Measurement instrument, wireless power transfer apparatus, and wireless power transfer system

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring instrument, a wireless power transfer apparatus, and a wireless power transfer system. A portable measuring instrument (1) is a portable measuring instrument for receiving power transmitted from a wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting power, the measuring instrument comprising: a plurality of power receiving antennas (110) for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device; a posture detection unit (126) for detecting the posture of the measuring instrument (1); and a signal transmission unit (119) for transmitting a beacon signal including information indicating the posture detected by the posture detection unit (126), in which any one of the plurality of power receiving antennas (110) receives power from the wireless power transmission device after the signal transmission unit (119) transmits the beacon signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to measuring instruments, wireless power transmission devices, and wireless power transmission systems for wireless power transmission. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent 6725531 discloses a technology for wireless charging, in which a receiver receives power transmitted by a transmitter via a receiving antenna. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0004] When an electronic device receives power from a wireless power transmission device that transmits power via radio waves, the receiving antenna may have difficulty receiving the radio waves transmitted from the wireless power transmission device depending on the orientation of the electronic device, which may reduce the power transmission efficiency.

[0005] This disclosure focuses on this point, and its purpose is to improve the power supply efficiency when the orientation of an electronic device changes.

[0006] Solution for solving the problem

[0007] A portable measuring instrument according to one aspect of this disclosure is a portable measuring instrument for receiving power transmitted from a wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting power, the measuring instrument comprising: a plurality of receiving antennas for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device; an attitude detection unit for detecting the attitude of the measuring instrument; and a signal transmission unit for transmitting a beacon signal including information indicating the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit, wherein, after the signal transmission unit transmits the beacon signal, any one of the plurality of receiving antennas receives power from the wireless power transmission device.

[0008] The effects of the invention

[0009] According to this disclosure, the power supply efficiency can be improved when the orientation of an electronic device changes. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 An overview of the operation of the wireless power transmission system S is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An example of a measuring instrument 1 without a power receiving module is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 The relationship between the power receiving module 11 and the housing ST of the measuring instrument 1 is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An example of the structure of measuring instrument 1 is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 An example of the structure of the power receiving module 11 is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power receiving module 11.

[0016] Figure 7 An example showing the structure of wireless power transmission device 2.

[0017] Figure 8 Another example of the structure of measuring instrument 1 is shown.

[0018] Figure 9 Another example of the structure of wireless power transmission device 2 is shown.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0020] Figure 11 Another example of the structure of measuring instrument 1 is shown.

[0021] Figure 12 Another example of the structure of wireless power transmission device 2 is shown.

[0022] Figure 13 An example of generating the correction vector is shown.

[0023] Figure 14 An example is shown that identifies the location of each of the multiple powered antennas 110.

[0024] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0026] S: Wireless power transmission system

[0027] 1: Measuring instruments

[0028] B: Standard battery

[0029] ST: Reception Department

[0030] C: Cover

[0031] GR: slot

[0032] SW: Switch

[0033] 11: Power receiving module

[0034] 110: Receiving Antenna

[0035] 111: Power rectifier circuit

[0036] 112: RF demodulation circuit

[0037] 113: Charging circuit

[0038] 114: Secondary battery

[0039] 115: Primary battery

[0040] 116: Power transmission circuit

[0041] 117: Sensor

[0042] 118: Control Circuit

[0043] 119: Signal Transmission Unit

[0044] 301: Signal Modulation Circuit

[0045] 302: Light-emitting part

[0046] 12: Main body

[0047] 121: Operations Department

[0048] 122: Display Section

[0049] 123: Memory

[0050] 124: Controller

[0051] 401: Judgment Department

[0052] 402: Distance Identification Unit

[0053] 125: Display device

[0054] 126: Posture Detection Department

[0055] 2: Wireless power transmission equipment

[0056] 21: Signal Receiving Unit

[0057] 211: Light-receiving part

[0058] 212: Signal demodulation circuit

[0059] 22: Power Transmission Department

[0060] 221: RF modulation circuit

[0061] 222: Power Transmission Antenna

[0062] 23: Memory

[0063] 24: Controller

[0064] 241: Location Identification Unit

[0065] 242: Measuring Instrument Identification Department

[0066] 243: Power receiving position identification unit

[0067] 244: Power Supply Target Identification Unit

[0068] 245: Power supply controller

[0069] 25: Signal Transmission Unit Detailed Implementation

[0070] [Overview of Wireless Power Transmission System S]

[0071] To transmit power to a small electronic measuring instrument, a battery needs to be installed in the instrument, but this raises problems such as the need for battery replacement and disposal. Therefore, in the wireless power transmission system S according to this embodiment, the wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting power is configured to wirelessly transmit power to the portable measuring instrument. This eliminates the need for battery replacement and disposal.

[0072] Examples of wireless power transmission methods in a wireless power transmission system S include electromagnetic induction, magnetic field resonance, electric field coupling, laser beam, and microwave methods. The microwave method will be described below as an example of wireless power transmission.

[0073] Figure 1 An overview of the operation of the wireless power transmission system S is shown. The wireless power transmission system S includes a wireless power transmission device 2 for wirelessly transmitting electricity, and a measuring instrument 1 for receiving electricity transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0074] Measuring instrument 1 is a portable electronic device. Measuring instrument 1 is, for example, a digital caliper, a digital indicator, or a digital micrometer. The following description will illustrate the case where measuring instrument 1 is a digital micrometer as an example.

[0075] The measuring instrument 1 includes: i) a signal transmitting unit for transmitting a beacon signal; and ii) a receiving antenna for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2. The beacon signal is a signal that includes information from the measuring instrument 1 to the wireless power transmission device 2, and is, for example, an optical signal or a high-frequency signal (i.e., radio waves). The beacon signal is, for example, a signal transmitted every few seconds to reach a range with a radius of several meters to tens of meters. If the wireless power transmission device 2 is located within the range of the beacon signal transmitted by the measuring instrument 1, the wireless power transmission device 2 can receive the beacon signal and identify the location of the measuring instrument 1.

[0076] The power receiving circuit, including a signal transmitting unit and a power receiving antenna, is incorporated, for example, into a power receiving module having a shape identical to that of a standard battery of standardized size. The power receiving antenna is, for example, a patterned antenna. Therefore, by modularizing the power receiving circuit, wireless power transmission can be achieved by attaching the power receiving module to existing measuring instruments.

[0077] The wireless power transmission device 2 is a device for wirelessly transmitting power. The wireless power transmission device 2 includes: i) a signal receiving unit (e.g., a light receiving device) for receiving beacon signals; and ii) a power transmitting unit (e.g., a power transmitting multi-antenna) for wirelessly transmitting power.

[0078] Reference Figure 1 The wireless power transmission process in this embodiment will be explained below. Measuring instrument 1 transmits beacon signals to its surroundings. Wireless power transmission device 2 receives the beacon signals transmitted from measuring instrument 1 using a light-receiving unit 211. Having received the beacon signals, wireless power transmission device 2 wirelessly transmits power to measuring instrument 1, which transmitted the beacon signals, via a power-transmitting antenna 222.

[0079] To minimize the impact of wireless power transmission on the human body, the wireless power transmission device 2 only transmits power to the receiving antenna of the measuring instrument 1 when it is determined that the measuring instrument 1 is within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 and no one (operator) is using the measuring instrument 1. Furthermore, to improve the efficiency of wireless power transmission, the wireless power transmission device 2 can transmit power to the receiving antenna among the plurality of receiving antennas included in the measuring instrument 1 that can receive the maximum amount of power transmitted by the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0080] The following description provides details relating to each of the following three: i) modularization of the powered circuitry, ii) suppression of the effects of wireless power transmission on the human body, and iii) improvement of the efficiency of wireless power transmission.

[0081] Modularization of power receiving circuits

[0082] [summary]

[0083] In measuring instrument 1, a small battery such as a button cell is used. To enable wireless power transmission using the existing measuring instrument 1 instead of a battery, a power receiving module for wirelessly receiving power can be attached to the measuring instrument 1. However, it is difficult to fit a power receiving module containing all the power receiving circuitry required for wireless power transmission within the size of a button cell. On the other hand, as the size of the power receiving module increases, it may no longer be possible to attach it to a measuring instrument 1 designed to use a button cell.

[0084] Therefore, this embodiment provides a power receiving module comprising: i) a first portion having the same shape as a button battery; and ii) a second portion having the same shape as a cover portion for covering the button battery when it is housed in a receiving portion, the receiving portion being capable of housing the button battery in a measuring instrument 1. The power receiving module according to this embodiment includes a power receiving antenna for receiving power transmitted from a wireless power transmission device 2.

[0085] The power receiving module includes a first part, allowing it to replace a button battery and be attached to the battery compartment of the existing measuring instrument 1. Furthermore, the power receiving module includes a second part, increasing the overall volume of the module by the volume of the second part, thereby allowing the power receiving circuitry used for wireless power transmission to be housed within the size of a button battery. As described above, the power receiving module has a first part and a second part, thereby enabling wireless power transmission to be implemented using the existing measuring instrument 1. The structure and operation of the measuring instrument 1 and the wireless power transmission device 2 will be described below.

