upper and lower sides of the outer peripheral surface of frame 51. Reflector 52 is a retroreflector that reflects incident infrared light along the incident direction, for example, a film-shaped or reflective plate-type retroreflector can be used. The direction of reflection by reflector 52 is approximately the same as (equal to) the incident direction of infrared light.

[0070] Multiple LEDs 53 (53A to 53G) are arranged circumferentially on the outer peripheral surface of the frame 51, between the upper and lower reflectors 52, and are infrared LEDs for emitting infrared light with a wavelength of 850nm. LED 53 is an example of a second infrared output unit, and the infrared light emitted by LEDs 53 (53A to 53G) is an example of a second infrared output unit.

[0071] As an example, marker 50 is installed on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel (see...). Figure 3Therefore, multiple LEDs 53 (53A~53G) are used, for example, along the semi-circular portion not located on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel. Figure 4 You can configure the settings in the visible parts (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown, multiple LEDs 53 are disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front semi-circular portion. As an example, Figure 4 The image shows seven LEDs, from LED53A to 53G. In the following text, when there is no need to specifically distinguish between LEDs 53A to 53G, they will be referred to simply as LED53.

[0072] LED53 has the directionality to output infrared light at a narrow angle (narrow angle). For example, the directionality of LED53 is approximately 10 degrees to approximately 20 degrees. The illumination of each LED53 is controlled by control unit 54. LEDs 53A to 53G are arranged in order from LED53A, located on the far left, to LED53G, located on the far right (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0073] The control unit 54 is activated by the power received by the antenna 20 and stored in the capacitor, and uses the power stored in the capacitor to light up LEDs 53A to 53G one by one in sequence. The lighting order is from LED 53A to LED 53G. The reason is that when the vehicle 30 approaches the indicator 50, by lighting up LEDs sequentially starting from LED 53A, the infrared rays output by each LED 53 can illuminate the camera 140 installed in the power supply device 100 of the vehicle 30.

[0074] It should be noted that each LED 53 may also have a rectifier antenna in the direction indicated by its directional properties, thereby illuminating the LED 53 connected to the rectifier antenna that has been irradiated with microwaves. As the vehicle 30 moves, in response to the relative angular displacement of the vehicle 30 and the indicator 50, the LEDs 56 in the optimal positions illuminate sequentially. Therefore, no special control is required for setting the direction indicated by the directional properties of the LEDs 53, thus simplifying the design.

[0075] Next, the power supply system 200, including the power supply device 100, will be described. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the power supply system 200. Figure 5 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the power supply system 200 and the indicator 50 when viewed from the right side of the vehicle 30's direction of movement. Therefore, Figure 5 In the center, the right direction is the +X direction. Furthermore, markers 50(A) and 50(B) represent markers 50 at relative positions (A) and (B) relative to vehicle 30, respectively. The relative movement direction of markers 50 is the -X direction.

[0076] The power supply system 200 includes a power supply unit 100 and a marker 50. The marker 50 is fixed to the inner wall 10 of the tunnel, and the power supply unit 100 is mounted on the vehicle 30. The power supply unit 100, in addition to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the components shown, it also includes an infrared output unit 160.

[0077] As an example, the infrared output unit 160 is an infrared emitter for emitting infrared light with a wavelength of 850 nm. The infrared output unit 160 is disposed near the array antenna 110 and, for example, has a directionality of approximately 10 to approximately 20 degrees. The directionality of the infrared output unit 160 is an example of a first directionality, and the infrared output unit 160 is used to irradiate infrared light into an illumination range 160A. The illumination range 160A is the range obtained by the directionality of the infrared output unit 160, which, as the vehicle 30 moves, faces the sign 50 to the left and slightly above it within the tunnel. In other words, when the vehicle 30 is moving within the tunnel, the direction in which the illumination range 160A faces is the direction in which the sign 50 appears.

[0078] also, Figure 5 The diagram also shows beams 115A (115A1, 115A2) output from array antenna 110. The directivity of beams 115A (115A1, 115A2) is approximately 5 degrees to approximately 15 degrees. Beams 115A of array antenna 110 can be pointed (or directed) towards the position shown as beam 115A1 and the direction shown as beam 115A2.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, while the vehicle 30 is moving, infrared rays are irradiated from the infrared output unit 160 into the illumination range 160A. After the marker 50 at position (A) enters the illumination range 160A, the reflector 52 of the marker 50 reflects the infrared rays along the incident direction by means of backscattering.

