Receiver, program, method, and wireless power supply system

Abstract

To save a power supply power of a wirelessly rechargeable receiver.SOLUTION: A receiver 200 wirelessly receives transmission power. The receiver 200 comprises: a microcomputer 205; a rechargeable unit 204 that is recharged by the transmission power; a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity; and a transmission unit that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to an outside. The microcomputer 205 executes: a first step of detecting a power supply voltage that is the recharging voltage of the rechargeable unit 204; a second step of comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step with a first threshold value set for the power supply voltage; a third step of determining the power reception state of the receiver 200 on the basis of the comparison result in the second step; and a fourth step of determining, on the basis of the determination result in the third step, whether the transmission unit can transmit the physical quantity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a receiver, a program, a method, and a wireless power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] In a wireless power supply system in which a sensor device has a primary battery and a secondary battery that stores power supplied from a transmitter, a technology has been disclosed in which, in order to appropriately reduce the frequency of replacing the primary battery, when the amount of power stored in the secondary battery falls below a reference value, the wireless power supply means commands the start of power supply to the facility equipment identified using location information that has the highest power supply efficiency to the sensor device (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Also, in a wireless power supply system, a technique has been disclosed in which the communication interval of wireless communication is changed according to the voltage value of wirelessly supplied power (Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 002007 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2009 / 063923 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a primary battery is provided in the receiver, and in this case, the primary battery needs to be replaced. In a configuration in which a sensor device is provided in a receiver, it is preferable to arrange a large number of receivers, and in this case, a configuration in which a primary battery is provided in the receiver is not rational. Furthermore, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 2, the communication interval of wireless communication is changed depending on the voltage value, and in this case, there is a possibility that the timing for sequentially transmitting the sensing results of the sensor device may be missed.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for saving the power supply power of a wirelessly powered receiver. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A receiver that wirelessly receives transmission power, the receiver having a processor, a charging unit that is charged by the transmission power, a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, the processor executes a first step of detecting a power supply voltage which is the charging voltage of the charging unit, a second step of comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step with a first threshold value set for this power supply voltage, a third step of determining the power receiving state of the receiver based on the comparison result in the second step, and a fourth step of deciding whether or not to transmit the physical quantity by the transmitting unit based on the determination result in the third step. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a technique for saving the power supply power of a wirelessly powered receiver. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a wireless power supply system (WPT system) according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transmitter and a receiver illustrated in FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a circuit configuration of a receiver according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a receiver according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in the receiver according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a receiver according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for determining the power receiving state of a receiver in a WPT system according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data structure of a determination table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data structure of a determination table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data structure of a determination table according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing flow in a receiver according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings explaining the embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to common components, and repeated explanations are omitted. Note that the following embodiment does not unduly limit the contents of the present disclosure described in the claims. In addition, not all of the components shown in the embodiment are essential components of the present disclosure. In addition, each figure is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily illustrated strictly.

[0011] In the following description, a "processor" refers to one or more processors. The at least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The at least one processor may be a single-core or multi-core.

[0012] Furthermore, the at least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0013] In the following explanation, information that gives an output for an input may be described using an expression such as "xxx table", but this information may be data of any structure or a learning model such as a neural network that generates an output for an input. Therefore, the "xxx table" may be called "xxx information".

[0014] Furthermore, in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0015] In addition, in the following explanation, the processing may be described with the "program" as the subject, but since the program is executed by a processor to perform a specified processing step by appropriately using a memory unit and / or an interface unit, etc., the subject of the processing may be the processor (or a device such as a controller having the processor).

[0016] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be, for example, in a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium. In the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0017] In the following description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including alphabetic characters or symbols) may be used instead.

[0018] In addition, in the following description, when describing elements of the same type without distinguishing between them, reference signs (or common signs among the reference signs) may be used, and when describing elements of the same type with distinction between them, the identification numbers (or reference signs) of the elements may be used.

[0019] In the following description, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description, and not all control lines and information lines in the product are necessarily shown. All components may be connected to each other.

[0020] <0 System Overview> The WPT system according to the present disclosure has a receiver that receives power transmitted from a transmitter based on a wireless power supply method, supplies the power to a device such as a sensor, and transmits a physical quantity detected by the device to a transmitter, etc.

[0021] Although details will be described in the first embodiment, in the WPT system according to the present disclosure, microwave power (approximately continuous continuous wave (CW) of 920 MHz) is received by the antenna of the receiver, and the radio wave is converted into a DC voltage by a rectifier circuit functionally connected to the antenna. The DC voltage output from the rectifier circuit is controlled by a power management unit, and the voltage is then supplied to a charging unit (mainly a capacitor). There is no particular limitation on the storage element constituting the charging unit, and it may include a capacitor, a lithium ion battery, an electric double layer capacitor, a ceramic capacitor, and the like. In the WPT system according to the present disclosure, the charging unit will be described as mainly including a capacitor. If the voltage stored in the charging unit is less than a predetermined value, the voltage supplied from the power management unit is supplied to the charging unit. When the charging unit is charged to a predetermined voltage, the power supplied and output from the power management unit is supplied to the microcomputer and the device.

[0022] Here, since the power supply state of wireless power supply depends on the environment, it is difficult to stably supply a constant amount of power, and the amount of power supply varies greatly over time. In addition, the amount of power supply may also vary in solar cell and laser-based wireless power supply. Even in such a situation where the power supply state is unstable, it is necessary to continue stable power supply to the receiver's microcomputer and further to the receiver's sensors, etc.

[0023] Therefore, in the WPT system according to the present disclosure, the power receiving state of the receiver is judged to determine whether the receiver can maintain the function of supplying power to the microcomputer, etc., and based on this judgment result, the timing of transmitting the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the transmitter, etc. is adjusted (the transmission interval is optimized). This makes it possible to save the power supply power of the receiver and reliably transmit the physical quantity measured by the sensor, etc. to the transmitter, etc.

[0024] In particular, in a wireless power supply system, even if the power receiving state of the receiver temporarily deteriorates, this is often due to a temporary reason such as a person passing between the transmitter and the receiver. Therefore, it is expected that the power receiving state of the receiver will recover after a short time. For this reason, if a method is adopted in which the time interval for transmitting the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the transmitter is temporarily extended, the transmission of the physical quantity can be performed stably thereafter.

[0025] It goes without saying that the specific configuration of the WPT system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above.

[0026] <1. First embodiment> <1.1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] The WPT system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes, for example, a transmitter 100, a receiver 200, a first information processing device 300, and a second information processing device 400. The WPT system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used in, for example, a building or a factory.

[0028] In this specification, the transmitter 100 is a (power) transmitter 100 in the sense of wirelessly transmitting power, and similarly, the receiver 200 is a (power) receiver 200 in the sense of wirelessly receiving power. As described later, the transmitter 100 may transmit, for example, information on the state of the receiver 200 or information on a measurement result by a sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal, and the transmitter 100 may receive such a data signal. In this case, the transmitter 100 is a receiver that receives a data signal, and the receiver 200 functions as a transmitter that transmits a data signal.

[0029] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes three transmitters 100, but the number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to three. The number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 may be two or less, or may be four or more.

[0030] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes seven receivers 200, but the number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to seven. The number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 may be six or less, or eight or more.

[0031] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes two first information processing devices 300, but the number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to two. The number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 may be one, or three or more.

