Power transmission device, control method of power transmission device, and storage medium

Abstract

The power transmitting device (100) performs a foreign object detection process based on data obtained by transmitting power to a plurality of power receiving devices (204, 205) using a plurality of power transmitting units.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to wireless power transmission technology. BACKGROUND

[0002] Development of technology related to wireless power transmission systems has been widely conducted. A power transmitting device and a power receiving device that conform to standards (WPC standards) developed by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) (a group for promoting wireless charging standards) are described in Patent Literature 1. Further, a method for foreign object detection related to the Qi standard is described in Patent Literature 2. Here, a foreign object is an object having electrical conductivity such as a metal sheet or the like. In the WPC standards, first, the amount of power loss in a state in which there is no foreign object between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device is calculated in advance from the difference between the power transmitted at the power transmitting device and the power received at the power receiving device, and the calculated value is adopted as the amount of power loss in a normal state (a state in which there is no foreign object) during power transmission processing. Then, in a case in which the amount of power loss between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device calculated during power transmission thereafter differs from the amount of power loss in the normal state (i.e., a reference) by a value equal to or greater than a threshold value, it is determined that "there is a foreign object".

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-56959

[0006] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-70074 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] With a power transmitting device capable of simultaneously transmitting power to a plurality of power receiving devices, in a case in which a first power receiving device and a second power receiving device are placed on the power transmitting device, there is a possibility that the amount of power loss between the power transmitting device and the first power receiving device can be affected by the second power receiving device. In a similar manner, there is a possibility that the amount of power loss between the power transmitting device and the second power receiving device can be affected by the first power receiving device. Therefore, in a case in which there is a change in the state of the power receiving devices placed on the power transmitting device (the number of power receiving devices, etc.), there is also a change in the amount of power loss between the power transmitting device and the power receiving devices in the normal state calculated in advance. This can also reduce the accuracy of foreign object detection.

[0009] Furthermore, when power-transmitting equipment and multiple power-receiving equipment have communication capabilities using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), connections may be established with devices that are not the power-transmitting and power-receiving objects of the power-transmitting and power-receiving equipment, or in other words, cross-connection problems may occur.

[0010] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a technique for appropriately transmitting power from a power transmitting device to a plurality of power receiving devices.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] To solve the above problems, the power transmission device according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a power transmission device includes:

[0013] The first power-transmitting component is used to wirelessly transmit power to the first power-receiving device;

[0014] The second power supply component is used to wirelessly transmit power to the second power receiving device;

[0015] A first obtaining component is used to obtain first data, the first data representing the relationship between the power supplied by the first power supply component and the power received by the first power receiving device when power is sent to the first power receiving device using the first power supply component.

[0016] The second obtaining component is used to obtain second data, which represents the relationship between the power supplied by the second power supply component and the power received by the second power receiving device when power is sent to the second power receiving device using the second power supply component.

[0017] A third obtaining component is configured to obtain third data, the third data representing the relationship between the power transmitted by the first and second power transmitting components and the power received by the first and second power receiving devices when power is simultaneously transmitted to the first and second power receiving devices using the first and second power transmitting components; and

[0018] A detection component is used to detect an object that is not the first powered device or the second powered device using the first data, the second data, and the third data.

[0019] The effects of the invention

[0020] According to the present invention, power can be appropriately transmitted from a power transmitting device to a plurality of power receiving devices.

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Note that throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example structure of a power transmission device according to a first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example structure of a wireless power transmission system according to a first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3A This is a diagram used to illustrate foreign object detection methods.

[0026] Figure 3B This is a diagram used to illustrate foreign object detection methods.

[0027] Figure 3C This is a diagram used to illustrate foreign object detection methods.

[0028] Figure 3D This is a diagram used to illustrate foreign object detection methods.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the conditions used to obtain calibration data.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a diagram of the processing flow of the power transmission equipment according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a foreign object detection method based on power loss.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a block diagram illustrating an example structure of a power transmission device according to a second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example structure of a powered device according to a second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9A This is a diagram illustrating an example structure of a wireless power transmission system according to a second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9B This is a diagram illustrating an example structure of a wireless power transmission system according to a second embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10A This is an operation sequence diagram of the wireless power transmission system according to the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 10B This is an operation sequence diagram of the wireless power transmission system according to the second embodiment.

[0038] Figure 10C This is an operation sequence diagram of the wireless power transmission system according to the second embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10D This is an operation sequence diagram of the wireless power transmission system according to the second embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11A This is a diagram of the processing flow of the power transmission equipment according to the second embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11B This is a diagram of the processing flow of the power transmission equipment according to the second embodiment.

[0042] Figure 12A This is a diagram of the processing flow of the power receiving device according to the second embodiment.

[0043] Figure 12B This is a diagram of the processing flow of the power receiving device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Several features are illustrated in the embodiments, but this is not intended to limit the invention to requiring all of these features, and multiple such features can be appropriately combined. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar structures, and repeated descriptions of these structures are omitted.

[0045] Foreign Object Detection Method Based on Power Loss

[0046] First, we will use Figure 6 This describes a foreign object detection method based on the power loss method specified in the WPC standard. Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a foreign object detection method based on power loss. Figure 6 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the electrical power transmitted by the transmitting equipment, and the vertical axis represents the electrical power received by the receiving equipment. Foreign objects are conductive objects, such as metal sheets, that are not part of the receiving equipment.

[0047] First, the power transmitting device sends power to the power receiving device and receives a power value Pr1 (referred to as a light load) corresponding to the power received by the power receiving device. At this time, the power receiving device does not supply the received power to the load (charging circuit or battery, etc.). Then, the power transmitting device stores the power value Pt1 at this time (point 600). At this time, the power transmitting device can identify that the amount of power loss between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device when Pt1 is sent as power corresponds to Pt1-Pr1 (Ploss1). Next, the power transmitting device receives a power value Pr2 (referred to as a connected load) corresponding to the power received by the power receiving device. At this time, the power receiving device supplies the received power to the load. Then, the power transmitting device stores the power value Pt2 at this time (point 601). At this time, the power transmitting device can identify that the amount of power loss between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device when Pt2 is sent as power corresponds to Pt2-Pr2 (Ploss2). Then, the transmitting equipment performs linear interpolation using points 600 and 601, generating a straight line 602. Line 602 represents the relationship between the transmitted and received power when there are no foreign objects near the transmitting and receiving equipment. Therefore, the transmitting equipment can estimate the received power in the absence of foreign objects based on the transmitted power value and line 602. For example, if the transmitted power value is Pt3, the received power value can be estimated as Pr3 based on point 603 on line 602, which represents the transmitted power value of Pt3.

[0048] Here, when the transmitting equipment sends power to the receiving equipment using the transmitted power of Pt3, the transmitting equipment receives a value from the receiving equipment corresponding to the received power value Pr3'. The transmitting equipment calculates the value Pr3-Pr3' (=Ploss_FO) obtained by subtracting the received power value Pr3' corresponding to the actual power received from the receiving equipment from the received power value Pr3 in the absence of foreign objects. Ploss_FO can be considered as the power loss consumed by the foreign object when there is a foreign object between the transmitting and receiving equipment. Therefore, if the power loss Ploss_FO considered to be consumed by the foreign object is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is determined that a foreign object exists.

[0049] Alternatively, the power transmitting equipment pre-calculates the power loss between the power transmitting and receiving equipment, Pt3-Pr3(Ploss3), based on the received power value Pr3 in the absence of foreign objects. Then, the power loss between the power transmitting and receiving equipment, Pt3-Pr3'(Ploss3'), is obtained based on the received power value Pr3' corresponding to the power received from the receiving equipment in the presence of foreign objects. Furthermore, the power Ploss_FO considered to be consumed by foreign objects can be obtained from Ploss3'-Ploss3 (=Ploss_FO).

[0050] As described above, the method for obtaining the power Ploss_FO that is believed to be consumed by foreign objects may include obtaining Pr3-Pr3' (=Ploss_FO), or it may include obtaining Ploss3'-Ploss3 (=Ploss_FO). In the following description, the method of obtaining Ploss3'-Ploss3 (=Ploss_FO) will be used substantially, but the method of obtaining Pr3-Pr3' (=Ploss_FO) may also be applied. This completes the description of foreign object detection based on the power loss method.

[0051] First Embodiment

[0052] The aforementioned foreign object detection method (Patent Document 1) is a foreign object detection method for situations where there is a one-to-one relationship between the power transmitting equipment and the power receiving equipment. The foreign object detection method according to the first embodiment described below is based on the power loss when one power transmitting equipment charges multiple power receiving equipment simultaneously.

[0053] System Structure

[0054] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example structure of a contactless charging system (wireless power transmission system) according to this embodiment. The power transmitting device 200 transmits power to power receiving devices 204 and 205 placed on the power transmitting antennas 201 and 202 of the power transmitting device 200 via power transmitting antenna 201 (corresponding to the first power transmitting antenna 105 described below), power transmitting antenna 202 (corresponding to the second power transmitting antenna 108 described below), and the power receiving antenna of the power receiving device (not shown).

