Power feeding device, power feeding system, and program

Abstract

To provide a power feeding device which can feed power to a power reception device without receiving information required for power feeding from the power reception device.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a power feeding device comprises a reception unit and a power transmission unit. The reception unit receives from a control device a first control signal including first information for specifying a first power reception device among a plurality of power reception devices. The power transmission unit transmits a radio power transmission signal for power supply to the first power reception device on the basis of the first information. The first control signal causes the first power reception device to perform specific operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a power supply device, a power supply system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, development of power supply devices that supply power wirelessly using electromagnetic waves (eg, microwaves) has progressed.

[0003] For example, the power supply device acquires information (location information) indicating the location of the power receiving device from the power receiving device to be supplied with power. The power supply device can supply power to the power receiving device by emitting electromagnetic waves having directionality to the power receiving device to be supplied with power based on the acquired location information.

[0004] In such a case, the power receiving device is provided with a communication unit for transmitting the location information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6691805 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a power supplying device, a power supplying system, and a program that are capable of supplying power to a power receiving device without receiving information required for power supply from the power receiving device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to an embodiment, a power supply device includes a receiver and a power transmitter. The receiver receives a first control signal including first information specifying a first power receiving device among a plurality of power receiving devices from a control device. The power transmitter transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply information table used in the power supply device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a control operation in the power supply system including the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of a control operation in the power supply system including the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of a control operation in the power supply system including the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of a power receiving device to which power is supplied by the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of a power receiving device to which power is supplied by the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First embodiment) First, the configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The power supply system 1A is, for example, a system for wirelessly supplying power to a device whose installation location is fixed, and causing the device to perform a specific operation. The device whose installation location is fixed is, for example, a sensing device, an electronic shelf label, or a pickup display.

[0011] A sensing device is a device that detects physical or chemical information at the installation location and generates data based on the detected physical or chemical quantity information (hereinafter, also referred to as sensor data).

[0012] An electronic shelf label is a display device that is installed at a location where an item is placed (for example, on a shelf) and electronically displays information about the item, such as the name and price.

[0013] The pickup indicator is a display and input device that is installed at a location where an item is placed, and that prompts a worker to pick up the item. The pickup indicator indicates whether an item needs to be picked up by, for example, turning an LED on or off. For example, the pickup indicator turns on an LED when the corresponding item needs to be picked up, and then accepts an operation (external input) by a worker indicating that the item has been picked up, and turns off the LED.

[0014] The power supply system 1A includes, for example, a control device 11, a power supply device 12, and N power receiving devices 13. N is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The N power receiving devices 13 include a first power receiving device 13-1, a second power receiving device 13-2, ..., an N-th power receiving device 13-N. Hereinafter, an unspecified one of the N power receiving devices 13 may be referred to as a power receiving device 13.

[0015] The control device 11 is a device (i.e., a parent device) that controls the operation of the power supply device 12 and the operation of each of the N power receiving devices 13. The control device 11 is driven by, for example, power supplied from an external power source. Specifically, the control device 11 notifies the power receiving device 13 to which power is to be supplied, and controls the operation of the power receiving device 13 and the operation of the power supply device 12. The control device 11 notifies the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 of the power supply and the power receiving device 13 to which the control device 11 is to be operated by transmitting a control signal 21. The control signal 21 is a wireless signal including information that specifies one of the N power receiving devices 13. The information that specifies one of the N power receiving devices 13 is, for example, an identification code (hereinafter also referred to as a power receiving device ID) that is assigned to that one power receiving device 13. The power receiving device ID is information that can uniquely identify the corresponding power receiving device 13. Moreover, the control signal 21 is a signal that causes the designated power receiving device 13 to, for example, perform a specific operation and transmit a communication signal 22. The communication signal 22 is a wireless signal that includes information related to the specific operation.

[0016] The power supply device 12 is a device that receives a control signal 21 and transmits a power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power based on the control signal 21. The power supply device 12 is also called a wireless power transmission device or a power transmitter. The power transmission signal 31 is a wireless signal that supplies power to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. The power supply device 12 is driven by power supplied from an external power source, for example. The power supply device 12 stores a power supply information table 124A. The power supply information table 124A is data including position information of each of the N power receiving devices 13. The power supply device 12 identifies the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 (i.e., the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power). The power supply device 12 acquires position information of the identified power receiving device 13 from the power supply information table 124A. The power supply device 12 transmits a power transmission signal 31 having high directivity to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power based on the acquired position information. A specific configuration of the power supply information table 124A will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0017] The power receiving device 13 is a device that is driven by the power of the power transmission signal 31 transmitted from the power supply device 12 and performs a specific operation based on the control signal 21 transmitted from the control device 11. The power receiving device 13 corresponds to the above-mentioned device whose installation location is fixed. The power receiving device 13 can transmit a communication signal 22 during a specific operation.

[0018] 1 illustrates a case where the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power is the second power receiving device 13-2. In this case, the control device 11 transmits a control signal 21 including information specifying the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0019] The power supply device 12 receives the control signal 21 from the control device 11 and acquires the position information of the second power receiving device 13-2 from the power supply information table 124A. Then, the power supply device 12 transmits a power transmission signal 31 having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13-2 based on the acquired position information.

[0020] The second power receiving device 13-2 receives a power transmission signal 31 having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13-2. Then, the second power receiving device 13-2 is driven by the power of the received power transmission signal 31. Also, the second power receiving device 13-2 receives a control signal 21 from the control device 11 and performs a specific operation. Then, the second power receiving device 13-2 transmits a communication signal 22 including information regarding the specific operation.

[0021] With the above configuration, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 by using the control signal 21 transmitted from the control device 11 and the power supply information table 124A stored in the power supply device 12, without receiving information necessary for power supply from the power receiving device 13. Therefore, the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 do not need to be provided with a function for detecting the position of the power receiving device 13.

[0022] Also, for example, if the power receiving device 13 possesses location information and transmits the location information to the power supply device 12, the power receiving device 13 needs to be provided with a storage battery for driving a communication unit that transmits the location information before power is supplied by the power supply device 12.

[0023] In contrast, the power supply device 12 of the present embodiment identifies the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power based on the control signal 21 transmitted by the control device 11, and acquires the location information of the identified power receiving device 13 from the power supply information table 124A. Therefore, the power receiving device 13 does not need to transmit the location information. Furthermore, the power receiving device 13 does not need to be provided with a storage battery for driving a communication unit that transmits the location information before power supply by the power supply device 12. Therefore, in the power supply system 1A, the power receiving device 13 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0024] Next, a description will be given of the power supply information table 124A stored in the power supply device 12. Fig. 2 shows an example of a configuration of the power supply information table 124A. The power supply information table 124A includes, for example, a plurality of entries corresponding to the plurality of power receiving devices 13, respectively. Each entry includes a power receiving device ID field and a location information field.