[0080] In the power supply unit 100, the camera 140 receives reflected light, the position conversion unit 151 performs image processing and conversion to the polar coordinate system, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152 acquires the elevation angle θa corresponding to the position (A), and the control unit 153 controls the phase shifter 120 so that the array antenna 110 outputs a beam along the direction of the elevation angle θa. Accordingly, the beam 115A1 is output to the marker 50 at the position (A), and the antenna 20 near the marker 50 receives power.

[0081] As the vehicle 30 continues to move, the marker 50 moves relative to the vehicle 30 from position (A) to position (B). At position (B) relative to the vehicle 30, the marker 50 outputs infrared light from the LED 53A. Regarding the LED 53A, when the vehicle 30 is traveling at a predetermined speed within the tunnel, the antenna 20 receives power at position (A), and then, when the LED 53A outputs infrared light at position (B), it has the directionality to output infrared light in the direction from which the vehicle 30 can receive infrared light from the LED 53A.

[0082] After the camera 140 of the power supply unit 100 receives infrared light emitted from LED 53A at position (B), the position conversion unit 151 performs image processing and conversion to polar coordinates, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152 acquires the elevation angle θa corresponding to position (B), and the control unit 153 controls the phase shifter 120 so that the array antenna 110 outputs a beam along the direction of elevation angle θa. Accordingly, the beam 115A2 is output to the marker 50 at position (B), and the antenna 20 near the marker 50 receives power.

[0083] Afterwards, vehicle 30 continues to move. Whenever antenna 20 receives power, marker 50 uses the power stored in the capacitor to cause LEDs 53B to 53G to sequentially output infrared rays. After receiving the infrared rays from LEDs 53B to 53G, power supply unit 100 determines the position of marker 50 and outputs beam 115A toward marker 50.

[0084] The direction indicated by the directional properties of LED53B is offset from the direction indicated by the directional properties of LED53A by an angle between position (A) and position (B) when viewed from the power supply device 100. Similarly, the directions indicated by the directional properties of LEDs 53C to 53G are successively offset from the direction indicated by the directional properties of LED53B by an angle between position (A) and position (B).

[0085] In addition, the directional of the narrow angle of LEDs 53A to 53G is set to be narrower, so that the infrared illumination range of each of LEDs 53A to 53G will not overlap within the distance between the vehicle 30 and the sign 50.

[0086] With regard to the output of beam 115A of the power supply device 100 and the output of infrared light from LED 53 of the identifier 50, the power supply device 100 outputs beam 115A accordingly when it receives infrared light from LED 53G, and this continues until the power supply device 100 no longer receives infrared light from LED 53.

[0087] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the processing performed by the control unit 153 of the power supply device 100. Figure 6The processing shown represents the power supply method of the embodiment.

[0088] After the process begins, the control unit 153 causes the infrared output unit 160 to output infrared light (step S1).

[0089] The control unit 153 determines whether infrared light has been received from the identifier 50 (step S2). Regarding the infrared light received by the power supply device 100 from the identifier 50, initially (the first time) it is the reflected light of the infrared light output from the infrared output unit 160, and from the second time onwards it is the infrared light output from the LED 53 of the identifier 50.

[0090] After the control unit 153 determines that infrared light has been received (S2: YES), it causes the array antenna 110 to output beam 115A (step S3). Specifically, the position conversion unit 151 performs image processing and conversion to the polar coordinate system, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152 acquires the elevation angle θa corresponding to the position (B), and the control unit 153 controls the phase shifter 120 so that the array antenna 110 outputs beam along the direction of the elevation angle θa.

[0091] After the processing in step S3 is completed, the control unit 153 returns the process to step S2.

[0092] After determining in step S2 that no infrared light has been received (S2: NO), the control unit 153 ends the series of processes. Regarding the end of the process, there are, for example, two situations: one is that if the power supply device 100 receives infrared light from LED 53G, it outputs beam 115A accordingly, but the power supply device 100 does not receive infrared light from LED 53; the other is that infrared light reflected from an object other than the marker 50 is received.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the power supply unit 100 when it receives infrared light reflected from an object 60 other than the identifier 50. Figure 6 In the diagram, objects 60(A) and 60(B) represent objects 60 at relative positions (A) and (B) relative to vehicle 30, respectively.

