Power supply device and method performed by the same

Abstract

To prevent power from being supplied to other communication devices other than a power receiving device by searching for other communication devices other than the power receiving device before the power receiving device is detected and power supply is started.SOLUTION: A power supply device includes communication means configured to perform a plurality of polling processing in a plurality of communication methods in NFC and control means configured to control wireless power supply to a power receiving device. The control means performs control so as to perform first processing for detecting the power receiving device to which power is supplied, and perform a plurality of poling processing with a plurality of communication methods in the NFC to thereby perform second processing to detect a communication device that is different from the power receiving device, responds to any of the plurality of poling processing, and should not be supplied with power from the power supply device, and when the communication device different from the power receiving device in the second processing is detected, not to transit to a state of enabling power supply to the power receiving device detected in the first processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a contactless power supply system that supplies power from a power supply device to a power receiving device in a contactless manner. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, a contactless power supply system has become known that transmits and receives power contactlessly using an electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance method, etc., without connecting a power receiving device to a power supply device by wire. Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which, when power is supplied from the power supply device, communication information is superimposed on a power supply carrier to perform power supply and communication simultaneously, and when power supply is not performed, the power supply is controlled to perform only communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-284006 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when a communication device other than a power receiving device is placed on a power supply device, the power supply device may start power supply without detecting the other communication device, and may transmit unnecessary power to the communication device that is not the power supply target. This problem is also present when power supply and communication are performed in a time-division manner.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to realize a technology that prevents power from being supplied to communication devices other than the power receiving device by searching for communication devices other than the power receiving device before the power receiving device is detected and power supply is started. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the power supply device of the present invention is a power supply device having a communication means for performing multiple polling processes using multiple communication methods in Near Field Communication (NFC) and a control means for controlling wireless power supply to a power receiving device, wherein the control means controls to perform a first process of detecting a power receiving device to which power can be supplied, and controls to perform a second process of detecting a communication device other than the power receiving device that responds to any of the multiple polling processes using the multiple communication methods in NFC and that should not be supplied with power from the power supply device, and when a communication device other than the power receiving device is detected in the second process, controls not to transition to a state in which power can be supplied to the power receiving device detected in the first process. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, by searching for communication devices other than the power receiving device before the power receiving device is detected and power supply is started, it is possible to prevent power supply to communication devices other than the power receiving device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a power supply operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing the first search process in FIG. 3; [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing a device information storage process in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing the second search process in FIG. 3; [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a power supply operation according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The following describes in detail the embodiments for carrying out the present invention. Note that the embodiments described below are examples for realizing the present invention, and should be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied and various conditions, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. In addition, the present invention may be configured by appropriately combining parts of each of the embodiments described below.

[0010] <System Configuration> First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of a contactless power supply system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0011] The contactless power supply system of this embodiment can supply power wirelessly to the power receiving device 30 that is present within the power supply area of ​​the power supply device 10 without a wired connection. In wireless power supply, power is transmitted and received by receiving electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna of the power supply device 10 by the antenna of the power receiving device 30. In addition, in the contactless power supply system, various information used for power supply control is transmitted and received between the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 30 by wireless communication.

[0012] The power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 30 perform wireless communication using a predetermined protocol such as NFC (Near Field Communication). When the power supply device 10 detects the power receiving device 30 within the power supply area and communication area of ​​the power supply device 10, the power supply device 10 performs wireless communication with the power receiving device 30 and starts power supply after authenticating the power receiving device 30. Note that the communication area of ​​the power supply device 10 is wider than the power supply area.

[0013] Moreover, the contactless power supply system of this embodiment assumes that, in addition to the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 30 to be supplied with power, a communication device 40 capable of communicating with the power supply device 10 exists within the power supply area and communication area of ​​the power supply device 10. The communication device 40 is an object that is not a power supply object in this embodiment. In this embodiment, only one communication device 40 is illustrated, but there may be a plurality of communication devices. Then, in the contactless power supply system of this embodiment, when a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 exists within the power supply area and communication area of ​​the power supply device 10, the contactless power supply system controls so as not to start supplying power to the power receiving device 30, except when power supply is specifically permitted.

[0014] The power supply device 10 of the present embodiment is a stationary type capable of supplying power and communicating with the power receiving device 30 in a state where the power receiving device 30 is placed, but is not limited thereto and may be a device that supplies power to a moving body such as an automobile. The power supply device 10 of the present embodiment may be a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving device 30 by electromagnetic induction, or may be a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the power receiving device 30 by electromagnetic field resonance.

