Wireless power transmission condition learning device, wireless power transmission condition determination device, wireless power transmission device, and wireless power reception device

Abstract

In the wireless power transmission condition learning device of the present invention, any two or more input information are input, namely, distance information, which is information on the distance between a power transmitting device (10) and a power receiving device (11); environmental information, which is information on the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device (10) and the power receiving device (11); and condition information, which is at least one of the performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device (10) and the power receiving device (11). For each of any two or more conditions in the input information input to the device information input unit (3), information on the power transmission beam pattern (1) formed by the power transmitting device (10) and its power transmission efficiency, namely, beam pattern information, is input. For each condition in the combination, a power transmission beam pattern (1) having a power transmission efficiency falling within a predetermined range is learned from the beam pattern information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless power transmission condition learning device for learning a power transmission beam pattern formed for transmitting electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device, a wireless power transmission condition determination device using the wireless power transmission condition learning device, a wireless power transmitting device, and a wireless power receiving device. Background Art

[0002] Conventional wireless power transmission and receiving devices (wireless power transmission systems) that transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitter to a power receiver have employed a directional tracking method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this directional tracking method, the transmitting antenna of the power transmitter consists of multiple antenna elements. Using an amplitude monopulse method, the transmission antenna detects the angle of arrival of a pilot signal transmitted from the receiving antenna of the power receiver. The phase of the electromagnetic wave is then controlled so that the main beam of the transmitting antenna, synthesized by the multiple antenna elements based on the angle of arrival, is directed toward the receiving antenna.

[0003] Meanwhile, existing wireless power transmission systems include those that use the Rotating Element Electric Field Vector (REV) method to maximize power reception by controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves (e.g., see Patent Document 2). As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-201526, the REV method measures the radio wave intensity and phase of the composite wave generated by multiple antenna elements in a power transmission device. Based on these measurement results, it enables highly accurate phase adjustment that takes into account the correction of amplitude and phase errors associated with phase rotation along the path, including phase shifters.

[0004] Furthermore, existing wireless power transmission systems include systems that transmit electromagnetic waves while switching between two or more transmission beam patterns under conditions that include the transmission periods of two or more transmission beam patterns among a plurality of different transmission beam patterns (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Furthermore, existing wireless power transmission systems include systems that adjust the power level when an object, such as a living being, is identified from an image (see, for example, Patent Document 4).

[0005] Patent Document 4 also discloses the use of computer vision software programmed to find and identify objects in images. It also discloses that this computer vision software can execute various algorithms, enabling it to intelligently learn identification information for various physical objects based on specific characteristics of the objects, such as shape, orientation, movement, size, and radiation levels of RF radiation, light, and heat. This has inspired the use of learning models based on machine learning using AI (artificial intelligence) and other techniques for computer vision software.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-328650

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-142708

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-140900

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-506826 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0013] However, existing wireless power transmission systems have the following problems: they do not explore learning (machine learning) the transmission beam pattern formed for power transmission and utilizing the learning results (learning models). Furthermore, Patent Document 4 only discloses that computer vision software can intelligently learn identification information for various physical objects based on the specific characteristics of objects radiating RF radiation.

[0014] The present disclosure is completed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to obtain a wireless power transmission condition learning device that learns the transmission beam pattern formed to transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device, a wireless power transmission condition determination device using the wireless power transmission condition learning device, a wireless power transmitting device, and a wireless power receiving device.

[0015] Technical solutions used to solve technical problems

[0016] The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to the present disclosure learns a power transmission beam pattern formed to transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device. The device includes: a device information input unit to which any two or more input information of distance information (i.e., information about the distance between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); environmental information (i.e., information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); and condition information (i.e., at least one of device performance conditions and device setting conditions of the power transmitting device and the power receiving device) are input; a beam pattern information input unit to which beam pattern information (i.e., information about the power transmission beam pattern formed by the power transmitting device and its power transmission efficiency) is input for each combination of any two or more conditions among the input information input to the device information input unit; and a learning unit to learn, from the beam pattern information, a power transmission beam pattern whose power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range for each of the conditions in the combination.

[0017] The wireless power transmission condition determination device of the present disclosure uses the learning results of a wireless power transmission condition learning device, which learns a power transmission beam pattern formed to transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device, and includes: a device information input unit, into which any two or more of the input information of distance information (information about the distance between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device), environmental information (information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device), and condition information (information about at least one of the performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device and the power receiving device) are input; and a beam pattern information input unit, for any two or more of the input information input into the device information input unit, For each condition of a combination of two or more, the information of the transmission beam pattern and its transmission efficiency formed by the transmission device, i.e., beam pattern information, is input into the beam pattern information input unit; and a learning unit, for each condition of the combination, the learning unit learns the transmission beam pattern whose transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the beam pattern information. The wireless transmission condition determination device is characterized in that it includes: an input information input unit, which inputs the new input information; and a wireless transmission condition determination unit, which determines the transmission beam pattern whose transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the new input information input into the input information input unit based on the learning result learned by the learning unit.