[0055] In the following text, the power-transmitting device will be referred to as TX, and the power-receiving device will be referred to as RX. TX 200, as well as RX 204 and 205, conform to the WPC standard. RX 204 and 205 are capable of receiving power from TX 200 and charging their batteries. TX 200 is an electronic device that wirelessly transmits power to RX 204 and 205 placed on TX 200 (on the charging platform of TX 200). In the example described below, RX 204 and 205 are placed on the power-transmitting device. However, as long as RX 204 and 205 are within the power-transmitting range of TX 200, RX 204 and 205 do not need to be placed on TX 200 (on the charging platform of TX 200) for TX 200 to transmit power to RX 204 and 205.

[0056] Furthermore, RX 204 and 205, as well as TX 200, can have functions other than non-contact charging. For example, RX 204 and 205 can be smartphones, and TX 200 can be an accessory device for charging smartphones. RX 204 and 205, as well as TX 200, can be tablet computers, storage devices such as hard disk drives or memory devices, or information processing devices such as personal computers (PCs). Additionally, RX 204 and 205, as well as TX 200, can be image input devices such as imaging equipment (cameras and camcorders, etc.) or scanners, or image output devices such as printers, copiers, or projectors. Furthermore, TX 200 can be a smartphone. In this case, RX 204 and 205 can be another smartphone or a wireless headset. Additionally, TX 200 can be a charger placed on a console or similar device inside a vehicle.

[0057] In this system, wireless power transfer is performed using the electromagnetic induction method employed in contactless charging, based on the WPC standard. In other words, for RX 204 and 205 and TX 200, wireless power is transmitted between the receiving antennas of RX 204 and 205 and the transmitting antenna of TX 200, based on the WPC standard, to achieve contactless charging. Note that the wireless power transfer method (contactless power transfer method) used in this system is not limited to the wireless power transfer method defined in the WPC standard, and other methods can be used, such as other electromagnetic induction methods, magnetic field resonance methods, electric field resonance methods, microwave methods, and lasers. Furthermore, in this embodiment, contactless charging uses wireless power transfer. However, wireless power transfer can be used for various purposes other than contactless charging.

[0058] In the WPC standard, the amount of power guaranteed when RX 204 and 205 receive power from TX 200 is defined as a value called Guaranteed Power (hereinafter referred to as GP). GP represents the guaranteed power output to the loads (e.g., charging circuitry and batteries) of RX 204 and 205, even if the power transmission efficiency between the receiving and transmitting antennas decreases, for example due to a change in the positional relationship between RX 204 and 205 and TX 200. For example, with a GP of 5 watts, TX 200 controls power transmission to output 5 watts to the loads in RX 204 and 205, even if the positional relationship between the receiving and transmitting antennas changes and the power transmission efficiency decreases.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the methods specified in the WPC standard, TX 200 detects the presence of an object (foreign object) that is not a receiving device in the vicinity of TX 200 (near the receiving antenna). Specifically, the specified methods are the power loss method and the Q-factor measurement method. In the power loss method, the difference between the power supplied by TX 200 and the power received by RX 204 and 205 is used to detect the foreign object. In the Q-factor measurement method, the change in the quality coefficient (Q-factor) of the power supply antenna (power supply coil) of TX 200 is used to detect the foreign object. Foreign object detection using the power loss method is performed during power transmission (power supply phase described below). Furthermore, foreign object detection using the Q-factor measurement method is performed before power transmission (in the negotiation phase or renegotiation phase described below).

[0060] According to this embodiment, RX 204 and 205 and TX 200 communicate to perform power transmission and reception control based on the WPC standard. The WPC standard defines multiple stages, including a power transmission stage that transmits power and one or more stages preceding the actual power transmission. During these stages, communication is performed to control the transmission and reception of power as needed. The stages preceding power transmission may include a selection stage, a ping stage, an identification and configuration stage, a negotiation stage, and a calibration stage. Note that, hereinafter, the identification and configuration stage will be referred to as the I&C stage.

[0061] During the selection phase, TX 200 intermittently sends simulated Ping signals and detects whether an object is placed on TX 200 (e.g., whether RX 204 and 205 or conductor sheets are placed on the charging platform of TX 200). TX 200 detects at least the voltage or current value of the power supply antenna when the simulated Ping is sent. If the voltage value is less than a threshold or the current value is greater than a threshold, it determines that an object is present and transitions to the Ping phase.

[0062] During the Ping phase, TX 200 sends a digital Ping with significantly greater power than an analog Ping. The power of the digital Ping is sufficient to activate the control units of RX 204 and 205 placed on TX 200. RX 204 and 205 then notify TX 200 of the magnitude of the received voltage. In this way, by receiving responses from RX 204 and 205 that have received the digital Ping, TX 200 identifies the objects detected during the selection phase as RX 204 and 205. When TX 200 receives notification of the received voltage value, processing transitions to the I&C phase.

[0063] During the I&C phase, TX 200 identifies RX 204 and 205 and obtains device configuration information (capability information) from them. Therefore, RX 204 and 205 send an ID packet and a configuration packet to TX 200. The ID packet includes the identification information of RX 204 and 205, and the configuration packet includes the device configuration information (capability information) of RX 204 and 205. Upon receiving the ID packet and configuration packet, TX 200 responds with an acknowledgment (ACK). The I&C phase then ends.

[0064] During the negotiation phase, the GP value is determined based on the GP values ​​requested by RX 204 and 205, and the power delivery capability of TX 200. Furthermore, TX 200 performs foreign object detection processing using the Q-factor measurement method based on requests from RX 204 and 205. Additionally, the WPC standard specifies that after transitioning to the power delivery phase, a process similar to the negotiation phase is performed again upon request from RX 204 and 205. This phase, in which this process is performed after the transition from the power delivery phase, is called the renegotiation phase.

[0065] During the calibration phase, based on the WPC standard, RX 204 and 205 notify TX 200 of predetermined power receiving values ​​(power receiving value under light load conditions / power receiving value under maximum load conditions), and TX 200 adjusts to deliver power efficiently. The power receiving values ​​notified to TX 200 can be used for foreign object detection processing using power loss methods.

[0066] During the power transmission phase, control is implemented to start power transmission, continue power transmission, and stop power transmission due to errors or full charge. The TX 200 communicates with the RX 204 and 205 based on the WPC standard using the same transmitting antenna (transmitting coil) used in wireless power transmission to control their power transmission and reception, and to superimpose signals onto the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the transmitting or receiving antennas. Note that the communicable range between the WPC-based TX 200 and the RX 204 and 205 is approximately the same as the power transmission range of the TX 200.

[0067] Structure of power transmission equipment

[0068] Next, we will use Figure 1 The structure of the power transmission equipment according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example structure of the power transmission device (TX) 100 according to this embodiment. Note that the structure described below is merely an example, and some (or all) of the structure described below can be replaced by other structures with similar functions, can be omitted, or other structures can be added in addition to the structure described below. Furthermore, a block described in the following description can be a block divided into multiple blocks, or it can be multiple blocks merged into one block. Furthermore, for the functional blocks described below, the functions can be configured as software programs. However, some or all of the components included in each functional block can be configured as hardware.

[0069] For example, control unit 101 controls the entire TX 100 by executing a control program stored in memory 106. Furthermore, control unit 101 performs control related to power supply control, including communication used for device authentication utilizing TX 100. Additionally, control unit 101 can perform control for applications other than wireless power transmission. Control unit 101 includes, for example, one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Microprocessor Unit). Note that control unit 101 can be configured as hardware dedicated to a specific process, such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Furthermore, control unit 101 may include array circuitry such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) compiled to perform predetermined processes. Control unit 101 enables the storage of information stored during the execution of various types of processes in memory 106. Furthermore, control unit 101 is capable of measuring time using a timer (not shown).

[0070] The power supply unit 102 supplies power to each functional block. The power supply unit 102 is, for example, a commercial power supply or a battery. Power supplied from a commercial power supply is stored in the battery.

[0071] The first power transmission unit 103 and the second power transmission unit 104 convert the DC or AC power input from the power supply unit 102 into AC frequency power in the frequency band used for wireless power transmission, and generate electromagnetic waves for reception by the RX by inputting the AC frequency power into the first power transmission antenna 105 and the second power transmission antenna 108, respectively. For example, the first power transmission unit 103 and the second power transmission unit 104 convert the DC voltage supplied by the power supply unit 102 into AC voltage at a switching circuit with a half-bridge or full-bridge configuration using FETs (field-effect transistors). In this case, the first power transmission unit 103 and the second power transmission unit 104 each include a gate driver for controlling the switching of the FETs to ON and OFF.

[0072] Furthermore, the first power supply unit 103 and the second power supply unit 104 control the intensity of the output electromagnetic waves by adjusting the voltage (power supply voltage), current (power supply current), both voltage and current, or frequency input to the first power supply antenna 105 and the second power supply antenna 108. If the power supply voltage or power supply current increases, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves increases; if the power supply voltage or power supply current decreases, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves decreases. Additionally, based on instructions from the control unit 101, the first power supply unit 103 and the second power supply unit 104 perform AC frequency power output control to start or stop power supply from the first power supply antenna 105 and the second power supply antenna 108. Furthermore, the first power supply unit 103 and the second power supply unit 104 have the capability to supply power corresponding to an output of 15 watts (W) to each charging unit of the WPC-compliant RX.