[0015] The power receiving device 30 can charge a battery with power supplied from the power supply device 10. The power receiving device 30 operates with power supplied from a battery. The power receiving device 30 may be, for example, an imaging device such as a digital camera, a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a type of mobile phone such as a smartphone, an electronic device such as a mobile player that reproduces audio and video, or a mobile object such as an automobile that operates with battery power. The power receiving device 30 may also be a medical device capable of wireless communication, a mouse, a speaker, or a peripheral device such as a memory or a battery.

[0016] The communication device 40 may be a card-type or sticker-type electronic device that operates using power received from the power supply device 10 during communication with the power supply device 10. The communication device 40 may also be a mobile object such as an automobile that operates using battery power, an imaging device such as a digital camera, a communication terminal such as a mobile phone or a type of smartphone, or an electronic device such as a mobile player that reproduces audio and video. The communication device 40 may also be a medical device capable of wireless communication, a mouse, a speaker, or a peripheral device such as a memory or a battery.

[0017] <Device Configuration> Next, configurations of the power supply device 10, the power receiving device 30, and the communication device 40 in the contactless power supply system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0018] First, the configuration and functions of the power supply device 10 will be described.

[0019] The power supply device 10 includes an antenna 11, a matching circuit 12, a power adjustment circuit 13, an oscillator 14, a converter 15, a modulator / demodulator circuit 16, a RAM 17, a ROM 18, a notification unit 19, a CPU 20, and a power connector 21.

[0020] The antenna 11 is used to wirelessly transmit power to the power receiving device 30 via the antenna 31, or to communicate with the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 via the antennas 31 and 41. The antenna 11 is preferably coil-shaped and coupled to the antenna 31 and the antenna 41 by an inductance component, but is not limited thereto, and may be coupled by capacitance.

[0021] The matching circuit 12 is a circuit that matches the impedance of the antenna 11 and the power adjustment circuit 13, or matches the resonant frequency of the antenna 11. The matching circuit 12 is configured by combining passive elements having an inductance component or a capacitance component in series and in parallel, and it is desirable to select the combination appropriately according to the state in which matching is desired. In addition, the values ​​of the variable passive elements of the matching circuit 12 may be changeable or switchable, and the values ​​and switching may be controlled according to the state or position of the power receiving device 30 or the communication device 40 under the control of the CPU 20.

[0022] The power adjustment circuit 13 is a circuit having a function of adjusting the AC signal generated from the oscillator 14 to an AC signal of a predetermined power and outputting it to the matching circuit 12. The power adjustment circuit 13 includes a power amplification unit constituted by, for example, a switching amplifier, and a power adjustment unit constituted by, for example, a DC-DC converter that changes the voltage input from the conversion unit 15 to a predetermined voltage in response to a control signal from the modulation / demodulation circuit 16 or the CPU 20. Note that the power adjustment circuit 13 is not limited to the above configuration as long as it has the above-mentioned power amplification function and power adjustment function.

[0023] The oscillator 14 is a circuit that steadily generates a signal of a predetermined frequency and inputs it to the power adjustment circuit 13, and includes a crystal oscillator and the like. The predetermined frequency may be a frequency band in the ISM band belonging to the HF band such as 6.78 MHz or 13.56 MHz, or a frequency band belonging to the LF band such as several hundred KHz, as long as it is a frequency band in which a high power output of up to about 50 W is permitted.

[0024] The conversion unit 15 is a circuit for distributing the power input from the power connector 21 to each unit, and is a circuit for converting a commercial AC power supply voltage into a predetermined DC voltage.

[0025] Each unit of the power supply device 10 operates using power supplied from the conversion unit 15.

[0026] The modulation / demodulation circuit 16 is a circuit that modulates and demodulates voltage signals of the antenna 11, the matching circuit 12, and the power adjustment circuit 13 so that the power supply device 10 transmits and receives data to and from the power receiving device 30 or the communication device 40.

[0027] During data transmission, the modulation / demodulation circuit 16 receives from the CPU 20 data to be transmitted that has been coded based on a predetermined protocol stored in the ROM 18, and inputs the data to the power adjustment circuit 13 via the modulation circuit, thereby modulating the transmission signal. In response to the signal input from the modulation / demodulation circuit 16 to the power adjustment circuit 13, the signal output by the power adjustment circuit 13 is amplitude modulated, and the data can be transmitted via the antenna 11.