[0032] The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal to the receiver 200. The transmitter 100 transmits the power supply signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The transmitter 100 transmits the data signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The transmitter 100 may transmit the data signal by radio waves in the 920 MHz band.

[0033] The power transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 may be, for example, a continuous wave (CW) having a predetermined power. The frequency band of the power transmission signal is, for example, a 920 MHz band, taking into consideration the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. If the frequency band is higher than the exemplified frequency band, it may not be possible to supply the predetermined power that allows the receiver 200 to operate unless the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 is shortened, so an appropriate frequency band can be determined by taking into consideration a practical range (for example, the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 is several meters).

[0034] In this case, the laws of the country in which the WPT system 1 is installed may impose restrictions on the intermittent transmission of a power transmission signal having a specified power. As an example, if the power transmission signal from the transmitter 100 falls under the provisions of the radio station stipulated in the Radio Act of Japan (regardless of whether a license is held or not), it may be necessary to provide a certain pause period for the power transmission signal based on the Radio Act. In this case, when considered on a certain time axis, the power transmission signal cannot be said to be a continuous wave. However, it is essential to provide a pause period, and since this pause period only needs to be short, the power transmission signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 can be considered to be a substantially continuous continuous wave.

[0035] The transmitter 100 may, for example, feed power to one receiver 200 or to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a data signal to one receiver 200 or to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit the same data signal as another transmitter 100, or may transmit a data signal different from that of the other transmitters 100. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a predetermined command signal as a data signal to the receiver 200, or may transmit a preset signal as a data signal to the receiver 200.

[0036] The transmitter 100 receives, for example, a data signal transmitted from the receiver 200. The transmitter 100 may receive, for example, a data signal transmitted from one receiver 200, or may receive data signals transmitted from a plurality of receivers 200. The transmitter 100 transmits the data signal transmitted from the receiver 200 to the first information processing device 300. The transmitter 100 transmits information related to the state of the transmitter 100 to the first information processing device 300.

[0037] The receiver 200 receives, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. For example, if the receiver 200 has a charging unit, the receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and stores the converted electric power in the charging unit. For example, if the receiver 200 has a predetermined sensor, the receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and drives the sensor with the converted electric power.

[0038] The receiver 200 transmits, for example, information relating to the state of the receiver 200 or information relating to the measurement results of a sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal.

[0039] The first information processing device 300 is an information processing device that monitors the operation of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 determines whether the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state based on information about the state of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 transmitted from the transmitter 100. If it is determined that the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state, the first information processing device 300 transmits predetermined information to the second information processing device 400.

[0040] In addition, the first information processing device 300 accumulates information about the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 accommodated in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 stores information about the states of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 transmitted from the transmitter 100 in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300.

[0041] In addition, the first information processing device 300 controls the operation of the transmitter 100 accommodated in the WPT system 1.

[0042] The second information processing device 400 is an information processing device operated by an administrator of the WPT system 1. When the second information processing device 400 receives a notification from the first information processing device 300 that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of them housed in the WPT system 1 are in a predetermined state, the second information processing device 400 presents to the user that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of them are in the predetermined state.

[0043] Moreover, the second information processing device 400 analyzes information on the status of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 stored in the first information processing device 300, and presents predetermined information to the user. The predetermined information is, for example, the following. Information regarding placement of transmitter 100 Information regarding the placement of the receiver 200 Power consumption information Power intensity information

[0044] <1.2 Transmitter and receiver configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are, for example, spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. For example, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are installed at a distance of about several meters apart. Specifically, for example, the transmitter 100 is fixedly installed at a predetermined high position provided in a high place indoors, for example, on a ceiling or a wall. The receiver 200 is installed in a predetermined device indoors, or placed near a device that requires power supply. The receiver 200 may also be carried by a user. The transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves of a predetermined frequency, for example, 920 MHz band. The receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into power, and charges the device with the converted power, or supplies the converted power to the predetermined device.

[0045] The transmitter 100 includes, for example, an oscillator 101, a transmitting antenna 102, a microcomputer (controller) 103, a data transceiver 104, and a data transmitting / receiving antenna 105. The oscillator 101, the microcomputer 103, and the data transceiver 104 may be mounted on, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board).

[0046] The oscillator 101 oscillates a signal in a predetermined frequency band, for example, the 920 MHz band. The oscillated signal may be amplified and unnecessary frequency components may be removed, if necessary.

[0047] The transmitting antenna 102 is formed so as to be capable of efficiently transmitting radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The transmitting antenna 102 radiates a signal oscillated by an oscillator 101 as a power supply signal.

[0048] The microcomputer 103 controls the operation of the transmitter 100. The microcomputer 103 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor device equipped with an ARM processor. The microcomputer 103 controls, for example, the transmission of radio waves by the transmission antenna 102.

[0049] For example, in the WPT system 1 used in a factory, it is desirable for the receiver 200 to supply power equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Therefore, the microcomputer 103 controls the transmission of radio waves by the transmitting antenna 102 based on a feedback signal transmitted from the receiver 200. The feedback signal relates to, for example, a voltage value at a predetermined location in the receiver 200. Based on the feedback signal, the electric field intensity of the receiver 200 can be grasped in a pseudo manner. When the transmitting antenna 102 has, for example, a plurality of antenna elements, the microcomputer 103 controls the transmitting antenna 102 so that the power feed signal is transmitted from, for example, an optimal antenna element. For example, the microcomputer 103 adjusts the polarization direction of the power feed signal by switching the antenna element to be driven. In addition, the microcomputer 103 adjusts the directivity of the power feed signal by adjusting the drive timing of the antenna element.

[0050] In addition, in the WPT system 1 used indoors such as in a building, the microcomputer 103 controls the transmission of radio waves by the transmitting antenna 102 based on a feedback signal transmitted from the receiver 200. When the transmitting antenna 102 is, for example, a single antenna element, the microcomputer 103 optimizes the power transmission output from the transmitting antenna 102, for example.

[0051] The data transceiver 104 performs processes such as converting digital data to analog data, modulating analog data, etc. The data transceiver 104 also performs processes such as demodulating a signal extracted from a data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105, and digitizing the demodulated analog data. For example, the data transceiver 104 extracts a feedback signal from the data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105, converts it into digital data, and transmits it to the microcomputer 103.

[0052] The data transmission / reception antenna 105 is formed to be capable of efficiently transmitting and receiving radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The data transmission / reception antenna 105 radiates a data signal supplied from the data transceiver 104. In addition, the data transmission / reception antenna 105 receives a data signal transmitted from the receiver 200.

[0053] The receiver 200 includes, for example, a receiving antenna 201, a rectifier circuit 202, a power management unit 203, a charging unit 204, a microcomputer 205, a data transceiver 206, and a data transmitting / receiving antenna 207. The rectifier circuit 202, the power management unit 203, the charging unit 204, the microcomputer 205, and the data transceiver 206 may be mounted on, for example, a PCB or an FPC (flexible printed circuit).

[0054] The receiving antenna 201 is formed so as to be able to efficiently receive radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The receiving antenna 201 receives the power supply signal radiated from the transmitting antenna 102.

[0055] The rectifier circuit 202 rectifies the radio waves received as a power supply signal and converts them into a DC voltage.