[0073] The first power transmission unit 103 and the second power transmission unit 104 each include a communication unit (not shown). The first power transmission unit 103 and the second power transmission unit 104 communicate with the RX via the communication unit for power transmission control based on the WPC standard as described above. The communication unit performs communication including modulating electromagnetic waves output from the first power transmission antenna 105 and the second power transmission antenna 108 and transmitting information to the RX. Furthermore, the communication unit demodulates the electromagnetic waves output from the first power transmission antenna 105 and the second power transmission antenna 108 and modulated at the RX, and obtains the information transmitted by the RX. In other words, the communication performed by the communication unit is achieved by superimposing a signal onto the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the first power transmission unit 103 and the second power transmission unit 104. Furthermore, the communication unit can communicate with the RX using antennas other than the first power transmission antenna 105 and the second power transmission antenna 108 via communication using a standard other than the WPC standard, or the communication unit can selectively use multiple communication methods to communicate with the RX.

[0074] The memory 106 can store the control program and the status (power value, etc.) of TX 100 and RX (RX 204 and 205). For example, the status of TX 100 can be obtained by the control unit 101, the status of RX can be obtained by the control unit of RX, and these statuses can be received via the communication unit.

[0075] The first power transmission antenna 105 and the second power transmission antenna 108 may each include multiple antennas (coils). The selection unit 107 can exclusively select the first power transmission unit 103 or the second power transmission unit 104, or both. The selected power transmission unit can receive power from the power supply unit 102 and transmit power via the power transmission antenna. On the other hand, an unselected power transmission unit cannot receive power from the power supply unit 102 or transmit power via the power transmission antenna. Note that in... Figure 1 The image shows two power transmission units and two power transmission antennas. However, the number of these components is not limited to two.

[0076] Calibration process when power is being supplied to multiple devices simultaneously

[0077] Next, we will use Figures 3A-3D , Figure 4 and Figure 5 This describes the calibration process in the case where a power transmission device sends power to multiple power receiving devices via multiple power transmission units and antennas. Figures 3A-3D This is a diagram illustrating the foreign object detection method according to this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram of the conditions used to obtain calibration data. Figure 5 This is the processing flow of the power transmission equipment (TX 100) according to this embodiment. In the following example, [the following text is used]. Figure 2 The structure of the wireless power transmission system shown is illustrated.

[0078] Step S500: Exclusively select one power supply unit from multiple power supply units and obtain the corresponding RX calibration data.

[0079] Figure 3A This is a graph showing calibration data when the first power supply unit 103 sends power to the RX 204. The horizontal axis represents the power supplied by the first power supply unit 103. The vertical axis represents the power received by the RX 204. Figure 3B This is a graph showing calibration data when the second power supply unit 104 sends power to the RX 205. The horizontal axis represents the power supplied by the second power supply unit 104. The vertical axis represents the power received by the RX 205. In this embodiment, the straight line used in the foreign object detection method based on the power loss method (e.g., Figure 6The straight line 602 in the figure is referred to as calibration data. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light load power of RX 204 is 1W, and the connected load power is 5W. Additionally, the light load power of RX 205 is 1W, and the connected load power is 10W.

[0080] First, selection unit 107 selects only the first power supply unit 103. The selected first power supply unit 103 sends a digital ping and starts RX 204. Here, the second power supply unit 104 is not selected, and thus RX 205 is not started. Then, control unit 101 obtains the light-load power supply value of RX 204 and stores it in memory 106 (point 300). Next, control unit 101 obtains the connected load power supply value of RX 204 and stores it in memory 106 (point 301). Therefore, TX 100 exclusively selects the first power supply unit 103 from multiple power supply units and obtains calibration data for the corresponding RX 204 (the straight line connecting points 300 and 301).

[0081] Next, selection unit 107 selects only the second power supply unit 104. The selected second power supply unit 104 transmits a digital Ping and starts RX 205. Here, the first power supply unit 103 is not selected, and therefore RX 204 is not started. Then, control unit 101 obtains the light load power supply value of RX 205 and stores it in memory 106 (point 306). Next, control unit 101 obtains the connected load power supply value of RX 205 and stores it in memory 106 (point 307). Therefore, TX 100 exclusively selects the second power supply unit 104 from multiple power supply units and obtains calibration data for the corresponding RX 205 (the straight line connecting points 306 and 307).

[0082] Step S501: Select multiple power supply units and obtain the corresponding RX calibration data.

[0083] After obtaining calibration data by exclusively selecting one power supply unit from multiple power supply units, the control unit 101 selects multiple power supply units and obtains calibration data for the corresponding RX.

[0084] Here, most of the power transmitted by the first power transmission unit 103 is received by RX 204, and a small amount is received by RX 205. Therefore, when multiple power transmission units (first power transmission unit 103 and second power transmission unit 104) transmit power simultaneously, the control unit 101 needs to correct the calibration data (the straight line connecting points 300 and 301) obtained in step S500. Similarly, most of the power transmitted by the second power transmission unit 104 is received by RX 205, and a small amount is received by RX 204. Therefore, when multiple power transmission units transmit power simultaneously, the control unit 101 needs to correct the calibration data (the straight line connecting points 306 and 307) obtained in step S500.

[0085] Figure 4 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the conditions required to obtain the calibration data needed for correction. Figure 4 The diagram shows combinations of light and connected loads for all RXs. Specifically, since there are two RXs, RX 204 and RX 205, four combinations are shown.

[0086] First, selection unit 107 selects all power supply units (in this case, first power supply unit 103 and second power supply unit 104) for supplying power to the powered devices (in other words, RX 204 and RX 205). Then, control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 when (condition 1) the power received by RX 204 is 1W (light load) and the power received by RX 205 is 10W (connected load), and stores this power supply value in memory 106 (point 305). Here, by comparing points 300 and 305, it can be seen that although both points are at 1W for the power received by RX 204, there is a difference in the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103. This is because when RX 204 receives 1W, it also receives some power from the second power supply unit 104 adjacent to the first power supply unit 103. In other words, the power supplied by the first power supply unit 103 at point 305 is less than the power supplied by the first power supply unit 103 at point 300, which is less than the amount received by RX 204 from the second power supply unit 104.

[0087] Next, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 when (condition 1) the power received by RX 204 is 1W (light load) and the power received by RX 205 is 10W (connected load), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 308). Since RX 205 also receives some power from the first power supply unit 103 adjacent to the second power supply unit 104 when receiving 10W of power, the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 at point 308 is smaller than the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 at point 307.

[0088] Then, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply received by RX 204 is 5W (connected load) and the power supply received by RX 205 is 1W (light load) in (condition 3), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 302). Next, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply received by RX 204 is 5W (connected load) and the power supply received by RX 205 is 1W (light load) in (condition 3), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 311).

[0089] Then, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply received by RX 204 is 1W (light load) and the power supply received by RX 205 is 1W (light load) in (condition 4), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 304). Next, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply received by RX 204 is 1W (light load) and the power supply received by RX 205 is 1W (light load) in (condition 4), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 310).

[0090] Finally, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 when the power received by RX 204 is 5W (connected load) and the power received by RX 205 is 10W (connected load) in (condition 2), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 303). Next, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 when the power received by RX 204 is 5W (connected load) and the power received by RX 205 is 10W (connected load) in (condition 2), and stores the power supply value in the memory 106 (point 309).

[0091] Then, the process ends with obtaining the calibration data needed to correct the calibration data obtained in step S500. Specifically, Figure 3AThe straight lines connecting points 305 and 303 correspond to the calibration data of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 10W, and the straight lines connecting points 304 and 302 correspond to the calibration data of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 1W. Similarly, Figure 3B The straight lines connecting points 311 and 309 correspond to the calibration data of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 5W, and the straight lines connecting points 310 and 308 correspond to the calibration data of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 1W.

[0092] Step S502: Foreign object detection based on the power transmission of adjacent power transmission units.

[0093] After obtaining the calibration data required for correction in step S501, the control unit 101 performs foreign object detection based on the obtained calibration data.

[0094] Foreign object detection using the first power supply unit

[0095] Next, we will use Figure 3CThis section explains foreign object detection using the first power supply unit 103. When performing foreign object detection using the first power supply unit 103, firstly, the control unit 101 obtains the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 at that point in time. Note that the power supply value of the second power supply unit at this time is taken as 6W. Next, the control unit 101 obtains calibration data when the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 is 6W. Specifically, when the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 is 1W (light load), the data for the power supply values ​​of the second power supply unit 104 at 10W (point 305), 1W (point 304), and 0W (point 300) are interpolated. Here, the control unit 101 performs linear interpolation at two points (point 304 (when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 1W) and point 305 (when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 10W)) and obtains point 400 as the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 6W. Similarly, the control unit 101 performs linear interpolation at two points (when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 5W (connection mode), point 302 (when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 1W) and point 303 (when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 10W)) and obtains point 401 as the power supply value of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 6W. The straight line connecting points 400 and 401 corresponds to the calibration data of the first power supply unit 103 when the power supply of the second power supply unit 104 is 6W. The control unit 101 uses the obtained calibration data to perform foreign object detection based on the power loss method as described above.

[0096] Foreign object detection using the second power supply unit

[0097] Next, we will use Figure 3DTo illustrate foreign object detection using the second power supply unit 104 (for the second power supply unit 104), the control unit 101 obtains calibration data for the second power supply unit 104 based on the power supply of the first power supply unit 103, similar to foreign object detection using the first power supply unit 103. Note that the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is taken as 4W. The control unit 101 performs linear interpolation at two points (point 310 (when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 1W) and point 311 (when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 5W)) and obtains point 402 as the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 4W. Similarly, control unit 101 performs linear interpolation at two points (point 308 (when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 1W) and point 309 (when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 5W)) and obtains point 403 as the power supply value of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 6W. The straight line connecting points 402 and 403 corresponds to the calibration data of the second power supply unit 104 when the power supply of the first power supply unit 103 is 4W. Control unit 101 uses the obtained calibration data to perform foreign object detection based on the power loss method as described above.