[0025] In an entry corresponding to a certain power receiving device 13, the power receiving device ID field indicates an identification code (power receiving device ID) given to the power receiving device 13.

[0026] The position information field indicates position information corresponding to the power receiving device 13. The position information is, for example, information indicating a relative relationship between a position where the power feeding device 12 is installed and a position where the power receiving device 13 is installed. The information indicating the relative relationship between the position where the power feeding device 12 is installed and the position where the power receiving device 13 is installed is, for example, coordinates indicating the positions of the power feeding device 12 and the power receiving device 13, or information regarding an angle from the power feeding device 12 to the power receiving device 13 (for example, an elevation angle and a rotation angle).

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the power receiving device ID "1" assigned to the first power receiving device 13-1 is associated with location information p1. The power receiving device ID "2" assigned to the second power receiving device 13-2 is associated with location information p2. Furthermore, the power receiving device ID "N" assigned to the Nth power receiving device 13-N is associated with location information pN.

[0028] Next, some examples of control operations executed in the power supply system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. The control operations are operations for supplying power to the power receiving device 13 and causing the power receiving device 13 to perform a specific operation. The control operations are performed when at least one of the multiple power receiving devices 13 should be operated.

[0029] 3 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of a control operation executed in the power supply system 1A. Here, a case is illustrated in which the power receiving device 13 to be operated is the second power receiving device 13-2, and the second power receiving device 13-2 is not provided with a storage battery.

[0030] First, the control device 11 transmits a control signal 21 including information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2, and the power supply device 12 receives this control signal 21 (A101). Note that the second power receiving device 13-2 does not receive the control signal 21 because no power is supplied from the power supply device 12 to the second power receiving device 13-2 and the second power receiving device 13-2 is not driven.

[0031] The power supply device 12 specifies the second power receiving device 13-2 as the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power based on the received control signal 21 (A102). Specifically, the power supply device 12 acquires location information corresponding to the second power receiving device 13-2 based on information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2 included in the control signal 21. The power supply device 12 acquires location information associated with the power receiving device ID of the second power receiving device 13-2 from, for example, the power supply information table 124A.

[0032] Then, the power supply device 12 starts transmitting the power transmission signal 31 (i.e., power supply) to the identified second power receiving device 13-2 (A103). Specifically, the power supply device 12 transmits the power transmission signal 31 having directivity (e.g., maximum directivity) to the second power receiving device 13-2, for example, by using the acquired position information of the second power receiving device 13-2. The second power receiving device 13-2 is driven in response to receiving the power transmission signal 31.

[0033] Next, since the control device 11 has not received a response to the control signal 21 from the second power receiving device 13-2, the control device 11 retransmits the control signal 21 (A104). The timing at which the control device 11 retransmits the control signal 21 may be controlled by the power supply device 12. In this case, for example, after receiving the control signal 21 at A101, the power supply device 12 transmits a signal (hereinafter also referred to as a standby signal) to the control device 11 for waiting the retransmission of the control signal 21 until the power supply device 12 starts power supply to the second power receiving device 13-2 at A103. Alternatively, the power supply device 12, not the control device 11, may transmit the control signal 21 to the second power receiving device 13-2. In other words, the power supply device 12 may transmit the control signal 21 received at A101 to the second power receiving device 13-2 after starting power supply to the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0034] The second power receiving device 13-2 driven by the power transmission signal 31 receives the retransmitted control signal 21 and performs a specific operation based on the control signal 21 (A105). The specific operation is, for example, a predetermined operation. Alternatively, the specific operation may be an operation specified by information included in the control signal 21. Specifically, the specific operation is, for example, at least one of a sensing operation, a display operation, and an operation of generating information based on an external input (for example, an operation by a user). When a display operation is performed, the control signal 21 may further include information regarding the content to be displayed. The second power receiving device 13-2 transmits a communication signal 22 including information regarding the performed specific operation (A106). The information regarding the specific operation is, for example, sensor data obtained by sensing, or information generated based on an external input.

[0035] The control device 11 receives the communication signal 22 from the second power receiving device 13-2 and performs processing using information included in the communication signal 22 (A107). Specifically, the control device 11 uses the information included in the communication signal 22 to perform, for example, a process of saving sensor data, a process of confirming that an appropriate external input has been obtained, and the like.

[0036] Furthermore, the power supply device 12 receives the communication signal 22 from the second power receiving device 13-2 and ends the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 to the second power receiving device 13-2 (A108). That is, the power supply device 12 ends the transmission of the power transmission signal 31, triggered by the communication signal 22 corresponding to the control signal 21. This ends the drive of the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0037] By the above control operation, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the second power receiving device 13-2 with a high antenna gain without receiving information necessary for power supply from the second power receiving device 13-2. The information necessary for power supply is, for example, position information of the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0038] If the second power receiving device 13-2 transmits location information to the power supply device 12, the second power receiving device 13-2 needs to be provided with a storage battery for driving a communication unit that transmits the location information before the power supply device 12 supplies power.

[0039] In contrast, the power supply device 12 of the present embodiment identifies the second power receiving device 13-2 to be supplied with power based on the control signal 21 transmitted by the control device 11, and acquires the location information of the second power receiving device 13-2 from the power supply information table 124A. Therefore, the second power receiving device 13-2 does not need to transmit the location information. In addition, the second power receiving device 13-2 does not need to be provided with a storage battery for driving a communication unit that transmits the location information before power supply by the power supply device 12. Therefore, in the power supply system 1A, the second power receiving device 13-2 can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0040] In the above example, the case where the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power and operated is the second power receiving device 13-2 has been described, but the same control operation is performed when the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power and operated is another power receiving device 13 (for example, the first power receiving device 13-1 or the Nth power receiving device 13-N). Therefore, similarly for the other power receiving devices 13, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 with high antenna gain without receiving information required for power supply from the power receiving device 13. Furthermore, the other power receiving devices 13 do not need to be provided with a storage battery, which allows for size and cost reduction.

[0041] 4 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of the control operation executed in the power supply system 1A. Here, a case where the second power receiving device 13-2 is operated and then the Nth power receiving device 13-N is operated is illustrated. Note that the second power receiving device 13-2 and the Nth power receiving device 13-N are not provided with storage batteries.