[0086] [Structure and operation of measuring instrument 1]

[0087] Figure 2 An example of a measuring instrument 1 without a power receiving module is shown. Figure 2 (a) is a front view of measuring instrument 1, and Figure 2 (b) is a view of the back of measuring instrument 1. Figure 2 The measuring instrument 1 shown is a digital micrometer.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the measuring instrument 1 includes a removable cover C and a main body 12, which is the part of the measuring instrument 1 excluding the cover C. The receiving portion ST of the main body 12 is capable of accommodating a standard battery B of a standardized size. The type of standard battery B is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a button battery. The cover C covers the standard battery B while it is housed in the receiving portion ST, and is a battery cover. The cover C is provided with a groove GR for rotating the cover C. The operator can open and close the cover C by inserting a flathead screwdriver or fingernail into the groove GR and rotating the cover C. It should be noted that a power receiving module can be attached to the measuring instrument 1, but... Figure 2 The power receiving module is not shown.

[0089] Figure 3 The relationship between the power receiving module 11 and the housing ST of the measuring instrument 1 is shown. The power receiving module 11 is a physical device including a receiving antenna for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2. Figure 3As shown, the power receiving module 11 can be attached to the receiving portion ST of the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1. When the power receiving module 11 is housed in the receiving portion ST and the terminal T2 provided on the power receiving module 11 contacts the terminal T1 provided on the receiving portion ST, the power received by the power receiving module 11 is transmitted to the main body 12.

[0090] Figure 4 An example of the structure of measuring instrument 1 is shown. Measuring instrument 1 includes a power receiving module 11 and a main body 12. The main body 12 includes an operation unit 121, a display unit 122, a memory 123, and a controller 124.

[0091] The operation unit 121 is an operation device for receiving operations from the operator, and is, for example, an operation button.

[0092] The display unit 122 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescent (EL) display. The display unit 122 may also be a light-emitting diode (LED). The display unit 122 displays measurement results from the measuring instrument 1, thereby indicating whether charging is required, etc. Details of the processing performed by the display unit 122 will be explained later.

[0093] Memory 123 is a storage medium including read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). Memory 123 stores the program executed by controller 124.

[0094] The controller 124 is, for example, a central processing unit (CPU). The controller 124 executes information processing programs stored in the memory 123. Details of the processing performed by the controller 124 will be described later.

[0095] Figure 5 An example of the structure of the power receiving module 11 is shown. The power receiving module 11 includes a power receiving antenna 110, a power rectifier circuit 111, an RF demodulation circuit 112, a charging circuit 113, a secondary battery 114, a primary battery 115, a power transmission circuit 116, a sensor 117, a control circuit 118, and a signal transmitting unit 119. It should be noted that the sensor 117 and the signal transmitting unit 119 may be disposed in the main body 12.

[0096] The receiving antenna 110 is an antenna used to receive power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2. Multiple receiving antennas 110 can be provided in the receiving module 11.

[0097] The power rectifier circuit 111 converts the AC power received from the receiving antenna 110 into DC power. The power rectifier circuit 111 is used to supply the converted power to the charging circuit 113.

[0098] The RF demodulation circuit 112 demodulates the RF (high-frequency) signal input from the receiving antenna 110. The RF demodulation circuit 112 then inputs the demodulated signal to the control circuit 118.

[0099] The charging circuit 113 is a circuit used to supply power received from the power rectifier circuit 111 to the secondary battery 114. The charging circuit 113 switches between a state of supplying power received from the power rectifier circuit 111 to the secondary battery 114 and a state of not supplying power to the secondary battery 114 based on a control signal input from the control circuit 118.

[0100] The secondary battery 114 is a battery that is charged using the power received by the receiving antenna 110. The secondary battery 114 is a rechargeable battery that can be recharged using electricity. Since the power receiving module 11 includes the secondary battery 114, the measuring instrument 1 can store wirelessly transmitted power.

[0101] Primary battery 115 is, for example, a battery smaller than standard battery B. The electrical capacity of primary battery 115 may be less than that of standard battery B. Primary battery 115 is a disposable battery that cannot be reused once fully discharged. As described in detail below, the power receiving module 11 includes primary battery 115, which allows measuring instrument 1 to use the power of primary battery 115 when the remaining capacity of secondary battery 114 is low and measuring instrument 1 cannot receive power from wireless power transmission device 2.

[0102] The power transmission circuit 116 is a circuit used to transmit power received from the secondary battery 114 or the primary battery 115 to the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1. The power transmission circuit 116 can switch which power source (secondary battery 114 or primary battery 115) is receiving power from. The power transmission circuit 116 switches which power source (secondary battery 114 or primary battery 115) is receiving power from, for example, based on a control signal input from the control circuit 118. It should be noted that the power receiving module 11 can be configured to exclude the primary battery 115 and the power transmission circuit 116, and the secondary battery 114 can directly transmit power to the main body 12.

[0103] Sensor 117 is a sensor capable of detecting the presence of a person using measuring instrument 1, and is, for example, an accelerometer or a proximity sensor. If sensor 117 is an accelerometer, it inputs detection data indicating the detected acceleration to control circuit 118. If sensor 117 is a proximity sensor, it periodically emits infrared light, and when a person is detected nearby based on the reflected infrared light, it inputs detection data indicating the detection of a person to control circuit 118.

[0104] Sensor 117 can be a human sensor capable of detecting the presence of a person around measuring instrument 1. The human sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor (thermal radiation sensor), an ultrasonic sensor, a microwave sensor, a sound sensor, or an image sensor. The human sensor inputs a detection signal to control circuit 118 indicating the detection of a person within a predetermined distance relative to measuring instrument 1. The predetermined distance is, for example, a distance within which radio waves carrying electricity, when transmitted to measuring instrument 1 by wireless power transmission device 2, may have some effect on the body of an operator present around measuring instrument 1.

[0105] The control circuit 118 controls: i) charging of the secondary battery 114; ii) switching of power transmitted from the power transmission circuit 116 to the main body 12; and iii) transmission of a beacon signal using the signal transmission unit 119. The control circuit 118 includes, for example, electrical circuitry for outputting control signals. The control circuit 118 may include a processor and a memory, and the processor may execute a program stored in the memory to output control signals. For example, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is less than a first threshold and wireless power transmission is detected based on a signal output from the RF demodulation circuit 112, the control circuit 118 inputs a control signal to the charging circuit 113 to operate the charging circuit 113.

[0106] If the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is equal to or higher than a threshold, the control circuit 118 transmits power from the secondary battery 114 to the electrical circuits included in the measuring instrument 1. For example, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is equal to or higher than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the control circuit 118 inputs a control signal to the power transmission circuit 116 to transmit the power output from the secondary battery 114 to the main body 12.

[0107] On the other hand, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is less than a threshold, the control circuit 118 transmits the power from the primary battery 115 to the electrical circuit of the measuring instrument 1. For example, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is less than a second threshold, the control circuit 118 inputs a control signal to the power transmission circuit 116 to transmit the power output from the primary battery 115 to the main body 12.

[0108] The control circuit 118 operates in such a way that the main body 12 can operate even when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is low, while making full use of the power stored in the secondary battery 114.

[0109] The control circuit 118 inputs a control signal to the signal transmitting unit 119 to switch between a state of transmitting a beacon signal and a state of not transmitting a beacon signal. For example, the control circuit 118 causes the signal transmitting unit 119 to transmit a beacon signal when the sensor 117 detects that no one is using the measuring instrument 1, and causes the signal transmitting unit 119 not to transmit a beacon signal when the sensor 117 detects that someone is using the measuring instrument 1. This operation of the control circuit 118 prevents the transmission of a beacon signal when someone is using the measuring instrument 1 and the measuring instrument 1 should not be receiving power, in cases where the wireless power transmission device 2 is transmitting wireless power while receiving a beacon signal. As a result, the power consumption of the measuring instrument 1 can be reduced.

[0110] The signal transmitting unit 119 is a transmitting unit for transmitting beacon signals, and includes a signal modulation circuit 301 and a light-emitting unit 302. The signal modulation circuit 301 is a circuit for converting electrical signals input from the control circuit 118 into optical signals. The light-emitting unit 302 is a device for emitting light based on instructions from the signal modulation circuit 301.

[0111] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power receiving module 11. Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view of the power receiving module 11. Figure 6 (b) is a front view of the power receiving module 11, and Figure 6 (c) is a top view of the power receiving module 11. Figure 6 As shown in (a), the power receiving module 11 includes a first portion PA1 having the same shape as the standard battery B and a second portion PA2 having the same shape as the cover C. The first portion PA1 is not limited to having the exact same shape as the standard battery B, as long as it has a shape substantially equivalent to the standard battery B and can be accommodated in a receiving portion ST capable of accommodating the standard battery B. The second portion PA2 is not limited to having the exact same shape as the cover C, as long as it has a shape substantially equivalent to the cover C capable of covering the standard battery B when it is accommodated in the receiving portion ST. As an example, the volume of the second portion PA2 may be larger than the volume of the cover C.