[0098] In this way, the power supply equipment according to this embodiment can improve the accuracy of foreign object detection even when power is sent to multiple power receiving devices at the same time.

[0099] Notice, Figure 5 At least a portion of the process shown in the flowchart can be implemented in hardware. In the case of hardware implementation, for example using a pre-defined compiler, the process can be implemented by automatically generating dedicated circuitry on an FPGA from the program used to implement the steps. FPGA stands for Field Programmable Gate Array. Additionally, similar to FPGAs, gate array circuits can be formed and implemented in hardware.

[0100] Second Embodiment

[0101] Next, a second embodiment will be described, wherein the power transmitting device and the power receiving device each have communication capabilities using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0102] System Structure

[0103] Figure 9A and Figure 9BThis is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a wireless power transmission system according to this embodiment. The wireless power transmission system of this embodiment includes power transmitting equipment (first power transmitting equipment 900 and second power transmitting equipment 903) and power receiving equipment (first power receiving equipment 901 and second power receiving equipment 902). Note that both the power transmitting equipment and the power receiving equipment have BLE communication capabilities. Hereinafter, the BLE communication unit (a unit composed of an antenna and communication circuitry, etc.) may be referred to as a "BLE unit".

[0104] In this embodiment, the first power supply device 900 and the second power supply device 903 serve as BLE central devices (BLECentral), and the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902 serve as BLE peripheral devices (BLE Peripheral). "Central device" means BLE control station, and "peripheral device" means BLE terminal station. The BLE central device communicates with the BLE peripheral devices but not with other central devices. Furthermore, the BLE peripheral devices communicate with the BLE central device but not with other peripheral devices. In other words, in BLE, central devices do not communicate with each other, and peripheral devices do not communicate with each other. Additionally, the central device can be in a connected state (BLE CONNECT_State) with multiple peripheral devices and can send data to and receive data from multiple peripheral devices. On the other hand, a peripheral device can only be in a connected state with one central device and cannot communicate with multiple central devices in parallel.

[0105] Figure 9A The first power supply device 900 includes at least two power supply circuits and is capable of simultaneously charging the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902. Figure 9B This diagram illustrates a first power supply device 900 charging a first power receiving device 901, and a second power supply device 903, having the same structure as the first power supply device 900, charging a second power receiving device 902. The first power supply device 900 and the second power receiving device 902 are located adjacent to each other, and the first power supply device 900 can communicate with both the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902 using BLE. Furthermore, the second power supply device 903 can also communicate with both the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902 using BLE.

[0106] The BLE unit (peripheral device) of the first power receiving device 901 can be connected to only one central device. Therefore, in order to use BLE for communication to control power transmission between the first power supply device 900 and the first power receiving device 901, the BLE unit (peripheral device) of the first power receiving device 901 needs to be connected only to the BLE unit (central device) of the first power supply device 900. This is because when the BLE unit (peripheral device) of the first power receiving device 901 is connected to another central device such as the second power supply device 903, the BLE unit (peripheral device) becomes unable to perform control communication with the BLE unit (central device) of the first power supply device 900. Similarly, in order to use BLE for communication to control power transmission between the second power supply device 903 and the second power receiving device 902, the BLE unit (peripheral device) of the second power receiving device 902 needs to be connected only to the BLE unit (central device) of the second power supply device 903. Therefore, the BLE unit (peripheral device) of the second power receiving device 902 should not be connected to another central device such as the first power supply device 900.

[0107] In this way, control communication should be performed between the power supply and receiving equipment (e.g., the first power supply equipment 900 and the first power receiving equipment 901). However, when the communication range of outgoing communication is greater than that of incoming communication, the power supply and receiving equipment can establish connections for outgoing communication with devices that are not the recipients of power supply and reception. Connections for establishing outgoing communication with devices that are not the recipients of power supply and reception are called cross-connections. For example, in... Figure 9B In this configuration, the first power receiving device 901 and the second power transmitting device 903 are connected via BLE in a cross-connection state.

[0108] exist Figure 9BIn this context, when the first power supply device 900 uses BLE (Outbound Communication) for control communication, unless it is confirmed that a BLE connection is established with the first power receiving device 901 within the power supply and receiving range (in other words, the first power receiving device 901 is the recipient of power), power supply for charging the battery of the first power receiving device 901 and other power-related negotiations should not be performed. This is because if the first power supply device 900 establishes a BLE connection with the second power receiving device 902 and performs control communication with the first power receiving device 901, which is the recipient of power, the recipient of power (the first power receiving device 901) and the control communication counterpart device (the second power receiving device 902) may be different. In this case, the first power supply device 900 cannot properly perform control communication with the first power receiving device 901. Similarly, if the first power receiving device 901 also uses BLE-based control communication (outbound communication), unless it is confirmed that a BLE connection has been established with the first power supply device 900 within the power supply and receiving range, power receiving for battery charging from the first power supply device 900 and power-related negotiations should not be performed. This is because if the first power receiving device 901 establishes a BLE connection with the second power supply device 903 and performs control communication with the first power supply device 900 as a power source, the power source (first power supply device 900) and the control communication counterpart device (second power supply device 903) may be different. In this case, the first power receiving device 901 cannot properly perform control communication with the first power supply device 900.

[0109] exist Figure 9A and 9B In the wireless power transmission system shown, it is important that both the power transmitting and receiving devices are confirmed to be able to perform BLE-based control communication with each other within the power transmitting and receiving range before power transmission and receiving are used to charge the battery. Therefore, in this embodiment, a BLE-based connection can be established between the power transmitting and receiving devices and the wireless power transmission counterpart device. Note that BLE is used as an example, and any wireless communication method capable of being used for outbound communication in wireless power transmission can be used. Furthermore, in the following description, the wireless power transmission performed conforms to the WPC standard, and the WPC standard used herein includes the functionality specified in version 1.2.2. Note that in this embodiment described below, the power transmitting and receiving devices conform to the WPC standard. However, such limitation is not intended, and another wireless power transmission standard can be used. An example of the structure of the power transmitting and receiving devices and the flow of the performed processing will now be described.

[0110] Equipment Structure

[0111] Figure 7This is a block diagram illustrating an example structure of a power supply device 700 (e.g., a first power supply device 900 and a second power supply device 903) according to this embodiment. The power supply device 700 includes, for example, a control unit 701, a power supply unit 702, a power supply unit 703, a first communication unit 704, a power supply coil 705, a second communication unit 706, and a memory 707.

[0112] Control unit 701 controls the entire power supply equipment 700. Control unit 701 includes, for example, one or more processors, such as CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Microprocessor Unit). Note that control unit 701 is configured to perform the processes described below and may include ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0113] Power supply unit 702 is a power source for supplying power when at least control unit 701 and power delivery unit 703 are operating. Power supply unit 702 may be, for example, a wired power receiving circuit or a battery that receives power from a commercial power source. Power delivery unit 703 transmits power to the receiving device via power delivery coil 705, such that power delivery coil 705 generates AC voltage and alternating current. For example, power delivery unit 703 converts the DC voltage supplied by power supply unit 702 into AC voltage at a switching circuit with a half-bridge or full-bridge configuration using FETs. In this case, power delivery unit 703 includes a gate driver for controlling the switching of the FETs to on and off.

[0114] The first communication unit 704 communicates with the power receiving device ( Figure 8 The first communication unit 704 shown performs control communication for wireless power transmission based on the WPC standard. In this embodiment, the communication performed by the first communication unit 704 is so-called inbound communication, which includes modulating the AC voltage or current generated by the power transmission unit 703 and superimposing the communication target data onto the wireless power.

[0115] The second communication unit 706 communicates with the power receiving device ( Figure 8 The second communication unit 802 shown performs control communications for wireless power transmission based on the WPC standard. The second communication unit 706 performs so-called outbound communications, which include using an antenna (not shown) at a frequency different from that of the power transmission unit 703 and different from that of the power transmission coil 705. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 706 is BLE compatible. However, instead, a communication unit compatible with another wireless communication method such as NFC or WiFi can be used. The memory 707 stores the various elements of the power transmission equipment and the wireless power transmission system, as well as the overall state.

[0116] exist Figure 7In this design, the control unit 701, power supply unit 702, power transmission unit 703, first communication unit 704, memory 707, and second communication unit 706 are each shown as separate blocks. However, two or more of these blocks can be combined on a single chip or the like. Furthermore, a block can be divided into multiple blocks.

[0117] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating an example structure of a power receiving device 800 (e.g., a first power receiving device 901 and a second power receiving device 902) according to this embodiment. The power receiving device includes, for example, a control unit 801, a power receiving unit 803, a first communication unit 804, a second communication unit 802, a power receiving coil 805, a charging unit 806, a battery 807, and a memory 808.