[0018] The wireless power transmission device of the present disclosure transmits power using a power transmission beam pattern determined by a wireless power transmission condition determination device. The wireless power transmission condition determination device uses learning results from a wireless power transmission condition learning device that learns the power transmission beam pattern formed to transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device. The device information input unit includes: a device information input unit into which any two or more of input information are input: distance information (information about the distance between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); environmental information (information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); and condition information (information about at least one of performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); and a beam pattern information input unit for each of any two or more combinations of the input information input to the device information input unit. and information on its transmission efficiency, namely, beam pattern information, is input into the beam pattern information input unit; and a learning unit, which, for each condition of the combination, learns the transmission beam pattern whose transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the beam pattern information, and the wireless transmission condition determination device includes: an input information input unit, which inputs the new input information; and a wireless transmission condition determination unit, which determines the transmission beam pattern whose transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the new input information input into the input information input unit based on the learning result learned by the learning unit, and the wireless transmission condition determination unit is characterized in that it includes: a beam control unit, which generates information on the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic wave used to form the transmission beam pattern for transmission; and a transmission unit, which forms the transmission beam pattern according to the information on the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic wave generated by the beam control unit.

[0019] A wireless power receiving device according to the present disclosure transmits power using a power transmission beam pattern formed by a wireless power transmitting device. The wireless power transmitting device transmits power using the power transmission beam pattern determined by wireless power transmission condition determination means. The wireless power transmission condition determination means uses learning results from a wireless power transmission condition learning means that learns the power transmission beam pattern formed to transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device. The wireless power receiving device includes: a device information input unit to which any two or more of input information are input: distance information (information about the distance between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); environmental information (information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); and condition information (information about at least one of performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device and the power receiving device); and a beam pattern information input unit to which, for each combination of any two or more of the input information input to the device information input unit, beam pattern information (information about the power transmission beam pattern formed by the power transmitting device and its power transmission efficiency). is input to the beam pattern information input unit; and a learning unit, for each condition of the combination, the learning unit learns the transmission beam pattern in which the transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the beam pattern information, and the wireless power transmission condition determination device includes: an input information input unit to which the new input information is input; and a wireless power transmission condition determination unit, which determines the transmission efficiency from the new input information input to the input information input unit based on the learning result learned by the learning unit. The transmission beam pattern falls within a predetermined range, and the wireless power transmitting device includes: a beam control unit that generates information on the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves used to form the transmission beam pattern for power transmission; and a power transmitting unit that forms the transmission beam pattern based on the information on the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves generated by the beam control unit. The wireless power receiving device is characterized in that it includes: a power receiving unit that receives power using the transmission beam pattern; and a rectifier unit that rectifies the power received by the power receiving unit.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present disclosure, a wireless power transmission condition learning device capable of learning a power transmission beam pattern whose power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range, a wireless power transmission condition determination device using the wireless power transmission condition learning device, a wireless power transmitting device, and a wireless power receiving device are provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram of a wireless power transmitting device and a wireless power receiving device (wireless power transmitting system) according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the wireless power transmitting device and the wireless power receiving device (wireless power transmitting system) according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the wireless power transmission condition learning device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless power transmission condition learning device according to the first embodiment (wireless power transmission condition learning method).

[0026] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram of the wireless power transmission condition learning device and the wireless power transmission condition determination device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless power transmission condition determination device according to the first embodiment (wireless power transmission condition determination method).

[0028] Figure 7 This is a functional block diagram of the wireless power transmission condition learning device, the wireless power transmission condition determination device, the wireless power transmitting device, and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a functional block diagram of the wireless power transmission condition learning device, the wireless power transmission condition determination device, the wireless power transmitting device, and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Implementation method 1.

[0031] Below, use Figures 1 to 8 The wireless power transmission condition learning device, the wireless power transmission condition determination device using the wireless power transmission condition learning device, the wireless power transmission device, and the wireless power receiving system according to Embodiment 1 are described. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and their detailed description is omitted. Figure 1 (A) is a functional block diagram of a wireless power transmitter 10 (power transmitter 10) and a wireless power receiver 11 (power receiver 11) constituting a wireless power transmission system using a power transmission beam pattern 1. The wireless power transmission system transmits power from the wireless power transmitter 10 to the wireless power receiver 11 using electromagnetic waves.

[0032] Figure 1In (A), the wireless power transmitter 10 receives information about the transmission beam pattern 1 from the outside. The beam control unit (transmission control unit) 12 of the wireless power transmitter 10 controls the active phased array antenna 13 (transmission antenna 13), or the transmission unit 13, of the wireless power transmitter 10 to form the transmission beam pattern 1. The beam control unit 12 (transmission control unit 12) transmits phase and amplitude control data based on the transmission beam pattern information to the transmission unit 13 for control. The wireless power receiver 11 includes a power receiver 15 (power receiving antenna 15) that receives power transmitted from the power transmitter 13 via electromagnetic waves. The rectifier of the wireless power receiver 11 rectifies the electromagnetic waves received by the power receiver 15 to convert them into direct current. Figure 1 (B) and Figure 2 (E) The wireless power transmitting device 10 and the wireless power receiving device 11 other than Figure 1 The explanation is based on the structure of (A), but it can also be Figure 1 (B) structure and Figure 2 (E) structure.