[0112] The first part PA1 and the second part PA2 have, for example, a cylindrical shape. Since the first part PA1 is housed within the measuring instrument 1 and the second part PA2 is a cover, the diameter of the first part PA1 is smaller than the diameter of the second part PA2. Because the power receiving module 11 has this configuration, the power receiving module 11 can replace the existing button battery B and be attached to the measuring instrument 1.

[0113] exist Figure 6 In the front view shown in (b), Figure 5The power receiving module 11 shown includes a power receiving antenna 110, a charging circuit 113, a secondary battery 114, a primary battery 115, and a power transmission circuit 116. The power receiving antenna 110 is, for example, housed in the second portion PA2. As described above, by housing the power receiving antenna 110 in the second portion PA2, which serves as the cover of the measuring instrument 1, and positioning the antenna 110 along the surface of the measuring instrument 1, the measuring instrument 1 can more easily receive wirelessly transmitted power.

[0114] Charging circuit 113 is provided, for example, in the first part PA1 between the receiving antenna 110 and the secondary battery 114. Secondary battery 114 and primary battery 115 are provided, for example, in the first part PA1 between charging circuit 113 and power transmission circuit 116. Power transmission circuit 116 is positioned, for example, along the surface SU of the first part PA1 opposite to the surface that contacts the second part PA2. As a result, when the receiving module 11 is housed in the receiving portion ST, power can be transmitted from the power transmission circuit 116 to the electrical circuitry of the main body 12.

[0115] The primary battery 115 can be detachably disposed in the power receiving module 11. This allows for a flexible structure in which the primary battery 115 can be omitted when the storage capacity of the secondary battery 114 is high, and the primary battery 115 can be disposed when the storage capacity of the secondary battery 114 is low. For this purpose, an opening for attaching and removing the primary battery 115 can be provided on the side surface of the power receiving module 11.

[0116] like Figure 6 As shown in (c), a slot GR for rotating the power receiving module 11 is provided in the second part PA2 of the power receiving module 11. An operator can attach and remove the power receiving module 11 from the measuring instrument 1 by inserting a flathead screwdriver or fingernail into the slot GR and rotating the power receiving module 11. It should be noted that the measuring instrument 1 can be configured such that the power receiving module 11 can be attached to and removed from the measuring instrument 1 by pinching the side surface of the second part PA2 of the power receiving module 11 with fingers and rotating the power receiving module 11.

[0117] Next, details of the processing performed by the display unit 122 and the controller 124 in the main body 12 will be explained. The controller 124 includes, for example, a CPU for operation by executing a program. The display unit 122, for example, based on instructions from the controller 124, uses power from the primary battery 115 to display a message indicating that the secondary battery 114 needs charging when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is below a threshold. For example, when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is below a second threshold, the display unit 122 uses power from the primary battery 115 to display the message "Charging required." Therefore, the operator can temporarily suspend operation and charge the secondary battery 114.

[0118] The controller 124 determines, for example, whether the secondary battery 114 needs charging based on the voltage output from the power receiving module 11, and causes the display unit 122 to display a message indicating that charging is required based on the determination result. Instead of displaying the message on the display, the controller 124 can cause an LED to light up or flash. This also applies to the message display described later.

[0119] If the power receiving module 11 includes a primary battery 115, the controller 124 can obtain a signal from the power receiving module 11 indicating which of the secondary battery 114 and the primary battery 115 is outputting power. In this case, the controller 124 can determine whether the secondary battery 114 needs to be charged if the secondary battery 114 is outputting power.

[0120] It should be noted that at least a portion of the processing described as being performed by control circuit 118 can be performed by controller 124. In this case, controller 124 sends signals to and receives signals from control circuit 118 to issue or receive instructions from control circuit 118.

[0121] [Structure and Operation of Wireless Power Transmission Device 2]

[0122] The structure and operation of wireless power transmission device 2 will be explained. Figure 7 An example of the structure of the wireless power transmission device 2 is shown. The wireless power transmission device 2 includes a signal receiving unit 21, a power transmission unit 22, a memory 23, and a controller 24.

[0123] The signal receiving unit 21 is a receiving unit for receiving beacon signals. The signal receiving unit 21 includes a signal demodulation circuit 212 and multiple light receiving units 211. The light receiving units 211 are devices for receiving optical beacon signals. The signal demodulation circuit 212 is a circuit for converting optical signals input from the light receiving units 211 into electrical signals and inputting the converted electrical signals to the controller 24.

[0124] The power transmission unit 22 is a physical device for wirelessly transmitting power from the wireless power transmission device 2. The power transmission unit 22 includes an RF modulation circuit 221 and multiple power transmission antennas 222. The RF modulation circuit 221 is a circuit for modulating a signal input from the controller 24 into an RF signal and inputting the modulated RF signal to the power transmission antennas 222. The power transmission antennas 222 are physical devices for transmitting RF signals carrying power transmitted from external power transmission devices, etc.

[0125] Memory 23 is a storage medium including ROM and RAM, etc. Memory 23 stores the program executed by controller 24.

[0126] The controller 24 is, for example, a CPU. The controller 24 executes the information processing program stored in the memory 23 to cause the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power when the conditions for power transmission using the power transmission unit 22 are met.

[0127] [Effect of Wireless Power Transmission System S]

[0128] As described above, in the wireless power transmission system S, the power receiving module 11, which includes a power receiving antenna 110 for receiving wirelessly transmitted power, can be attached to the existing measuring instrument 1 in place of a button battery. As a result, wireless power transmission can be achieved using the existing measuring instrument 1, thereby allowing the operator to continue using the existing measuring instrument 1 as is, without the need for battery replacement and disposal.

[0129] <Suppressing the effects of wireless power transmission on the human body>

[0130] [summary]

[0131] When wireless power is transmitted to measuring instrument 1, the power is transmitted through space by being carried on radio waves, and when high-power radio waves radiate onto a person, they may have an effect on the human body. Therefore, in the wireless power transmission system S of this embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 2 transmits power to measuring instrument 1 when the measuring instrument 1 is located within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, based on the beacon signal received from the measuring instrument 1.

[0132] As a result, the wireless power transmission device 2 can only transmit wireless power to the measuring instrument 1 when the object to which the wireless power transmission is used is present and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, thereby suppressing the effects of wireless power transmission on the human body. The structure and operation of the measuring instrument 1 and the wireless power transmission device 2 will be described below.

[0133] [Structure and operation of measuring instrument 1]

[0134] Figure 8 Another example of the structure of measuring instrument 1 is shown. Figure 8 The structure of the measuring instrument 1 shown is similar to Figure 4 The difference in the structure of the measuring instrument 1 shown is that: i) the controller 124 includes a judgment unit 401 and a distance recognition unit 402; and ii) the measuring instrument 1 includes a switch SW and a signal receiving unit 120.

[0135] If the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is low, the measuring instrument 1 prompts the operator using the measuring instrument 1 to charge the secondary battery 114 by displaying that charging via wireless power transmission is required.

[0136] When the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 in the power receiving module 11 is lower than a threshold, the display unit 122 indicates that the measuring instrument 1 can receive power. When the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is lower than a second threshold, the display unit 122 displays a message such as "Charging required. Please stop using and move away from the measuring instrument." After displaying this message, the controller 124 of the measuring instrument 1 begins to send beacon signals to begin receiving power.

[0137] It should be noted that when the measuring instrument 1 is located at a position where it can be charged by the wireless power transmission device 2, the measuring instrument 1 can display a charging prompt message. To determine whether the measuring instrument 1 is at a position where it can be charged by the wireless power transmission device 2, the distance identification unit 402 identifies the distance from the wireless power transmission device 2 to the measuring instrument 1. For example, the distance identification unit 402 identifies the distance from the wireless power transmission device 2 to the measuring instrument 1 based on the strength of the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 120 from the wireless power transmission device 2. When the distance identified by the distance identification unit 402 is equal to or less than a predetermined distance from which the measuring instrument 1 can receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2, the display unit 122 can display that power can be received.

[0138] As mentioned above, the radio waves used in wireless power transmission may have an impact on the human body. Therefore, when no one is using measuring instrument 1, measuring instrument 1 sends a beacon signal to wireless power transmission device 2. Wireless power transmission device 2 starts power transmission upon receiving the beacon signal, which is a power transmission request signal indicating that measuring instrument 1 is in a state where it can receive power.

[0139] The signal transmitting unit 119 transmits a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 based on one of the conditions that the sensor 117 detects that no one is using the measuring instrument 1, and does not transmit a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 when the sensor 117 detects that someone is using the measuring instrument 1. If the sensor 117 is an accelerometer, the signal transmitting unit 119 transmits a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2, for example, when the acceleration indicated by the signal input from the accelerometer is below a threshold (e.g., zero), and does not transmit a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 when the acceleration is not zero.

