Power receiving machine, wireless power supply system and wireless power supply method

Abstract

The power receiver is provided with: a power supply antenna unit having a plurality of power supply antennas that respectively receive radio waves allocated to a plurality of frequency bands for power supply; a switch unit that switches and outputs the power supply waves received by any one of the power supply antennas included in the power supply antenna unit; an external interface unit that is connected to an IoT device that is a power receiving target; and a power supply control unit that supplies power to the IoT device via the external interface unit to the radio wave output from the switch unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a motor, a wireless power supply system, and a wireless power supply method.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-184021 filed on October 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless power supply technology is known to supply power wirelessly from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device (e.g., Patent Document 1). Three frequency bands are allocated for wireless power supply: 920MHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.7GHz.

[0004] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-18146 Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem that the invention aims to solve However, although the ministry has amended regulations to facilitate the practical application of Power over Wireless (PoW), the number of devices capable of using PoW is limited. In particular, there are almost no PoW-compatible IoT (Internet of Things) devices, such as surveillance cameras, that possess both sensor and communication capabilities. Replacing existing IoT devices with PoW-compatible ones incurs switching costs. Furthermore, since multiple frequency bands are allocated for PoW, the switching costs are excessively high when replacing them with IoT devices capable of operating on any frequency band.

[0006] This invention was made based on the above-mentioned issues, and its purpose is to provide a motor, wireless power supply system and wireless power supply method that enable existing IoT devices to cope with wireless power supply.

[0007] Methods for solving problems [1] One aspect of the present invention relates to a power receiving device comprising: a power supply antenna section having a plurality of power supply antennas that respectively receive radio waves in a plurality of frequency bands allocated for power supply; a switch section that switches and outputs the power supply radio waves received by any one of the power supply antennas of the power supply antenna section; an external interface section that is connected to an IoT device that is the power receiving object; and a power supply control section that supplies power to the IoT device via the external interface section.

[0008] [2] The receiving motor according to claim [1] further comprises: a power control unit that converts the power output from the switching unit into power having a desired voltage.

[0009] [3] The receiving motor according to [1] or [2] further includes: a battery unit for storing the power output from the switch unit.

[0010] [4] The receiving motor according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply include the four frequency bands of 920MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.7GHz and 24GHz.

[0011] [5] According to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the power supply control unit obtains battery information including the remaining battery capacity of the IoT device via the external interface unit, determines whether to supply power to the IoT device with radio waves from any one of the multiple frequency bands to be allocated for power supply based on the obtained battery information, and makes a power supply start request to the power supply control server so that the power supply motor corresponding to the determined frequency band sends the power supply radio waves.

[0012] [6] According to the receiving motor of claim [5], wherein the power supply control unit acquires the battery information during the period of supplying power to the IoT device via the external interface unit, determines whether to change the frequency band of the power supply wave based on the acquired battery information, and if it is determined that the frequency band is to be changed, makes a power supply change request to the power supply control server so that the power supply wave is transmitted by the sending motor corresponding to the changed frequency.

[0013] [7] According to the receiving motor described in [5] or [6], the power supply control unit determines whether to change the frequency band of the power supply wave based on the change in the remaining battery capacity relative to the change caused by the power supply to the IoT device via the external interface unit.

[0014] [8] The receiving motor according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the receiving motor transmits radio waves in the same frequency band as any one of the frequency bands of the radio waves received by the plurality of power supply antennas to communicate.

[0015] [9] The receiving motor according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the receiving motor transmits radio waves that are different from any one of the frequency bands of the radio waves received by the plurality of power supply antennas.

[0016]

[10] The receiving motor according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the external interface includes a connector capable of connecting a USB cable.

[0017]

[11] A wireless power supply system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a receiving motor as described in any one of [1] to

[10] ; and a power supply control server, which controls the sending motor according to a request from the receiving motor, such that the sending motor, corresponding to the frequency of any one of a plurality of frequency bands allocated for power supply, transmits power supply waves.

[0018]

[12] One aspect of the present invention relates to a wireless power supply method for a receiving motor, the receiving motor comprising: a power supply antenna section having a plurality of power supply antennas that respectively receive radio waves in a plurality of frequency bands allocated for power supply; and an external interface section connected to an IoT device that is the receiving object. In this wireless power supply method, a switch section switches and outputs a power supply radio wave received by any one of the power supply antennas of the power supply antenna section, and a power supply control section causes the radio wave output from the switch section to supply power to the IoT device via the external interface section.

[0019] Invention Effects According to the present invention, existing IoT devices can be made to adapt to wireless power supply. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the wireless power supply system 1 according to an implementation method.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the receiving motor 30 in an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the power supply condition storage unit 313 in an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing flow of the wireless power supply system 1 in the implementation method.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing flow of the wireless power supply system 1 in the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, the wireless power supply system 1 and the power supply control server 10 of the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] use Figure 1 The wireless power supply system 1 will be described. Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the wireless power supply system 1 in an implementation scheme, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the wireless power supply system 1 includes, for example, a power supply control server 10, multiple power supply motors 20 (power supply motors 20-1 to 20-3, ...) and multiple power receiving motors 30 (power receiving motors 30-1 to 30-4, ...).

[0027] The power supply control server 10 controls the power supply motor 20 to wirelessly supply power to one or more power receiving motors 30 located in the power supply area E by sending power supply waves through the power supply motor 20.