[0033] Figure 1 (B) is a functional block diagram of the wireless power transmitting device 10 and the wireless power receiving device 11 constituting the wireless power transmission system using the power transmission beam pattern 1 . Figure 1 (B) Figure 1 The difference between (A) and (B) is that the wireless power transmitter 10 has a power supply 14, and the wireless power receiver 11 has a battery 17. Power supply 14 is a power supply circuit for forming the transmission beam pattern 1 and supplying power to the power receiver 15. Power supply 14 is connected to the power transmitter 13 via the beam control unit 12. Power supply 14 can be located external to the wireless power transmitter 10. Battery 17 stores the power rectified by the rectifier 16. Battery 17 can also be located external to the wireless power receiver 11.

[0034] The wireless power receiving device 11, including the battery 17, can be mounted on a mobile object, and the battery 17 can be used as the power or electricity for the mobile object. Mobile objects include vehicles, ships, airplanes, balloons, and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) including drones for stratospheric communication platforms. These mobile objects can also be equipped with the wireless power transmitting device 10 instead of the wireless power receiving device 11. In addition, in addition to mobile objects, external devices that use the battery 17 can also be sensors, lighting fixtures, etc. The external device is preferably a device that is difficult to wire and difficult to replace the battery 17. Even external devices other than aircraft can be equipped with the wireless power receiving device 11, and the wireless power receiving device 11 can be connected to the external device using wiring.

[0035] Figure 21 is a configuration diagram of a wireless power transmitting device 10 (power transmitting equipment 10 ) and a wireless power receiving device 11 (power receiving equipment 11 ) constituting a wireless power transmission system using a power transmission beam pattern 1 . Figure 2 (A) shows Figure 1 (A) and Figure 1 (B) The case where there is one power receiving device 11 and one power transmitting device 10 . Figure 2 (B) shows a case where there is one power receiving device 11 and two power transmitting devices 10. There may be three or more power transmitting devices 10. In other words, there may be two or more power transmitting devices 10. Figure 2 (C) shows a case where there are two power receiving devices 11 and one power transmitting device 10. There may be three or more power receiving devices 11. In other words, there may be two or more power receiving devices 11. Figure 2 (D) and Figure 2 (E) shows a case where there are two or more power receiving devices 11 and two or more power transmitting devices 10 . Figure 2 (E) shows a case where the power source 14 is located outside the power transmission device 10 , and a plurality of power transmission devices 10 share one power source 14 . Figure 2 In the case where there are a plurality of power transmitting devices 10 , the power transmission beam pattern 1 may be a power transmission beam pattern 1 synthesized by a plurality of power transmitting units 13 .

[0036] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the wireless power transmission system according to the first embodiment shown, the wireless power transmission device 10 (power transmission equipment 10) receives information about the power transmission beam pattern 1 from the outside, but it is the wireless power transmission condition learning device according to the first embodiment (wireless power transmission condition learning device 2) that learns and provides this power transmission beam pattern 1. The wireless power transmission condition learning device 2 includes a device information input unit 3, a beam pattern information input unit 4, and a learning unit 5.

[0037] The wireless power transmission condition learning device (wireless power transmission condition determination device 7) involved in embodiment 1 uses the learning results (learning model) learned by the wireless power transmission condition learning device 2 and determines the power transmission beam pattern 1 based on new input information (or via the input information acquisition unit 6). The wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 has an input information input unit 8 and a wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9. The wireless power transmission device 10 can include the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7. In addition, the wireless power transmission device 10 can also include the wireless power transmission condition learning device 2 and the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7. In these cases, Figure 1 In contrast, the wireless power transmission device 10 internally receives information on the power transmission beam pattern 1 from the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 (wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9 ).

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 5This is an explanatory diagram regarding a wireless power transmission condition learning device (wireless power transmission condition learning method). Figure 4 This is a flowchart explaining the operation of the wireless power transmission condition learning device (wireless power transmission condition learning method). Figure 5 This is an explanatory diagram regarding a wireless power transmission condition determination device (wireless power transmission condition determination method). Figure 5 (A) is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission condition learning device and a wireless power transmission condition determination device that obtains new input information from the outside. Figure 5 (B) is a block diagram of the wireless power transmission condition learning device and the wireless power transmission condition determination device including the input information acquisition unit 6 for acquiring new input information from the outside.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart explaining the operation of the wireless power transmission condition determination device (wireless power transmission condition determination method). Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a wireless power transmission condition learning device, a wireless power transmission condition determination device that obtains new input information from the outside, a wireless power transmission device, and a wireless power receiving device. Figure 8 The block diagram is a wireless power transmission condition learning device, a wireless power transmission condition determination device having an input information acquisition unit 6 for acquiring new input information from the outside, a wireless power transmitter, and a wireless power receiver. In the figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the embodiment 1, the wireless power transmission condition learning device (wireless power transmission condition learning device 2) includes a device information input unit 3, a beam pattern information input unit 4, and a learning unit 5, as described above. The wireless power transmission condition learning device 2 learns a power transmission beam pattern 1 for transmitting electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device 10 to a power receiving device 11. The device information input unit 3 receives input of any two or more of the following: distance information (i.e., information about the distance between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); environmental information (i.e., information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); and condition information (i.e., at least one of performance conditions and device setting conditions for the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11).