[0140] If sensor 117 is a proximity sensor, signal transmitting unit 119 sends a beacon signal to wireless power transmission device 2, for example, based on the condition that the signal input from sensor 117 does not indicate that a person has been detected. When the signal input from sensor 117 indicates that a person has been detected, signal transmitting unit 119 does not send a beacon signal to wireless power transmission device 2. It should be noted that when measuring instrument 1 includes both an accelerometer and a proximity sensor as sensor 117, a beacon signal is sent to wireless power transmission device 2 based on the condition that the acceleration notified from the accelerometer is zero and that sensor 117 has not detected a person.

[0141] As described above, the signal transmitting unit 119 sends a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 based on one of the conditions that the sensor 117 detects that no one is using the measuring instrument 1. This prevents the wireless power transmission device 2 from sending the beacon signal when someone is using the measuring instrument 1 and the measuring instrument 1 should not be receiving power, even when the wireless power transmission device 2 is transmitting wireless power while receiving the beacon signal. As a result, the effects of wireless power transmission on the human body can be prevented.

[0142] Even when no one is using the measuring instrument 1, if an operator is around the measuring instrument 1, the radio waves carrying electricity transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2 to the measuring instrument 1 may affect the operator's body. Therefore, if the sensor 117 is a human detection sensor, the signal transmitting unit 119 can transmit a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 even if the human detection sensor does not detect a person within a predetermined distance relative to the measuring instrument 1.

[0143] If i) the acceleration notified from the accelerometer is zero and ii) no detection signal indicating that a person has been detected within a predetermined distance relative to the measuring instrument 1 is input from the control circuit 118, the signal transmitting unit 119 may send a beacon signal as a power transmission request signal to the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0144] On the other hand, the signal transmitting unit 119 can be configured not to send a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 when the human sensor detects a person within a predetermined distance relative to the measuring instrument 1. The signal transmitting unit 119 can be configured not to send a beacon signal as a power transmission request signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 when i) the acceleration not reported by the acceleration sensor is not zero, or ii) a detection signal indicating that a person has been detected within a predetermined distance relative to the measuring instrument 1 is input from the control circuit 118.

[0145] As described above, even when no one is using the measuring instrument 1, the signal transmitting unit 119 does not send a beacon signal as a power transmission request signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 when someone is present around the measuring instrument 1. This prevents the wireless power transmission device 2 from sending radio waves carrying electricity to the measuring instrument 1 when someone is present around the measuring instrument 1. As a result, the effects of wireless power transmission on the human body can be suppressed.

[0146] The signal transmitting unit 119 can transmit a beacon signal when the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is below a threshold. For example, the signal transmitting unit 119 can transmit a beacon signal when it detects that no one is using the measuring instrument 1 and the remaining capacity of the secondary battery 114 is below the threshold. The measuring instrument 1 only transmits the beacon signal when wireless power transmission is required, thereby reducing the power consumption of the measuring instrument 1.

[0147] When it is detected that someone is using the measuring instrument 1, the signal transmitting unit 119 can send a beacon signal indicating that the measuring instrument 1 is not in a state capable of receiving power or that someone is using the measuring instrument 1. In this case, the wireless power transmission device 2 performs wireless power transmission even when it does not receive the beacon signal, thereby preventing the wireless power transmission from affecting the human body.

[0148] In the above description, it was illustrated that when the distance identified by the distance identification unit 402 is equal to or less than the distance at which the measuring instrument 1 can receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2, the signal transmitting unit 119 sends a beacon signal. However, the signal transmitting unit 119 can also send a beacon signal in response to the operator's operation for receiving power. Specifically, the signal transmitting unit 119 can send a beacon signal to the wireless power transmission device 2 in response to the operation unit 121 receiving a power receiving operation to initiate power receiving, indicating that the measuring instrument 1 is in a state capable of receiving power. As described above, since the measuring instrument 1 sends a beacon signal every few seconds, the signal transmitting unit 119 can, for example, use a beacon signal sent after an operation for receiving power as a beacon signal indicating that the measuring instrument 1 is in a state capable of receiving power. By making manual power transmission commands possible in this way, the measuring instrument 1 becomes more user-friendly for the operator.

[0149] It should be noted that when the power receiving module 11 is not attached to the measuring instrument 1 and the measuring instrument 1 operates using power transmitted by the standard battery B, the measuring instrument 1 does not need to receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2. Therefore, in order to allow the operation to vary depending on whether the power receiving module 11 is attached to the measuring instrument 1, the determination unit 401 determines which of the standardized battery B and the power receiving module 11 is housed in the measuring instrument 1.

[0150] In order for the determination unit 401 to determine which of the standard battery B and the power receiving module 11 is housed in the measuring instrument 1, the second part PA2, which is the cover side portion of the power receiving module 11, has a different structure from the cover portion C covering the standard battery B, while still serving as a battery cover. Specifically, a switch SW is provided in the housing portion ST of the measuring instrument 1, and the second part PA2 is configured to be pressed when the second part PA2 is housed in the housing portion ST. In other words, a switch SW is provided in the housing portion ST of the measuring instrument 1 that cannot be pressed using the cover portion C used for the standard battery B, but can be pressed using the second part PA2 of the power receiving module 11. Therefore, the determination unit 401 can determine that the standard battery B is housed in the measuring instrument 1 when the switch SW is not pressed, and determine that the power receiving module 11 is housed in the measuring instrument 1 when the switch SW is pressed.

[0151] If the determination unit 401 determines that the standard battery B is housed in the measuring instrument 1, the measuring instrument 1 operates using the power from the standard battery B, and therefore does not display a charging prompt message or send a beacon signal as a power transfer request signal to the wireless power transmission device 2. On the other hand, if the determination unit 401 determines that the power receiving module 11 is housed in the measuring instrument 1, the measuring instrument 1 operates using the power charged in the secondary battery 114 of the power receiving module 11, and therefore displays a charging prompt message and sends a beacon signal as a power transfer request signal to the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0152] [Structure and Operation of Wireless Power Transmission Device 2]

[0153] Figure 9 Another example of the structure of wireless power transmission device 2 is shown. Figure 9 The structure of the wireless power transmission device 2 shown is similar to Figure 7 The difference in the structure of the wireless power transmission device 2 shown is that: i) the controller 24 includes a position identification unit 241 and a power transmission controller 245 as a specific structure; and ii) the wireless power transmission device 2 includes a signal transmission unit 25.

[0154] The signal receiving unit 21 receives a beacon signal (e.g., a power transmission request signal) from the measuring instrument 1 to indicate the status of the measuring instrument 1. The status of the measuring instrument 1 may refer to, for example, i) the measuring instrument 1 needs to be charged and is located within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2, and no one is near the measuring instrument 1; or ii) the measuring instrument 1 has received an operation input for starting power supply.

[0155] The memory 23 stores data indicating the power-transmittable area where power can be wirelessly transmitted. Based on the location of the wireless power transmission device 2, the power-transmittable area is defined by its direction and distance from the power-transmittable area.

[0156] The position identification unit 241 identifies the position of the measuring instrument 1 based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 from the measuring instrument 1. For example, the position identification unit 241 identifies the direction and distance of the measuring instrument 1 based on the direction and intensity of the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 from the measuring instrument 1, with the position of the wireless power transmission device 2 as a reference, and uses this as the relative position of the measuring instrument 1.

[0157] The position identification unit 241 identifies the distance from the wireless power transmission device 2 to the measuring instrument 1, for example, based on the strength of the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21. Furthermore, the position identification unit 241 identifies the direction of the measuring instrument 1 relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 based on the timing difference between the beacon signals received by each of the plurality of light-receiving units 211 included in the signal receiving unit 21.

[0158] Specifically, if multiple light-receiving units 211 simultaneously receive beacon signals, the position recognition unit 241 identifies the measuring instrument 1 as being on a median line extending perpendicular to the straight line connecting the multiple light-receiving units 211, starting from the midpoint between the multiple light-receiving units 211. If the timing of one light-receiving unit 211 receiving the beacon signal is earlier than the timing of another light-receiving unit 211 receiving the beacon signal, the position recognition unit 241 identifies the measuring instrument 1 as being located in a direction closer to that light-receiving unit 211 than the median line.

[0159] The power transmission controller 245 causes the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power when it determines, based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 from the measuring instrument 1, that the measuring instrument 1 is within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 and no one is using the measuring instrument 1. For example, the power transmission controller 245 causes the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power when the signal receiving unit 21 is receiving a beacon signal and, based on the strength of the received beacon signal, determines that the measuring instrument 1 is within a distance from which the measuring instrument 1 can receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0160] As described above, when the measuring instrument 1 is within the range where the wireless power transmission device 2 can wirelessly transmit power and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, the wireless power transmission device 2 wirelessly transmits power to the measuring instrument 1, thereby suppressing the effects of wireless power transmission on the human body. However, even in this case, when the measuring instrument 1 is located in an area usually occupied by people, the wireless power transmission device 2 is not preferably performing wireless power transmission.