[0028] The transmitter 20 transmits power supply waves under the control of the power supply control server 10. The transmitter 20 can be any one of multiple frequency bands allocated for wireless power supply. In the example shown, transmitter 20-1 is transmitter A that transmits power supply waves in frequency band A (e.g., 920MHz band). Transmitter 20-2 is transmitter B that transmits power supply waves in frequency band B (e.g., 2.4GHz band). Transmitter 20-3 is transmitter C that transmits power supply waves in frequency band C (e.g., 5.7GHz band). Transmitter 20 is not limited to transmitters 20-1 to 20-3 as described above; it may also include a transmitter (not shown) that transmits power supply waves in frequency band D (e.g., 24GHz band).

[0029] In each of the multiple frequency bands allocated for wireless power supply, the transmit output of the power supply waves that can be transmitted is specified. For example, the transmit output in the 920MHz band is a smaller value than that in other bands (e.g., 1W). The transmit output in the 5.7GHz band is a larger value than that in other bands (e.g., 32W). The transmit output in the 2.4GHz band is a value between that in the 920MHz band and the 5.7GHz band (e.g., 15W). When using the 24GHz band, the transmit output in the 24GHz band becomes a larger value than that in the 920MHz, 2.4GHz, and 5.7GHz bands. Generally, a receiver located at the same distance from the transmitting antenna can receive power from an antenna with a large transmit output, thus receiving even more power.

[0030] With different transmit outputs set in different frequency bands, the appropriate frequency band can be selected for power supply based on the intended use, thus enabling wireless power supply using the chosen band. For example, when a small amount of power is required, the 920MHz frequency band with a low transmit output can be used. On the other hand, when a large amount of power is required, the 5.7GHz or 24GHz frequency band with a high transmit output can be used. Alternatively, the 5.7GHz or 24GHz frequency band with a high transmit output can be used for power supply in a short time, while the 920MHz frequency band with a low transmit output can be used for power supply that can be sustained for a long time. In this way, different bands can be used depending on the intended use.

[0031] The receiving motor 30 is a receiving device that receives power from the supply motor 20. The receiving motor 30 periodically transmits radio waves containing a predetermined specific frequency or radio waves containing a specific signal form as beacon signals. The receiving motor 30 receives power from the communication unit 308 (described later)... Figure 2 The communication antenna of the receiver 30 transmits beacon signals. Alternatively, the receiver 30 can also transmit beacon signals via short-range wireless communication such as infrared communication.

[0032] The beacon signal, for example, contains information indicating the device ID that can identify the receiving motor 30. The receiving motor 30 transmits the beacon signal with a wave strength that reaches a specific range (e.g., a radius of several meters to tens of meters). Upon receiving the beacon signal, the transmitting motor 20 determines the receiving motor 30 corresponding to the received beacon signal and concludes that the receiving motor 30 exists in its power supply area E. The transmitting motor 20 periodically or irregularly notifies the power supply control server 10 of the receiving motor 30 existing in the power supply area E. Based on the power supply start request described later, the power supply control server 10 determines the transmitting motor 20 that will supply power to the receiving motor 30, based on the power supply area E where the receiving motor 30 exists and the transmitting motor 20 located in that power supply area E. Thus, a power supply wave is transmitted from the transmitting motor 20. The receiving motor 30 receives power from the power supply wave by receiving the wave transmitted by the transmitting motor 20.

[0033] In this embodiment, the receiving motor 30 is connected to the IoT device 31. The receiving motor 30 and the IoT device 31 are connected, for example, via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0034] USB cables are mostly developed for power delivery. For example, USB 2.0 can supply a maximum voltage of 5V and a current of 500mA, and is used as the standard output for general USB ports and USB hubs. USB 3.0 (or USB 3.1 Gen 1, USB 3.2 Gen 1) can supply a maximum voltage of 5V and a current of 900mA, following the standard known as BC1.2 (Battery Charging 1.2) for high-capacity and / or high-speed power delivery. USB 3.1 Gen 2 or USB 3.2 Gen 2 can supply a maximum voltage of 5V and a current of 1.5A (1500mA), enabling higher output or higher speed power delivery compared to USB 2.0 and USB 3.0. USB PD (USB Power Delivery) can supply a maximum voltage of 20V and a current of 5A (5000mA). USB PD is widely used in general-purpose devices such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

[0035] In this embodiment, the receiving motor 30 is configured to connect to a power supply connector provided on the IoT device 31. The IoT device 31 is an existing general-purpose device, and the power supply connector for the IoT device 31 can be, for example, a port that can connect to the aforementioned USB cable. The receiving motor 30 supplies power to the IoT device 31 via a power supply connector such as a USB cable, based on the power supply electromagnetic wave received from the transmitting motor 20. Thus, in the wireless power supply system 1 of this embodiment, existing IoT devices that are not individually designed for wireless power supply can be made compatible with wireless power supply.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the receiving motor 30 according to the embodiment. The receiving motor 30 includes a power supply antenna section 300, a switch section 307, a communication section 308, a power supply control section 309, a power control section 310, a battery section 311, an external interface section 312, and a power supply condition storage section 313.

[0037] The power supply antenna section 300 has multiple pairs of power supply antennas and rectifier circuits. For example, in the example shown in the figure, the power supply antenna section 300 has a first power supply antenna section 301 and rectifier circuit 302 pair, a second power supply antenna section 303 and rectifier circuit 304 pair, and a third power supply antenna section 305 and rectifier circuit 306 pair. Each pair receives power from radio waves of different frequency bands as power supply radio waves, converts the received radio waves (electricity) from alternating current to direct current, and outputs it after rectification.