[0042] The operations from B101 to B107 are the same as the operations from A101 to A107 of the control operation described above with reference to Fig. 3. That is, an operation is performed between the control device 11, the power feeding device 12, and the second power receiving device 13-2 to feed power to the second power receiving device 13-2 and cause the second power receiving device 13-2 to perform a specific operation. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the control signal 21 including information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2 (i.e., the control signal 21 transmitted at B101 and B104) is referred to as the first control signal 21.

[0043] Next, since the operation related to the second power receiving device 13-2 is completed, the control device 11 transmits a second control signal 21 including information indicating the Nth power receiving device 13-N, and the power supply device 12 receives this second control signal 21 (B108). Note that the Nth power receiving device 13-N does not receive the second control signal 21 because no power is supplied from the power supply device 12 to the Nth power receiving device 13-N and the Nth power receiving device 13-N is not driven. Also, since the second control signal 21 specifies the Nth power receiving device 13-N, the second power receiving device 13-2 ignores (discards) the second control signal 21 even if it receives it.

[0044] The power supply device 12 specifies the N-th power receiving device 13-N as the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power based on the second control signal 21 received from the control device 11 (B109). Specifically, the power supply device 12 acquires position information corresponding to the N-th power receiving device 13-N based on information indicating the N-th power receiving device 13-N included in the second control signal 21. The power supply device 12 also ends the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 to the second power receiving device 13-2 based on the second control signal 21 (B110). Specifically, the power supply device 12 ends the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 to the second power receiving device 13-2 based on, for example, the fact that the second control signal 21 specifies the N-th power receiving device 13-N different from the second power receiving device 13-2. This ends the drive of the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0045] Then, the power supply device 12 starts transmitting the power transmission signal 31 to the identified Nth power receiving device 13-N (B111). Specifically, the power supply device 12 transmits the power transmission signal 31 having directivity to the Nth power receiving device 13-N, for example, by using the acquired position information of the Nth power receiving device 13-N. The Nth power receiving device 13-N is driven in response to receiving the power transmission signal 31. The subsequent operations are similar to the operations from B104 to B107, and the operations are performed by replacing the second power receiving device 13-2 with the Nth power receiving device 13-N.

[0046] In this way, the power supply device 12 may end the power supply to the second power receiving device 13-2 using the second control signal 21 from the control device 11 as a trigger, instead of the communication signal 22 from the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0047] 5 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of the control operation executed in the power supply system 1A. Here, the case is illustrated in which the power receiving device 13 to be operated is the second power receiving device 13-2, and the second power receiving device 13-2 is provided with a storage battery.

[0048] First, the control device 11 transmits a control signal 21 including information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2, and the power supply device 12 and the second power receiving device 13-2 receive this control signal 21 (C101). The second power receiving device 13-2 receives the control signal 21 because it is driven by power supplied from the storage battery.

[0049] The power supply device 12 specifies the second power receiving device 13-2 as the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power (C102) based on the received control signal 21. Then, the power supply device 12 starts transmitting the power transmission signal 31 to the specified second power receiving device 13-2 (C103).

[0050] The subsequent operations from C104 to C107 are similar to the operations from A105 to A108 in the control operation described above with reference to Fig. 3. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 5, since the second power receiving device 13-2 receives the control signal 21 at C101, the control device 11 does not need to retransmit the control signal 21 after the power feeding device 12 starts feeding power to the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0051] In addition, as in the example shown in Figure 4, the power supplying device 12 may terminate power supply to the second power receiving device 13-2 in response to receiving from the control device 11 a control signal 21 that specifies a power receiving device 13 other than the second power receiving device 13-2, rather than a communication signal 22 transmitted from the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0052] Next, a configuration example of the power supply device 12 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 6 and FIG.

[0053] 6 shows a first example of the configuration of the power supply device 12. In this first example, the power supply device 12 transmits a transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 by controlling directivity using beamforming.

[0054] The power supply device 12 includes a communication unit 121, a communication antenna 122, a control unit 123, a memory 124, a power transmission unit 125, and a plurality of power transmission antennas (antenna elements) 126. The communication unit 121, the control unit 123, the memory 124, and the power transmission unit 125 are connected to each other, for example, via a bus 120. The memory 124 is a storage area, and stores, for example, a power supply information table 124A.

[0055] The communication unit 121 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals for communication via the communication antenna 122. The communication unit 121 includes a receiving unit 121R and a transmitting unit 121T.

[0056] The receiving unit 121R is a circuit capable of receiving signals transmitted by the control device 11 and the power receiving device 13 via the communication antenna 122. The signal transmitted by the control device 11 is, for example, a control signal 21. The signal transmitted by the power receiving device 13 is, for example, a communication signal 22. The receiving unit 121R can send the received signal to each unit (for example, the control unit 123) in the power supply device 12. The receiving unit 121R receives a signal in response to an instruction from the control unit 123, for example.

[0057] The transmitting unit 121T is a circuit capable of transmitting signals to the control device 11 and the power receiving device 13 via the communication antenna 122. The signal transmitted to the control device 11 is, for example, a standby signal. The signal transmitted to the power receiving device 13 is, for example, a control signal 21. The transmitting unit 121T transmits a signal in response to an instruction from the control unit 123, for example.

[0058] The control unit 123 is a circuit that controls the operation of each unit in the power supply device 12. The control unit 123 is realized as, for example, a processor. The control unit 123 controls the power supply by the power transmission unit 125 based on, for example, a control signal 21 received from the communication unit 121 (more specifically, the receiving unit 121R).

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 123 identifies the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power, based on the control signal 21. The control unit 123 identifies the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power, for example, by acquiring a power receiving device ID from the control signal 21.

[0060] Then, the control unit 123 acquires, from the power supply information table 124A, location information associated with the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power (i.e., location information associated with the acquired power receiving device ID). The location information indicates, for example, a relative positional relationship between the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. The control unit 123 determines, based on the acquired location information, an angle (or a direction) at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the multiple power transmission antennas 126 should be controlled. That is, the control unit 123 determines, based on the acquired location information, an angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves should be controlled so that electromagnetic waves having high directivity are radiated from the multiple power transmission antennas 126 to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. The control unit 123 sends the determined angle to the power transmission unit 125.