[0118] Control unit 801 controls the entire powered device 800. Control unit 801 includes, for example, one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Microprocessor Unit). Note that control unit 801 is configured to perform the processes described below and may include ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0119] The receiving unit 803 receives AC voltage and alternating current generated at the receiving coil 705 through power transmission from the transmitting coil 705, and converts them into DC voltage and direct current to operate the power receiving control unit 801 and charging unit 806, etc. The first communication unit 804 performs control communication with the first communication unit 704 of the power transmission equipment for wireless power transmission based on the WPC standard. This control communication is performed via inbound communication, which includes load modulation of electromagnetic waves received at the receiving coil 805.

[0120] The second communication unit 802 performs control communication with the second communication unit 706 of the power transmission equipment for wireless power transmission based on the WPC standard. The second communication unit 802 performs outbound communication, which includes using an antenna (not shown) with a frequency different from the electromagnetic wave received by the power receiving unit 803 and different from the power receiving coil 805. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 802 is BLE compatible. Data transmitted by the second communication unit 802 is sent together with a Bluetooth device address (hereinafter referred to as BD_ADDR) that serves as an identifier for the second communication unit 802. Here, BD_ADDR is a random address, as specified in the BLE standard, consisting of a public address serving as a unique identifier for the communication unit and a random number. In this embodiment, the second communication unit 802 uses a random address. Similarly, the second communication unit 706 of the power transmission equipment also uses a random address.

[0121] Furthermore, in the embodiments described herein, the second communication unit 802 is BLE compatible. However, instead, a communication unit compatible with another wireless communication method such as NFC or WiFi can be used. Additionally, the second communication unit 802 can receive power from the battery 807 and can receive direct power from the powered unit 803.

[0122] The charging unit 806 uses the DC voltage and DC current supplied from the power receiving unit 803 to charge the battery 807. The memory 808 stores the various elements and overall status of the power receiving device and the wireless power transmission system.

[0123] exist Figure 8 In this design, the control unit 801, the power receiving unit 803, the first communication unit 804, the second communication unit 802, the charging unit 806, and the memory 808 are each shown as separate blocks. However, two or more of these blocks can be combined on a single chip or the like. Furthermore, a block can be divided into multiple blocks.

[0124] Processing flow

[0125] Next, an example of the basic processing flow of the entire system according to this embodiment will be described, followed by an example of the processing flow performed by each device. Afterwards, an example of advantageous processing of the entire system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0126] The basic processing flow of the entire system

[0127] Figure 10A This diagram illustrates an example of the basic processing of the entire system as an operational sequence of the wireless power transmission system according to this embodiment. In the following description, a first power-transmitting device 900 and a first power-receiving device 901 will be used as examples. Figure 10AIn this process, the first power supply device 900 first performs the aforementioned selection and Ping phase processing. In the selection phase, the first power supply device 900 sends an analog Ping (F1000) via the power supply coil 705. The analog Ping is a very small amount of power used to detect the presence of an object near the power supply coil 705. The first power supply device 900 detects the voltage or current value of the power supply coil when sending the analog Ping, and determines the presence of an object if the voltage value is less than a threshold or the current value is greater than a threshold, and transitions to the Ping phase. Then, in the Ping phase, the first power supply device 900 sends a digital Ping (F1001) with more power than the analog Ping. Here, the digital Ping includes enough power to activate the control unit 801, the first communication unit 804, and the second communication unit 802 of the first power receiving device 901 located near the power supply coil 705. When the control unit 801 and the first communication unit 804 of the first power receiving device 901 are activated via a digital Ping received via the power receiving coil 805, the first communication unit 804 notifies the first power transmitting device 900 of the magnitude of the received voltage via inbound communication (F1002). When the first power transmitting device 900 receives the notification of the received voltage value via the first communication unit 704, the Ping phase processing ends and transitions to the I&C phase. In the I&C phase, the first power transmitting device 900 receives the ID packet (identification packet) sent via the first power receiving device 901 (F1003). At this time, the first power transmitting device 900 can at least obtain the individual identification information (hereinafter referred to as ID) of the first power receiving device 901. For example, the first power transmitting device 900 uses the ID packet to obtain the identification information used by the first power receiving device 901 in the WPC standard and confirms whether the EXT bit indicating the presence of additional ID information is "1". Then, when the EXT bit is "1", the first power supply device 900 obtains additional ID information (F1004) via an extended identification (ID) packet sent subsequently according to the WPC standard.

[0128] Furthermore, during the I&C phase, the first power supply device 900 also receives a configuration packet (F1005) sent via the first power receiving device 901. In this embodiment, one bit in the configuration packet is used to send a BLE bit indicating whether the first power receiving device 901, as the source of the packet, is compatible with outbound control communication using BLE.

[0129] The first power supply device 900 can determine whether the first power receiving device 901 has the control communication function to use BLE by monitoring this bit (BLE bit). Furthermore, in this embodiment, another bit in the configuration packet is used to send a BLE enable bit indicating whether the first power receiving device 901 can use BLE control communication at that point in time.

[0130] Then, in response to receiving the configuration packet, the first power supply device 900 sends an ACK (acknowledgment) (F1006) via inbound communication. When sending the ACK, the first power supply device 900 then transitions to the negotiation phase.

[0131] Next, the first receiving device 901 uses the general request packet specified in the WPC standard as the packet to be sent when sending any kind of request to the first supplying device 900, and sends a general request (capability) (F1007) to obtain capability information of the first supplying device 900.

[0132] When the first power supply device 900 receives a general request (capability), it sends its Tx capability, which serves as its own capability information, to the first power receiving device 901 (F1008). The Tx capability includes individual identification information for the first power supply device 900 and information indicating whether the first power supply device 900 is compatible with BLE-based outbound control communications. By receiving the Tx capability, the first power receiving device 901 can determine that the first power supply device 900 is compatible with BLE-based outbound control communications.

[0133] Next, the first receiving device 901 uses a Specific Request packet as defined by the WPC standard as the packet for sending a request to the power transmitting device, and performs negotiation regarding the magnitude of the received power (F1009). The magnitude of the received power is referred to as the Guaranteed Power (GP) in the WPC standard. In this embodiment, the packet used in the negotiation is called a Specific Request (GP). If the first power transmitting device 900 can allow the Specific Request sent by the first receiving device 901, the first power transmitting device 900 sends an ACK (F1010). Next, the first receiving device 901 generates a random number to be used as a BLE random address, and then sends the generated random address as BD_ADDR to the first receiving device 901 (F1011). Here, since BD_ADDR is a random number, there is a possibility that BD_ADDR overlaps with the BD_ADDR of another BLE-compatible device using a random address.

[0134] Although described in more detail below, the first power supply device 900 determines whether there is any overlap with BD_ADDR received via the second communication unit 706 from another BLE-compatible device. If no overlap exists, the first power supply device 900 sends an ACK to the first power receiving device 901. Otherwise, the first power supply device 900 sends a NAK to the first power receiving device 901.

[0135] Note that, although described below, in a similar manner, the first power receiving device 901 also determines whether the BD_ADDR of another BLE-compatible device received via the second communication unit 802 overlaps with the BD_ADDR of the first power transmitting device 900. Then, if there is no overlap, the first power receiving device 901 sends an ACK to the first power transmitting device 900. Otherwise, the first power receiving device 901 sends a NAK to the first power transmitting device 900.

[0136] The first power transmitting device 900 sends an ACK (F1012) indicating that there is no overlap. At this point in time, the first power transmitting device 900 can associate and store the individual identification information of the first power receiving device 901 obtained via the ID packet with BD_ADDR.

[0137] Next, the first receiving device 901 requests the BD_ADDR from the first transmitting device 900. Here, the first receiving device 901 sends a general request (BD_ADDR) in response to this request, as a request for BD_ADDR from the general request packet (F1013). When the first transmitting device 900 receives the general request (BD_ADDR), the first transmitting device 900 generates its own BD_ADDR and sends it to the first receiving device 901 (F1014).

[0138] First receiving device 901 determines whether there is overlap between the BD_ADDR of first transmitting device 900 and the BD_ADDR of another BLE-compatible device received via second communication unit 802. If there is no overlap, first receiving device 901 sends an ACK to first transmitting device 900. Otherwise, first receiving device 901 sends a NAK to first transmitting device 900. First receiving device 901 sends an ACK (F1015) indicating no overlap. At this point, first receiving device 901 can associate and store the individual identification information of first transmitting device 900 obtained via Tx capability (F1008) with the BD_ADDR.

[0139] When the BD_ADDR exchange ends, the first power-transmitting device 900 attempts to establish BLE control communication with the first power-receiving device 901 by activating its BLE communication function as a Scanner. Note that Scanner is a state defined in the BLE standard where the device receives the ADVERTISE_INDICATION broadcast by the first power-receiving device 901 and discovers a BLE device (or service) as the source. Hereinafter, ADVERTISE_INDICATION is referred to as ADV_IND. ADV_IND is a signal broadcast by a device in the Advertiser state as defined by the BLE standard to communicate the device's BD_ADDR and compatible service information.

[0140] The first receiving device 901 activates the first communication unit 804 as a broadcaster. Then, the first receiving device 901 broadcasts BD_ADDR and ADV_IND (F1016), which stores information indicating compatibility with wireless power transmission services based on the WPC standard. When the first transmitting device 900 receives ADV_IND, it sends a BLE connection request message to the received BD_ADDR. The connection request message is CONNECT_REQ (hereinafter referred to as "CONNECT") (F1017), as defined by the BLE standard.