[0056] The power management unit 203 manages the DC voltage. For example, the power management unit 203 controls a charging voltage based on the DC voltage. The power management unit 203 charges the charging unit 204 by controlling the charging voltage. In addition, for example, when power equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity is stored in the charging unit 204, the power management unit 203 supplies the DC voltage to a connected member.

[0057] Moreover, the power management unit 203 causes the charging unit 204 to release the power stored therein under the control of the microcomputer 205 .

[0058] The charging unit 204 stores power in response to an instruction from the power management unit 203. Moreover, the charging unit 204 discharges the stored power in response to an instruction from the power management unit 203.

[0059] Microcomputer 205 (hereinafter, may be appropriately referred to as MCU (Microcontroller)) controls the operation of receiver 200. Microcomputer 205 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from power management unit 203 or by power stored in charging unit 204. Microcomputer 205 controls power management unit 203 to cause charging unit 204 to release the power stored therein.

[0060] For example, various sensors can be connected to the receiver 200. For example, a heat sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, and the like are connected to the receiver 200. The sensors connected to the receiver 200 are driven, for example, by a direct current voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power discharged from the charging unit 204. The microcomputer 205 continuously or intermittently monitors the voltage value at a predetermined portion of the receiver 200, the status of the sensor connected to the receiver 200, information (physical quantity) detected by the sensor, and the like. The microcomputer 205 transmits the voltage value at a predetermined portion of the receiver 200, the status of the sensor connected to the receiver 200, information detected by the sensor, and the like as digital data to the data transceiver 206.

[0061] The data transceiver 206 performs processes such as converting digital data supplied from the microcomputer 205 into analog data and modulating the analog data. The data transceiver 206 also performs processes such as demodulating the analog data and digitizing the demodulated analog data. The data transceiver 206 is driven by, for example, a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power discharged from the charging unit 204.

[0062] The data transmission / reception antenna 207 is formed to be capable of efficiently transmitting and receiving radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The data transmission / reception antenna 207 radiates a data signal supplied from the data transceiver 206. In addition, the data transmission / reception antenna 207 receives a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. For example, the data transmission / reception antenna 207 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power discharged from the charging unit 204.

[0063] The transmission format of the data signal transmitted (radiated) from the data transmission / reception antenna 207 is arbitrary. In particular, since the data signal radiated from the data transmission / reception antenna 207 is a radio wave in the 2.4 GHz band, it may be a signal conforming to the Bluetooth (registered trademark) or IEEE 802.11x (that is, so-called wireless LAN) format. In this case, it is preferable that the data transceiver 104 of the transmitter 100 also has a function of analyzing a data signal in a format that matches the format of the data signal transmitted from the receiver 200. Alternatively, the first information processing device 300 may also have such a function.

[0064] <1.3 Receiver circuit configuration> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the circuit configuration of receiver 200 shown in Fig. 2. In the following explanation, detailed explanation of the components of receiver 200 explained with reference to Fig. 2 will be omitted. Also, only the main parts of the components of receiver 200 shown in Fig. 2 are shown.

[0065] In FIG. 3, the rectified voltage, which is the voltage at the rear stage of the rectifier circuit 202 (i.e., the output side of the rectifier circuit 202), and the power supply voltage, which is the charging voltage of the charging unit 204, are input to the microcomputer 205, converted into digital values ​​by the A / D conversion unit of the microcomputer 205, and used for determining the power receiving state, which will be described later.

[0066] <1.4 Functional configuration of microcomputer 205> 4 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the microcomputer 205. As shown in FIG. 4, the microcomputer 205 functions as an A / D conversion unit 2051, a storage unit 2052, and a control unit 2053.

[0067] The A / D conversion unit 2051 performs a process of converting an analog signal input to the microcomputer 205 into a digital value. The A / D conversion unit 2051 may include an A / D converter as a circuit. The digital value output from the A / D conversion unit 2051 is input to the control unit 2053. The A / D conversion unit 2051 of this embodiment converts the rectified voltage and the power supply voltage, which are analog signals, into digital values, and outputs the digital values ​​resulting from the conversion to the control unit 2053.

[0068] The control unit 2053 is realized by the microcomputer 205 reading an application program 20521 stored in its own storage unit 2052 and executing instructions included in the application program 20521. The control unit 2053 operates in accordance with the application program 20521 to perform functions shown as a reception control module 20531, a transmission control module 20532, a physical quantity acquisition module 20533, a voltage acquisition module 20534, a voltage comparison module 20535, a power receiving state determination module 20536, and a transmission timing determination module 20537.

[0069] The reception control module 20531 controls the process in which the microcomputer 205 receives a signal from an external device such as the transmitter 100 in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0070] The transmission control module 20532 controls the process in which the microcomputer 205 transmits a signal to an external device such as the transmitter 100 in accordance with a communication protocol. In particular, the transmission control module 20532 of this embodiment transmits a physical quantity measured by a sensor as a data signal to the transmitter 100 or the like periodically at a certain time interval. However, the transmission timing of the data signal, including whether or not to actually transmit the physical quantity to the transmitter 100 or the like, follows the timing determined by the transmission timing determination module 20537.

[0071] The physical quantity acquisition module 20533 acquires a physical quantity measured by the sensor, and temporarily stores the acquired physical quantity in the storage unit 2052. Preferably, the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 temporarily stores the acquired physical quantity in the storage unit 2052 together with a timestamp at which the physical quantity was acquired.

[0072] The number of times and timing of acquiring the physical quantity by the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 are arbitrary and are not particularly limited. In the receiver 200 of the present embodiment, as an example, the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 acquires the physical quantity periodically, that is, at a predetermined time interval. The timing at which the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 acquires the physical quantity does not have to coincide with the timing at which the transmission control module 20532 transmits the acquired physical quantity to the transmitter 100 or the like, and when the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 acquires the physical quantity, the transmission control module 20532 does not necessarily transmit a data signal to the transmitter 100 or the like in conjunction with this. As an example, the transmission control module 20532 may transmit the physical quantity acquired by the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 multiple times together as a data signal to the transmitter 100 or the like.

[0073] The voltage acquisition module 20534 acquires values ​​obtained by converting the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage into digital values ​​from, for example, the A / D conversion unit 2051. In this embodiment, the voltage acquisition module 20534 only needs to acquire at least the power supply voltage from the A / D conversion unit 2051, and the acquisition of the rectified voltage is optional. The timing and interval at which the voltage acquisition module 20534 acquires the power supply voltage are optional, and the power supply voltage may be acquired periodically, or may be acquired in accordance with the timing at which the transmission control module 20532 transmits a physical quantity measured by a sensor as a data signal to the transmitter 100 or the like. The term "in accordance" as used here includes the meaning of in accordance with the timing at which the data signal can be transmitted to the transmitter 100 or the like, taking into consideration the time required for the comparison operation with a threshold by the voltage comparison module 20535 described later and the determination operation by the power receiving state determination module 20536.

[0074] The timing of acquiring the power supply voltage by the voltage acquiring module 20534 is matched with the timing of transmitting the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the transmitter 100 or the like as a data signal by the transmission control module 20532 because it is considered that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 can be appropriately determined by determining the power receiving state of the receiver 200 when the microcomputer 205 consumes power, since the microcomputer 205 consumes a large amount of power by transmitting the data signal. If it is not during the data signal transmission, it is considered that the rectified voltage and the power supply voltage increase due to the wireless power supply from the transmitter 100, and the power receiving state improves. In addition, from the viewpoint of appropriately determining the timing of transmitting the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the transmitter 100 or the like by the transmission timing determination module 20537 described later, it is preferable to adjust the transmission timing of the data signal immediately before the transmission timing of the data signal.