[0038] For example, the first power supply antenna section 301 includes an antenna that receives power supply radio waves in the 920MHz frequency band. The rectifier circuit 302 is a circuit that converts the radio waves (power) received by the first power supply antenna section 301 from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and performs rectification. The second power supply antenna section 303 includes an antenna that receives power supply radio waves in the 2.4GHz frequency band. The rectifier circuit 304 is a circuit that converts the radio waves (power) received by the second power supply antenna section 303 from AC to DC and performs rectification. The third power supply antenna section 305 includes an antenna that receives power supply radio waves in the 5.7GHz frequency band. The rectifier circuit 306 is a circuit that converts the radio waves (power) received by the third power supply antenna section 305 from AC to DC and performs rectification. Alternatively, in addition to the above, a power supply antenna section (not shown) may be provided, which receives power from the antenna for power supply of the 24GHz band, and a rectifier circuit (not shown) that converts the power received by the power supply antenna section from AC to DC and rectifies it.

[0039] exist Figure 2In the example shown, the power supply antenna section 300 includes a first power supply antenna section 301, a second power supply antenna section 303, and a third power supply antenna section 305. Hereinafter, the plurality of power supply antenna sections included in the power supply antenna section 300 will also be referred to as "a plurality of power supply antennas".

[0040] The SW unit 307 switches and outputs the power supply radio wave received by any of the power supply antennas in the power supply antenna unit 300. Under the control of the power supply control unit 309, the SW unit 307 outputs the power from any of the rectifier circuits 302, 304 and 306 to the power supply control unit 310.

[0041] The power control unit 310 controls the power supply voltage. The power control unit 310 includes, for example, a power management IC (PMIC). The power control unit 310 functions as a low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator for maintaining a constant voltage, and as a DC-DC converter for boosting or bucking the input voltage. Under the control of the power supply control unit 309, the power control unit 310 converts the DC power output from the power supply unit 307 into DC power with the desired voltage, and outputs the converted DC power to the battery unit 311 and / or the external power supply unit 312.

[0042] The battery unit 311 includes a power source that supplies power to the receiving motor 30. The battery unit 311 stores the power output from the power control unit 310. That is, the battery unit 311 stores the power output from the SW unit 307 and the power control unit 310. Then, the battery unit 311 supplies the stored power to the receiving motor 30.

[0043] The external IF unit 312 includes a connector, such as a USB cable connector, that can be connected to the IoT device 31. The external IF unit 312 supplies power from the power control unit 310 to the IoT device 31.

[0044] The communication unit 308 communicates with the power supply control server 10 and the power supply motor 20 via the communication network NW. The communication unit 308 includes, for example, a communication antenna. The communication unit 308 may also communicate using a frequency band identical to the frequency band of the radio waves transmitted by any of the power supply antennas included in the power supply antenna unit 300. Furthermore, the power supply motor 30 may also transmit radio waves in a frequency band identical to any of the frequency bands of the radio waves received by the plurality of power supply antennas to communicate with the power supply control server 10 and / or the power supply motor 20.

[0045] Alternatively, communication can be performed using a frequency band different from the frequency band of the radio waves transmitted by any of the power supply antennas. Furthermore, the receiving motor 30 can also transmit radio waves with a frequency band different from any of the frequency bands of the radio waves received by the multiple power supply antennas to communicate with the power supply control server 10 and / or the sending motor 20.

[0046] The power supply control unit 309 controls the power supply to the IoT device 31. The power supply control unit 309 monitors the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31 and, based on the remaining battery level, sends requests such as power supply initiation to the power supply control server 10.

[0047] First, the method by which the power supply control unit 309 monitors the remaining battery level will be described. The power supply control unit 309 monitors the remaining battery level in the IoT device 31 periodically or irregularly. For example, the power supply control unit 309 communicates with the IoT device 31 via an external IF unit 312, requesting the IoT device 31 to notify it of battery information. The battery information includes information indicating the remaining battery level in the IoT device 31. Based on the request from the receiving motor 30, the IoT device 31 outputs its battery information to the receiving motor 30 via the external IF unit 312. In this case, for example, an application for wirelessly powering the device via the receiving motor 30 is pre-installed in the IoT device 31. By executing this application using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or similar hardware of the IoT device 31, the IoT device 31 can achieve the function of outputting battery information based on the request from the power supply control unit 309 of the receiving motor 30.

[0048] The power supply control unit 309 determines whether to supply power to the IoT device 31 based on battery information obtained from the IoT device 31. If it determines that power should be supplied to the IoT device 31, the power supply control unit 309 selects a power supply mode. The power supply mode is the method of power supply, such as high-speed power supply or low-speed power supply. High-speed power supply is achieved, for example, by using power supply radio waves in the 5.7GHz band. This is because the transmission output in the 5.7GHz band is set to a higher output value (e.g., 32W) than other bands. Low-speed power supply is achieved, for example, by using power supply radio waves in the 920MHz band. This is because the transmission output in the 920MHz band is set to a lower output value (e.g., 1W) than other bands. Alternatively, a medium-speed power supply mode, somewhere between low-speed and high-speed power supply, can also be selected. Medium-speed power supply is achieved, for example, by using power supply radio waves in the 2.4GHz band.

[0049] When the battery level of the IoT device 31 tends to decrease, the power supply control unit 309 determines to supply power. For example, the power supply control unit 309 determines to supply power when the combination of the battery level of the IoT device 31 and its rate of change meets specific power supply conditions. In this embodiment, the power supply conditions are, for example, information pre-stored in the power supply condition storage unit 313.