[0061] The power transmitting unit 125 is a circuit that transmits the power transmission signal 31 via the multiple power transmission antennas 126 based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic wave should be controlled, received from the control unit 123. Specifically, the power transmitting unit 125 generates multiple power transmission signals 31 to be supplied to the multiple power transmission antennas 126, respectively, based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic wave should be controlled. The power transmitting unit 125 determines, for example, the phase θ and amplitude A of each of the multiple power transmission signals 31 based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic wave should be controlled, and generates the power transmission signal 31 with the determined phase θ and amplitude A. Then, the power transmitting unit 125 transmits the generated multiple power transmission signals 31 to the multiple power transmission antennas 126, respectively. In this way, the power transmitting unit 125 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 by performing beamforming using the multiple power transmission antennas 126 based on the positional relationship between the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. Note that the phase θ and the amplitude A may be determined (calculated) by the control unit 123, or the phase θ and the amplitude A calculated in advance may be acquired from the power supply information table 124A. In this case, the power transmitting unit 125 receives the phase θ and the amplitude A from the control unit 123, instead of the angle.

[0062] Each of the multiple power transmission antennas 126 radiates the power transmission signal 31 received from the power transmission unit 125. The multiple power transmission antennas 126 radiate the multiple power transmission signals 31 that provide the maximum gain in the power receiving device 13 that is the power supply target.

[0063] The power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power receives the multiple power transmission signals 31 via the power receiving antenna 134. Therefore, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power with a high antenna gain based on the control signal 21 received from the control device 11.

[0064] 6 shows an example in which the multiple power transmission antennas 126 are three power transmission antennas 126-1, 126-2, and 126-3. In this case, the power transmission unit 125 determines the phases and amplitudes θ1·A1, θ2·A2, and θ3·A3 corresponding to the three power transmission signals 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3, respectively, based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic wave should be controlled. The power transmission unit 125 generates the power transmission signals 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 having the determined phases and amplitudes θ1·A1, θ2·A2, and θ3·A3, respectively. Then, the power transmission unit 125 transmits the generated three power transmission signals 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 to the three power transmission antennas 126-1, 126-2, and 126-3, respectively.

[0065] The power supply device 12 is provided with two or more power transmission antennas 126. A common antenna may be used for the communication antenna 122 and the power transmission antenna 126.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 123 may instruct the power transmission unit 125 to end power supply based on the communication signal 22 received from the communication unit 121 while the power transmission unit 125 is supplying power. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may instruct the power transmission unit 125 to end power supply based on a new control signal 21 received from the communication unit 121 while the power transmission unit 125 is supplying power. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may instruct the power transmission unit 125 to end or stop power supply when an effect on other wireless devices or the human body occurs. This new control signal 21 is a control signal that specifies, as a power supply target, a power receiving device 13 other than the power receiving device 13 to which the power transmission unit 125 is currently supplying power. The power transmission unit 125 ends power supply (i.e., transmission of the power transmission signal 31) in response to the instruction to end power supply from the control unit 123.

[0067] Furthermore, after receiving the control signal 21 from the communication unit 121, the control unit 123 may instruct the communication unit 121 (more specifically, the transmission unit 121T) to transmit a signal (standby signal) for waiting for retransmission of the control signal 21 until the power transmission unit 125 starts power supply. The communication unit 121 transmits the standby signal to the control device 11 in response to this instruction. Alternatively, after receiving the control signal 21 from the communication unit 121, the control unit 123 may instruct the communication unit 121 to transmit the control signal 21 in response to the start of power supply by the power transmission unit 125. In response to this instruction, the communication unit 121 transmits the control signal 21 to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power.

[0068] With the above configuration, the power supply device 12 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 (i.e., electromagnetic waves) by beamforming based on the control signal 21 received from the control device 11. This allows the power supply device 12 to supply power with high antenna gain to the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows a second example of the configuration of the power supply device 12. In this second example, the power supply device 12 transmits a power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 by mechanically controlling the power transmitting antenna 126. The configuration of the power supply device 12 shown in Fig. 7 is similar to the configuration of the power supply device 12 shown in Fig. 6, except for the configurations of the power transmitting unit 125 and the power transmitting antenna 126. Below, differences from the configuration of the power supply device 12 shown in Fig. 6 will be mainly described.

[0070] 7 is provided with, for example, one power transmission antenna 126. This power transmission antenna 126 is configured so that its direction (for example, elevation angle and rotation angle) can be mechanically controlled. For the mechanical control, for example, a stepping motor or a servo motor connected to the power transmission antenna 126 is used.

[0071] The power transmitting unit 125 receives from the control unit 123 a direction in which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic wave radiated from the power transmitting antenna 126 should be controlled. The power transmitting unit 125 calculates an elevation angle and a rotation angle of the power transmitting antenna 126 based on the received direction. Then, the power transmitting unit 125 mechanically controls the power transmitting antenna 126 so that the calculated elevation angle and rotation angle are set. The power transmitting unit 125 also generates a power transmission signal 31 to be supplied to the power transmitting antenna 126, and transmits the generated power transmission signal 31 to the power transmitting antenna 126. In this way, the power transmitting unit 125 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 by mechanically controlling the angle of one power transmitting antenna 126 based on the positional relationship between the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. The elevation angle and rotation angle of the power transmitting antenna 126 may be determined by the control unit 123, or the elevation angle and rotation angle calculated in advance may be acquired from the power supply information table 124A. In this case, the power transmitting unit 125 receives the elevation angle and rotation angle from the control unit 123, rather than the direction.

[0072] After the elevation angle and rotation angle are mechanically controlled, the power transmitting antenna 126 radiates the power transmission signal 31 received from the power transmitting unit 125. In other words, the power transmitting antenna 126 radiates the power transmission signal 31 that provides the maximum gain in the power receiving device 13 that is the power supply target.

[0073] The power receiving device 13 to be fed receives the power transmission signal 31 via the power receiving antenna 134. Therefore, the power feeding device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 with a high antenna gain.

[0074] With the above configuration, the power supply device 12 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 by mechanically controlling the power transmission antenna 126 based on the control signal 21 received from the control device 11. This allows the power supply device 12 to supply power with high antenna gain to the power receiving device 13 that is the power supply target.

[0075] The above-mentioned operation of the power supply device 12 may be realized as hardware such as a circuit, or may be realized as a program (i.e., software) executed by at least one processor. For example, the control unit 123 may execute a program stored in the memory 124 or the like to control the communication unit 121 and the power transmission unit 125 to realize the above-mentioned operation of the power supply device 12. The control unit 123 that executes the program, for example, causes the communication unit 121 to receive a control signal 21 from the control device 11, and causes the power transmission unit 125 to transmit a power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 based on information specifying the power receiving device 13 included in the control signal 21. In this way, the power supply device 12 may have the function of a computer that executes a program.