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 5In the embodiment, for each condition of any two or more combinations of input information input to the device information input unit 3, the transmission beam pattern 1 formed by the power transmission device 10 and its transmission efficiency, i.e., beam pattern information, is input to the beam pattern information input unit 4. For each condition of any two or more combinations of input information input to the device information input unit 3, the learning unit 5 learns, from the beam pattern information, a transmission beam pattern 1 whose transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range. In the early stages of learning by the learning unit 5, it is possible that the transmission efficiency does not reach the predetermined range. In this case, it is sufficient to learn the transmission beam pattern 1 that achieves the maximum transmission efficiency at the time of learning. That is, the transmission beam pattern 1 whose transmission efficiency falls within the predetermined range in the power transmission device 10 (learning unit 5) according to the first embodiment includes such a case.

[0042] The device information input unit 3 and the beam pattern information input unit 4 can be Figure 1 and Figure 2 The power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11 are any combination shown. In addition, considering that at least one of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11 is mounted on a mobile object, the distance information between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11, i.e., the distance information, can be information on the positional relationship. In other words, there can be more than one power transmitting device 10 and more than one power receiving device 11. For example, Figure 2 In case (B), information regarding the positional relationship between the power receiving device 11 and the two or more power transmitting devices 10 is input as distance information into the device information input unit 3, and information including information regarding the power transmission beam pattern 1 synthesized by the two or more power transmitting devices 10 is input as beam pattern information into the beam pattern information input unit 4. In other words, information regarding the individual power transmission beam patterns 1 of each power transmitting device 10 is also input into the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0043] Then, in Figure 2 In case (C), information about the positional relationship between the two or more power receiving devices 11 and the power transmitting device 10 is input as distance information into the device information input unit 3, and information including information about the transmission beam pattern 1 formed for each of the two or more power receiving devices 11 is input as beam pattern information into the beam pattern information input unit 4. In other words, information about the transmission beam pattern 1 for transmitting power to at least one of the two or more power receiving devices 11 using a single transmission beam pattern 1 is also input into the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0044] In addition, Figure 2 (D) or Figure 2In case (E), information on the positional relationship between the two or more power receiving devices 11 and the two or more power transmitting devices 10 is input as distance information into the device information input unit 3, and information including at least one of information on the power transmission beam pattern 1 synthesized by the two or more power transmitting devices 10 and information on the power transmission beam pattern 1 formed for each of the two or more power receiving devices 11 is input as beam pattern information into the beam pattern information input unit 4. In other words, information on the individual power transmission beam patterns 1 for each power transmitting device 10 is also input into the beam pattern information input unit 4. Furthermore, information on the power transmission beam pattern 1 for transmitting power to at least one of the two or more power receiving devices 11 using a single power transmission beam pattern 1 is also input into the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0045] Furthermore, considering that at least one of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11 is mounted on a mobile object, the distance information between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11, i.e., distance information, may also be information on a positional relationship that changes over time. Specifically, the positional relationship information input into the device information input unit 3 changes over time, and for each piece of positional relationship information that changes over time, information including the transmission beam pattern 1 is input as beam pattern information into the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0046] Preferably, information regarding the priority of power transmission to each power receiving device 11 is input into the device information input unit 3 as a device performance condition, and information including information regarding the power transmission beam pattern 1 formed based on the priority of power transmission to each power receiving device 11 is input into the beam pattern information input unit 4. In this case, the information regarding the priority input into the device information input unit 3 may be the remaining battery level of the power receiving device 11 or the remaining battery level of the device 17 connected to the power receiving device 11.

[0047] Preferably, information regarding the amount of power that can be transmitted by the power transmission device 10 can be input into the device information input unit 3 as a device performance condition. In this case, the information regarding the amount of power that can be transmitted by the power transmission device 10 input into the device information input unit 3 can be the capacity (remaining capacity) of the power source 14 of the power transmission device 10 or the capacity (remaining capacity) of the power source 14 of the device to which the power transmission device 10 is connected.

[0048] In addition to these device performance conditions, as described above, information on the positional relationship between the power receiving device 11 and the power transmitting device 10 may also be input as distance information into the device information input unit 3. Similarly, considering the moving object, the positional relationship information input into the device information input unit 3 changes over time. For each piece of positional relationship information that changes over time, information including the transmission beam pattern 1 may be input as beam pattern information into the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0049] Preferably, the output information of the power transmission device 10 may be input as a setting condition of the device information to the device information input unit 3. In this case, for example, information including the power transmission beam pattern 1 when the output information of the power transmission device 10 is maximum may be input to the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0050] In any of the above cases, the temporal change in the positional relationship information input into the device information input unit 3 may include changes caused by at least one of deformation of the array antenna (power transmitting unit 13) of the power transmitting device 10 and tilt or deformation of the antenna (power receiving unit 15) of the power receiving device 11. In other words, the temporal change in the positional relationship information input into the device information input unit 3 may include changes in the relative distance between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11.