[0050] Figure 3 This refers to information representing an example of the information stored in the power supply condition storage unit 313 of the embodiment. Power supply conditions include, for example, information corresponding to items related to the power supply mode and power supply mode selection conditions. Power supply modes include, for example, power supply modes M1 to M3, corresponding to high-speed power supply, medium-speed power supply, and low-speed power supply, respectively. High-speed power supply uses power supply radio waves in the 5.7 GHz band. Medium-speed power supply uses power supply radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. Low-speed power supply uses power supply radio waves in the 920 MHz band.

[0051] The power supply mode selection conditions include settings for selecting the power supply mode. These conditions include setting the remaining battery capacity and the rate of decrease in battery capacity. The remaining battery capacity refers to the remaining battery level in the IoT device 31. The rate of decrease in battery capacity is the rate at which the remaining battery capacity decreases. For example, a rate of decrease of 5% / minute indicates that the remaining battery capacity decreases by 5% per minute.

[0052] For example, in the example shown in the diagram, three conditions are set as criteria for selecting power supply mode M1 (high-speed power supply). The first condition is that the battery level is 60% or higher and the rate of decrease in battery level is 5% or higher per minute. The second condition is that the battery level is in the range of 30% to 60% (30% or higher but less than 60%) and the rate of decrease in battery level is 3% or higher per minute. The third condition is that the battery level is less than 30% and the rate of decrease in battery level is 1% or higher per minute.

[0053] Furthermore, in the example shown in the diagram, three conditions are set as criteria for selecting power supply mode M2 ​​(medium speed power supply). The first condition is that the battery level is 60% or higher and the rate of decrease in battery level is 3% or higher per minute. The second condition is that the battery level is between 30% and 60% (30% or higher but less than 60%) and the rate of decrease in battery level is 1% or higher per minute. The third condition is that the battery level is less than 30% and the rate of decrease in battery level is 0.5% or higher per minute.

[0054] Furthermore, in the example shown in the figure, two conditions are set for selecting power supply mode M3 (low-speed power supply). The first condition is that the battery level is 60% or higher and the rate of decrease in battery level is 1% or higher per minute. The second condition is that the battery level is in the range of 30% to 60% (30% or higher but less than 60%) and the rate of decrease in battery level is 0.5% or higher per minute. Additionally, the example in the figure shows that power supply mode M3 (low-speed power supply) is not applied when the battery level of IoT device 31 is less than 30%.

[0055] In addition, Figure 3 The examples illustrate power supply modes M1 to M3, corresponding to high-speed, medium-speed, and low-speed power supply, respectively. However, in addition to power supply modes M1 to M3, there can also be a power supply mode M0 corresponding to ultra-high-speed power supply, which uses power supply waves in the 24GHz band. The condition for selecting power supply mode M0 (ultra-high-speed power supply) can also be that the rate of decrease in battery capacity is greater than the conditions for selecting power supply mode M1.

[0056] Next, the method by which the power supply control unit 309 initiates a power supply request to the power supply control server 10 based on the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31 will be described.

[0057] As described above, when the power supply control unit 309 determines that it needs to supply power to the IoT device 31 based on the remaining battery level, it determines which power supply mode to use based on the power supply conditions stored in the power supply condition storage unit 313. In this case, the power supply control unit 309 sends a notification (power supply start request) to the power supply control server 10 via the communication unit 308, requesting the power supply control server 10 to start supplying power. The power supply start request includes, for example, information indicating the power supply mode, a device ID that can identify the receiving motor 30, and battery information of the receiving motor 30.

[0058] Furthermore, when the power supply control unit 309 is providing wireless power, if the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31 exceeds a threshold (e.g., 90%), it determines that power supply should be terminated. In this case, the power supply control unit 309 sends a notification (power supply termination request) to the power supply control server 10 via the communication unit 308, requesting the power supply control server 10 to terminate the power supply. The power supply termination request may include, for example, the device ID that can identify the receiving motor 30 and the battery information of the receiving motor 30.

[0059] Here, when wireless power is being supplied in a power supply mode corresponding to low-speed power supply, and high-load signal processing, such as downloading dynamic images, begins in the IoT device 31, the power consumption required for signal processing may be greater than the power supplied by wireless power supply. In such cases, it is preferable to switch to a power supply mode corresponding to high-speed power supply to increase the power supplied by wireless power supply and suppress the depletion of the battery capacity of the IoT device 31.

[0060] Alternatively, when wireless power supply is being performed in a power supply mode corresponding to high-speed power supply, there may be situations where previously high-load signal processing ends, resulting in a decrease in the power consumption required for signal processing. In such cases, it is preferable to switch to a power supply mode corresponding to low-speed power supply to reduce the power consumption based on wireless power supply.

[0061] As a countermeasure, in this embodiment, the power supply mode during wireless power supply can be changed. Specifically, when the power supply control unit 309 is in the wireless power supply state, if the battery level of the IoT device 31 shows a change different from the expected change in battery level due to wireless power supply, it determines that the power supply mode should be changed. In this case, the power supply control unit 309 sends a notification (power supply change request) to the power supply control server 10 via the communication unit 308, requesting the power supply control server 10 to change the power supply mode. The power supply change request includes, for example, information indicating the changed power supply mode, a device ID that can identify the receiving motor 30, and battery information of the receiving motor 30.