[0161] Therefore, even if the measuring instrument 1 is located within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, the power transmission controller 245 will not cause the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power if the measuring instrument 1 is located outside the power-transmittable area where power can be transmitted wirelessly. For example, if the relative position of the measuring instrument 1, as identified by the position identification unit 241 and based on the position of the wireless power transmission device 2, is located outside the power-transmittable area, as indicated by the power-transmittable area data stored in the memory 23, the power transmission controller 245 will not cause the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power. In this way, the power transmission controller 245 prevents the power transmission unit 22 from transmitting power when the measuring instrument 1 is located in an area normally occupied by people, thereby preventing the power transmission unit 22 from transmitting power when there is a high probability that someone is near the measuring instrument 1.

[0162] Even if the measuring instrument 1 is within the range where the wireless power transmission device 2 can wirelessly transmit power and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, it is not preferable for the wireless power transmission device 2 to initiate wireless power transmission to the measuring instrument 1 immediately after the operator stops using the measuring instrument 1, because the operator may be near the measuring instrument 1, which may, for example, cause radio waves carrying power to radiate onto the operator.

[0163] Therefore, even if it is determined that the measuring instrument 1 is within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, the power supply controller 245 will not cause the power supply unit 22 to transmit power for a predetermined period of time after the signal receiving unit 21 receives the beacon signal from the measuring instrument 1. For example, the power supply controller 245 prevents the power supply unit 22 from transmitting power during a second period of time after the first beacon signal is received, following a first period of time without receiving the beacon signal. For example, the power supply controller 245 causes the power supply unit 22 to start transmitting power after a period of time (e.g., one minute) required for the operator using the measuring instrument 1 to leave the measuring instrument 1 at least a predetermined distance from the measuring instrument 1, from the time the signal receiving unit 21 receives the beacon signal indicating that the measuring instrument 1 is in a state where it can receive power.

[0164] This prevents the wireless power transmission device 2 from wirelessly transmitting power to the measuring instrument 1 before the operator leaves the vicinity of the measuring instrument 1 after the operator has stopped using it, thereby ensuring the operator's safety.

[0165] [Processing in Wireless Power Transmission Device 2]

[0166] The processing performed by wireless power transmission device 2 will be explained. Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0167] The power supply controller 245 determines whether the signal receiving unit 21 has received a beacon signal from the measuring instrument 1 (S1). If the power supply controller 245 determines that no beacon signal has been received (S1: "No"), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0168] On the other hand, if the power supply controller 245 determines that a beacon signal has been received (S1: "Yes"), then the power supply controller 245 determines whether the measuring instrument 1 is within the distance from which the measuring instrument 1 can receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2 (S2). If the power supply controller 245 determines that the measuring instrument 1 is not within the distance from which the measuring instrument 1 can receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2 (S2: "No"), then the process proceeds to step S6.

[0169] On the other hand, if the power supply controller 245 determines that the measuring instrument 1 is within the distance from which it can receive power from the wireless power transmission device 2 (S2: "Yes"), then the power supply controller 245 determines whether the measuring instrument 1 is located within a power transmission area where power can be wirelessly transmitted (S3). If the power supply controller 245 determines that the measuring instrument 1 is not located within a power transmission area (S3: "No"), then the process proceeds to step S6.

[0170] On the other hand, if the power supply controller 245 determines that the measuring instrument 1 is within the power transmission area (S3: "Yes"), then the power supply controller 245 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the beacon signal (S4). If the power supply controller 245 determines that no predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the beacon signal (S4: "No"), then the process proceeds to step S6.

[0171] On the other hand, if the power supply controller 245 determines that a predetermined time has elapsed since the beacon signal was received (S4: "Yes"), the power supply controller 245 causes the power supply unit 22 to send power (S5).

[0172] If the power supply controller 245 determines "no" in steps S1, S2, S3 or S4, then the power supply controller 245 causes the power supply unit 22 to stop sending power (S6).

[0173] [Variation Example]

[0174] In the example above, when sensor 117 detects that no one is using measuring instrument 1, signal transmitter 119 sends a beacon signal to wireless power transmission device 2. However, signal transmitter 119 can also send a beacon signal to wireless power transmission device 2 that indicates the presence or absence of a person using measuring instrument 1, detected by sensor 117. That is, signal transmitter 119 can continuously send beacon signals to wireless power transmission device 2 regardless of whether anyone is using measuring instrument 1. In this case, the sent beacon signal includes information for identifying the presence or absence of a person using measuring instrument 1.

[0175] In this case, the power transmission controller 245 of the wireless power transmission device 2 causes the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power when i) the strength of the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 from the measuring instrument 1 is such that the measuring instrument 1 is determined to be within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 1, and ii) the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 from the measuring instrument 1 is determined to include information indicating that no one is using the measuring instrument 1.

[0176] Furthermore, if sensor 117 is a human sensor, signal transmitting unit 119 can transmit beacon signals, such as those detected by the human sensor, indicating the presence or absence of a person around the measuring instrument 1 to wireless power transmission device 2. That is, signal transmitting unit 119 can continuously transmit beacon signals to wireless power transmission device 2 regardless of whether a person is around the measuring instrument 1. In this case, the transmitted beacon signals include information for identifying the presence or absence of a person around the measuring instrument 1.

[0177] The power transmission controller 245 of the wireless power transmission device 2 that has received the beacon signal causes the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power if i) the strength of the received beacon signal determines that the measuring instrument 1 is within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2, and ii) the received beacon signal is determined to include information indicating that no one is using the measuring instrument 1 and information indicating that no one is around the measuring instrument 1.

[0178] [Effect of Wireless Power Transmission System S]

[0179] As described above, in the wireless power transmission system S, when the power transmission controller 245 determines, based on the beacon signal received by the wireless power transmission device 2 from the measuring instrument 1, that the measuring instrument 1 is within a predetermined distance relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 and no one is using the measuring instrument 1, the wireless power transmission device 2 can transmit power to the measuring instrument 1. This allows for the suppression of the impact of wireless power transmission on the operator's body.

[0180] Furthermore, in the wireless power transmission system S, when the measuring instrument 1 is in an area typically occupied by people, the power transmission controller 245 can prevent the power transmission unit 22 from transmitting power. This prevents the power transmission unit 22 from transmitting power when the measuring instrument 1 is placed in a location where the presence of people is high, thereby enhancing security.

[0181] <Improving the efficiency of wireless power transmission>

[0182] [summary]

[0183] The operator performs the work while holding the measuring instrument 1 in their hand, thus the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 may change. Furthermore, if the measuring instrument 1 is placed on a table or floor, its orientation may differ before and after the operation. Depending on the orientation of the measuring instrument 1, the distance between the wireless power transmission device 2 and the receiving antenna of the measuring instrument 1 may increase, or, from the perspective of the wireless power transmission device 2, the receiving antenna may be hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1. As a result, the measuring instrument 1 may have difficulty receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2, and the power transmission efficiency may decrease.

[0184] Therefore, the measuring instrument 1 may include multiple receiving antennas 110. The wireless power transmission device 2 identifies the positions of the multiple receiving antennas 110 based on attitude data received from the measuring instrument 1 to indicate the attitude of the measuring instrument 1, and causes the transmitting antenna 222 to transmit power to the identified receiving antenna 110 that can receive the maximum amount of power, thereby improving power transmission efficiency. The structure and operation of the measuring instrument 1 and the wireless power transmission device 2 will be described below.

[0185] [Structure and operation of measuring instrument 1]

[0186] Figure 11 Another example of the structure of measuring instrument 1 is shown. Figure 11 The measuring instrument 1 shown is... Figure 4 The difference of the measuring instrument 1 shown is that: Figure 11 The measuring instrument 1 shown also includes multiple receiving antennas 110, multiple display devices 125, and a posture detection unit 126.

[0187] exist Figure 11 In the figure, multiple receiving antennas 110 are shown on the outside of the main body 12, but the multiple receiving antennas 110 may be built into the main body 12. Figure 11 The power receiving module 11 shown may include some of the power receiving antennas 110 among a plurality of power receiving antennas 110, but may be configured not to include power receiving antennas 110.

[0188] Multiple receiving antennas 110 are, for example, Q-matched coupled to a patterned antenna in a receiving module 11. The receiving module 11 includes a selection circuit for selecting the receiving antenna 110 from the multiple receiving antennas 110 that has received the strongest power and achieves the highest power transmission efficiency. The selection circuit is, for example, based on... Figure 8 The control circuit 118 shown is used to select the receiving antenna 110 to receive power.

[0189] Multiple display devices 125 are provided to correspond to multiple receiving antennas 110 respectively. Among the multiple display devices 125, the display device 125 corresponding to the receiving antenna 110 that is receiving power from the transmitting antenna 222 displays that power is being received. The display device 125 is, for example, an LED. The controller 124 compares the power received from the receiving antenna 110 with a threshold and lights up the LED corresponding to the receiving antenna 110 that has received power equal to or higher than the threshold.