[0051] The positional relationship information input to the device information input unit 3 can be acquired using any of a laser tracker, a satellite positioning system, camera images, or LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging). Furthermore, the positional relationship information input to the device information input unit 3 can be acquired using at least one of the amplitude monopulse method and the element electric field vector rotation method used to form the transmission beam pattern 1 using the array antenna (transmitting unit 13) included in the power transmitting device 10.

[0052] For example, in the electric field vector rotation method, power transmitting device 10 receives a pilot signal transmitted from a pilot signal transmitting antenna located near power receiving unit 15 of power receiving device 11. The beam control unit 12 then performs phase control based on a command signal to determine the positional relationship between power transmitting device 10 and power receiving device 11. Power transmitting device 10 receives the pilot signal using the pilot signal receiving antenna, controls the phase of its phase shifter to align the radiated electromagnetic wave (transmission beam pattern 1) with the direction of the pilot signal received by the follower receiver, and uses a demodulator to reconstruct the command signal superimposed on the pilot signal. This method is described in detail in Patent Document 2 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-201526.

[0053] Not only the positional relationship input into the device information input unit 3, but also information on at least one of the amplitude single pulse and element electric field vector rotation method used to form the transmission beam pattern 1 by the array antenna (transmission unit 13) possessed by the transmission device 10 can be input into the device information input unit 3 as a setting condition of the device.

[0054] Similarly, not only the positional relationship information input into the device information input unit 3 but also information regarding the deformation of the array antenna (transmitting unit 13) included in the power transmitting device 10 may be input into the device information input unit 3 as a device performance condition. In this case, for example, if the information regarding the deformation of the array antenna (transmitting unit 13) included in the power transmitting device 10 input into the device information input unit 3 changes over time, information including information regarding the transmission beam pattern 1 may be input into the beam pattern information input unit 4 as beam pattern information for each piece of information regarding the deformation of the array antenna (transmitting unit 13) included in the power transmitting device 10 that changes over time.

[0055] Similarly, not only the positional relationship input into the device information input unit 3 but also information on the tilt or deformation of the antenna (power receiving unit 15) of the power receiving device 11 may be input into the device information input unit 3 as a device performance condition. In this case, for example, if the information on the tilt or deformation of the antenna (power receiving unit 15) of the power receiving device 11 input into the device information input unit 3 changes over time, information including the information on the transmission beam pattern 1 may be input into the beam pattern information input unit 4 as beam pattern information for each piece of information on the tilt or deformation of the antenna (power receiving unit 15) of the power receiving device 11 that changes over time.

[0056] Preferably, as environmental information, any one of the following information may be input into the device information input unit 3: information on the temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, sunlight exposure, weather information, air pressure, radio wave environment, and obstacles present in the transmission space between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11. Furthermore, as beam pattern information, information on the direction of the formed transmission beam pattern 1 may be input into the beam pattern information input unit 4.

[0057] Next, use Figure 4 The operation of the wireless power transmission condition learning device according to the first embodiment (the wireless power transmission condition learning method according to the first embodiment) will be described. Figure 4In the present invention, step 1 is a processing step in which any two or more of the following input information are input into the device information input unit 3: distance information (information about the distance between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); environmental information (information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); and condition information (information about at least one of the performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11). Step 2 is a processing step in which, for each condition of any two or more combinations of the input information input into the device information input unit 3, beam pattern information (information about the transmission beam pattern 1 formed by the power transmitting device 10 and its transmission efficiency) is input into the beam pattern information input unit 4. The order of processing in steps 1 and 2 is not important and can be performed simultaneously.

[0058] Figure 4 In the embodiment, step 3 is a processing step in which, based on the input information input to the device information input unit 3 and the beam pattern information input to the beam pattern information input unit 4, for each condition of any two or more combinations of the input information input to the device information input unit 3, the learning unit 5 learns from the beam pattern information a transmission beam pattern 1 whose power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range. As described above, machine learning such as AI can be applied to the learning unit 5 (wireless power transmission condition learning device 2). The learning unit 5 (wireless power transmission condition learning device 2) constructs and accumulates a learning model. The remaining operations, input information, and beam pattern information of the learning unit 5 are the same as those described for the wireless power transmission condition learning device (wireless power transmission condition learning device 2) involved in Embodiment 1.

[0059] Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 In (B), the wireless power transmission condition determination device (wireless power transmission condition determination device 7) according to the first embodiment uses Figure 3 and Figure 5 The learning result (learning model) of the wireless power transmission condition learning device 2 is shown. As described above, the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 includes an input information input unit 8 and a wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9. The input information input unit 8 receives new input information. The new input information is any two or more of the following: distance information (information about the distance between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11 for the new wireless power transmission system to be established); environmental information (information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); and condition information (information about at least one of the performance conditions and setting conditions of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11).