[0062] Furthermore, when the power supply mode can be changed, the system can convey its intention to the power control server 10 not only when changing the power supply mode, but also when maintaining the power supply mode. For example, when wireless power is being used, if the battery level of the IoT device 31 shows a change equal to the expected change in battery level due to wireless power supply, it is determined that the power supply mode should be maintained. In this case, the power control unit 309 sends a notification (power supply maintenance request) to the power control server 10 via the communication unit 308, requesting the power control server 10 to maintain the power supply mode. The power supply maintenance request includes, for example, information indicating the maintained power supply mode, the device ID that can identify the receiving motor 30, and the battery information of the receiving motor 30.

[0063] Furthermore, the power supply control unit 309 can also control the power supply to the battery unit 311. For example, the power supply control unit 309 controls the power supply to the battery unit 311 using the same method as the method used to control the power supply to the IoT device 31.

[0064] Specifically, the power supply control unit 309 monitors the battery level of the battery unit 311, and when a predetermined power supply start condition for the battery unit 311 is met, it controls the power supply control unit 310 to supply all or part of the electromagnetic waves (power) received from the power supply motor 20 to the battery unit 311. The power supply start condition for the battery unit 311 is, for example, when the battery level of the battery unit 311 is less than a threshold (e.g., 60%). Furthermore, when the battery level of the battery unit 311 meets a predetermined power supply end condition for the battery unit 311, such as when the battery level of the battery unit 311 is a threshold (e.g., 90%) or higher, the power supply control unit 309 controls the power supply control unit 310 to prevent the supply of electromagnetic waves received from the power supply motor 20 to the battery unit 311.

[0065] The power supply control unit 309 may, for example, obtain the remaining battery level of the battery unit 311 when it is determined that power supply to the IoT device 31 is to be started, and determine whether to supply power to the battery unit 311 based on the obtained remaining battery level.

[0066] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a timing diagram illustrating the processing flow of the wireless power supply system 1 in the implementation method. Figure 4 The flowchart illustrates the processes performed before powering IoT device 31 via wireless power supply. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the process of changing or maintaining the power supply mode in a wireless power supply.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, the power supply control server 10 monitors the power supply status (step S100). Step S100 includes the processes shown in steps S10 to S14. Specifically, the power supply control server 10 periodically or irregularly sends notifications to the power supply motor 20 to inquire about the power supply status, etc. (step S10).

[0068] Here, a notification inquiring about power supply status refers to, for example, a notification inquiring about the number of receivers 30 currently being powered by the transmitter 20, the number of receivers 30 existing in the power supply area E of the transmitter 20, and the upper limit of the number of receivers 30 that the transmitter 20 can power. For example, in a wireless power supply system 1, in order to wirelessly power multiple receivers 30 through one transmitter 20, a system employing Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is sometimes used, where the transmitter 20 transmits power supply waves to different receivers 30 in each time slot. In this case, the upper limit of the number of receivers 30 that the transmitter 20 can power depends on the number of time slots. In the case of a TDMA-based power supply system in wireless power supply system 1, wireless power can be wirelessly supplied to multiple receivers 30 through one transmitter 20; therefore, the number of receivers 30 currently being powered by the transmitter 20 and the upper limit of the number of receivers 30 that the transmitter 20 can power are examples of power supply status.

[0069] The power supply motor 20 receives notifications from the power supply control server 10 inquiring about power supply status, and responds to these notifications (steps S11-S13). The power supply control server 10 receives the responses from the power supply motor 20 and updates the power supply management database (DB) based on the received responses (step S14). The power supply management database is used to manage the power supply to the power supply motor 20. The power supply management database stores information such as the number of receiving motors 30 currently being supplied by the power supply motor 20, the number of receiving motors 30 existing in the power supply area E of the power supply motor 20, and the upper limit of the number of receiving motors 30 that the power supply motor 20 can supply. The information stored in the power supply management database is updated in real time according to changes in the power supply status. The power supply management database can be set up on the power supply control server 10 or on a database server or other external server that is communicatively connected to the power supply control server 10.

[0070] On the other hand, the IoT device 31 sends its battery information to the receiving motor 30 (step S15). The IoT device 31 can output battery information according to a request from the receiving motor 30, or it can output the battery information of the IoT device 31 to the receiving motor 30 periodically or irregularly. The communication between the receiving motor 30 and the IoT device 31 is carried out, for example, via an external IF unit 312, and more specifically, using a communication terminal provided on a USB connector.

[0071] The receiving motor 30 receives battery information from the IoT device 31 and determines whether to start supplying power to the IoT device 31 based on the received battery information (step S16). If the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31 and the rate of decrease of the remaining battery level meet the power supply conditions stored in the power supply condition storage unit 313, the receiving motor 30 determines to start supplying power.

[0072] If it is determined that power supply to IoT device 31 should begin, the receiving motor 30 sends a power supply start request (step S17). If it is determined in step S16 that power supply should begin, the receiving motor 30 first determines, based on power supply conditions, which of the multiple notified power supply modes should be used to start power supply. The receiving motor 30 sends a power supply start request, including information indicating the power supply mode, a device ID that identifies the receiving motor 30, and battery information of the receiving motor 30, to the power supply control server 10. Thus, the receiving motor 30 sends a power supply start request.

[0073] According to the power supply start request, the power supply control server 10 selects the power supply motor 20 to supply power to the receiving motor 30, and notifies the receiving motor 30 of the selected power supply motor 20 (step S18). The power supply control server 10 receives the power supply start request and obtains the power supply mode shown in the received power supply start request. Based on the obtained power supply mode and the power supply status of the power supply motor 20, the power supply control server 10 selects the power supply motor 20 to supply power to the receiving motor 30.