[0190] Thus, the display device 125 corresponding to the receiving antenna 110 that is receiving power indicates that power is being received, thereby enabling the operator to know that the measuring instrument 1 is receiving power and which receiving antenna 110 is receiving power.

[0191] The attitude detection unit 126 includes, for example, a gyroscope sensor, and detects the attitude of the measuring instrument 1 by measuring the angular velocity of the measuring instrument 1. The attitude of the measuring instrument 1 is represented, for example, by the tilt angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle of the initial attitude relative to the measuring instrument 1 placed at a predetermined angle on the upper surface of the wireless power transmission device 2. As an example, the controller 124 notifies the attitude detection unit 126 that the operation for setting the initial attitude has been performed on the operation unit 121, and the attitude detection unit 126 inputs data to the controller 124 indicating the tilt angle, pitch angle, and yaw angle based on the attitude of the attitude detection unit 126 at the time of receiving the notification.

[0192] The attitude detection unit 126 transmits attitude data to the wireless power transmission device 2 via the power receiving module 11. Specifically, the signal transmitting unit 119 included in the power receiving module 11 transmits a beacon signal including information indicating the attitude detected by the attitude detection unit 126. After the signal transmitting unit 119 transmits the beacon signal, any one of the plurality of power receiving antennas 110 receives power from the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0193] As will be explained in detail later, the wireless power transmission device 2, having received the beacon signal, identifies the receiving antenna 110 to be powered based on the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 indicated by the received beacon signal. The identified receiving antenna 110 receives power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0194] [Structure and Operation of Wireless Power Transmission Device 2]

[0195] The structure and operation of wireless power transmission device 2 will be explained. Figure 12 Another example of the structure of wireless power transmission device 2 is shown. Figure 12 The structure of the wireless power transmission device 2 shown is similar to Figure 7 The difference in the structure of the wireless power transmission device 2 shown is that the controller 24 includes a measuring instrument identification unit 242, a power receiving position identification unit 243, a power supply object identification unit 244, and a power supply controller 245 as its specific structure.

[0196] The memory 23 stores shape data used to indicate the shape of the measuring instrument 1. The shape of the measuring instrument 1 is, for example, the three-dimensional shape of the main body of the measuring instrument 1. As will be explained in detail later, the shape data is used by the wireless power transmission device 2 to identify the position of the receiving antenna 110 that is not hidden behind the main body of the measuring instrument 1. Additionally, the memory 23 stores positional relationship data used to indicate the positional relationships between the plurality of receiving antennas 110 in the measuring instrument 1. The positional relationship data is, for example, data indicating the coordinates of the plurality of receiving antennas 110 in a three-dimensional coordinate space with the signal transmitting unit 119 of the power receiving module 11 as the origin.

[0197] The measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the position of the signal transmitting unit 119 in the measuring instrument 1, which transmits the beacon signal, relative to the wireless power transmission device 2 based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21. For example, the measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the distance from the wireless power transmission device 2 to the signal transmitting unit 119 of the measuring instrument 1 based on the strength of the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21. Furthermore, the measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the direction of the signal transmitting unit 119 in the measuring instrument 1 relative to the wireless power transmission device 2, for example, based on the timing difference of the beacon signal received by each of the plurality of light-receiving units 211 included in the signal receiving unit 21.

[0198] Specifically, when multiple light-receiving units 211 simultaneously receive beacon signals, the measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies that the signal transmitting unit 119 of the measuring instrument 1 is located on a median line extending from the midpoint between the multiple light-receiving units 211 in a direction perpendicular to the straight line connecting the multiple light-receiving units 211. If the timing of one light-receiving unit 211 receiving the beacon signal is earlier than the timing of another light-receiving unit 211 receiving the beacon signal, the measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies that the signal transmitting unit 119 of the measuring instrument 1 is located in a direction closer to that light-receiving unit 211 than to the median line.

[0199] The measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the posture of the measuring instrument 1 based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21. For example, the measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 in the device coordinate system based on the position of the wireless power transmission device 2, based on the information included in the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 that indicates the posture of the measuring instrument 1.

[0200] The power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the position of each of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 based on i) positional relationship data indicating the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit 119 and each of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 in the measuring instrument 1, ii) the position of the signal transmitting unit 119 identified by the measuring instrument identification unit 242, and iii) the orientation of the measuring instrument 1. For example, whenever the signal receiving unit 21 receives a beacon signal including information indicating the orientation, the power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the position of each of the multiple power receiving antennas 110. The method used by the power receiving position identification unit 243 to identify the position of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 will be described in detail below.

[0201] First, the power receiving position identification unit 243 generates multiple correction vectors by correcting multiple vectors based on the posture of the measuring instrument 1. These multiple vectors indicate the positions of multiple power receiving antennas 110 relative to the signal transmitting unit 119 in a measuring instrument coordinate system based on the position of the measuring instrument 1, as indicated by positional relationship data. These multiple correction vectors are multiple vectors used to indicate the positions of multiple power receiving antennas 110 relative to the signal transmitting unit 119 in a device coordinate system based on the position of the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0202] Figure 13 An example of generating the correction vector is shown. Figure 13 The device coordinate system shown is a three-dimensional coordinate system defined by three axes (DX, DY, and DZ) with an arbitrary point (DO) in the wireless power transmission device 2 as the origin. Assume that the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 after the attitude change is tilted by A degrees in the device coordinate system relative to its orientation before the attitude change. In this case, as... Figure 13 As shown, the power receiving position identification unit 243 generates a correction vector (indicated by a dashed arrow) by rotating the pre-correction vector (indicated by a solid arrow) of the position Pa of the plurality of power receiving antennas 110 relative to the position Pb of the signal transmitting unit 119 in the coordinate system of the indicating measuring instrument by rotating it by A degrees.

[0203] Next, the power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the position of each of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 by adding each of the multiple correction vectors to the position of the signal transmitting unit 119 identified by the measuring instrument identification unit 242 in the device coordinate system based on the position of the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0204] Figure 14 An example is shown for identifying the locations of multiple powered antennas 110. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the power receiving position identification unit 243 adds multiple correction vectors (indicated by dashed arrows) to the position DPb of the signal transmitting unit 119 identified by the measuring instrument identification unit 242 in the device coordinate system to identify the position DPa of each power receiving antenna 110 among the multiple power receiving antennas 110 in the device coordinate system.

[0205] In this way, the power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies i) the direction of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas 110 after the posture change of the measuring instrument 1 and ii) the distance to each of the plurality of power receiving antennas 110 after the posture change of the measuring instrument 1, based on the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0206] When the signal receiving unit 21 receives a beacon signal containing information indicating the orientation, and the power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the positions of the multiple power receiving antennas 110, the power receiving position identification unit 243 may identify the positions of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 even when the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 has not changed. This potentially increases the processing load on the wireless power transmission device 2. Therefore, in response to the measuring instrument 1 detecting a change in the orientation of the measuring instrument 1, the power receiving position identification unit 243 can identify the positions of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 based on the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 after the orientation change. For example, the power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the positions of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 when it detects a change in orientation indicated by the orientation information, and does not identify the positions of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 during periods when there is no change in orientation.

[0207] In this way, when the posture of the measuring instrument 1 changes, the power receiving position identification unit 243 re-identifies the respective positions of the multiple power receiving antennas 110, thereby reducing the processing load of the wireless power transmission device 2 and making it less likely that processing delays will occur in the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0208] The power receiving target identification unit 244 identifies the power receiving antenna 110 that can receive the maximum amount of power transmitted by the power transmitting antenna 222 as the power receiving target based on the positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas 110 identified by the power receiving location identification unit 243. For example, the power receiving target identification unit 244 identifies the power receiving antenna 110 with the shortest distance to the power transmitting antenna 222 as the power receiving target.

[0209] In this way, the power transmission target identification unit 244 identifies the receiving antenna 110, which is closest to the power transmitting antenna 222, as the power transmission target, thus enabling efficient wireless power transmission. However, from the perspective of the power transmitting antenna 222, the receiving antenna 110, which is closest to the power transmitting antenna 222, may be hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1. In this case, even if the power transmitting antenna 222 transmits power to the receiving antenna 110 at the shortest distance, the main body 12 blocks the power, and therefore the power transmission efficiency cannot be considered optimal.

[0210] Therefore, the power supply target identification unit 244 identifies the receiving antenna 110, which is not located on the straight line connecting the transmitting antenna 222 and the receiving antenna 110, as a power supply target by referring to shape data used to indicate the shape of the measuring instrument 1. For example, the power supply target identification unit 244 sequentially determines whether the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 is located on the straight line connecting the transmitting antenna 222 and the receiving antenna 110, starting from the receiving antenna 110 closest to the transmitting antenna 222, and identifies the first receiving antenna 110 whose main body 12 is not located on the straight line as a power supply target. In this way, the power supply target identification unit 244 identifies the receiving antenna 110 that is not hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 as a power supply target, thereby enabling efficient wireless power transmission.