[0076] Next, a configuration example of the power receiving device 13 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG.

[0077] 8 shows a first example of the configuration of the power receiving device 13. Here, an example is shown in which the power receiving device 13 is realized as a sensing device.

[0078] The power receiving device 13 includes a power receiving unit 131 , a power receiving antenna 134 , a communication unit 133 , a communication antenna 135 , and a sensor unit 132 .

[0079] The power receiving unit 131 is a circuit that receives the power transmission signal 31 via the power receiving antenna 134, converts the power of the received power transmission signal 31 into DC power, and supplies it to each unit in the power receiving device 13. For example, the communication unit 133 and the sensor unit 132 are driven by the supplied power.

[0080] The communication unit 133 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals for communication via the communication antenna 135. The communication unit 133 includes a receiving unit 133R and a transmitting unit 133T.

[0081] The receiving unit 133R is a circuit capable of receiving signals transmitted by the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 via the communication antenna 135. The signals transmitted by the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 are, for example, the control signal 21. The receiving unit 133R can send the received signals to each unit (for example, the sensor unit 132) in the power receiving device 13.

[0082] The transmitting unit 133T is a circuit capable of transmitting a signal to the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 via the communication antenna 135. The signal transmitted to the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 is, for example, the communication signal 22. The transmitting unit 133T transmits the signal in response to an instruction from the sensor unit 132, for example.

[0083] The sensor unit 132 performs a first operation based on a control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133 (more specifically, the receiving unit 133R). The first operation is, for example, an operation including at least one of generating sensor data and instructing the communication unit 133 to transmit the generated or accumulated sensor data. The sensor unit 132 detects physical or chemical information at the installation location of the power receiving device 13 and generates sensor data. The sensor unit 132 may store (accumulate) the generated sensor data in any storage area in the power receiving device 13. The sensor unit 132 is driven by power supplied from the power receiving unit 131, for example, and performs the first operation when the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133 includes information specifying the power receiving device 13.

[0084] When the sensor unit 132 instructs the communication unit 133 to transmit the sensor data, the communication unit 133 (more specifically, the transmission unit 133T) transmits the communication signal 22 including the sensor data via the communication antenna 135. A common antenna may be used as the communication antenna 135 and the power receiving antenna 134.

[0085] The control device 11 receives the communication signal 22 transmitted from the power receiving device 13. Therefore, the control device 11 can cause the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 to perform a first operation and obtain sensor data generated by the power receiving device 13.

[0086] The power supplying device 12 may receive the communication signal 22 transmitted from the power receiving device 13. In this case, the power supplying device 12 may end power supply to the power receiving device 13 based on the received communication signal 22.

[0087] The power receiving device 13 may further include a storage battery 136. In this case, the communication unit 133 and the sensor unit 132 may be driven by power supplied from the storage battery 136 while the power supply device 12 is not supplying power. The driven sensor unit 132 may generate sensor data and store the data in an arbitrary storage area. The storage battery 136 may be charged by power supplied by the power supply device 12 (i.e., power of the power transmission signal 31 supplied from the power receiving unit 131).

[0088] FIG. 9 shows a second example of the configuration of the power receiving device 13. Here, an example is shown in which the power receiving device 13 is realized as a display / input device. The display / input device is, for example, a pick-up display. The configuration of the power receiving device 13 shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the configuration of the power receiving device 13 shown in FIG. 8, except that the sensor unit 132 is replaced with a display / input unit 137. Below, the parts that differ from the configuration of the power receiving device 13 shown in FIG. 8 will be mainly described.

[0089] The power receiving unit 131 supplies the power of the power transmission signal 31 received from the power supply device 12 to, for example, the communication unit 133 and the display / input unit 137.

[0090] The communication unit 133 sends the control signal 21 received from the control device 11 to the display / input unit 137 .

[0091] The display / input unit 137 includes a display unit that displays (notifies) information to the user, and an input unit that accepts external input. The display unit is a device that visually notifies the user, such as a display or LED. The input unit is a device that has an interface that the user can operate, such as a button, and generates information in response to an operation by the user. The user is, for example, a worker who uses a pickup display device.

[0092] The display / input unit 137 performs a second operation based on the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133. The second operation includes, for example, at least one of displaying information and instructing the communication unit 133 to transmit information generated based on an external input (operation by a user). For example, when the control signal 21 includes information related to the content to be displayed, the display / input unit 137 displays content based on the information on, for example, a display screen. The display / input unit 137 is driven by power supplied from the power receiving unit 131, and performs the second operation when the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133 includes information specifying this power receiving device 13.

[0093] For example, assume that the display / input unit 137 is composed of an input information generating circuit having an LED, an LED control circuit, and a button. The LED control circuit controls turning on and off the LED. The input information generating circuit receives an operation by a user and generates information based on the received operation. More specifically, the input information generating circuit generates information based on, for example, an operation in which a user presses down a button.

[0094] In this case, the display / input unit 137 lights up the LED in response to receiving the control signal 21. The display / input unit 137 generates specific information in response to the user pressing down the button while the LED is on. The specific information indicates, for example, that there has been a change in the external input, that the user has pressed down the button, or that the second action has been properly performed. Then, the display / input unit 137 instructs the communication unit 133 to transmit the generated specific information. Also, the display / input unit 137 turns off the LED in response to the user pressing down the button while the LED is on.

[0095] When the display / input unit 137 instructs the communication unit 133 to transmit specific information, the communication unit 133 transmits a communication signal 22 including the specific information via the communication antenna 135 .

[0096] The control device 11 receives the communication signal 22 transmitted from the power receiving device 13. Therefore, the control device 11 can cause the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 to perform the second operation and acquire specific information generated by the power receiving device 13. Based on the acquired specific information, the control device 11 can, for example, confirm that the second operation has been performed by the specified power receiving device 13.

[0097] In this way, the power receiving device 13 can receive power from the power supply device 12 without transmitting information necessary for power supply to the control device 11 or the power supply device 12. Therefore, the power receiving device 13 does not need to be provided with a storage battery for driving a communication unit that transmits location information before power supply by the power supply device 12. Therefore, in the power supply system 1A, the power receiving device 13 can be made smaller and less expensive. Note that the power receiving device 13 may be provided with either one of a configuration related to display (display unit) and a configuration related to input (input unit) of the display / input unit 137.