[0074] For example, the power supply control server 10 selects a power supply motor 20 that meets all three conditions as the power supply motor 20 to supply power to the receiving motor 30 that has been notified of the power supply start request. The first condition is that it is set in the power supply area E where the receiving motor 30 exists. The second condition is that it is capable of transmitting radio waves in the frequency band corresponding to the power supply mode indicated in the power supply start request. The third condition is that there is a time slot where no power supply radio waves are being transmitted.

[0075] The power supply control server 10 sends the identification information of the selected power supply motor 20 as a response to the power supply start request to the receiving motor 30.

[0076] The receiving motor 30 receives a response to the power supply start request, and sets the power supply antenna based on the received response (step S19). The power supply control unit 309 of the receiving motor 30 controls the SW unit 307 to output the radio waves received by the power supply antenna corresponding to the desired frequency band from the plurality of power supply antennas to the power control unit 310.

[0077] The receiving motor 30 sends a power supply request to the sending motor 20 (step S20). The power supply request is a notification requesting the sending motor 20 to supply power to the receiving motor 30. In response to the power supply start request, the receiving motor 30 sends a power supply request to the sending motor 20, which is shown as the sending motor 20 supplying power to the receiving motor 30. The power supply request is sent to the sending motor 20, for example, by setting the frequency of a periodically transmitted beacon signal or the content of a signal contained in a specific signal format to a content corresponding to the power supply request.

[0078] When the transmitting motor 20 receives a transmission request from the receiving motor 30, it detects the receiving motor 30 that is transmitting power supply waves based on the received transmission request (step S21).

[0079] The power supply motor 20 sends an authentication request for the receiving motor 30 to the power supply control server 10 (step S22). The authentication request is a notification requesting a determination of whether the receiving motor 30 is a pre-registered receiving motor that is intended to provide wireless power in the wireless power supply system 1.

[0080] For example, when receiving wireless power services provided by the wireless power supply system 1, the receiving motor 30 pre-registers as a user. The receiving motor 30 registers itself by, for example, notifying the power supply control server 10 of its identification information, power supply specifications (such as the maximum power and voltage that the receiving motor 30 can receive), and an authentication number (password) used for authentication. The power supply control server 10 then records the registration information obtained from the receiving motor 30 during user registration, for example, in the power supply management database.

[0081] For example, the power supply motor 20 requests an authentication number (password) from the power receiving motor 30 that has been notified of the power supply request. Based on this request, the authentication number (password) notified by the power receiving motor 30 and the identification information of the power receiving motor 30 are sent to the power supply control server 10, thereby making an authentication request.

[0082] The power supply control server 10 performs authentication of the receiving motor 30 based on the authentication request from the power supply generator 20 (step S23). The power supply control server 10 determines whether the power management database stores the combination of the authentication number (password) and identification information shown in the authentication request. If the power supply control server 10 stores the combination of the authentication number (password) and identification information shown in the authentication request in the power management database, it determines that authentication is OK, meaning that the receiving motor 30 is a pre-registered receiving motor intended for wireless power supply in the wireless power supply system 1. On the other hand, if the power supply control server 10 does not store the combination of the authentication number (password) and identification information shown in the authentication request in the power management database, it determines that authentication is NG, meaning that the receiving motor 30 is not a pre-registered receiving motor intended for wireless power supply in the wireless power supply system 1. The power supply control server 10 sends the authentication result to the power supply generator 20 (step S24).

[0083] The sending motor 20 determines whether the authentication result sent from the power control server 10 indicates that authentication is OK, that is, the receiving motor 30 is a pre-registered receiving motor as an object to be wirelessly powered in the wireless power supply system 1 (step S25). If authentication is not OK, that is, authentication is NG, the sending motor 20 does not supply power and the process ends.

[0084] If authentication is OK in step S25, the power supply motor 20 sends a power supply signal to the receiving motor 30 (step S26). The receiving motor 30 receives the power supply signal sent from the power supply motor 20 and supplies the received signal (power) to the IoT device 31 via the external IF unit 312 (step S27). Thus, power is supplied to the IoT device 31.

[0085] like Figure 5 As shown, in the wireless power supply, the battery status of the IoT device 31 is monitored periodically or irregularly (step S280). The process shown in step S28 is the same as that shown in step S15. The receiving motor 30 sends power supply information to the sending motor 20 (step S29). The power supply information is information indicating the battery status of the IoT device 31 during power supply. The power supply information includes battery information sent from the IoT device 31 and identification information of the receiving motor 30 during charging. The receiving motor 30 sends the power supply information received from the receiving motor 30 to the power supply control server 10 (step S30).

[0086] The receiving motor 30 receives battery information from the IoT device 31 and determines whether to change the power supply mode based on the received battery information (step S31). If the timing of the change in the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31 differs from the timing of the change in the remaining battery level expected due to wireless power supply, the receiving motor 30 determines to change the power supply mode. Conversely, if the timing of the change in the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31 is the same as the timing of the change in the remaining battery level expected due to wireless power supply, the receiving motor 30 determines not to change the power supply mode, i.e., to maintain the current power supply mode.

[0087] When the motor 30 is in the power supply mode, it performs a series of processes as shown in step S320. When the power supply mode is changed, it performs a series of processes as shown in step S360.

[0088] Step S320 includes the processes shown in steps S32 to S35. In the power supply maintenance mode, the receiving motor 30 sends a power supply maintenance request to the power supply control server 10 (step S32). Based on the power supply maintenance request, the power supply control server 10 sends a notification instructing the sending motor 20, which is supplying power to the receiving motor 30, to maintain the power supply (power supply maintenance) (step S33). Based on the power supply maintenance from the power supply control server 10, the sending motor 20 sends a power supply signal to the receiving motor 30 (step S34). The process shown in step S35 is the same as the process shown in step S27.