[0141] With a BLE connection established, the first power supply device 900 and the first power receiving device 901 use outbound control communication utilizing BLE to control wireless power transmission conforming to the WPC standard. Although detailed descriptions are omitted, as described above, for example, the first power supply device 900 and the first power receiving device 901 perform calibration procedures (F1018) required for detecting metallic foreign objects (foreign object detection) near the power supply device and the power receiving device.

[0142] When the calibration process is complete, the first power supply device 900 and the first power receiving device 901 transition to the power transmission phase and perform power supply and receiving control to charge the battery 807 (F1019). When charging is complete, the first power receiving device 901 sends a End Power Transmission (EPT) packet as defined by the WPC standard (F1020) as a packet to stop power supply. Then, the first power receiving device 901 sends an LL_TERMINATE_IND packet as defined by the BLE standard as a packet indicating the disconnection of the BLE connection via the CONNECT connection to the first power supply device 900, which is the transmitting source of the CONNECT (F1021). Hereinafter, LL_TERMINATE_IND will be referred to as "TERMINATE". This completes the description of the basic processing flow of the entire system.

[0143] Operation of power transmission equipment

[0144] The following will use Figure 11A and Figure 11B Here is an example of a process for detecting and resolving cross-connections as part of a process performed by the power supply equipment (first power supply equipment 900). Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of the power supply device according to this embodiment. Note that this processing can, for example, begin in response to the power supply unit 703 being supplied with power by receiving power from the power supply unit 702 to activate the power supply unit 703. Furthermore, this processing can be implemented by the control unit 701 executing a program stored in the memory 707. However, such limitation is not intended, and for example, this processing can be executed in response to activating the power supply function through an operation such as a user pressing a predetermined button on the power supply device. Furthermore, Figure 11A and Figure 11B At least a portion of the process shown can be implemented in hardware. In cases where at least a portion of the process is implemented in hardware, for example, dedicated circuitry automatically generated on an FPGA using a predetermined compiler based on a program for implementing the processing steps can be used. Furthermore, in a similar manner to an FPGA, gate array circuitry can be used to implement the hardware for performing the predetermined processing steps.

[0145] When the first power supply device 900 receives BD_ADDR from the first power receiving device 901 (step S1100), the first power supply device 900 confirms whether the BD_ADDR overlaps with the BD_ADDR already stored in the memory 707 (step S1101). Here, the ID of the power receiving device obtained by the first power supply device 900 is associated with the BD_ADDR and stored in the memory 707. For example, if the BD_ADDR of the power receiving device with ID "A" is "X" and the BD_ADDR of another power receiving device with ID "B" is also "X", the first power supply device 900 determines that these BD_ADDRs overlap and there is a risk of cross-connection.

[0146] In the case of BD_ADDR overlap ("Yes" in step S1101), the first power supply device 900 sends a NAK to the first power receiving device 901 (step S1111). NAK signifies BD_ADDR overlap. In other words, NAK corresponds to a notification indicating BD_ADDR overlap, a request to regenerate BD_ADDR, or a request to notify the first power supply device 900 of the regenerated BD_ADDR. Afterwards, the first power supply device 900 receives the regenerated BD_ADDR from the first power receiving device 901 (step S1101).

[0147] If BD_ADDR do not overlap (No in step S1101), the ACK sent by the first power supply device 900 to the first power receiving device 901 (step S1102) means that BD_ADDR do not overlap. Then, the first power supply device 900 will... Figure 10A The configuration packet of F1005 receives an ID associated with BD_ADDR and stores BD_ADDR in memory 707 (step S1103).

[0148] When the first power transmitting device 900 receives a general request (BD_ADDR) from the first power receiving device 901 (step S1104), the first power transmitting device 900 generates its own BD_ADDR and sends the BD_ADDR to the first power receiving device 901 (step S1105). Then, the first power transmitting device 900 determines whether it has received an ACK (step S1106). If no ACK is received ("No" in step S1106) and a NAK is received (step S1112), the first power transmitting device 900 regenerates the BD_ADDR (step S1113) and retransmits the BD_ADDR (step S1105). If an ACK is received ("Yes" in step S1106), the first power transmitting device 900 initiates BLE as a scanner (step S1107). After BLE startup, when ADV_IND is received (Yes in step S1108), if ADV_IND represents BD_ADDR held in memory 707 and ADV_IND includes information indicating compatibility with wireless power transmission services based on the WPC standard (Yes in step S1109), then the first power supply device 900 sends CONNECT to ADV_IND (step S1110).

[0149] Here, the receipt of ADV_IND by BD_ADDR held in memory 707 implies a high probability that the source of ADV_IND has exchanged BD_ADDR via inbound communication using the first communication unit 704. This "high probability" arises from the following: there is a possibility that BD_ADDR might overlap with another device using a random address as BD_ADDR because BD_ADDR is a random address, but the probability that the random numbers do not overlap is also high.

[0150] If no ADV_IND is received ("No" in step S1108) or the BD_ADDR received via ADV_IND is different from the BD_ADDR stored in memory 707 ("No" in step S1109), the first power supply device 900 checks whether the timer has timed out. Here, the timer starts at the time BLE is started as a scanner, or at the time BD_ADDR is received in step S1105, or at the time ACK is received in step S1106, and is set to remain until ADV_IND, including the BD_ADDR stored in memory 707, is received. If the time has not expired ("No" in step S1114), the first power supply device 900 attempts to receive ADV_IND (step S1108). If the time has expired ("Yes" in step S1114), the first power supply device 900 terminates the scanner operation and returns to the process in step S1100.

[0151] After the CONNECT signal is sent, the first power supply device 900 determines whether it has received a BLE cross-connection notification from the power receiving device via the second communication unit 706 (step S1115). Here, if the power receiving device that has received the CONNECT signal and established a BLE communication connection with the first power supply device 900 is not a power supply or power receiving device, the power receiving device sends a cross-connection notification to the first power supply device 900, and the cross-connection notification indicates that the established BLE connection is not suitable for control communication. The first power supply device 900 can receive the cross-connection notification via the second communication unit 706. If the cross-connection notification is received ("Yes" in step S1115), this means that the first power supply device 900 does not have a BLE connection with the power receiving device, which is a power supply or power receiving device using an actual BLE connection. Specifically, this means that the BD_ADDR (random address) of the source of the received ADV_IND is the BD_ADDR stored in the memory 707, but the power receiving device is not a power receiving device that is a power supply device communicating via inbound communication. This is an event that may occur when a random address is used for BD_ADDR.

[0152] Here, the first power supply device 900 sends a cross-connection notification (step S1116) to the power receiving device (first power receiving device 901), which is the actual object of the BLE connection using inbound communication, via the first communication unit 704, and sends a BD_ADDR notification request to the first power receiving device 901 requesting the regeneration and notification of BD_ADDR (step S1117). Afterwards, the first power receiving device 901 receives the regenerated BD_ADDR with a different value (step S1100). Furthermore, if no cross-connection notification is received ("No" in step S1115), this means that the first power supply device 900 has a BLE connection with the power receiving device (first power receiving device 901), which is the actual object of the BLE connection. In this case, the process ends.

[0153] Operation of power receiving equipment

[0154] The following will use Figure 12A and Figure 12B Here is an example of a process for detecting and resolving cross-connections as part of a process performed by the power receiving device (first power receiving device 901). Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating the processing flow of the powered device according to this embodiment. Note that this processing can, for example, begin in response to the control unit 801 receiving power from the powered unit 803 to activate the control unit 801. Furthermore, this processing can be implemented by the control unit 801 executing a program stored in the memory 808. However, such limitation is not intended, and this processing can, for example, be executed in response to activating the power supply function through an operation such as a user pressing a predetermined button on the powered device. Furthermore, Figure 12A and Figure 12B At least a portion of the process shown can be implemented in hardware. In cases where at least a portion of the process is implemented in hardware, for example, dedicated circuitry automatically generated on an FPGA using a predetermined compiler based on a program for implementing the processing steps can be used. Furthermore, in a similar manner to an FPGA, gate array circuitry can be used to implement the hardware for performing the predetermined processing steps.

[0155] The first power receiving device 901 sends BD_ADDR to the first power transmitting device 900 via the first communication unit 804 (step S1201). If the first power receiving device 901 does not receive an ACK ("No" in step S1202) from the first power transmitting device 900 via the first communication unit 804 and receives a NAK (step S1213), the first power receiving device 901 regenerates BD_ADDR (step S1214) and sends the regenerated BD_ADDR (step S1201).

[0156] Upon receiving an ACK (Yes in step S1202), the first powered device 901 sends a general request (BD_ADDR) via the first communication unit 804 (step S1203). Then, the first powered device 901 receives the BD_ADDR from the first powered device 900 (step S1204) and confirms whether the BD_ADDR overlaps with the BD_ADDR stored in the memory 808. If the BD_ADDR overlaps (Yes in step S1205), the first powered device 901 sends a NAK via the first communication unit 804 to the first powered device 900 (step S1215), and the first powered device 900 receives the regenerated BD_ADDR (step S1204). In other words, the NAK corresponds to the request used to regenerate the BD_ADDR and notify the first powered device 901.

[0157] If BD_ADDR does not overlap (No in step S1205), the first power receiving device 901 sends an ACK to the first power sending device 900 (step S1206), and compares the received BD_ADDR with the ACK in step S1205. Figure 10A The individual identification information (ID) of the first power supply device 900 received in F1008 is associated with it and stored in the memory 808 (step S1207).