[0075] The voltage acquisition module 20534, which has acquired the digital value of the power supply voltage, stores the acquired voltage value at least temporarily in the memory unit 2052. The voltage acquisition module 20534 may also store the acquired voltage value in the memory unit 2052 in association with the time of voltage value acquisition measured by a timer (not shown). The storage period in the memory unit 2052 is arbitrary, and the voltage value may be stored continuously after the receiver 200 is installed and the microcomputer 205 starts operating, or may be deleted when the power supply from the transmitter 100 is cut off and the receiver 200 becomes temporarily inoperable, or may be deleted when the power receiving state determination module 20536 finishes determining the power receiving state.

[0076] The voltage comparison module 20535 compares the digital value of the power supply voltage acquired by the voltage acquisition module 20534 with a predetermined power supply voltage threshold. Then, the voltage comparison module 20535 sends the comparison result between the digital value of the power supply voltage and the threshold, for example, the magnitude relationship between the power supply voltage value and the threshold, to the power receiving state determination module 20536.

[0077] The power receiving state determination module 20536 determines the power receiving state of the receiver 200 based on the result of comparing the digital value of the power supply voltage received from the voltage comparison module 20535 with a threshold value, and sends the determination result to the transmission timing determination module 20537. There is no particular limitation on the variation of the power receiving state of the receiver 200 determined by the power receiving state determination module 20536. For example, if the digital value of the power supply voltage exceeds the threshold, it may be determined that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is good, that is, the microcomputer 205 operates stably, the operating power to the sensor can be stably supplied, and the data signal can be stably transmitted from the receiver 200. On the other hand, if the digital value of the power supply voltage is equal to or less than the threshold, it may be determined that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is unstable, that is, it is not guaranteed that the microcomputer 205 can continue to operate, that the operating power can be continuously supplied to the sensor, and that the data signal can be continuously transmitted from the receiver 200. The type of power receiving state to be determined is determined by the relationship between the operating guaranteed voltage of the microcomputer 205 and the threshold, etc.

[0078] Here, the receiver 200 may acquire only the digital value of the power supply voltage and transmit this digital value to the transmitter 100, and the transmitter 100 and / or the first information processing device 300 and the second information processing device 400 may determine the power receiving state of the receiver 200. There is no intention to exclude such a configuration in the WPT system 1 according to the present disclosure.

[0079] On the other hand, by having the receiver 200 determine its own power receiving state, there is an advantage in that detailed and flexible operation control can be performed based on the determination result. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1, if the transmitter 100 is configured to receive data from multiple receivers 200, if the transmitter 100 etc. determines the power receiving state of each receiver 200, the calculation load of the transmitter 100 etc. will be large. For the above reasons, in the WPT system 1 according to the present disclosure, the receiver 200 mainly performs the power receiving state determination.

[0080] A specific value of the threshold value on which the comparison operation of the voltage comparison module 20535 is based may be appropriately determined depending on the circuit configuration of the receiver 200. In particular, the power supply voltage can be considered as the voltage of the operating power supply of the microcomputer 205, and therefore can be determined as a voltage value at which the microcomputer 205 can operate. In the voltage comparison module 20535 of this embodiment, the threshold value is set to 2.2 V as an example. The threshold value is stored in advance in the storage unit 2052 of the microcomputer 205. The threshold value can also be updated based on data transmission from the transmitter 100.

[0081] Then, the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines the timing for transmitting the physical quantity measured by the sensor as a data signal to the transmitter 100, etc., based on the determination result of the power receiving state of the receiver 200 received from the power receiving state determination module 20536. "Determining the transmission timing" here includes determining whether or not to transmit a data signal at the current time.

[0082] There is no particular limitation on the method by which the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines the transmission timing of the data signal. As an example, when the power receiving state determination module 20536 determines that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is good, the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines to immediately (i.e., without delay) transmit the data signal to the transmitter 10 or the like. In particular, when the timing of acquiring the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534 is matched with the timing of transmitting the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the transmitter 100 or the like as a data signal by the transmission control module 20532, the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines not to delay the transmission timing of the data signal. On the other hand, when the power receiving state determination module 20536 determines that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is unstable, the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines to delay the transmission timing of the data signal by a predetermined time. This is because delaying the signal by a specified time increases the likelihood that the power receiving state of receiver 200 will recover, in other words, improve, and therefore delaying the signal by a specified time increases the likelihood that the data signal can be sent with almost no difference from the timing of a normal data signal.

[0083] The predetermined delay here is preferably a delay that is sufficiently smaller than the transmission interval of a normal data signal. For example, if the transmission interval of a data signal is set to one minute, the delay is about 10 seconds.

[0084] It is preferable that a series of processes from the acquisition of the digital value of the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534 to the timing determination by the transmission timing determination module 20537 be repeated a predetermined number of times when the transmission timing determination module 20537 has decided to delay the transmission timing of the data signal by a predetermined time. That is, the result of the determination of the power receiving state of the receiver 200 by the power receiving state determination module 20536 is expected to change in a short time. In other words, it is expected that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is determined to be stable a short time after the power receiving state determination module 20536 determines that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is unstable. Therefore, by repeating a series of processes from the acquisition of the digital value of the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534 to the timing determination by the transmission timing determination module 20537 a predetermined number of times, it is expected that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is determined to be good early, and as a result, it is possible to increase the possibility of transmitting the data signal to the transmitter 100, etc. without a large delay.

[0085] Furthermore, if the series of processes from the acquisition of the digital value of the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534 to the timing determination by the transmission timing determination module 20537 is repeated a predetermined number of times but it is still not determined that the power receiving condition of the receiver 200 is good, the transmission timing determination module 20537 may execute the series of processes from the acquisition of the digital value of the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534 to the timing determination by the transmission timing determination module 20537 when the time to next transmit the data signal arrives, and may determine whether or not to transmit the data signal again.

[0086] <1.5 Example of operation> An example of the operation of the microcomputer 205 will now be described.

[0087] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the main operation of the microcomputer 205. The operation shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is preferably started in accordance with the timing of acquisition of the digital value of the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534. The order of operation of each step shown in the flowchart of Fig. 5 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and the order of operation can be appropriately changed. In the receiver 200 of this embodiment, the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 is executed periodically at a predetermined time interval.

[0088] In step S500, the control unit 2053 acquires a physical quantity measured by the sensor. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 acquires the physical quantity measured by the sensor using the physical quantity acquisition module 20533. The control unit 2053 temporarily stores the acquired physical quantity in the storage unit 2052.

[0089] In step S501, the control unit 2053 acquires a digital value of the power supply voltage from the A / D conversion unit 2051. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 acquires the digital value of the power supply voltage from the A / D conversion unit 2051 by using the voltage acquisition module 20534. The control unit 2053 stores the acquired digital value of the power supply voltage in the storage unit 2052 at least temporarily.

[0090] Next, in step S502, the control unit 2053 compares the digital value of the power supply voltage acquired in step S501 with a predetermined threshold value. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 uses the voltage comparison module 20535 to compare the digital value of the power supply voltage acquired in step S501 with a predetermined threshold value.