[0094] like Figure 7 As shown, the following assumptions are made: while the vehicle 30 is moving, it irradiates infrared light from the infrared output unit 160 into the illumination range 160A. After the object 60 at position (A) enters the illumination range 160A, the camera 140 receives the infrared light reflected from the object 60. The object 60 is an object other than the marker 50, either an object at position (A) facing the vehicle 30 or a reflector set on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel.

[0095] In the power supply unit 100, the camera 140 receives reflected light, the position conversion unit 151 performs image processing and conversion to the polar coordinate system, the elevation angle acquisition unit 152 acquires the elevation angle θa corresponding to the position (A), and the control unit 153 controls the phase shifter 120 so that the array antenna 110 outputs a beam along the direction of the elevation angle θa. Accordingly, the beam 115A1 is output toward the object 60 at position (A).

[0096] As the vehicle 30 continues to move, the position of the sign 50 relative to the vehicle 30 moves from position (A) to position (B).

[0097] However, since object 60 is not connected to any power-receiving component such as antenna 20, and does not contain any power-receiving component such as antenna 20, nor does it have LED 53, the power supply device 100 cannot receive infrared light from object 60 at position (B).

[0098] Therefore, power supply unit 100 terminates the process. This is Figure 6 The flowchart shown illustrates the pattern of "irradiating infrared light in step S1, determining 'yes' (YES) in step S2, outputting beam 115A in step S3, determining 'no' (NO) in the returning step S2, and then ending the process".

[0099] In this way, if the power supply unit 100 accidentally receives reflected infrared light from an object 60 other than the marker 50, the process can be completed by outputting beam 115A only once. Therefore, unnecessary output of beam 115A can be suppressed.

[0100] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of other operating examples of the power supply system 200. Identifiers 50(A), 50(B), and 50(C) represent the identifiers 50 at relative positions (A), (B), and (C) relative to the vehicle 30, respectively.

[0101] Figure 8 In the middle, from position (A) to position (B), and Figure 5 The actions shown are the same. Figure 8 In the middle, the action at position (C) after position (B) is... Figure 5 different.

[0102] The power supply unit 100 outputs beam 115A2 to the marker 50 at position (B), and the antenna 20 near the marker 50 receives power.

[0103] At this time, if the control unit 54 of the identifier 50 determines that the power (amount of power (electricity)) received by the antenna 20 and stored in the capacitor has become above a predetermined amount, the control unit 54 will not light up the LED 53B, but will end the lighting process of the LED 53.

[0104] For example, when a sensor used to monitor the loosening of bolts or other fasteners detects loosening, if the control unit 54 determines that there is sufficient power to enable the wireless communication module to transmit detection data, it can stop receiving power and thus terminate the lighting control of LED 53. If the lighting control of LED 53 ends, the power supply unit 100 will no longer output beam 115A.

[0105] As a result, the LED 53 of the marker 50 is not illuminated at position (C). Therefore, when the marker 50 is at position (C), the power supply unit 100 does not output beam 115A.

[0106] As described above, if the control unit 54 of the identifier 50 terminates the lighting process of the LED 53 when the power received by the antenna 20 and stored in the capacitor is more than a predetermined amount, then the unnecessary output of the beam 115A and infrared rays can be omitted.

[0107] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the process performed by the control unit 54 of the identifier 50.

[0108] After the processing begins, the control unit 54 determines whether there is a power supply from the capacitor (step S11).

[0109] After determining that power supply is available (S11: YES), the control unit 54 illuminates LED 53 (step S12). This process is repeated each time. Figure 9 In the process shown, LEDs 53A to 53G are lit up one by one in step S12.

[0110] The control unit 54 determines whether the power stored in the capacitor is above a predetermined amount (step S13).

[0111] After determining that the power is greater than or equal to the predetermined amount (S13: YES), the control unit 54 stops the lighting of LED 53 (step S14).

[0112] After the processing in step S14 is completed, the control unit 54 ends the series of processes.

[0113] Furthermore, after the control unit 54 determines in step S13 that the power is less than a predetermined amount (i.e., not above the predetermined amount) (S13: No), the process returns to step S11.

[0114] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S11 that there is no power supply (S11: YES), the control unit 54 also ends the series of processes.