[0158] The first powered device 901 broadcasts the stored ADV_IND as the source address of the BD_ADDR sent in step S1201 (step S1208). Upon receiving a CONNECT (step S1209), the first powered device 901 confirms whether the source address of the CONNECT is the BD_ADDR stored in memory 808 in step S1207 (step S1210). If the source address of the CONNECT is the BD_ADDR stored in memory 808 ("Yes" in step S1210), this means that the first powered device 901 has a BLE connection with the first powered device 900, which is the object of both power supply and power reception, and therefore the process ends. Otherwise ("No" in step S1210), this means that the first powered device 901 has a BLE connection with a device other than the first powered device 900, which is the object of both power supply and power reception. Therefore, a cross-connection notification is sent via the second communication unit 802 (step S1200), a TERMINATE is sent (step S1212), and then the process returns to step S1201.

[0159] Furthermore, if no CONNECT is received (No in step S1209), the first powered device 901 checks whether the timer has timed out (step S1211). Here, the timer starts at the time point when BD_ADDR is received in step S1204 or when ACK is received in step S1206, and is set to wait until a CONNECT including BD_ADDR stored in memory 808 is received. If the time has not expired (No in step S1211), the first powered device 901 attempts to receive the CONNECT (step S1209). If the time has expired (Yes in step S1211), the first powered device 900 ends the broadcaster operation and returns to the processing in step S1201.

[0160] Advantageous processing flow of the entire system according to this embodiment

[0161] Cross-connection between multiple power receiving devices placed on a power transmitting device

[0162] Will use Figure 10B To illustrate the use of solving in such Figure 9A The method of cross-connection in the case where the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902 are placed on the first power supply device 900. Figure 10B This is an operational sequence diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to this embodiment. In the following description, a first power supply device 900, a first power receiving device 901, and a second power receiving device 902 will be used as examples. Figure 10B In the example, the BD_ADDR of the first power receiving device 901 and the BD_ADDR of the second power receiving device 902 overlap. In this case, the first power supply device 900 charges the first power receiving device 901 via a first power supply circuit (not shown), and charges the second power receiving device 902 via a second power supply circuit (not shown). Note that... Figure 10A The described configurations are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0163] The second power receiving device 902 notifies the first power transmitting device 900 of its own BD_ADDR via the first communication unit 804 (F1022). Since the BD_ADDR of the second power receiving device 902 is the same as the BD_ADDR of the first power receiving device 901 received in F1011, the first power transmitting device 900 sends a NAK to the second power receiving device 902 (F1023). After receiving the NAK, the second power receiving device 902 sends a regenerated BD_ADDR to the first power transmitting device 900 (F1024). Since the BD_ADDR has been regenerated, the first power transmitting device 900 sends an ACK to the second power receiving device 902 (F1025).

[0164] In this way, when the BD_ADDRs of multiple powered devices placed on a single power supply device overlap, cross-connections can be avoided. Furthermore, according to the operation of this example, cross-connections can be prevented before they occur.

[0165] Cross-connection between power receiving devices placed on adjacent power transmitting equipment

[0166] Will use Figure 10C To explain how to avoid such Figure 9B The method shown is for cross-connection between power receiving devices placed on adjacent power supply equipment. Figure 10C This is an operational sequence diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to this embodiment. In the following description, a first power-transmitting device 900, a first power-receiving device 901, and a second power-receiving device 902 will be used as examples. Figure 10C In the example, such as Figure 9B As shown, the first power receiving device 901 is placed on the first power supply device 900 and the second power receiving device 902 is placed on the second power supply device 903, and the BD_ADDR of the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902 overlap. Note that... Figure 10A The described configurations are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0167] When the second power receiving device 902 receives BD_ADDR from the second power transmitting device 903 (not shown) via the first communication unit 804, the second power receiving device 902 broadcasts ADV_IND (F1028). Here, the first power transmitting device 900 sends CONNECT (F1029) to ADV_IND before the second power transmitting device 903. When the second power receiving device 902 receives CONNECT, the second power receiving device 902 sends a cross-connection notification (F1030) and a TERMINATE (F1031) to the first power transmitting device 900 via the second communication unit 706.

[0168] When the first power supply device 900 receives the cross-connect notification and TERMINATE, it sends the cross-connect notification (F1032) and BD_ADDR notification request (F1033) to the first power receiving device 901 via the first communication unit 704. Afterwards, the first power supply device 900 and the first power receiving device 901 establish a BLE connection according to the processes described in F1011 to F1017. Furthermore, although not shown, the second power receiving device 902... Figure 12A and Figure 12B The process, in sending TERMINATE( Figure 12BAfter steps S1212 and F1031, BD_ADDR is retransmitted to the second power supply device 903 via the first communication unit 804 (step S1201).

[0169] Furthermore, as described above, before the second power supply device 903 sends a CONNECT to ADV_IND, the first power supply device 900 sends a CONNECT, and the second power receiving device 902 stops sending ADV_IND. Therefore, the timer times out when the second power supply device 903 receives ADV_IND ("Yes" in step S1114), and thus the second power supply device 903 re-receives BD_ADDR from the second power receiving device 902 via the first communication unit 704. Since the BD_ADDR of the first power receiving device 901 is changed due to being regenerated, no cross-connection occurs. Therefore, the second power supply device 903 and the second power receiving device 902 establish a BLE connection according to the processes described above from F1011 to F1017.

[0170] First variation

[0171] exist Figure 10C In the example, the receiving device determines the existence of a cross-connection based on the BD_ADDR of the transmitting device included in CONNECT and the BD_ADDR received by the receiving device via the first communication unit 804. However, instead, the transmitting device can use the BD_ADDR of the receiving device included in ADV_IND and other identification information to make the determination. This will be used... Figure 10D Here is an example to illustrate this judgment. Figure 10D This is an operation sequence diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to this modification. In the following description, the first power supply device 900, the first power receiving device 901, and the second power receiving device 902 will be used as examples. Note that... Figure 10A The described configurations are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0172] In the first variation, the receiving device inserts the BD_ADDR of the transmitting device received via the first communication unit 804 as an information element into ADV_IND. For example, the second receiving device 902 stores the BD_ADDR of the second transmitting device 903 as an information element in ADV_IND and transmits that information element (F1028). In this variation, this is referred to as ADV_IND(+BD_ADDR).

[0173] The first power transmitting device 900 receives ADV_IND(+BD_ADDR) from the second power receiving device 902 via broadcast. However, the BD_ADDR of the power transmitting device is the BD_ADDR of the second power transmitting device 903 and is different from the BD_ADDR of the first power transmitting device 900. Therefore, the first power transmitting device 900 does not send CONNECT. Then, when the first power transmitting device 900 receives ADV_IND(+BD_ADDR) sent by the first power receiving device 901 (F1029), the BD_ADDR of the power transmitting device is the BD_ADDR of the first power transmitting device 900, so it sends CONNECT (F1017).

[0174] In this way, cross-connections can be avoided because the ADV_IND stores the BD_ADDR of the counterpart device corresponding to the power-sending and power-receiving objects. Note that the packet that stores the address of the allowed central device in ADV_IND is defined as ADV_DIRECT_IND in the BLE standard.

[0175] Furthermore, a similar effect is achieved if the identification information additionally stored in ADV_IND is identification information known to the power transmitting device. For example, the ID of the power transmitting device can be used. The power receiving device stores the ID of the power transmitting device received via the first communication unit 804 as additional information in ADV_IND. It is sufficient for the power transmitting device to send a CONNECT to ADV_IND whose stored ID matches the power transmitting device's ID. Alternatively, a similar effect can be achieved by not sending a CONNECT to ADV_IND whose stored ID does not match the power transmitting device's ID.

[0176] Furthermore, the identification information additionally stored in ADV_IND can be the ID of the powered device from which ADV_IND originates. It is sufficient for the power transmitting device to send a CONNECT to ADV_IND whose stored ID of the powered device matches the ID of the powered device received via the first communication unit 704. Alternatively, a similar effect can be achieved by not sending a CONNECT to ADV_IND whose stored ID does not match the ID of the powered device received via the first communication unit 704.

[0177] In this way, according to this embodiment, the power supply equipment and the power receiving equipment can detect and resolve cross-connections. Note that the foreign object detection process described in the first embodiment can be performed by applying the first embodiment to the power supply equipment and the power receiving equipment of this embodiment.

[0178] Other embodiments

[0179] Already used Figure 10BThis describes a configuration where the first power receiving device 901 and the second power receiving device 902 detect overlapping BD_ADDR values ​​before connecting (receiving CONNECT) to the first power transmitting device 900 using BLE. However, an alternative configuration can be used: when the first power receiving device 901 receives CONNECT from the first power transmitting device 900 and is conducting control communication using BLE, the second power receiving device 902 sends the same BD_ADDR value as the first power receiving device 901 to the first power transmitting device 900, and the first power transmitting device 900 detects the overlap.

[0180] Furthermore, as described above, a general request packet is used as the packet sent by the first power receiving device 901 when sending a BD_ADDR transmission request to the first power supply device 900. However, a specific request packet specified in the WPC standard can be used as the packet sent when sending the same request.