[0028] Furthermore, when receiving data, the modulation / demodulation circuit 16 detects a change in the voltage or current of the matching circuit 12, and demodulates the data to be received through a demodulation circuit configured with a filter, a comparator, a switch, etc. The modulation / demodulation circuit 16 inputs the data to be received to the CPU 20, which decodes the data based on a predetermined protocol stored in the ROM 18. The predetermined protocol may be, for example, a protocol for short-distance wireless communication defined by ISO / IEC14443, ISO / IEC15693, or ISO / IEC18092 (NFC), or a protocol compatible therewith.

[0029] The RAM 17 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores computer programs that control the operation of each part of the power supply device 10, information such as parameters related to the operation of each part, data received from the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 by the modem circuit 16, etc. The RAM 17 also stores a management table for managing the target devices to which the power supply device 10 supplies power. The management table stored in the RAM 17 registers device information received by the power supply device 10 from the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40.

[0030] The ROM 18 is a non-volatile memory that stores computer programs for controlling the operation of each part of the power supply device 10, parameters related to the operation of each part, etc. The ROM 18 also stores a program related to a communication method for the power supply device 10 to communicate with the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40.

[0031] The notification unit 19 notifies the user of a state in which the power supply device 10 is capable of supplying power, a state in which the power supply is restricted, etc. The notification unit 19 may be a display unit such as a display, an audio output unit such as a speaker, or a combination of these.

[0032] The CPU 20 is an arithmetic processing device for controlling the entire power supply device 10, and operates according to a program stored in the ROM 18. The program here includes programs for executing various flowcharts described later. The CPU 20 also changes and switches the value of the variable passive element of the matching circuit 12. The CPU 20 also adjusts the power supplied to the power receiving device 30 by controlling the power adjustment circuit 13. The CPU 20 may measure the supply power output from the power adjustment circuit 13 using an internal AD conversion function. The CPU 20 also transmits and receives commands to and from the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 by controlling the modulation and demodulation circuit 16. The command includes identification information for identifying the destination and a command code indicating the operation instructed by the command. The CPU 20 can also transmit commands only to the power receiving device 30 or only to the communication device 40 by controlling the modulation and demodulation circuit 16 to change the identification information included in the command.

[0033] The power connector 21 is a connector for obtaining power from a commercial power source.

[0034] The power supply device 10 of this embodiment performs power supply control to wirelessly supply sufficient power to the power receiving device 30 for charging the battery 39 in the power receiving device 30. The power supply control of this embodiment is realized by at least the antenna 11, the power adjustment circuit 13, the oscillator 14, and the CPU 20, and may further include a matching circuit 12.

[0035] In addition, communication between the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 30 or the communication device 40 in this embodiment is realized by at least the antenna 11, the power adjustment circuit 13, the oscillator 14, the modulation / demodulation circuit 16, the ROM 18, and the CPU 20, and may further include a matching circuit 12.

[0036] The configuration of each of the parts 11 to 21 of the power supply device 10 is not limited to that described above. If each part has a similar function, there may be multiple parts, each part may have a different function, or each part may be combined with other blocks.

[0037] Next, the configuration and functions of the power receiving device 30 of this embodiment will be described.

[0038] The power receiving device 30 includes an antenna 31 , a matching circuit 32 , a rectifying and smoothing circuit 33 , a regulator 34 , a modulation and demodulation circuit 35 , a CPU 36 , a RAM 37 , a ROM 38 , and a battery 39 .

[0039] The antenna 31 is used to wirelessly receive power from the power supply device 10 via the antenna 11, or to communicate with the power supply device 10 via the antenna 11. The antenna 31 is preferably in the form of a coil and coupled to the antenna 11 by an inductance component, but is not limited thereto, and may be coupled by capacitance.

[0040] The matching circuit 32 is a circuit that matches the impedance of the antenna 31 and the rectifying and smoothing circuit 33, or matches the resonant frequency of the antenna 31. The matching circuit 32 is configured by combining passive elements having an inductance component or a capacitance component in series and in parallel, and it is desirable to select the combination appropriately according to the state in which matching is desired. In addition, it may be possible to change or switch the values ​​of the variable passive elements of the matching circuit 32, and the values ​​and switching may be controlled by the CPU 36 according to the mode and load state of the power receiving device 30.

[0041] The rectifying and smoothing circuit 33 is a circuit that converts the AC power output from the matching circuit 32 into DC power, and includes a diode and a capacitor.