[0115] Executed by control unit 54 Figure 9 The processing shown is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, at position (C), control can be performed to de-illuminate LED53 of the identifier 50, and the power supply unit 100 will no longer output beam 115A. This is equivalent to... Figure 9 When the identifier 50 is located at position (A) and position (B), the process of determining "yes" in step S11, "no" in steps S12 and S13, and returning to step S11 is executed. After this process, the identifier 50 moves relatively to position (C), "yes" in step S13, and then LED 53 is turned off in step S14."

[0116] As described above, after receiving infrared light (reflected light or infrared light from LED 53), the power supply unit 100 outputs beam 115A in the direction of arrival of the infrared light. When infrared light arrives from the marker 50, the power supply unit 100 receives infrared light again, and outputs beam 115A each time infrared light is received. For this purpose, a signal indicating the sensor's output is transmitted by the wireless communication module and received on the vehicle 30 side, allowing for inspection of the fixed state of the infrastructure structure while driving. In addition, when infrared light arrives from an object 60 other than the marker 50, the object 60 does not receive power from beam 115A, so the process can be terminated at this time.

[0117] Thus, whether the power supply device 100 outputs beam 115A from the second time onwards is determined by whether the object reflecting the infrared light initially (first time) output by the infrared output unit 160 is the marker 50 or an object 60 other than the marker 50, without the need to specifically identify whether it is the marker 50.

[0118] Therefore, the beam 115A can be output to the identifier 50 for power supply in a very simple structure.

[0119] Therefore, it is possible to provide a power supply system 200, a power supply device 100, and a power supply method that can provide wireless power supply with a simple structure.

[0120] Furthermore, by using an identifier 50 that includes LEDs 53 (53A to 53G) with narrow-angle directionality, it is not necessary to identify (distinguish) whether the reflective source is the identifier 50 to continuously supply power to the identifier 50.

[0121] In addition, the marker 50 has no power supply. It is a passive marker driven by the power stored in the capacitor by the beam received by the antenna 20. Therefore, there is no need for cables, batteries, etc. for power supply, so the operating cost is lower and the maintainability is better.

[0122] Furthermore, the marker 50 has a reflector 52 that reflects infrared light in a retroreflective manner, so it can reflect infrared light towards the infrared output section 160 of the power supply device 100. Additionally, the power supply device 100 outputs a beam 115A in the direction of an elevation angle θa, indicating the direction in which the infrared light reflection source, the marker 50, exists, and the antenna 2, arranged near the marker 50, receives power from the beam 115A. Therefore, power can be reliably supplied to the relatively moving marker 50, thereby providing a highly reliable power supply system 200.

[0123] Furthermore, since the power supply unit 100 controls the elevation angle of the beam output by the array antenna 110 only in the XZ plane, the number of phase shifters 120 can be reduced to one-quarter compared to the case where the elevation angle is controlled in both the XZ and YZ planes. As a result, the power supply unit 100 can be implemented at a lower cost.

[0124] It should be noted that the above explanation describes the scenario where LEDs 53A to 53G are lit by the identifier 50 each time power is supplied from the power supply device 100 to the identifier 50 via the antenna 20. When power is supplied to multiple sensors from one antenna 20, and the detection data detected by each sensor is transmitted sequentially by the wireless communication module, the amount of power (electrical quantity) that the beam 115A should have in a single output can be determined based on the number of sensors, the number of sensors operating via the single output beam 115A, the capacitance of the capacitor, etc.

[0125] Furthermore, although the above description addresses the scenario where vehicle 30 moves in a manner that relatively passes over sign 50, it is also possible for vehicle 30 and sign 50 to move in a manner that passes each other. "Passing each other in opposite directions" means that vehicle 30 and sign 50 pass each other when they move in opposite directions (i.e., traveling towards each other) (similar to passing each other).

[0126] Furthermore, the above explanation addresses the case where the center of the fisheye lens 141 coincides with the centers of the 16 antenna elements 111. However, the center of the fisheye lens 141 may also deviate from the centers of the 16 antenna elements 111 (i.e., there may be a deviation between these two centers). In this case, simply offset the origin of the coordinates used to calculate the control phase of the array antenna by that deviation.

[0127] Furthermore, this is based on Figure 3The description describes a scenario where the power supply device 100 communicates with a wireless communication module installed on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel. However, the wireless communication module is not limited to being installed on the inner wall 10 of the tunnel and can be installed in various other locations. Accordingly, the power supply device 100 can be used as a communication device.