[0211] The power transmission controller 245 causes the power transmission antenna 222 to transmit power to the receiving antenna 110 identified by the power transmission target identification unit 244. The power transmission controller 245, for example, uses beamforming with multiple power transmission antennas 222 to transmit radio waves in the direction of the receiving antenna 110 identified by the power transmission target identification unit 244, thereby causing the power transmission unit 22 to transmit power towards the receiving antenna 110 to be powered. The power transmission controller 245 can i) select a power transmission antenna 222 suitable for transmitting power to the receiving antenna 110 identified by the power transmission target identification unit 244, or ii) change the orientation of the power transmission antenna 222 to face the receiving antenna 110 identified by the power transmission target identification unit 244.

[0212] It should be noted that when multiple types of measuring instruments 1 capable of transmitting power exist in the presence of the wireless power transmission device 2, the wireless power transmission device 2 cannot identify the positions of the multiple receiving antennas 110 simply by recognizing the posture of the measuring instruments 1. Therefore, the memory 123 can store positional relationship data indicating the positions of the multiple receiving antennas 110 in the measuring instruments 1, and the signal transmitting unit 119 in the measuring instruments 1 can transmit a beacon signal including this positional relationship data to the wireless power transmission device 2. The signal receiving unit 21 in the wireless power transmission device 2 receives the beacon signal including the positional relationship data. The receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the respective positions of the multiple receiving antennas 110 based on the positional relationship data included in the received beacon signal.

[0213] When the wireless power transmission device 2 stores positional relationship data in association with the type of the measuring instrument 1, the memory 123 can store type data indicating the type of the measuring instrument 1, and the signal transmitting unit 119 in the measuring instrument 1 can transmit a beacon signal including the type data to the wireless power transmission device 2. The signal receiving unit 21 in the wireless power transmission device 2 receives the beacon signal including the type data. The power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the respective positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas 110 based on positional relationship data corresponding to the type data included in the received beacon signal.

[0214] Furthermore, if the measuring instrument 1, which can be powered by the wireless power transmission device 2, has multiple shapes, the power supply object identification unit 244 cannot identify the receiving antenna 110, which is not hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1, simply by recognizing the posture of the measuring instrument 1. Therefore, the memory 123 can store shape data indicating the shape of the measuring instrument 1, and the signal transmission unit 119 in the measuring instrument 1 can transmit a beacon signal including this shape data to the wireless power transmission device 2. The power supply object identification unit 244 identifies the receiving antenna 110, which is not hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1, by referring to the shape data included in the received beacon signal.

[0215] [Processing in Wireless Power Transmission Device 2]

[0216] The processing performed by wireless power transmission device 2 will be explained. Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the wireless power transmission device 2.

[0217] The signal receiving unit 21 receives a beacon signal from the measuring instrument 1 to indicate the attitude of the measuring instrument 1, wherein the attitude of the measuring instrument 1 is detected by a gyroscope sensor included in the measuring instrument 1 for measuring the angular velocity of the measuring instrument 1. The measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the attitude of the measuring instrument 1 based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 (S11).

[0218] The measuring instrument identification unit 242 identifies the position of the measuring instrument 1 (position of the signal transmitting unit 119) based on the strength and direction of the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 (S12).

[0219] The power receiving position identification unit 243 identifies the position of each of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 based on i) positional relationship data indicating the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit 119 and each of the multiple power receiving antennas 110 in the measuring instrument 1, ii) the posture of the measuring instrument 1 identified by the measuring instrument identification unit 242, and iii) the position of the signal transmitting unit 119 identified by the measuring instrument identification unit 242 (S13).

[0220] The power supply target identification unit 244 identifies the power receiving antenna 110 with the shortest distance to the power supply antenna 222 among the multiple power receiving antennas 110 as the power supply target (S14).

[0221] The power supply object identification unit 244 determines whether the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 is located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna 222 and the identified power receiving antenna 110 (that is, whether the identified power receiving antenna 110 is hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1) (S15).

[0222] If the power supply target identification unit 244 determines that the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 is located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna 222 and the identified power receiving antenna 110 (the identified power receiving antenna 110 is hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1) (S15: "Yes"), then the power supply target identification unit 244 identifies the power receiving antenna 110 with the shortest distance to the power supply antenna 222 among the power receiving antennas 110 other than the already identified power receiving antenna 110 as the power supply target (S14).

[0223] Then, the power supply target identification unit 244 again determines whether the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 is located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna 222 and the identified power receiving antenna 110 (S15). In this way, the power supply target identification unit 244 sequentially determines whether the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 is located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna 222 and the power receiving antenna 110, starting from the power receiving antenna 110 closest to the power supply antenna 222, and if it determines that the main body 12 is not located on the straight line, it proceeds to the next step S16.

[0224] If the power supply object identification unit 244 determines that the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1 is not located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna 222 and the identified power receiving antenna 110 (the identified power receiving antenna 110 is not hidden behind the main body 12 of the measuring instrument 1) (S15: "No"), then the power supply controller 245 causes the power supply antenna 222 to send power to the power receiving antenna 110 identified by the power supply object identification unit 244 (S16).

[0225] The controller 24 of the wireless power transmission device 2 determines whether the charging of the secondary battery 114 is complete based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit 21 (S17). If the controller 24 determines that the charging of the secondary battery 114 is not complete (S17: "No"), the process of step S11 is executed again. On the other hand, if the controller 24 determines that the charging of the secondary battery 114 is complete (S17: "Yes"), the process ends.

[0226] The measuring instrument identification unit 242, the power receiving position identification unit 243, the power supply object identification unit 244, and the power supply controller 245 continuously perform the processing from S11 to S17 until the signal receiving unit 21 receives from the measuring instrument 1 a beacon signal indicating that the secondary battery 114 has completed charging.

[0227] [Effect of Wireless Power Transmission System S]

[0228] As described above, in the wireless power transmission system S, the power recipient identification unit 244 can identify the receiving antenna 110 among the plurality of receiving antennas 110 that can receive the maximum amount of power transmitted by the power transmitting antenna 222 as the power recipient. As a result, even if the orientation of the measuring instrument 1 changes, the power transmitting antenna 222 can transmit power to the receiving antenna 110 that can most easily receive power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device 2. Furthermore, wireless power transmission can be performed efficiently even when the operator is holding the measuring instrument 1 in their hand.

[0229] This disclosure is based on exemplary embodiments. The technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure. For example, all or part of the device can be constructed using any functionally or physically distributed or integrated units. Furthermore, new exemplary embodiments generated through any combination of exemplary embodiments are included in the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Moreover, the effects of the new exemplary embodiments resulting from combinations also have the effects of the original exemplary embodiments.

[0230] For example, although the measuring instrument 1 is illustrated to include a power receiving module 11 housed in the housing section ST, the measuring instrument 1 may be configured to not include the power receiving module 11, and the main body section 12 may have the function of the power receiving module 11.

[0231] The following appendix further discloses embodiments including the examples described above.

[0232] (Appendix 1)

[0233] A portable measuring instrument for receiving power transmitted from a wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting power, the measuring instrument comprising:

[0234] Multiple receiving antennas are used to receive power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device;

[0235] An attitude detection unit is used to detect the attitude of the measuring instrument; and

[0236] The signal transmitting unit is used to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating the posture detected by the posture detection unit.

[0237] After the signal transmitting unit transmits the beacon signal, any one of the plurality of powered antennas receives power from the wireless power transmission device.

[0238] (Appendix 2)

[0239] According to the measuring instrument described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0240] The measuring instrument also includes multiple display devices corresponding to the plurality of powered antennas, and

[0241] The display device among the plurality of display devices, corresponding to the receiving antenna that receives power transmitted by the transmitting antenna used to transmit power from the wireless power transmission device, displays that it is receiving power.

[0242] (Appendix 3)

[0243] According to the measuring instrument described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0244] The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal including positional relationship data, which is used to indicate the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit and each of the plurality of powered antennas in the measuring instrument.

[0245] (Appendix 4)

[0246] According to the measuring instrument 1 described in Appendix 1, wherein,

[0247] The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal that includes type data indicating the type of the measuring instrument.

[0248] (Appendix 5)

[0249] The measuring instrument according to any one of Appendices 1 to 4, wherein,

[0250] The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal that includes shape data used to indicate the shape of the measuring instrument.

[0251] (Appendix 6)

[0252] A wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting electricity, the wireless power transmission device comprising:

[0253] A signal receiving unit is configured to receive a beacon signal, including information indicating the orientation of the measuring instrument, from a measuring instrument having multiple powered antennas;

[0254] The measuring instrument identification unit is used to identify i) the position of the signal transmitting unit of the measuring instrument that transmits the beacon signal relative to the wireless power transmission device, and ii) the posture of the measuring instrument, based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit;

[0255] The power receiving position identification unit is used to identify the position of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on i) positional relationship data indicating the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit and each of the plurality of power receiving antennas in the measuring instrument, ii) the position of the signal transmitting unit identified by the measuring instrument identification unit, and iii) the posture of the measuring instrument.