[0042] The regulator 34 is a circuit that converts the voltage of the DC power output from the rectifying and smoothing circuit 33 into a predetermined voltage. The predetermined voltage generated by the regulator 34 is supplied to each component of the power receiving device 30. The regulator 34 is also connected to a battery 39, and charges the battery 39 with power supplied from the power supply device 10 under the control of the CPU 36.

[0043] The modulation / demodulation circuit 35 is a circuit that modulates and demodulates the voltage signal of the antenna 31 and the matching circuit 32 so that the power receiving device 30 transmits and receives data to and from the power supply device 10. When receiving data, the modulation / demodulation circuit 35 detects a change in the voltage or current of the matching circuit 32 and demodulates the data to be received through a demodulation circuit composed of a filter, a comparator, a switch, and the like. The modulation / demodulation circuit 16 inputs the data to be received to the CPU 36, which decodes the data based on a predetermined protocol stored in the ROM 38. When transmitting data, the modulation / demodulation circuit 16 receives data to be transmitted that has been coded based on a predetermined protocol stored in the ROM 38 from the CPU 36 and modulates the transmission signal through a modulation circuit. The modulation circuit of the modulation / demodulation circuit 35 includes a switch and a resistor, and load modulation is performed by varying the load according to the transmission data signal, so that data can be transmitted through the antenna 31. The predetermined protocol may be, for example, a protocol for short-range wireless communication defined by ISO / IEC14443, ISO / IEC15693, or ISO / IEC18092 (NFC), or a protocol compatible therewith.

[0044] The CPU 36 is an arithmetic processing device for controlling the entire power receiving device 30, and operates according to a program stored in the ROM 38. The program here includes programs for executing various flowcharts described later. The CPU 36 also changes and switches the value of the variable passive element of the matching circuit 32. The CPU 36 also charges the battery 39 with the power supplied from the power supply device 10 by controlling the regulator 34. When controlling the regulator 34, the CPU 36 may detect the remaining charge of the battery 39 using an internal AD conversion function. The CPU 36 may also perform control while switching between trickle charge control, high-speed charge control, constant voltage control, constant current control, etc., depending on the remaining charge of the battery 39. The CPU 36 transmits and receives commands to and from the power supply device 10 by controlling the modulation and demodulation circuit 35. The command includes identification information for identifying the destination and information for responding to a command code indicating an operation instructed by the command. The CPU 36 may control the modem circuit 35 to request the power supply device 10 to change the power supply according to the charge state of the battery 39. If the power supply device 10 does not supply enough power for the CPU 36 to operate, the battery 39 is charged and then the CPU 36 is operated by the battery 39.

[0045] The RAM 37 is a volatile memory that temporarily stores computer programs for controlling the operation of each part of the power receiving device 30, information such as parameters related to the operation of each part, data received from the power supply device 10, and the like.

[0046] The ROM 38 is a non-volatile memory that stores computer programs for controlling the operation of each part of the power receiving device 30 and parameters related to the operation of each part. The ROM 38 also stores device information of the power receiving device 30, power receiving capability information of the power receiving device 30, and display data. The device information of the power receiving device 30 includes the identification information (ID) of the power receiving device 30, the manufacturer's name, the device name, the date of manufacture, a communication method supported by the power receiving device 30, and information indicating whether the power receiving device 30 has a function of receiving wireless power from the power supply device 10. The CPU 36 can transmit various information stored in the ROM 38 to the power supply device 10 by controlling the modulation / demodulation circuit 35.

[0047] The battery 39 is a battery that is detachable from the power receiving device 30. The battery 39 is a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium ion battery. The battery 39 supplies power to each unit of the power receiving device 30.

[0048] The configuration of each of the units 31 to 39 of the power receiving device 30 is not limited to the above, and if they have the same function, each unit may be provided in plurality, may have a different function, or may be combined with other blocks. In addition, in this embodiment, the power supply device 10 transmits power wirelessly to the power receiving device 30, and the power receiving device 30 receives power wirelessly from the power supply device 10, but "wireless" may be replaced with "non-contact" or "contactless".

[0049] Next, the configuration and functions of the communication device 40 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0050] The communication device 40 of this embodiment includes an antenna 41, a matching circuit 42, a modulation / demodulation circuit 43, a CPU 44, a RAM 45, and a ROM 46.

[0051] Since the communication device 40 has many commonalities with the configuration of the power receiving device 30, the following description will focus on the differences from the power receiving device 30.