[0128] Although the power supply system, power supply device, and power supply method of the present invention have been described above according to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the technical scope described in the claims.

[0129] It should be noted that this international application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-031361, filed on February 27, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0130] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0131] 50 Identifiers

[0132] 52 Reflectors

[0133] 53, 53A~53 GLED

[0134] 100 power supply unit

[0135] 110 array antenna

[0136] 110A~110D subarrays

[0137] 111 Antenna Components

[0138] 120 phase shifter

[0139] 130 Microwave Generator

[0140] 140 camera

[0141] 141 Fisheye Lens

[0142] 150 Control device

[0143] 151 Position Conversion Unit

[0144] 152 Elevation Angle Acquisition Unit

[0145] 153 Control Department

[0146] 160 Infrared output unit.

Claims

1. A power supply system, comprising: A first infrared output unit is provided on a first object, and has a first directionality of outputting a first infrared ray in a first direction in which a second object moving relative to the first object appears, and outputs the first infrared ray. A reflector is disposed on the second object and reflects the first infrared radiation in a retroreflective manner; The second infrared output unit is provided on the second object and has a second directionality of outputting the second infrared light in a second direction in which the relatively moving first object exists, and outputs the second infrared light by power received by wireless power supply. and The power supply unit is installed on the first object. After receiving the reflected infrared light or the second infrared light reflected by the reflector from the first infrared light, it outputs a beam along the arrival direction of the reflected infrared light or the second infrared light.

2. The power supply system as described in claim 1, further comprising: An output control unit is provided on the second object. When the amount of power received by the wireless power supply becomes higher than a predetermined amount, the second infrared output unit stops the output of the second infrared light.

3. The power supply system as described in claim 1, wherein, The second infrared output unit has multiple infrared output units, each having a different second directionality toward multiple positions that change sequentially over time toward the relatively moving first object.

4. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first object and the second object move relative to each other and pass each other, or move relative to each other and pass towards each other.

5. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The power supply unit has: An array antenna having multiple antenna elements arranged in a two-dimensional configuration along a first axis and a second axis; Radio wave generator; A phase adjustment unit is disposed between the array antenna and the radio wave generator, and adjusts the phase of the power supplied from the radio wave generator to the plurality of antenna elements in the first axis direction; The image acquisition unit acquires images via a fisheye lens; The position conversion unit converts a first position into a second position, wherein the first position is the position of an identifier contained in an image acquired by the image acquisition unit relative to the image acquisition unit, and the second position is the position in a polar coordinate system on a first plane including the first axis and the second axis; The elevation angle acquisition unit calculates, based on the second position, the elevation angle of the projection position of the first position onto a second plane including the first axis and the third axis, relative to the third axis within the second plane; and The control unit controls the phase adjustment unit so that the direction of the beam emitted from the array antenna becomes the elevation angle in the second plane.

6. A power supply device, comprising: A first infrared output unit is disposed on a first object, having a first directionality of outputting a first infrared ray in a first direction in which a second object moving relative to the first object appears, and outputting the first infrared ray; and A power supply unit, disposed on the first object, outputs a beam along the arrival direction of the reflected infrared light or the second infrared light after receiving reflected infrared light or the second infrared light. The reflected infrared light is reflected by a reflector disposed on the second object and reflects the first infrared light in a retroreflective manner. The second infrared light is output by a second infrared light output unit through power received by wireless power supply. The second infrared light output unit is disposed on the second object and has a second directionality of outputting the second infrared light in a second direction in which the relatively moving first object exists.

7. A power supply method for a power supply system, wherein, The power supply system includes: A first infrared output unit is provided on a first object, and has a first directionality of outputting a first infrared ray in a first direction in which a second object moving relative to the first object appears, and outputs the first infrared ray. A reflector, disposed on the second object, reflects the first infrared radiation in a retroreflective manner; and A second infrared output unit is disposed on the second object, and has a second directionality of outputting a second infrared ray in a second direction in which the relatively moving first object exists, and outputs the second infrared ray by means of power received via wireless power supply. The power supply method comprises the following steps: After receiving the reflected infrared light or the second infrared light reflected by the reflector from the first infrared light on the first object side, a beam is output along the arrival direction of the reflected infrared light or the second infrared light.

Images