[0098] Second embodiment In the first embodiment, the power supply system 1A includes a control device 11, a power supply device 12, and a plurality of power receiving devices 13. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the power supply system 1B includes a power supply device 12B including a control device 11B, and a plurality of power receiving devices 13.

[0099] The configuration of a power supply system 1B of the second embodiment is similar to that of the power supply system 1A of the first embodiment, except that a control device 11B is provided in a power supply device 12B. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0100] FIG. 10 shows an example of the configuration of a power supply system 1B including a power supply device 12A according to the second embodiment.

[0101] The power supply device 12B has, for example, the same configuration as that described above with reference to FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, and further includes a control device 11B.

[0102] The control device 11B is connected to each unit (e.g., the control unit 123) in the power supply device 12B via, for example, an internal bus. The control device 11B transmits a control signal 21 to the power receiving device 13 and also sends it to the control unit 123 via the internal bus.

[0103] The control unit 123 receives a control signal 21 from the control device 11B. As a result, the control unit 123 can identify the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power by using the received control signal 21, and transmit a power transmission signal 31 to the identified power receiving device 13.

[0104] Other operations of the control device 11B and the power feeding device 12B, and the operation of the power receiving device 13 are as described above in the first embodiment.

[0105] In this manner, the control device 11B may be built into the power supply device 12B. By building the control device 11B into the power supply device 12B, the entire power supply system 1B can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0106] Third embodiment In the first embodiment, the power supply system 1A includes a control device 11, a power supply device 12, and a plurality of power receiving devices 13. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a plurality of power supply areas are provided, and a power supply device 12 is provided for each power supply area.

[0107] The configuration of a power supply system 1C of the third embodiment is similar to that of the power supply system 1A of the first embodiment, except that a power supply device 12 is provided for each power supply area. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0108] 11 shows a configuration example of a power supply system 1C including a power supply device 12C and a power supply device 12D according to the third embodiment. Here, a case where the power supply system 1C is configured for two power supply areas 15 is illustrated. The two power supply areas 15 are a first power supply area 15C and a second power supply area 15D. One power supply device 12C or 12D is provided for each of the two power supply areas 15. Note that the power supply system 1C may be configured for three or more power supply areas 15.

[0109] The power supply system 1C includes, for example, a first control device 11C, a first power supply device 12C, M power receiving devices 13C, a second control device 11D, a second power supply device 12D, and N power receiving devices 13D, where M is an integer of 2 or more.

[0110] M power receiving devices 13C are installed in the first power supply area 15C. The M power receiving devices 13C include power receiving devices 13C-1, 13C-2, ..., 13C-M. Hereinafter, an unspecified one of the M power receiving devices 13C may be referred to as the power receiving device 13C.

[0111] N power receiving devices 13D are installed in the second power supply area 15D. The N power receiving devices 13D include power receiving devices 13D-1, 13D-2, ..., 13D-N. Hereinafter, an unspecified one of the N power receiving devices 13D may be referred to as the power receiving device 13D.

[0112] The first power supply area 15C and the second power supply area 15D are physically different areas. The number of power receiving devices 13C installed in the first power supply area 15C may be equal to or different from the number of power receiving devices 13D installed in the second power supply area 15D.

[0113] The first control device 11C and the first power supply device 12C are provided for the first power supply area 15C. More specifically, the first control device 11C and the first power supply device 12C are configured to supply power to and control each of the M power receiving devices 13C in the first power supply area 15C as an operation target.

[0114] The first control device 11C is a device that controls the operation of the first power supply device 12C and the operation of each of the M power receiving devices 13C. Specifically, the first control device 11C notifies the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power and the target power receiving device 13C, and controls the operation of the power receiving device 13C and the operation of the first power supply device 12C. The first control device 11C notifies the first power supply device 12C and the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power and the target power receiving device 13C by transmitting a control signal 21C. The control signal 21C is a wireless signal that includes information that specifies one of the M power receiving devices 13C.

[0115] The first power supply device 12C is a device that transmits a power transmission signal 31C to the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power based on the control signal 21C. The power transmission signal 31C is a wireless signal that supplies power to the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power. The first power supply device 12C stores a power supply information table 124C. The power supply information table 124C is data including position information of each of the M power receiving devices 13C. The first power supply device 12C acquires the position information of the power receiving device 13C (i.e., the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power) specified in the control signal 21C from the power supply information table 124C. The first power supply device 12C transmits a power transmission signal 31C having high directivity to the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power based on the acquired position information.

[0116] The power receiving device 13C is a device that is driven by the power of the power transmission signal 31C transmitted from the first power supply device 12C and performs a specific operation based on the control signal 21C. The power receiving device 13C can transmit a communication signal 22C during the specific operation. The communication signal 22C is a wireless signal that includes information related to the specific operation.

[0117] The second control device 11D and the second power supply device 12D are provided for the second power supply area 15D. More specifically, the second control device 11D and the second power supply device 12D are configured to supply power to and control each of the N power receiving devices 13D in the second power supply area 15D as an operation target.

[0118] The second control device 11D is a device that controls the operation of the second power supply device 12D and the operation of each of the N power receiving devices 13D. Specifically, the second control device 11D notifies the power receiving device 13D that is the power supply and operation target, and controls the operation of the power receiving device 13D and the operation of the second power supply device 12D. The second control device 11D notifies the second power supply device 12D and the power receiving device 13D that is the power supply and operation target by transmitting a control signal 21D. The control signal 21D is a wireless signal that includes information that specifies one of the N power receiving devices 13D.

[0119] The second power supply device 12D is a device that transmits a power transmission signal 31D to the power receiving device 13D to be supplied with power based on the control signal 21D. The power transmission signal 31D is a wireless signal that supplies power to the power receiving device 13D to be supplied with power. The second power supply device 12D stores a power supply information table 124D. The power supply information table 124D is data including position information of each of the N power receiving devices 13D. The second power supply device 12D acquires the position information of the power receiving device 13D (i.e., the power receiving device 13D to be supplied with power) specified in the control signal 21D from the power supply information table 124D. The second power supply device 12D transmits a power transmission signal 31D having high directivity to the power receiving device 13D to be supplied with power based on the acquired position information.

[0120] The power receiving device 13D is a device that is driven by the power of the power transmission signal 31D transmitted from the second power supply device 12D and performs a specific operation based on the control signal 21D. The power receiving device 13D can transmit a communication signal 22D during the specific operation. The communication signal 22D is a wireless signal that includes information related to the specific operation.