[0089] Step S360 includes the processes shown in steps S36 to S40. In the case of a change in power supply mode, the receiving motor 30 sends a power supply change request to the power supply control server 10 (step S36). Based on the power supply change request, the power supply control server 10 selects a power supply motor 20 to supply power to the receiving motor 30 and notifies the receiving motor 30 of the selected power supply motor 20 (step S37). The process shown in step S37 is the same as that shown in step S18, therefore its detailed description is omitted.

[0090] The receiving motor 30 receives a response to the power supply change request, and based on the received response, performs a power supply establishment process (step S38). The power supply establishment process is equivalent to the series of processes shown in steps S19 to S27.

[0091] The power supply control server 10 sends a notification requesting the termination of power supply to the power supply motor 20 (referred to as the old power supply motor), which supplied power to the receiving motor 30 before the power supply mode was changed (power supply termination) (step S39). The power supply motor 20 terminates its power supply to the receiving motor 30 based on the power supply termination notification from the power supply control server 10. The power supply control server 10 then updates the power management database (step S40).

[0092] The power supply control server 10 performs a power supply establishment process, for example, to determine whether power supply to the power supply motor 20 (referred to as the new power supply motor) after the power supply mode change has started. For example, if the power supply control server 10 receives power supply information equivalent to step S30 from the new power supply motor, it determines that power supply from the new power supply motor has started. If power supply to the new power supply motor has started, the power supply control server 10 terminates the power supply from the old power supply motor to the receiving motor 30.

[0093] As explained above, the receiving motor 30 of this embodiment includes a power supply antenna section 300, a power switch section 307, an external information frequency (IF) section 312 (an example of an external interface section), and a power supply control section 309. The power supply antenna section 300 has multiple power supply antennas that receive radio waves in multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply. The power switch section 307 switches and outputs the power supply radio waves received by any one of the power supply antennas of the power supply antenna section 300. The external information frequency (IF) section 312 is connected to the IoT device 31, which is the recipient of power. The power supply control section 309 supplies power from the power output of the power switch section 307 to the IoT device 31 via the external information frequency (IF) section 312. Therefore, in this embodiment of the receiving motor 30, the receiving motor 30 can receive power wirelessly and supply it to the IoT device 31 connected via the external information frequency (IF) section 312. Thus, existing IoT devices can be made compatible with wireless power supply.

[0094] Furthermore, in the receiver 30 of this embodiment, the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply include three frequency bands: a 920MHz band, a 2.4GHz band, and a 5.7GHz band. Therefore, in the receiver 30 of this embodiment, power can be supplied using the power corresponding to the three frequency bands allocated for wireless power supply, namely the 920MHz band, the 2.4GHz band, and the 5.7GHz band.

[0095] Furthermore, the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply may include four frequency bands: 920MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.7GHz, and 24GHz. Therefore, in the receiving motor 30 of this embodiment, power can be supplied using the electricity corresponding to the four frequency bands allocated for wireless power supply, namely the 920MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.7GHz, and 24GHz bands.

[0096] Furthermore, in the receiver 30 of this embodiment, the power supply control unit 309 obtains battery information, including the remaining battery level of the IoT device, via the external IF unit 312. Based on the obtained battery information, the power supply control unit 309 determines whether to supply power to the IoT device 31 using radio waves from any of the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply. The power supply control unit 309 sends a power supply start request to the power supply control server 10, causing the transmitter 20 corresponding to the determined frequency band to transmit power supply radio waves. Thus, in the receiver 30 of this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether to supply power at high speed or low speed based on the remaining battery level of the IoT device 31, thereby enabling more appropriate wireless power supply.

[0097] Furthermore, in the receiving motor 30 of the embodiment, the power supply control unit 309 acquires battery information while supplying power to the IoT device 31 via the external IF unit 312. Based on the acquired battery remaining capacity, the power supply control unit 309 determines whether to change the power supply mode (frequency band of the power supply wave). If it is determined that the frequency band needs to be changed, the power supply control unit 309 sends a power supply change request to the power supply control server 10, so that the transmitting motor 20 corresponding to the changed frequency transmits the power supply wave. Thus, in the receiving motor 30 of the embodiment, the power supply mode can be changed while wirelessly supplying power to the IoT device 31. Therefore, while wirelessly supplying power, a more appropriate power supply mode can be adopted based on changes in battery status caused by changes in the load of signal processing performed by the IoT device 31.

[0098] Furthermore, in the receiving motor 30 of the embodiment, the power supply control unit 309 determines whether to change the power supply mode (frequency band of the power supply wave) based on the change in the battery capacity of the IoT device 31 relative to the change caused by the power supply to the IoT device 31 via the external IF unit 312. Therefore, in the receiving motor 30 of the embodiment, if the battery condition of the IoT device 31 being powered is different from what was expected, for example, if the recovery of the battery capacity is delayed compared to expectations, it is possible to switch to a power supply mode that can supply power at a higher speed.

[0099] Furthermore, the wireless power supply system 1 of this embodiment includes a receiving motor 30 and a power supply control server 10. Based on a request from the receiving motor 30 (power supply start request or power supply change request), the power supply control server 10 controls the transmitting motor 20 to transmit power supply waves from the transmitting motor 20, which corresponds to the frequency of any one of the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply. Thus, in the wireless power supply system 1 of this embodiment, existing IoT devices can be made compatible with wireless power supply.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, examples of allocating three frequency bands, a 920MHz band, a 2.4GHz band, and a 5.7GHz band for power supply have been described, but the embodiments are not limited to this. In the future, it is also considered to add frequency bands that can be used for wireless power supply. For example, as mentioned above, the 24GHz band may be newly allocated for power supply.