[0091] Thereafter, in step S503, if the control unit 2053 determines that the digital value of the power supply voltage exceeds the threshold value as a result of the comparison operation in step S502 (YES in step S503), it proceeds to step S504, and if the control unit 2053 determines that the digital value of the power supply voltage is equal to or less than the threshold value (NO in step S503), it proceeds to step S505. Specifically, for example, if the control unit 2053 determines that the digital value of the power supply voltage exceeds the threshold value as a result of the comparison operation in step S502 by the power receiving state determination module 20536 (YES in step S503), it proceeds to step S504, and if the control unit 2053 determines that the digital value of the power supply voltage is equal to or less than the threshold value (NO in step S503), it proceeds to step S505.

[0092] A positive determination in step S503 corresponds to a determination that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is stable, and a negative determination in step S503 corresponds to a determination that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is unstable.

[0093] In step S504, the control unit 2053 transmits the physical quantity acquired by the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 as a data signal to the transmitter 100, etc. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 transmits the physical quantity acquired by the physical quantity acquisition module 20533 as a data signal to the transmitter 100, etc., by the transmission timing decision module 20537 and the transmission control module 20532. In this case, the data signal is transmitted to the transmitter 100, etc. at predetermined time intervals. After that, the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 ends.

[0094] On the other hand, in step S505, the control unit 2053 increments the counter value by 1. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 increments the counter value by 1 using the transmission timing determination module 20537. This counter is reset every time the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 starts.

[0095] Next, in step S506, the control unit 2053 determines whether the counter value incremented in step S505 has reached a predetermined value, and if it has reached the predetermined value (YES in step S506), ends the program, and if it has not yet reached the predetermined value (NO in step S506), proceeds to step S507. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 determines whether the counter value incremented in step S505 has reached a predetermined value by the transmission timing determination module 20537, and if it has reached the predetermined value (YES in step S506), ends the program, and if it has not yet reached the predetermined value (NO in step S506), proceeds to step S507.

[0096] The counter value reaching a predetermined value means that the determination in step S503 has been negative a predetermined number of times. This means that although the power receiving state of the receiver 200 has been determined a predetermined number of times, the power receiving state has been determined to be unstable a predetermined number of times in succession, which corresponds to the transmission timing determination module 20537 deciding not to transmit a data signal until the timing at which the flowchart shown in FIG. 5 is executed next without performing the data signal operation at the timing shown in FIG.

[0097] Here, the predetermined number of times in step S506 can be set arbitrarily, but is, for example, five times.

[0098] In step S507, the control unit 2053 causes the operation of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5 to wait for a predetermined time. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 causes the transmission timing determination module 20537 to wait for a predetermined time before executing the operation of the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. After that, the process returns to step S501, and the operations from step S501 onwards are repeated.

[0099] Waiting the operation of the flowchart for a predetermined time in step S507 means that the power receiving state of receiver 200 is determined after the predetermined time, and if it is thereafter determined that the receiving state of receiver 200 is good, this corresponds to the transmission timing determination module 20537 delaying the transmission of the data signal for a predetermined time.

[0100] <1.6 Effects of one embodiment> As described above in detail, according to the WPT system 1 of the present embodiment, in the receiver 200 to which power is supplied wirelessly, it is possible to provide a technique for saving the power supply power of the receiver 200.

[0101] As described above, when the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is stable, it transmits a data signal to the transmitter 100, etc., based on a predetermined time interval. Furthermore, when the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is unstable, the transmission timing determination module 20537 delays the transmission timing of the data signal by a predetermined time, and then causes the power receiving state determination module 20536 to determine the power receiving state of the receiver 200 again. Furthermore, when the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is still not determined to be stable even after the power receiving state determination module 20536 has determined the power receiving state of the receiver 200 a predetermined number of times, the transmission timing determination module 20537 does not transmit the data signal based on the predetermined time interval, but attempts to transmit the data signal based on the next timing. This allows the data signal to be transmitted to the transmitter 100 etc. when it is determined that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is stable, and by avoiding the operation of transmitting the data signal to the transmitter 100 etc. when the power receiving state is unstable, that is, when the power supply voltage is equal to or lower than the threshold (that is, by thinning out the transmission of the data signal), the data signal can be transmitted only when there is a surplus in the power supply power of the charging unit 204. This allows the power supply power of the receiver 200 (charging unit 204) to be saved.

[0102] <1.7 Modifications> In the WPT system 1 of the present embodiment described above, the microcomputer 205 of the receiver 200 has an A / D conversion unit 2051. However, in the WPT system 1 of the present embodiment, the configuration for acquiring the digital value of the power supply voltage is not limited to this. As an example, a comparator that compares a voltage value with a threshold value may be disposed in the stage before the input to the microcomputer 205, and the output value of the comparator may be input to the microcomputer 205. In this case, since the output value of the comparator can be a digital value, it is not necessary to provide the A / D conversion unit 2051. Also, a reset IC may be used instead of the comparator.

[0103] In this way, it is quite possible to configure the comparison calculation between the power supply voltage and the threshold value without relying on the internal processing of microcomputer 205. This configuration also applies to the case where microcomputer 205 of receiver 200 acquires the digital value of the rectified voltage and the comparison calculation between the rectified voltage and the threshold value without relying on the internal processing of microcomputer 205.

[0104] In addition, in the WPT system 1 of the present embodiment described above, the power supply voltage is compared with the threshold value, but the threshold value may have multiple threshold values. In other words, the threshold value may have multiple threshold values ​​with different voltage values, and a detailed power receiving state determination may be performed depending on whether the power supply voltage is equal to or lower than any one of the threshold values.

[0105] <2. Second embodiment> In the WPT system 1 of the first embodiment described above, the voltage value of the acquired power supply voltage is compared with a threshold value. In the WPT system 1 of the second embodiment, a more detailed power receiving state determination is performed for the receiver 200 based on the time change of the comparison between the rectified voltage and a first threshold value determined for this rectified voltage, and the comparison between the power supply voltage and a second threshold value determined for this power supply voltage.

[0106] The features of the WPT system 1 according to the second embodiment are summarized below. A plurality of thresholds are set for at least the second threshold, and more precisely, it is determined whether or not at least the second threshold is between any of the plurality of thresholds (i.e., a range). Classify the state of time change of at least one of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage, and use this state of time change to determine the power receiving state.

[0107] In the WPT system 1 of this embodiment, the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is determined based on the range of at least one of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage and the state of the time change of at least one of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage.

[0108] Below, an example will be described in which a plurality of thresholds are set for the second threshold value for the power supply voltage to detect which range the power supply voltage is in, and the state of change over time of the power supply voltage is determined, and the power receiving state of receiver 200 is determined based on the range to which the power supply voltage belongs and the state of change over time of the power supply voltage. However, it goes without saying that a similar range and state of change over time can also be detected for the rectified voltage, and the power receiving state of receiver 200 can be determined in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above.

[0109] Here, in the WPT system 1 of this embodiment, multiple thresholds for the second threshold are stored in the memory unit 2052, and the determination of the range in which the power supply voltage is in and the state of the power supply voltage's change over time are performed by the voltage comparison module 20535 of the control unit 2053.

[0110] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the microcomputer 205.

[0111] The storage unit 2052 includes, for example, a judgment table 20522 and the like.