[0121] The first power supply device 12C may receive a control signal 21D transmitted by the second control device 11D. When the first power supply device 12C receives a control signal 21D specifying a power receiving device 13D in a second power supply area 15D different from the corresponding first power supply area 15C, the first power supply device 12C does not supply power according to the control signal 21D. Specifically, the first power supply device 12C does not supply power according to the control signal 21D because, for example, the power receiving device 13D (more specifically, the power receiving device ID) specified in the control signal 21D is not included in the power supply information table 124C. In other words, the first power supply device 12C is configured to supply power to the power receiving device 13C in the corresponding first power supply area 15C and not supply power to the power receiving device 13 in another power supply area 15 (here, the power receiving device 13D in the second power supply area 15D).

[0122] Similarly, the second power supply device 12D may receive the control signal 21C transmitted by the first control device 11C. When the second power supply device 12D receives the control signal 21C specifying the power receiving device 13C in the first power supply area 15C other than the corresponding second power supply area 15D, the second power supply device 12D does not supply power according to the control signal 21C. Specifically, the second power supply device 12D does not supply power according to the control signal 21C, for example, because the power receiving device 13C specified in the control signal 21C is not included in the power supply information table 124D. In other words, the second power supply device 12D is configured to supply power to the power receiving device 13D in the corresponding second power supply area 15D and not supply power to the power receiving device 13 in another power supply area 15 (here, the power receiving device 13C in the first power supply area 15C).

[0123] 11 illustrates a case where the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power and operated in the first power supply area 15C is the second power receiving device 13C-2, and the power receiving device 13D to be supplied with power and operated in the second power supply area 15D is the second power receiving device 13D-2. In this case, the first control device 11C transmits a control signal 21C including information specifying the second power receiving device 13C-2, and the second control device 11D transmits a control signal 21D including information specifying the second power receiving device 13D-2.

[0124] The first power supply device 12C receives the control signal 21C from the first control device 11C and acquires the position information of the second power receiving device 13C-2 from the power supply information table 124C. Then, the first power supply device 12C transmits a power transmission signal 31C having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13C-2 based on the acquired position information. Even if the first power supply device 12C receives the control signal 21D from the second control device 11D, it does not perform any operation related to power supply.

[0125] The second power receiving device 13C-2 receives the power transmission signal 31C having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13C-2. The second power receiving device 13C-2 is driven by the power of the received power transmission signal 31C. The second power receiving device 13C-2 also receives a control signal 21C from the first control device 11C and performs a specific operation. The second power receiving device 13C-2 then transmits a communication signal 22C including information about the specific operation.

[0126] The second power supply device 12D receives the control signal 21D from the second control device 11D and acquires the position information of the second power receiving device 13D-2 from the power supply information table 124D. Then, the second power supply device 12D transmits a power transmission signal 31D having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13D-2 based on the acquired position information. Even if the second power supply device 12D receives the control signal 21C from the first control device 11C, it does not perform any operation related to power supply.

[0127] The second power receiving device 13D-2 receives a power transmission signal 31D having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13D-2. The second power receiving device 13D-2 is driven by the power of the received power transmission signal 31D. The second power receiving device 13D-2 also receives a control signal 21D from the second control device 11D and performs a specific operation. The second power receiving device 13D-2 then transmits a communication signal 22D including information related to the specific operation.

[0128] With the above configuration, the first power supply device 12C can supply power with high antenna gain to the power receiving device 13C specified by the control signal 21C, without receiving information required for power supply from the power receiving device 13C, by using the control signal 21C transmitted from the first control device 11C and the power supply information table 124C stored in the first power supply device 12C. Also, the second power supply device 12D can supply power with high antenna gain to the power receiving device 13D specified by the control signal 21D, without receiving information required for power supply from the power receiving device 13D, by using the control signal 21D transmitted from the second control device 11D and the power supply information table 124D stored in the second power supply device 12D.

[0129] Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple power supply areas 15, the power supply devices 12C and 12D can avoid supplying power to the power receiving devices 13 in other power supply areas 15 where the received power is low. This makes it possible for the power supply system 1C to reduce the influence on other wireless signals caused by the occurrence of directional strength in an unexpected direction.

[0130] Instead of providing two control devices 11C and 11D in the power supply system 1C, one control device 11 may be provided. In this case, the control device 11 controls the operation of the first power supply device 12C, the operation of each of the M power receiving devices 13C, the operation of the second power supply device 12D, and the operation of each of the N power receiving devices 13D. The control device 11 is capable of transmitting a control signal 21C and a control signal 21D.

[0131] Specifically, the control device 11 notifies the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power and to be operated, and controls the operation of the power receiving device 13C and the operation of the first power supply device 12C. The control device 11 notifies the first power supply device 12C and the power receiving device 13C of the power receiving device 13C to be supplied with power and to be operated, by transmitting a control signal 21C.

[0132] The control device 11 also notifies the power receiving device 13D that is to be supplied with power and that is to be operated, and controls the operation of the power receiving device 13D and the operation of the second power supply device 12D. The control device 11 notifies the second power supply device 12D and the power receiving device 13D that is to be supplied with power and that is to be operated, by transmitting a control signal 21D.

[0133] Similarly, when one control device 11 is provided in the power supply system 1C, it is possible to prevent the power supply devices 12C and 12D from supplying power to the power receiving devices 13 in other power supply areas 15 where the received power is low.

[0134] As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, power can be supplied to the power receiving device 13 without receiving information necessary for power supply from the power receiving device 13. The receiver 121R of the power supply device 12 receives a first control signal 21 including first information specifying the first power receiving device 13 among the multiple power receiving devices 13 from the control device 11. The power transmitter 125 transmits a wireless power transmission signal 31 for power supply to the first power receiving device 13 based on the first information. The first control signal 21 is a signal that causes the first power receiving device 13 to perform a specific operation.

[0135] This allows the power feeding device 12 to feed power to the first power receiving device 13 without receiving information required for power feeding from the first power receiving device 13 (for example, location information of the first power receiving device 13).

[0136] The configurations of the power supply systems 1A, 1B, and 1C can also be applied to cases where beamforming or mechanical control for high-speed communication that requires a large signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio) is used. In this case, it is possible to send a high-power signal to a specific power receiving target (power receiving device), which is advantageous in terms of improving the S / N ratio.