[0181] In addition, Figure 10C In the configuration, after the second powered device 902 sends a cross-connection notification, the second powered device 902 sends a TERMINATE to the first powered device 900. However, another configuration can be used: the first powered device 900 sends a TERMINATE to the second powered device 902 after receiving the cross-connection notification.

[0182] Furthermore, the first power supply device 900, upon receiving a cross-connection notification from the second power receiving device 902, may send a TERMINATE request to the first power receiving device 901 in response to sending a cross-connection notification and a BD_ADDR notification request to the first power receiving device 901. Additionally, the first power receiving device 901 may send the generated BD_ADDR request to the first power supply device 900 after receiving the TERMINATE request.

[0183] Furthermore, in the above configuration, a random address is generated when the power supply and receiving equipment send BD_ADDR via inbound communication. However, the random address can be generated and changed periodically while the BLE connection processing is complete and control communication for power supply and receiving is in progress.

[0184] Furthermore, the power transmitting equipment is configured to send a NAK for BD_ADDR using inbound communication, and the power receiving equipment is configured to receive the NAK using inbound communication. However, outbound communication utilizing BLE can be used.

[0185] Furthermore, the power transmitting device sends a NAK to the BD_ADDR notified by the power receiving device, informing the power receiving device of random address overlap. However, other data can be used as long as the data represents overlapping random addresses, different random addresses are generated, and the random addresses are sent. For example, the following configuration can be used: sending a BD_ADDR overlap notification, a BD_ADDR regeneration request, or a retransmission request, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the power receiving device receiving such notification can regenerate a different random address and send that random address to the power transmitting device.

[0186] Furthermore, the receiving equipment is configured to send a NAK for BD_ADDR using inbound communication, and the transmitting equipment is configured to receive the NAK using inbound communication. However, outbound communication utilizing BLE can be used.

[0187] Furthermore, the receiving device sends a NAK to the power-transmitting device via BD_ADDR, which is notified by the power-transmitting device, to notify the power-transmitting device of random address overlap. However, other data can be used as long as the data represents overlapping random addresses, different random addresses are generated, and the random addresses are sent. For example, the following configuration can be used: sending a BD_ADDR overlap notification, a BD_ADDR regeneration request, or a retransmission request, or a combination of these. Furthermore, the power-transmitting device receiving such a notification can regenerate a different random address and send that random address to the receiving device.

[0188] Other embodiments

[0189] This invention can be implemented by supplying a program for implementing one or more functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and causing one or more processors in the computer of the system or device to read and execute the program. This invention can also be implemented by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0190] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Therefore, the appended claims have been added to inform the public of the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A power transmission device, comprising: The first power-transmitting component is used to wirelessly transmit power to the first power-receiving device; The second power supply component is used to wirelessly transmit power to the second power receiving device; A first obtaining component is used to obtain first data, the first data representing the relationship between the power supplied by the first power supply component and the power received by the first power receiving device when power is sent to the first power receiving device using the first power supply component. The second obtaining component is used to obtain second data, which represents the relationship between the power supplied by the second power supply component and the power received by the second power receiving device when power is sent to the second power receiving device using the second power supply component. The third obtaining component is used to obtain third data, which represents the relationship between the power transmitted by the first power transmitting component and the second power transmitting component and the power received by the first power receiving device and the second power receiving device when the first power transmitting component and the second power transmitting component simultaneously transmit power to the first power receiving device and the second power receiving device. as well as A detection component is used to detect an object that is not the first powered device or the second powered device using the first data, the second data, and the third data.

2. The power transmission equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A generation component is used to generate information for detecting the object in the first power supply component, using the power supplied by the second power supply component at the time of object detection, as well as the first data and the third data. The detection component uses the information to detect the object.

3. The power transmission equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The generating component generates fourth data based on the first data and the third data, using the power supply value of the second power supply component. The detection component uses the fourth data to detect the object.

4. The power transmission equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: A generation component is used to generate information for detecting the object in the second power supply component, using the power supplied by the first power supply component at the time of object detection, as well as the second data and the third data. The detection component uses the information to detect the object.

5. The power transmission equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The generating component generates fourth data based on the second data and the third data, using the power supply value of the first power supply component. The detection component uses the fourth data to detect the object.

6. The power transmission equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The detection component detects objects based on the power loss method specified in the Wireless Power Union (WPC) standard.

7. A power transmission device comprising a plurality of power transmission components and capable of wirelessly transmitting power to a plurality of power receiving devices using the plurality of power transmission components, the power transmission device comprising: A first obtaining component is configured to obtain first data, which represents the relationship between the power supplied by each of the plurality of power supply components and the power received by the power receiving device when power is supplied to any one of a plurality of power receiving devices that are the power supply objects of the plurality of power supply components using the plurality of power supply components. The second obtaining component is used to obtain second data, which represents the relationship between the power supplied by each of the plurality of power supply components and the power received by each of the plurality of power receiving devices when power is simultaneously supplied to the plurality of power receiving devices using the plurality of power supply components. as well as A detection component is used to detect an object that is not one of the plurality of powered devices using the first data and the second data.

8. A power transmission device, comprising: Communication components for communication compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE); A power transmitting component used to wirelessly transmit power to a power receiving device; as well as The determining component is used to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same. The first identification information is BLE identification information for the first powered device, received by the communication component and generated by the first powered device. The second identification information is BLE identification information for the second powered device, received after the first identification information is received and generated by the second powered device. Where the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, the communication component sends to the second powered device a signal indicating that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, a signal indicating a request to regenerate the second identification information, or a signal indicating a request to notify the powered device of the regenerated second identification information. When the first identification information and the second identification information are different from each other, the power transmission component wirelessly transmits power to the first power receiving device and the second power receiving device.

9. A power transmission device, comprising: Communication components for communication compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE); as well as A power transmitting component used to wirelessly send power to a power receiving device. The communication component receives first identification information, which is BLE identification information generated by a first power receiving device (the power receiving object of the power supply component) for the first power receiving device. Upon receiving the first identification information and then receiving a cross-connection notification from a second powered device with which a BLE communication connection has been established, the communication component sends a signal to the first powered device indicating a request to regenerate the first identification information or a signal indicating a request to notify the powered device of the regenerated first identification information.

10. A control method for a power transmission device, the power transmission device being provided with a first power transmission component and a second power transmission component and being capable of transmitting power to a first power receiving device and a second power receiving device using the first power transmission component and the second power transmission component, the control method comprising: The first obtaining step is used to obtain first data, which represents the relationship between the power transmitted by the first power transmitting component and the power received by the first power receiving device when power is transmitted to the first power receiving device using the first power transmitting component. The second obtaining step is used to obtain second data, which represents the relationship between the power transmitted by the second power transmitting component and the power received by the second power receiving device when power is transmitted to the second power receiving device using the second power transmitting component. The third obtaining step is used to obtain third data, which represents the relationship between the power transmitted by the first power transmitting component and the second power transmitting component and the power received by the first power receiving device and the second power receiving device when the first power transmitting component and the second power transmitting component simultaneously transmit power to the first power receiving device and the second power receiving device. as well as The detection step is used to detect objects that are not the first powered device or the second powered device using the first data, the second data, and the third data.

11. A control method for a power transmission device, the power transmission device being provided with a plurality of power transmission components and capable of transmitting power to a plurality of power receiving devices using the plurality of power transmission components, the control method comprising: The first obtaining step is used to obtain first data, which represents the relationship between the power transmitted by each of the plurality of power transmitting components and the power received by the power receiving device when power is transmitted to any one of a plurality of power receiving devices that are the power receiving objects of the plurality of power transmitting components using the plurality of power transmitting components. The second obtaining step is used to obtain second data, which represents the relationship between the power transmitted by each of the multiple power transmitting components and the power received by each of the multiple power receiving devices when power is simultaneously transmitted to the multiple power receiving devices using the multiple power transmitting components. as well as A detection step is used to detect an object that is not one of the plurality of powered devices using the first data and the second data.

12. A control method for a power transmission device, the power transmission device being provided with a communication component for performing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) compatible communication and a power transmission component for transmitting power to a power receiving device, the control method comprising: The judgment step is used to determine whether the first identification information and the second identification information are the same. The first identification information is the BLE identification information of the first power receiving device received by the communication component and generated by the first power receiving device. The second identification information is the BLE identification information of the second power receiving device received after the first identification information is received and generated by the second power receiving device. The communication step is used to send, via the communication component, a signal indicating that the first identification information and the second identification information are the same, a signal indicating a request to regenerate the second identification information, or a signal indicating a request to notify the power supply equipment of the regenerated second identification information when the first identification information and the second identification information are the same; as well as The power supply control step is used to send power to the first power receiving device and the second power receiving device via the power supply component when the first identification information and the second identification information are different from each other.

13. A control method for a power transmission device, the power transmission device being provided with a communication component for performing communication compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and a power transmission component for transmitting power to a power receiving device, the control method comprising: A first communication step is used to receive first identification information via the communication component, wherein the first identification information is BLE identification information generated by a first power receiving device that is the power receiving object of the power supply component for the first power receiving device; as well as The second communication step is used to send a signal to the first powered device indicating a request to regenerate the first identification information or a signal indicating a request to notify the powered device of the regenerated first identification information when a cross-connection notification is received from the second powered device that has established a BLE communication connection after receiving the first identification information.

14. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as a power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to function as a power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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