[0112] The determination table 20522 is a table describing how to determine the power receiving state of the receiver 200 based on the condition of whether the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage are equal to or lower than the threshold value. The determination table 20522 may be created in advance when the receiver 200 or the microcomputer 205 is manufactured and stored in the storage unit 2052 of the microcomputer 205, or may be transmitted from at least one of the transmitter 100, the first information processing device 300, and the second information processing device 400 after the receiver 200 is installed.

[0113] The first threshold and the second threshold used by the voltage comparison module 20535 as the basis for determining the power receiving state may be different values. For example, the power management unit 203 may convert the voltage value of the output voltage of the rectifier circuit 202 and supply it to the charging unit 204 and the microcomputer 205. Therefore, the appropriate value of the rectified voltage, which is the output value from the rectifier circuit 202, may differ from the appropriate value of the power supply voltage related to the output value from the power management unit 203. The specific values ​​of the first threshold and the second threshold may be appropriately determined depending on the circuit configuration of the receiver 200, but the standard value in the circuit design may be, for example, if the output voltage value from the rectifier circuit 202 is 5V, the first threshold may be set to a value slightly lower than 5V, and similarly, if the output voltage value from the power management unit 203 is 3.3V, the second threshold may be set to a value slightly lower than 3.3V. In addition, since the power supply voltage is the charging voltage to the charging unit 204 and can also be considered as the voltage of the operating power supply for the microcontroller 205, the second threshold value can also be defined as a voltage value that enables charging to the charging unit 204 and / or a voltage value at which the microcontroller 205 can operate.

[0114] 7 is a diagram showing a plurality of thresholds constituting the second threshold used in the WPT system 1 of this embodiment and a range of the power supply voltage defined by these thresholds. The voltage comparison module 20535 compares the power supply voltage with the second threshold based on the range shown in FIG.

[0115] In the WPT system 1 of this embodiment, the second threshold has four thresholds (3.3V, 2.475V, 1.9V, 1.8V), and the ranges between these thresholds are defined as POWER_GOOD, POWER_NORMAL, POWER_WARNING, and POWER_DISABLED in order of decreasing voltage value. These ranges are: POWER_GOOD: The power supply voltage is good (the charging voltage for the charging unit 204 and the operating voltage for the microcomputer 205 can be sufficiently secured) POWER_NORMAL: The power supply voltage is normal (no problem as a charging voltage for the charging unit 204 and an operating voltage for the microcomputer 205) POWER_WARNING: The power supply voltage is in a warning state (the charging voltage for the charging unit 204 and the operating voltage for the microcomputer 205 may not be secured) POWER_DISABLED: The power supply voltage is critical (the charging voltage for the charging unit 204 and the operating voltage for the microcomputer 205 cannot be secured) This shows that.

[0116] In addition, when the power supply voltage is POWER_DISABLED, the microcomputer 205 cannot operate (it is below the operable voltage) in the first place, so it is difficult for the voltage comparison module 20535 to determine that the power supply voltage is POWER_DISABLED. Therefore, the determination that the power supply voltage is POWER_DISABLED can be excluded from the algorithm for determining the power receiving state in the power receiving state determination module 20536.

[0117] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a determination table 20522 that defines the state of change over time of the power supply voltage and the state of the rectified voltage. The power receiving state determination module 20536 determines the power receiving state of the receiver 200 based on the determination table 20522 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 described later.

[0118] The state of the power supply voltage is defined according to whether the power supply voltage is on an upward or downward trend. However, in the WPT system 1 of this embodiment, two further stages of definitions are provided for the upward / downward trend of the power supply voltage. In other words, a threshold is also provided for the gradient of the rise / fall of the power supply voltage, and the definition of the state is changed depending on whether the rise / fall of the power supply voltage exceeds this threshold. The threshold for the gradient of the rise of the power supply voltage can be set arbitrarily.

[0119] The rectified voltage is judged as to whether it exceeds / falls below the first threshold. The future state of the power supply voltage can be estimated by judging the power receiving state of the receiver 200 based on both the rising / falling tendency of the power supply voltage and the magnitude relationship of the rectified voltage with the first threshold. As an example, if the power supply voltage is on a downward trend but the rectified voltage is above the first threshold, it can be judged that the power supply voltage will recover and the current downward trend will not continue (a drop in the power supply voltage is not expected in the future).

[0120] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a power receiving state determination table 20522 of the receiver 200 in the WPT system 1 of this embodiment. Even if the state of the power supply voltage is POWER_NORMAL, the final power receiving state (power supply state) determination is made differently depending on the rising / falling trend of the power supply voltage and the relationship between the rectified voltage and the threshold value. Similarly, even if the state of the power supply voltage is POWER_WARNING, the final power receiving state (power supply state) determination is made differently depending on the rising / falling trend of the power supply voltage and the relationship between the rectified voltage and the threshold value.

[0121] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a judgment table of an operation mode, which is a transmission mode of a data signal of the receiver 200 in the WPT system 1 of this embodiment. The judgment table shown in Fig. 10 is stored in the storage unit 2052, and the transmission timing decision module 20537 decides an operation mode for the data signal based on the judgment table shown in Fig. 10, and decides the transmission timing of the data signal according to the decided operation mode.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 10, in the receiver 200 of this embodiment, the operation mode is determined based on the power supply state of the receiver 200 and the voltage value of the power supply voltage at that time.

[0123] In the determination table shown in FIG. 10, if the power supply state is PWSTAT_GOOD or PWSTAT_NORMAL, the transmission timing determination module 20537 does not care about the digital value of the power supply voltage (N / A) and determines the normal operation mode.

[0124] Also, when the power supply state is PWSTAT_WARNING, the transmission timing determination module 20537 determines the operation mode based on the digital value of the power supply voltage. Here, Vb_Zone1 and Vb_Zone2 both indicate the range of the power supply voltage, and the lower limit value of Vb_Zone1 and the upper limit value of Vb_Zone2 are the same. When the power supply state is PWSTAT_WARNING, the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is unstable at present, or is likely to become unstable in the future, so the operation mode is determined based on the range of the power supply voltage. If the power supply voltage is within the range of Vb_Zone1, it is considered that there is a possibility that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 will be determined to be stable thereafter, and the transmission interval of the data signal is increased (i.e., extended) from the normal transmission interval and the data signal is transmitted. On the other hand, when the power supply voltage is within the range of Vb_Zone2, it is considered that there is a low possibility that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 will be determined to be stable, so the transmission interval of the data signal is further extended and the data signal is compressed to the minimum.

[0125] Furthermore, if the power supply status is PWSTAT_CRITICAL_WARNING, the digital value of the power supply voltage is not questioned (N / A), and it is assumed that there is not enough power supply power to transmit a data signal. Therefore, the transmission of the data signal from the receiver 200 is stopped, and the microcontroller 205 only monitors the power supply voltage and determines the power supply status.

[0126] When the power supply state is PWSTAT_DISABLED, the operating power for the microcomputer 205 cannot be secured in the first place, and therefore the operating mode itself is not (cannot be) determined.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the main operation of the microcomputer 205. The operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is preferably started in accordance with the timing of acquiring the digital values ​​of the rectified voltage and the power supply voltage by the voltage acquisition module 20534. The order of operation of each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and the order of operation can be appropriately changed. As an example, the order of acquiring the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage shown in steps S1101 and S1102 is not limited, and they may be acquired asynchronously or simultaneously. In the receiver 200 of this embodiment, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed periodically at a predetermined time interval.