[0060] Based on the learning results (learning model) obtained by the learning unit 5 and the new input information input to the input information input unit 8, the wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9 determines a power transmission beam pattern 1 whose power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range. This information is output as information about the power transmission beam pattern 1. As described above, at a relatively early stage of learning by the learning unit 5, the power transmission efficiency may not yet be within the predetermined range. In this case, the power transmission beam pattern 1 with the maximum power transmission efficiency at the time of learning is learned. Therefore, the wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9 determines the power transmission beam pattern 1 information based on this fact. In other words, the power transmission beam pattern 1 determined by the power transmission device 10 (wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9) according to the first embodiment, which has a power transmission efficiency within the predetermined range, includes such a situation.

[0061] The wireless power transmission condition determination device (wireless power transmission condition determination device 7) according to the first embodiment further includes Figure 5 (B) shows an input information acquisition unit 6 for acquiring new input information. Figure 5 (A) is a wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 without the input information acquisition unit 6. Figure 8 Indicates that there is an input information acquisition unit 6, Figure 7 There is no such case. The new input information is environmental information. If it is any one of the information of temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, sunshine, meteorological information, air pressure, radio wave environment, and obstacles in the transmission space between the power transmission device 10 and the power receiving device 11, then the input information acquisition unit 6 can be a sensor type 6 that can acquire them from the transmission space. These sensor types 6 are, for example, environmental sensors 6, positioning sensors 6, and cameras 6. Of course, the sensor type 6 can also be a laser tracker 6, a satellite positioning system 6, or a LiDAR 6. In the case where the new input information (distance information, condition information) is the deformation of the array antenna (power transmission unit 13) of the power transmission device 10 and the tilt or deformation of the antenna (power receiving unit 15) of the power receiving device 11, a sensor type that can observe the power transmission device 10 or the power receiving device 11 can also be used.

[0062] When sensor type 6 is an environmental sensor 6, any sensor capable of acquiring at least one of the following input information: temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, sunlight, weather information, air pressure, radio wave environment, or obstacles in the power transmission space can be used. If the input information is temperature or humidity, a thermometer or hygrometer is suitable as the environmental sensor 6. If the input information is wind speed or direction, a radar device utilizing light waves or a sonar device utilizing sound waves is suitable as the environmental sensor 6. If the input information is sunlight, a sunshine meter (pyranometer) is suitable as the environmental sensor 6. If the input information is weather information, a weather radar utilizing radio waves is suitable as the environmental sensor 6. When acquiring wind speed, wind direction, sunlight, temperature, humidity, or weather information based on forecasts, information from the environmental sensor 6 is acquired via a network. If, in order to obtain the input information, the environmental sensor 6 needs to be located within the power transmission space or incorporated into the power transmission equipment 10 or the power receiving equipment 11 itself, this is also acceptable. Furthermore, the environmental sensor 6 can include different functions and may be multiple.

[0063] Furthermore, when the new input information (distance information, condition information) is at least one of the amplitude monopulse method and the element electric field vector rotation method for forming the transmission beam pattern 1 by the array antenna (transmission unit 13) of the power transmission device 10, the beam control unit 12 corresponds to the input information acquisition unit 6. This case is explained by using Figure 8 This will be done by describing the wireless power transmitting device and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment.

[0064] use Figure 6 The operation of the wireless power transmission condition determination device according to the first embodiment (the wireless power transmission condition determination method according to the first embodiment) will be described. Figure 6 In the embodiment, step 11 is a step in which new input information is input to input information input unit 8. Step S12 is a processing step in which wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9 uses the learning results (learning model) of learning unit 5. Step 13 is a processing step in which wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9 determines a power transmission beam pattern 1 whose power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range based on the learning results learned by learning unit 5 and the new input information input to input information input unit 8. The details of the other new input information and the operations of input information input unit 8 or wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9 are the same as those described in the wireless power transmission condition learning device (wireless power transmission condition learning device 2) according to Embodiment 1. The same applies even when input information acquisition unit 6 (sensors 6, beam control unit 12) is added.

[0065] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operation of the wireless power transmitting device and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment is performed using Figure 3and Figure 5 The wireless power transmitting device 10 and the wireless power receiving device 11 are shown with reference to the learning results (learning model) of the wireless power transmission condition learning device 2 and the power transmission beam pattern determined by the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 . Figure 7 The wireless power transmission device 10 and the wireless power receiving device 11 utilize the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 that does not have an independent input information acquisition unit 6 in the wireless power transmission system. Figure 8 The wireless power transmission system utilizes a wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 having an independent input information acquisition unit 6 and a wireless power receiving device 11 . Figure 8 The input information acquisition unit 6 is exemplified as consisting of the beam control unit 12 and the sensors 6 formed around the wireless power transmission device 10. Figure 7 The new input information of the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 shown above can be obtained from the input information acquisition unit 6 provided outside the wireless power transmission system of the wireless power transmission condition determination device 7 .