[0101] When a frequency band different from the three frequency bands, namely the 920MHz band, the 2.4GHz band, and the 5.7GHz band (hereinafter referred to as the newly allocated frequency band), is allocated as the power supply band, the receiving motor 30 can also be configured to receive power from wireless power supplies that use the newly allocated frequency band. Specifically, the power supply antenna section 300 includes a fourth power supply antenna section that includes a power supply antenna for receiving radio waves from the newly allocated frequency band and a rectifier circuit for the newly allocated frequency band. The fourth power supply antenna section receives power from wireless power supplies that use the newly allocated frequency band. The rectifier circuit for the newly allocated frequency band is located after the fourth power supply antenna section and converts the radio waves received by the fourth power supply antenna section into DC and outputs it to the SW section 307. Under the control of the power supply control section 309, the SW section 307 outputs power from any one of the rectifier circuits 302, 304, 306 and the rectifier circuit for the newly allocated frequency band to the power supply control section 310.

[0102] Furthermore, the receiving motor 30 can be configured to handle all four frequency bands (920MHz band, 2.4GHz band, 5.7GHz band, and newly allocated frequency band) allocated for power supply, or it can be configured to handle wireless power supply using any two or three of the four frequency bands.

[0103] Furthermore, when three frequency bands (920MHz band, 2.4GHz band, and 5.7GHz band) are allocated for power supply, the receiving motor 30 can be configured to handle all three frequency bands allocated for power supply, or it can be configured to handle wireless power supply using any two of the three frequency bands.

[0104] The wireless power supply system 1, the receiving motor 30, and the power control server 10 described in the above embodiments can also be implemented using a computer. In this case, it can also be implemented by recording the program for implementing this function on a computer-readable recording medium, and having the computer system read and execute the program recorded on the recording medium. Furthermore, the term "computer system" as used here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" can also include media that dynamically maintains a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line in the case of transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, or media that maintains a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in this case. In addition, the program described above can be a program for implementing the above functions, or a program that can implement the above functions by combining with a program already recorded in the computer system, or a program implemented using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA.

[0105] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1... Wireless Power Supply System 10...Power supply control server 20…… Send motor 30…… Subject to motor 31... IoT devices 300……Power supply antenna section 301...First power supply antenna section 302, 304, 306... rectifier circuits 303...Second power supply antenna section 305...Third power supply antenna section 306... Rectifier Circuit 307……SW Section (Switch Section) 308…Ministry of Communications 309...Power Supply Control Department 310...Power Control Department 311...Battery Department 312……External IF Department (External Interface Department)

Claims

1. A receiving motor, comprising: The power supply antenna section has multiple power supply antennas that respectively receive radio waves allocated for power supply in multiple frequency bands; The switching unit switches and outputs the power received by any of the power supply antennas in the power supply antenna unit; The external interface unit connects to IoT devices that are powered on. as well as The power supply control unit enables the electromagnetic waves output from the switch unit to supply power to the IoT device via the external interface unit.

2. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: The power control unit converts the power output from the switching unit into power with the desired voltage.

3. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, It also has: The battery section stores the power output from the switch section.

4. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, The frequency bands allocated for power supply include four bands: 920MHz, 2.4GHz, 5.7GHz, and 24GHz.

5. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, The power supply control unit is, Battery information, including the remaining battery level of the IoT device, is obtained via the external interface. Based on the obtained battery information, it is determined whether to supply power to the IoT device using radio waves from any of the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply. A power supply start request is sent to the power supply control server so that the power supply motor corresponding to the determined frequency band sends out power supply waves.

6. The receiving motor according to claim 5, wherein, The power supply control unit is, During the process of supplying power to the IoT device via the external interface, the battery information is obtained. Based on the obtained battery information, it is determined whether to change the frequency band of the power supply wave. If the frequency band is determined to be changed, a power supply change request is sent to the power supply control server so that the power supply motor corresponding to the changed frequency sends the power supply wave.

7. The receiving motor according to claim 5, wherein, The power supply control unit determines whether to change the frequency band of the power supply wave based on the change in the remaining battery capacity relative to the change caused by the power supply to the IoT device via the external interface unit.

8. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, The communication is conducted using radio waves whose frequency band is the same as that of any one of the frequency bands of the radio waves received by the plurality of power supply antennas.

9. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, The communication is conducted using radio waves whose frequency bands are different from any of the frequency bands of the radio waves received by the plurality of power supply antennas.

10. The receiving motor according to claim 1, wherein, The external interface includes a connector capable of connecting a USB cable.

11. A wireless power supply system, comprising: The receiving motor as described in claim 1; and The power supply control server controls the power supply motor according to the request from the receiving motor, so that the power supply motor corresponding to the frequency of any one of the multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply transmits power supply waves.

12. A wireless power supply method, which is a wireless power supply method powered by a motor. The receiving device includes: a power supply antenna section having multiple power supply antennas that respectively receive radio waves in multiple frequency bands allocated for power supply; and an external interface section for connecting to an IoT device that is the receiving device. In this wireless power supply method, The switching unit switches and outputs the power supply radio waves received by any one of the power supply antennas in the power supply antenna unit. The power supply control unit supplies power to the IoT device via the radio waves output from the switch unit through the external interface unit.

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