[0128] In step S1100, the control unit 2053 acquires a physical quantity measured by the sensor. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 acquires the physical quantity measured by the sensor using the physical quantity acquisition module 20533. The control unit 2053 temporarily stores the acquired physical quantity in the storage unit 2052.

[0129] In steps S1101 and S1102, the control unit 2053 acquires digital values ​​of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage from the A / D conversion unit 2051. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 acquires the digital values ​​of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage from the A / D conversion unit 2051 using the voltage acquisition module 20534. The control unit 2053 stores the acquired digital values ​​of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage in the storage unit 2052 at least temporarily.

[0130] Next, in step S1103, the control unit 2053 checks the voltage values ​​of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage acquired in steps S1100 and S1101 against the judgment table 20522. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 checks the voltage values ​​of the power supply voltage and the rectified voltage acquired in steps S1101 and S1102 against the judgment table 20522 by the voltage comparison module 20535. The check operation against the judgment table 20522 in step S1103 does not need to be performed immediately after steps S1101 and S1102, and may be performed independently of the timing of acquiring the voltage values ​​in steps S1101 and S1102. Similarly, the operations from step S1104 onwards do not need to be performed immediately after steps S1101 and S1102, and may be performed independently of the timing of acquiring the voltage values ​​in steps S1100 and S1101.

[0131] Next, in step S1104, the control unit 2053 determines the power receiving state of the receiver 200 based on the comparison result in step S1103. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 determines the power receiving state of the receiver 200 by the power receiving state determination module 20536 based on the comparison result in step S1103.

[0132] Then, in step S1105, the control unit 2053 determines an operation mode for the data signal based on the determination result in step S1104. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 determines an operation mode for the data signal based on the determination result in step S1104 by the transmission timing determination module 20537. The transmission timing determination module 20537 temporarily stores the operation mode determined in step S1105 in the storage unit 2052. Thereafter, in step S1106, the control unit 2053 transmits a data signal to the transmitter 100, etc., in accordance with the operation mode determined in step S1105. Specifically, for example, the control unit 2053 transmits a data signal to the transmitter 100, etc., in accordance with the operation mode determined in step S1105, using the transmission control module 20532 and the transmission timing determination module 20537.

[0133] Therefore, according to the WPT system 1 of the present embodiment, the power receiving state of the receiver 200 is determined including the state of the time change of the power supply voltage and the relationship between the rectified voltage and the threshold value, so that the power receiving state of the receiver 200 can be determined more finely and the power receiving state of the receiver 200 in the future can be determined, and the accuracy of the power receiving state determination can be improved. As a result, it is possible to provide a technology that can further save the power supply power of the receiver 200 in the wirelessly powered receiver 200, similar to the first embodiment, and preferably more than the first embodiment.

[0134] <5 Notes> In addition, the above-described embodiments are described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. In addition, some of the configurations of each embodiment can be added to, deleted from, or replaced with other configurations.

[0135] As an example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the power receiving state of the receiver is mainly determined by the receiver 200, but the receiver 200 may transmit the values ​​(digital values) of the rectified voltage and the power supply voltage as signals to the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300, and the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300 may determine the power receiving state of the receiver 200 based on the values ​​of the rectified voltage and the like transmitted from the receiver 200. That is, in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, a configuration is also possible in which the power receiving state determination module 20536 is provided in at least one of the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300, and the transmission control module 20532 transmits the rectified voltage and the power supply voltage acquired by the voltage acquisition module 20534 to at least one of the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300.

[0136] In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the application to the so-called WPT system 1 in which the transmission power consisting of an AC signal is wirelessly transmitted from the transmitter 100 to the receiver 200 has been described, but it is naturally possible to apply it to a system that provides power to the receiver 200 by other methods. Since such systems are known, detailed description will be omitted. As an example, there is a system that transmits power generated by solar power generation to the receiver 200 regardless of whether it is wired or wireless, and further, a system that transmits power to the receiver 200 by laser light regardless of whether it is wired or wireless. In addition, it is also applicable to a configuration in which vibration or sound is given to the receiver 200 and the receiver 200 converts the power of the vibration or the like into power. In addition, it is naturally applicable to a system that uses a known non-contact power supply technology other than the system that wirelessly receives the transmission power consisting of an AC signal, for example, a non-contact power supply technology using a magnetic field coupling method.

[0137] In addition, the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in part or in whole by hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The present invention can also be realized by software program code that realizes the functions of the embodiments. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and a processor included in the computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium storing it constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media for supplying such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, etc.

[0138] Furthermore, the program code for realizing the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of program or script languages, such as assembler, C / C++, perl, Shell, PHP, Java (registered trademark), and the like.