[0137] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0138] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment. <1> A receiving unit that receives a first control signal including first information that designates a first power receiving device among a plurality of power receiving devices from the control device; a power transmission unit that transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information, The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. Power supply device. <2> The first information includes an identification code capable of identifying the first power receiving device. <1> The power supply device described in <3> The power transmitting unit controls the directivity of the wireless power transmission signal by performing beamforming using a plurality of antennas or mechanical control of an angle of one antenna based on a positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device. <1> or <2> The power supply device described in <4> The power transmitting unit is acquiring position information regarding a relative positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device based on the first information; Based on the position information, beamforming is performed using the plurality of antennas, or an angle of the one antenna is mechanically controlled to control a directivity of the wireless power transmission signal. <3> The power supply device described in <5> The control device is incorporated in the device. <1> ~ <4> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <6> When a plurality of power receiving devices are installed in each of a plurality of power supply areas, the power supply device is provided for each of the plurality of power supply areas. <1> ~ <5> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <7> Further comprising a transmission unit that transmits a signal for controlling a timing of retransmitting the first control signal to the control device. <1> ~ <6> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <8> a transmission unit that transmits the first control signal to the first power receiving device after starting transmission of the wireless power transmission signal, <1> ~ <6> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <9> The receiving unit receives, after receiving the first control signal, a second control signal including second information designating a second power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices from the control device; The power transmitting unit terminates transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received second control signal. <1> ~ <8> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <10> the first control signal is a signal for causing the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal including second information related to the specific operation after causing the first power receiving device to perform the specific operation; The receiving unit receives the communication signal from the first power receiving device, The power transmitting unit terminates transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received communication signal. <1> ~ <8> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <11> A power supply system including a control device, a power supply device, and a plurality of power receiving devices, The control device transmits a control signal including first information that designates a first power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices; The power supply device includes: receiving the control signal; transmitting a wireless power transmission signal for supplying power to the first power receiving device based on the first information included in the received control signal; The first power receiving device is receiving the wireless power transmission signal; receiving the control signal; performing a specific action based on the received control signal; Power supply system. <12> The first power receiving device is Including a sensor, performing the specific action based on the received control signal, and transmitting a communication signal including second information acquired by the sensor; <11> The power supply system according to claim 1. <13> The first power receiving device includes a display unit, The control signal further includes third information regarding content to be displayed on the display unit, The first power receiving device causes the display unit to display content based on the third information. <11> The power supply system according to claim 1. <14> The first power receiving device is An input section is included, performing the specific operation based on the received control signal, and transmitting a communication signal including second information generated by the input unit in response to an operation by a user; <11> The power supply system according to claim 1. <15> A program executed by a computer, the program causing the computer to: receiving a first control signal including first information designating a first power receiving device from a control device; and a step of transmitting a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. program. <16> The first power receiving device is a sensing device, and the specific operation is an operation of detecting physical or chemical information at an installation location. <1> ~ <10> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <17> The first power receiving device is a display device, and the specific operation is an operation of displaying information or lighting up. <1> ~ <10> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, <18> The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal including second information regarding the specific operation after causing the first power receiving device to perform the specific operation. <1> ~ <10> 13. A power supply device according to claim 12, [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1A...power supply system, 11...control device, 12...power supply device, 13...power receiving device, 121...communication unit, 121R...receiving unit, 121T...transmitting unit, 122...communication antenna, 123...control unit, 124...memory, 124A...power supply information table, 125...power transmitting unit, 126...power transmitting antenna, 131...power receiving unit, 134...power receiving antenna, 133...communication unit, 133R...receiving unit, 133T...transmitting unit, 135...communication antenna, 132...sensor unit, 136...storage battery, 137...display / input unit, 21...control signal, 22...communication signal, 31...power transmission signal.

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives a first control signal including first information that designates a first power receiving device among a plurality of power receiving devices from the control device; a power transmission unit that transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information, The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. Power supply device.

2. The first information includes an identification code capable of identifying the first power receiving device. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

3. The power transmitting unit controls the directivity of the wireless power transmission signal by performing beamforming using a plurality of antennas or mechanical control of an angle of one antenna based on a positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

4. The power transmitting unit is acquiring position information regarding a relative positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device based on the first information; Based on the position information, beamforming is performed using the plurality of antennas, or an angle of the one antenna is mechanically controlled to control a directivity of the wireless power transmission signal. The power supply device according to claim 3 .

5. The control device is incorporated in the device. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

6. When a plurality of power receiving devices are installed in each of a plurality of power supply areas, the power supply device is provided for each of the plurality of power supply areas. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

7. A transmitter that transmits a signal for controlling a timing of retransmitting the first control signal to the control device. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

8. a transmission unit that transmits the first control signal to the first power receiving device after starting transmission of the wireless power transmission signal. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

9. After receiving the first control signal, the receiver receives a second control signal from the control device, the second control signal including second information specifying a second power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices; The power transmitting unit terminates transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received second control signal. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

10. the first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal including second information related to the specific operation after causing the first power receiving device to perform the specific operation; The receiving unit receives the communication signal from the first power receiving device, The power transmitting unit terminates transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received communication signal. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

11. A power supply system including a control device, a power supply device, and a plurality of power receiving devices, The control device transmits a control signal including first information that designates a first power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices; The power supply device includes: receiving the control signal; transmitting a wireless power transmission signal for supplying power to the first power receiving device based on the first information included in the received control signal; The first power receiving device is receiving the wireless power transmission signal; receiving the control signal; performing a specific action based on the received control signal; Power supply system.

12. The first power receiving device is Including a sensor, performing the specific action based on the received control signal, and transmitting a communication signal including second information acquired by the sensor; The power supply system according to claim 11.

13. The first power receiving device includes a display unit, The control signal further includes third information related to content to be displayed on the display unit, The first power receiving device causes the display unit to display content based on the third information. The power supply system according to claim 11.

14. The first power receiving device is An input section is included, performing the specific operation based on the received control signal, and transmitting a communication signal including second information generated by the input unit in response to an operation by a user; The power supply system according to claim 11.

15. A program executed by a computer, the program causing the computer to: receiving a first control signal including first information designating a first power receiving device from a control device; and a procedure of transmitting a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. program.

16. The first power receiving device is a sensing device, and the specific operation is an operation of detecting physical or chemical information at an installation location. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

17. The first power receiving device is a display device, and the specific operation is an operation of displaying information or lighting up. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

18. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal including second information regarding the specific operation after causing the first power receiving device to perform the specific operation. The power supply device according to claim 1 .

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