[0066] The wireless power transmission device according to Embodiment 1 may be a wireless power transmission device 10 equipped with a wireless power transmission condition determination device 7. In this case, the device includes a beam control unit 12 that generates information on the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves used to form a transmission beam pattern 1 determined by the wireless power transmission condition determination unit 9; and a power transmission unit 13 that forms the transmission beam pattern 1 based on the information on the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves generated by the beam control unit 12.

[0067] The wireless power transmission device according to Embodiment 1 may be a wireless power transmission device 10 that transmits power using a power transmission beam pattern 1 determined by a wireless power transmission condition determination device 7. In this case, the device includes a beam control unit 12 that generates information regarding the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves used to form the power transmission beam pattern 1, and a power transmission unit 13 that forms the power transmission beam pattern 1 based on the information regarding the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic waves generated by the beam control unit 12.

[0068] The wireless power receiving device according to Embodiment 1 receives the electromagnetic waves transmitted from these wireless power transmitting devices 10. Specifically, it is the wireless power receiving device 11 that transmits power using the power transmission beam pattern 1 formed by the wireless power transmitting device 10. The wireless power receiving device 11 includes a power receiving unit 15 that receives power using the power transmission beam pattern 1, and a rectifier 16 that rectifies the power received by the power receiving unit 15.

[0069] In the wireless power transmitting device and wireless power receiving device according to Embodiment 1, if new input information changes over time, the new input information can be sequentially input into the wireless power transmission condition determining device 7 (input information input unit 8) according to Embodiment 1 each time the new input information changes. If it is pre-determined that the new input information changes over time, it can be input into the input information input unit 8 in accordance with the time information.

[0070] Therefore, it is preferred that the assumed input information, which changes over time, be input into the wireless power transmission condition learning device (device information input unit 3) according to Embodiment 1, be matched with the time information. However, as learning proceeds in the learning unit 5, i.e., by inputting multiple input information, it is obvious that the wireless power transmitting device 10 and the wireless power receiving device 11 can cope with new input information that changes over time, even without matching the input information with the time information. Of course, the learning unit 5 can also perform learning using both input information with and without time information.

[0071] As described above, in the wireless power transmitting device and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment, if any two or more of the following input information are present: distance information (information about the distance between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); environmental information (information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 1); and condition information (information about at least one of the performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11); a power transmission beam pattern 1 having a power transmission efficiency falling within a predetermined range can be obtained.

[0072] Furthermore, in the wireless power transmitting device and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment, even when it is difficult to obtain a power transmission beam pattern 1 suitable for the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11 through experiments, or when the positional relationship between the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 11 changes significantly, by increasing the learning degree of the learning unit 5, it is possible to easily obtain a suitable power transmission beam pattern 1. Furthermore, in the wireless power transmitting device and the wireless power receiving device according to the first embodiment, even when Figure 2 Even in the complex situation shown, it is easy to form an appropriate transmission beam pattern 1 by temporally switching the combined transmission beam pattern 1 obtained by the plurality of transmission units 13 as needed.

[0073] Description of labels

[0074] 1 Transmission beam pattern

[0075] 2 Wireless power transmission condition learning device

[0076] 3. Device information input section

[0077] 4 Beam pattern information input unit

[0078] 5. Learning Department

[0079] 6 Input information acquisition unit (sensor type)

[0080] 7 Wireless power transmission condition determination device

[0081] 8 Input information input section

[0082] 9 Wireless Power Transmission Conditions Determination Unit

[0083] 10 Wireless power transmission device (power transmission equipment)

[0084] 11 Wireless power receiving device (power receiving equipment)

[0085] 12Beam control unit (power transmission control unit)

[0086] 13 Power transmission unit (active phased array antenna, power transmission antenna)

[0087] 14 Power Supply

[0088] 15 Power receiving unit (power receiving antenna)

[0089] 16 Rectification unit

[0090] 17 Batteries.

Claims

1. A wireless power transmission condition learning device, The wireless power transmission condition learning device is characterized by learning a power transmission beam pattern formed to transmit electromagnetic waves from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device, comprising: a device information input unit to which any two or more of distance information (i.e., information about the distance between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device), environmental information (i.e., information about the environment of the power transmission space between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device), and condition information (i.e., at least one of performance conditions and setting conditions of the devices of the power transmitting device and the power receiving device) are input; a beam pattern information input unit to which, for each condition of any two or more combinations of the input information input to the device information input unit, information on the power transmission beam pattern formed by the power transmission device and its power transmission efficiency, i.e., beam pattern information, is input; as well as A learning unit learns the power transmission beam pattern in which the power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the beam pattern information for each of the combined conditions.

2. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 1, wherein: As the distance information, information on the positional relationship between the power receiving device and two or more power transmitting devices is input to the device information input unit. As the beam pattern information, information including information on the power transmission beam pattern synthesized by the two or more power transmitting devices is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

3. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 1, wherein: As the distance information, information on the positional relationship between two or more of the power receiving devices and the power transmitting device is input to the device information input unit. As the beam pattern information, information including information on the power transmission beam pattern formed in each of the two or more power receiving devices is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

4. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 1, wherein: As the distance information, information on the positional relationship between the two or more power receiving devices and the two or more power transmitting devices is input to the device information input unit. As the beam pattern information, information including at least one of information on the power transmission beam pattern synthesized by the two or more power transmitting devices and information on the power transmission beam pattern formed in each of the two or more power receiving devices is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

5. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: As the performance conditions of the devices, information on the priority of power transmission for each of the power receiving devices is input into the device information input unit. Information including the transmission beam pattern formed according to the priority order is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

6. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: As the performance conditions of the devices, information on the priority of power transmission for each of the power receiving devices is input into the device information input unit. The input priority order information is a remaining battery level of the power receiving apparatus or a remaining battery level of a device connected to the power receiving apparatus.

7. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: As a performance condition of the device, information on the amount of electric power that the power transmission device can transmit is input into the device information input unit.

8. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 7, wherein: The information on the amount of electric power inputted into the device information input unit is a power capacity of the power transmission device or a power capacity of a device connected to the power transmission device.

9. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 8, wherein: As the distance information, information on the positional relationship between the power receiving device and the power transmitting device is input to the device information input unit.

10. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 9, wherein: In the device information input unit, the positional relationship information input changes over time. As the beam pattern information, information including information on the power transmission beam pattern for each piece of information on the positional relationship that changes with the passage of time is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

11. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 10, wherein: In the device information input unit, the temporal change in the positional relationship information input includes a change caused by deformation of the array antenna of the power transmitting device and at least one of tilt and deformation of the antenna of the power receiving device.

12. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: In the device information input unit, the fact that the positional relationship information inputted changes over time includes a change in the relative distance between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device.

13. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein: In the device information input unit, the positional relationship information input is at least one of the following information: information obtained by any one of a laser tracker, a satellite positioning system, a camera image, and LiDRA; and information obtained by at least one of an amplitude single pulse and an element electric field vector rotation method for forming the transmission beam pattern by the array antenna possessed by the transmission device.

14. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: As a setting condition of the device, output information of the power transmission device is input to the device information input unit.

15. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 14, wherein: Information including information on the power transmission beam pattern when the output information is maximized is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

16. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: As a setting condition of the device, information on at least one of an amplitude monopulse and an element electric field vector rotation method for forming the power transmission beam pattern by the array antenna included in the power transmission device is input to the device information input unit.

17. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: As the performance condition of the device, information on deformation of the array antenna included in the power transmitting device is input to the device information input unit.

18. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 17, wherein: The device information input unit may input deformation information of the array antenna of the power transmission device, which changes over time. As the beam pattern information, information including information on the power transmission beam pattern for each deformation of the array antenna included in the power transmitting device that varies with the passage of time is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

19. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein: As the performance condition of the device, information on the tilt or deformation of the antenna included in the power receiving device is input to the device information input unit.

20. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to claim 19, wherein: The device information input unit may input information on the tilt or deformation of the antenna of the power receiving device, which information may vary with time. As the beam pattern information, information including information on the power transmission beam pattern for each of information on the inclination or deformation of the antenna of the power receiving device that changes with the passage of time is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

21. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein: As the environmental information, any one of the temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, sunlight, weather information, air pressure, radio wave environment, and obstacles existing in the power transmission space is input into the device information input unit.

22. The wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein: As the beam pattern information, information on the direction of the formed power transmission beam pattern is input to the beam pattern information input unit.

23. A device for determining wireless power transmission conditions, The wireless power transmission condition determination device, using the learning result of the wireless power transmission condition learning device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, is characterized by comprising: an input information input unit, into which new input information is input; and a wireless power transmission condition determination unit that determines the power transmission beam pattern such that the power transmission efficiency falls within a predetermined range from the new input information input to the input information input unit based on the learning result learned by the learning unit.

24. A wireless power transmission device, The wireless power transmission condition determination device according to claim 23 is characterized in that it includes: a beam control unit that generates information on the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic waves for forming the power transmission beam pattern determined by the wireless power transmission condition determination unit; and a power transmission unit that forms the power transmission beam pattern based on information on the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic wave generated by the beam control unit.

25. A wireless power transmission device, Power is transmitted using the power transmission beam pattern determined by the wireless power transmission condition determination device according to claim 23, wherein the wireless power transmission device is characterized by comprising: a beam control unit that generates information on the phase and amplitude of an electromagnetic wave for forming the power transmission beam pattern for power transmission; and a power transmission unit that forms the power transmission beam pattern based on information on the phase and amplitude of the electromagnetic wave generated by the beam control unit.

26. A wireless power receiving device, Power is transmitted using the power transmission beam pattern formed by the wireless power transmission device according to claim 24 or claim 25, wherein the wireless power receiving device is characterized by comprising: a power receiving unit that receives power using the power transmission beam pattern; and a rectifier that rectifies the power received by the power receiving unit.

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