[0139] Furthermore, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiments may be distributed over a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the processor of the computer may read out and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0140] The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0141] (Appendix 1) A receiver (200) that wirelessly receives transmission power, the receiver (200) having a processor (205), a charging unit (204) that is charged by the transmission power, a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to an outside, the processor (205) executes a first step (S501) of detecting a power supply voltage that is a charging voltage of the charging unit (204), a second step (S502) of comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step (S501) with a first threshold value set for this power supply voltage, a third step (S503) of determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on a comparison result in the second step (S502), and a fourth step (S507) of deciding whether or not to transmit the physical quantity by the transmitting unit (206) based on a determination result in the third step (S503). (Appendix 2) The receiver (200) described in Appendix 1, wherein the processor (205) executes a fifth step (S504, S507) of causing the transmitting unit (206) to transmit a physical quantity to the outside at a predetermined interval, and further, in the fifth step (S504, S507), if the decision result in the fourth step (S507) is not to transmit the physical quantity, delays the timing of transmitting the physical quantity to the outside by a predetermined time. (Appendix 3) A receiver (200) according to appendix 2, wherein the processor (205) executes a first step (S501), a second step (S502), a third step (S503), and a fourth step (S507) in accordance with the timing of transmitting the physical quantity in the fifth step (S504, S507) to the outside. (Appendix 4) The receiver (200) described in Appendix 3, wherein, when the processor (205) delays the timing of transmitting the physical quantity to the outside a predetermined number of times by a predetermined time in the fifth step (S504, S507), the processor (205) delays the timing of transmitting the physical quantity to the outside after the next predetermined interval. (Appendix 5) A receiver (200) that wirelessly receives transmission power, the receiver (200) has a processor (205), a rectifier unit (202) that rectifies the transmission power, a power management unit (203) that manages a rectified voltage from the rectifier unit (202), a charging unit (204) that is charged by output power from the power management unit (203), a sensor that is driven by the output power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, and the processor (205) calculates a charge voltage based on the rectified voltage and the charging voltage of the charging unit (204). A receiver (200) that executes a sixth step (S1101, S1102) of detecting a certain power supply voltage, a seventh step (S1104) of detecting a rectified voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and / or a change over time in the power supply voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on the detection result, and an eighth step (S1105) of deciding whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by a transmitting unit (206) based on the determination result in the seventh step (S1104). (Appendix 6) A receiver (200) as described in Appendix 5, wherein the processor (205) executes a fifth step (S504, S507) of causing the transmitting unit (206) to transmit a physical quantity to the outside at a predetermined interval, and further, in the fifth step (S504, S507), determines the predetermined interval when transmitting the physical quantity based on the determination result in the seventh step (S1104). (Appendix 7) A receiver (200) as described in Appendix 5 or 6, wherein the processor (205) executes a ninth step of comparing the rectified voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) with a second threshold value set for the rectified voltage, and / or compares the power supply voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) with a third threshold value set for the power supply voltage, and in a seventh step (S1104), determines the power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on the detection result in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and the comparison result in the ninth step. (Appendix 8) A receiver (200) that wirelessly receives transmission power, the receiver (200) having a control unit (205), a charging unit (204) that is charged by the transmission power, a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmission unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, the control unit (205) having a first voltage acquisition unit (20534) that detects a power supply voltage that is a charging voltage of the charging unit (204), and a transmission unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, a first threshold comparison unit (20535) that compares the output power supply voltage with a threshold value set for this power supply voltage, a first power receiving state determination unit (20536) that determines the power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on a comparison result by the first threshold comparison unit (20535), and a first transmission control unit (20537) that determines whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by the transmission unit (206) based on a determination result by the first power receiving state determination unit (20536). (Appendix 9) A receiver (200) that wirelessly receives transmission power, the receiver (200) has a control unit (205), a rectification unit (202) that rectifies the transmission power, a power management unit (203) that manages a rectified voltage from the rectification unit (202), a charging unit (204) that is charged by output power from the power management unit (203), a sensor that is driven by the output power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmission unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, and the control unit controls a current that is the rectified voltage and a charging voltage of the charging unit (204). A receiver (200) having a second voltage acquisition unit (20534) that detects a power supply voltage, a second power receiving state determination unit (20536) that detects a change over time in the rectified voltage detected by the second voltage acquisition unit (20534) and / or the power supply voltage detected by the second voltage acquisition unit (20534) and determines the power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on the detection result, and a second transmission control unit (20537) that determines whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by the transmission unit (206) based on the determination result by the second power receiving state determination unit (20536). (Appendix 10) A program for operating a receiver (200) that receives transmission power wirelessly and has a processor (205), the receiver (200) having a charging unit (204) that is charged by the transmission power, a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to an outside, the program causing the processor (205) to execute a first step (S501) of detecting a power supply voltage that is a charging voltage of the charging unit (204), a second step (S502) of comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step (S501) with a first threshold value set for the power supply voltage, a third step (S503) of determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on a comparison result in the second step (S502), and a fourth step (S507) of deciding whether or not to transmit the physical quantity by the transmitting unit (206) based on a determination result in the third step (S503). (Appendix 11) A program for operating a receiver (200) that wirelessly receives transmission power and has a processor (205), the receiver (200) having a rectification unit (202) that rectifies the transmission power, a power management unit (203) that manages a rectified voltage from the rectification unit, a charging unit (204) that is charged by output power from the power management unit (203), a sensor that is driven by the output power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmission unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, and the processor (205) controls the rectified voltage and the charging unit (204). a sixth step (S1101, S1102) of detecting a power supply voltage, which is a charging voltage of the power supply; a seventh step (S1104) of detecting a change over time in the rectified voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and / or the power supply voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on the detection result; and an eighth step (S1105) of deciding whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by the transmitting unit (206) based on the determination result in the seventh step (S1104). (Appendix 12) A method executed by a receiver (200) that receives transmission power wirelessly and has a processor (205), the receiver (200) having a charging unit (204) that is charged by the transmission power, a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to an outside, the method including a program causing the processor (205) to execute a first step (S501) of detecting a power supply voltage that is a charging voltage of the charging unit (204), a second step (S502) of comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step (S501) with a first threshold value set for this power supply voltage, a third step (S503) of determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on a comparison result in the second step (S502), and a fourth step (S507) of deciding whether or not to transmit the physical quantity by the transmitting unit (206) based on a determination result in the third step (S503). (Appendix 13) A method executed by a receiver (200) that wirelessly receives transmission power and has a processor (205), the receiver (200) has a rectifier unit (202) that rectifies the transmission power, a power management unit (203) that manages a rectified voltage from the rectifier unit (202), a charging unit (204) that is charged by output power from the power management unit (203), a sensor that is driven by the output power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmission unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, and the processor (205) controls the rectified voltage and the charging unit (204) to transmit the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside. a sixth step (S1101, S1102) of detecting a power supply voltage, which is a charging voltage of step (4); a seventh step (S1104) of detecting a change over time in the rectified voltage detected in step (S1101, S1102) and / or the power supply voltage detected in step (S1101, S1102) and determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on the detection result; and an eighth step (S1105) of deciding whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by the transmitting unit (206) based on the determination result in step (S1104). (Appendix 14) A wireless power supply system (1) including a transmitter (100) that wirelessly transmits transmission power, and a receiver (200) that wirelessly receives the transmission power, the receiver (200) having a charging unit (204) that is charged by the transmission power, a sensor that is driven by the transmission power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside, the wireless power supply system (1) including at least one processor (205), the at least one processor (205) being configured to control a charging voltage of the charging unit (204), a second step (S502) of comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step (S501) with a first threshold value determined for the power supply voltage; a third step (S503) of determining a power receiving state of a receiver (200) based on a comparison result in the second step (S502); and a fourth step (S507) of deciding whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by a transmitter unit (206) based on a determination result in the third step (S503). (Appendix 15) A wireless power supply system (1) including a transmitter (100) that wirelessly transmits transmission power, and a receiver (200) that wirelessly receives the transmission power, the receiver (200) having a rectifier unit (202) that rectifies the transmission power, a power management unit (203) that manages a rectified voltage from the rectifier unit (202), a charging unit (204) that is charged by output power from the power management unit (203), a sensor that is driven by the output power and measures a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit (206) that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to an outside, the wireless power supply system (1) including at least one processor (205). at least one processor (205) includes a sixth step (S1101, S1102) of detecting a power supply voltage, which is a rectified voltage and a charging voltage of the charging unit (204); a seventh step (S1104) of detecting a time change of the rectified voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and / or the power supply voltage detected in the sixth step (S1101, S1102) and determining a power receiving state of the receiver (200) based on the detection result; and an eighth step (S1105) of determining whether or not to transmit a physical quantity by the transmitting unit (206) based on the determination result in the seventh step (S1104). A wireless power supply system that performs the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1...WPT system 100...transmitter 101...oscillator 102...transmitting antenna 103...microcomputer 104...data transceiver 105...data transceiver antenna 200...receiver 201...receiving antenna 202...rectifier circuit 203...power management unit 204...charging unit 205...microcomputer 206...data transceiver 207...data transceiver antenna 300...first information processing device 400...second information processing device 20532...transmission control module 20533...physical quantity acquisition module 20534...voltage acquisition module 20535...voltage comparison module 20536...power receiving state determination module 20537...transmission timing determination module

Claims

[Claim 1] A receiver that wirelessly receives transmitted power, The receiver comprises a processor, a charging unit charged by the transmission power, a sensor driven by the transmission power and measuring a predetermined physical quantity, and a transmitting unit that transmits the physical quantity measured by the sensor to the outside. The aforementioned processor, The first step is to detect the power supply voltage, which is the charging voltage of the charging unit, A second step involves comparing the power supply voltage detected in the first step with a first threshold value defined for this power supply voltage, A third step is to determine the power reception status of the receiver based on the comparison results in the second step, A fourth step in which, based on the determination result in the third step, determines whether or not the transmitting unit can transmit the physical quantity. The receiver that executes this.

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