[0256] A power transmission target identification unit is configured to identify, based on the location of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas, the power receiving antenna capable of receiving the maximum power transmitted by the power transmitting antenna as a power transmission target; and

[0257] A power supply controller is used to cause the power supply antenna to send power to the identified power receiving antenna.

[0258] (Appendix 7)

[0259] According to the wireless power transmission device described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0260] The power supply target identification unit identifies the power receiving antenna with the shortest distance to the power supply antenna from among the plurality of power receiving antennas as the power supply target.

[0261] (Appendix 8)

[0262] According to the wireless power transmission device described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0263] The signal receiving unit receives a beacon signal including shape data for indicating the shape of the measuring instrument, and

[0264] The power supply object identification unit identifies the power receiving antenna, which is not located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna and the power receiving antenna, as the power supply object by referring to shape data used to indicate the shape of the measuring instrument.

[0265] (Appendix 9)

[0266] According to the wireless power transmission device described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0267] The power receiving position identification unit: i) generates multiple correction vectors by correcting multiple vectors based on the posture of the measuring instrument, the multiple vectors indicating the positions of the multiple power receiving antennas relative to the position of the signal transmitting unit in the measuring instrument coordinate system as indicated by the position relationship data; and ii) identifies the respective positions of the multiple power receiving antennas by adding each of the multiple correction vectors to the position of the signal transmitting unit identified by the measuring instrument identification unit in the device coordinate system based on the position of the wireless power transmission device.

[0268] (Appendix 10)

[0269] According to the wireless power transmission device described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0270] The signal receiving unit receives a beacon signal including the location relationship data, and

[0271] The power receiving location identification unit identifies the respective positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on the positional relationship data included in the beacon signal.

[0272] (Appendix 11)

[0273] According to the wireless power transmission device described in Appendix 6, wherein...

[0274] The positional relationship data is stored in association with the type of the measuring instrument.

[0275] The signal receiving unit receives a beacon signal including type data indicating the type of the measuring instrument, and

[0276] The power receiving location identification unit identifies the location of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on location relationship data corresponding to the type data included in the beacon signal.

[0277] (Appendix 12)

[0278] The wireless power transmission device according to any one of Appendices 6 to 11, wherein,

[0279] The power receiving position identification unit responds to the measuring instrument detecting a change in the measuring instrument's posture, and identifies the respective positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on the posture of the measuring instrument after the posture change.

[0280] (Appendix 13)

[0281] A wireless power transmission system, comprising:

[0282] Wireless power transmission equipment for wirelessly transmitting electricity; and

[0283] Measuring instruments for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device.

[0284] The measuring instrument includes:

[0285] Multiple receiving antennas for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device; a posture detection unit for detecting the posture of the measuring instrument; and

[0286] The signal transmitting unit is used to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating the posture detected by the posture detection unit.

[0287] The wireless power transmission device includes:

[0288] A power transmission antenna is used to transmit power from the wireless power transmission device.

[0289] A signal receiving unit is used to receive the beacon signal.

[0290] The measuring instrument identification unit is used to identify the position of the signal transmitting unit relative to the wireless power transmission device and the orientation of the measuring instrument based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit.

[0291] The power receiving position identification unit is used to identify the position of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on i) positional relationship data indicating the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit and each of the plurality of power receiving antennas in the measuring instrument, ii) the position of the signal transmitting unit identified by the measuring instrument identification unit, and iii) the posture of the measuring instrument.

[0292] A power supply target identification unit is used to identify, based on the location of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas, the power receiving antenna capable of receiving the maximum amount of power transmitted by the power transmitting antenna as a power supply target, and

[0293] A power supply controller is used to cause the power supply antenna to send power to the identified power receiving antenna.

Claims

1. A portable measuring instrument for receiving power transmitted from a wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting power, the measuring instrument comprising: Multiple receiving antennas are used to receive power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device; An attitude detection unit is used to detect the attitude of the measuring instrument; as well as The signal transmitting unit is used to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating the posture detected by the posture detection unit. After the signal transmitting unit transmits the beacon signal, any one of the plurality of powered antennas receives power from the wireless power transmission device.

2. The measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring instrument also includes multiple display devices corresponding to the plurality of powered antennas, and The display device among the plurality of display devices, corresponding to the receiving antenna that receives power transmitted by the transmitting antenna used to transmit power from the wireless power transmission device, displays that it is receiving power.

3. The measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein, The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal including positional relationship data, which is used to indicate the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit and each of the plurality of powered antennas in the measuring instrument.

4. The measuring instrument (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal that includes type data indicating the type of the measuring instrument.

5. The measuring instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The signal transmitting unit transmits a beacon signal that includes shape data used to indicate the shape of the measuring instrument.

6. A wireless power transmission device for wirelessly transmitting electricity, the wireless power transmission device comprising: A signal receiving unit is configured to receive a beacon signal, including information indicating the orientation of the measuring instrument, from a measuring instrument having multiple powered antennas; The measuring instrument identification unit is used to identify i) the position of the signal transmitting unit of the measuring instrument that transmits the beacon signal relative to the wireless power transmission device, and ii) the posture of the measuring instrument, based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit; The power receiving position identification unit is used to identify the position of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on i) positional relationship data indicating the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit and each of the plurality of power receiving antennas in the measuring instrument, ii) the position of the signal transmitting unit identified by the measuring instrument identification unit, and iii) the posture of the measuring instrument. The power receiving object identification unit is used to identify the power receiving antenna among the plurality of power receiving antennas that can receive the maximum amount of power transmitted by the power transmitting antenna as the power receiving object based on the respective positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas. as well as A power supply controller is used to cause the power supply antenna to send power to the identified power receiving antenna.

7. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, wherein, The power supply target identification unit identifies the power receiving antenna with the shortest distance to the power supply antenna from among the plurality of power receiving antennas as the power supply target.

8. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, wherein, The signal receiving unit receives a beacon signal including shape data for indicating the shape of the measuring instrument, and The power supply object identification unit identifies the power receiving antenna, which is not located on the straight line connecting the power supply antenna and the power receiving antenna, as the power supply object by referring to shape data used to indicate the shape of the measuring instrument.

9. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, wherein, The power receiving location identification unit: i) Generate multiple correction vectors by correcting multiple vectors based on the posture of the measuring instrument, the multiple vectors being used to indicate the positions of the multiple receiving antennas relative to the position of the signal transmitting unit in the measuring instrument coordinate system as indicated by the positional relationship data; as well as ii) The positions of the plurality of powered antennas are identified by adding each of the plurality of correction vectors to the position of the signal transmitting unit identified by the measuring instrument identification unit in the device coordinate system based on the position of the wireless power transmission device.

10. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, wherein, The signal receiving unit receives a beacon signal including the location relationship data, and The power receiving location identification unit identifies the respective positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on the positional relationship data included in the beacon signal.

11. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, wherein, The positional relationship data is stored in association with the type of the measuring instrument. The signal receiving unit receives a beacon signal including type data indicating the type of the measuring instrument, and The power receiving location identification unit identifies the location of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on location relationship data corresponding to the type data included in the beacon signal.

12. The wireless power transmission device according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein, The power receiving position identification unit responds to the measuring instrument detecting a change in the measuring instrument's posture, and identifies the respective positions of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on the posture of the measuring instrument after the posture change.

13. A wireless power transmission system, comprising: Wireless power transmission equipment for wirelessly transmitting electricity; as well as Measuring instruments for receiving power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device. The measuring instrument includes: Multiple receiving antennas are used to receive power transmitted from the wireless power transmission device. An attitude detection unit is used to detect the attitude of the measuring instrument, and The signal transmitting unit is used to transmit a beacon signal including information indicating the posture detected by the posture detection unit. The wireless power transmission device includes: A power transmission antenna is used to transmit power from the wireless power transmission device. A signal receiving unit is used to receive the beacon signal. The measuring instrument identification unit is used to identify the position of the signal transmitting unit relative to the wireless power transmission device and the orientation of the measuring instrument based on the beacon signal received by the signal receiving unit. The power receiving position identification unit is used to identify the position of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas based on i) positional relationship data indicating the positional relationship between the signal transmitting unit and each of the plurality of power receiving antennas in the measuring instrument, ii) the position of the signal transmitting unit identified by the measuring instrument identification unit, and iii) the posture of the measuring instrument. A power supply target identification unit is used to identify, based on the location of each of the plurality of power receiving antennas, the power receiving antenna capable of receiving the maximum amount of power transmitted by the power transmitting antenna as a power supply target, and A power supply controller is used to cause the power supply antenna to send power to the identified power receiving antenna.

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