[0052] The communication device 40 of this embodiment does not have a battery, and therefore does not charge the battery with the power supplied from the power supply device 10, but can receive power from the power supply device 10 to operate the communication device 40.

[0053] The CPU 44 performs almost the same control as the CPU 36 of the power receiving device 30, but does not perform charging control.

[0054] The communication device 40 may have a battery like the power receiving device 30, so long as the communication device 40 is in a form in which the battery is not charged with the power supplied from the power supply device 10. Examples of a form in which the battery is not charged include a state in which the battery is fully charged or a state in which charging is limited.

[0055] The configuration of each unit 41 to 46 of communication device 40 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration, and if they have similar functions, there may be multiple units of each unit, they may have different functions, or they may be combined with other blocks.

[0056] <Power Supply Operation> Next, the power supply operation by the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The process of Fig. 3 is realized by the CPU 20 of the power supply device 10 executing a program stored in the ROM 18. The same applies to Figs. 4 to 6 described later.

[0057] In S301, the CPU 20 controls the modem circuit 16 to perform a first search process for searching for the power receiving device 30. The first search process will be described in detail later. When the CPU 20 ends the first search process, the process proceeds to S302.

[0058] In S302, the CPU 20 transmits an authentication request to the power receiving device 30 detected in S301. The CPU 20 controls the modulation / demodulation circuit 16 based on a predetermined communication protocol to transmit an authentication command to the power receiving device 30. After transmitting the authentication request, the CPU 20 advances the process to S303.

[0059] In S303, the CPU 20 determines whether an authentication response has been received from the power receiving device 30. The CPU 20 receives an authentication response signal generated by the CPU 36 when the authentication process in the power receiving device 30 is successful, via the modulation / demodulation circuit 16. This authentication response signal includes device information of the power receiving device 30, etc. The device information includes the ID, functions, and specifications of the power receiving device 30, and also includes information on whether the device is capable of supplying power. If the CPU 20 determines that an authentication response has not been received from the power receiving device 30 (NO in S303), it repeats the process of S303 until it receives an authentication response, but if it has not received an authentication response from the power receiving device 30 for a predetermined period of time, it ends the process. Also, if the CPU 20 determines that an authentication response has been received from the power receiving device 30 (YES in S303), it advances the process to S304.

[0060] In S304, the CPU 20 analyzes device information included in the authentication response signal received from the power receiving device 30, and determines whether the power receiving device 30 is a device that can supply power. If the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 is a device that can supply power (YES in S304), the process proceeds to S305, and if the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 is not a device that can supply power (NO in S304), the process ends.

[0061] In S305, the CPU 20 performs a device information storage process for storing device information of the power receiving device 30. The device information storage process will be described in detail later. When the CPU 20 finishes the device information storage process, the process proceeds to S306.

[0062] In S306, the CPU 20 controls the modem circuit 16 to perform a second search process for searching for a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30. The second search process will be described in detail later. When the CPU 20 ends the second search process, the process proceeds to S307.

[0063] In S307, the CPU 20 determines whether the power supply device 10 is in a state where it can supply power to the power receiving device 30. The CPU 20 determines whether it is in a state where it can supply power by checking a flag indicating that it is in a state where it can supply power, among the information stored in the RAM 17. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 is in a state where it can supply power to the power receiving device 30 (YES in S307), the process proceeds to S308, and if the CPU 20 determines that it is not in a state where it can supply power (NO in S307), the process ends.

[0064] In S308, the CPU 20 performs control to start power supply to the power receiving device 30. Here, the control to start power supply means that the CPU 20 transmits a control signal to the power adjustment circuit 13 to transmit to the power receiving device 30 sufficient power to charge the battery 39 of the power receiving device 30. When the CPU 20 starts power supply to the power receiving device 30 and a predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S309.

[0065] In S309, the CPU 20 performs control to stop power supply to the power receiving device 30, and resets a flag indicating that power supply is possible, among the information stored in the RAM 17. Here, the control to stop power supply refers to control in which the CPU 20 limits the output of the power adjustment circuit 13 to a level of power sufficient for communication with the power receiving device 30. After the CPU 20 performs control to stop power supply, the process proceeds to S310.

[0066] In S310, the CPU 20 performs the same process as in S302. After transmitting the authentication request, the CPU 20 advances the process to SS311.

[0067] In S311, the CPU 20 performs the same process as in S303. If the CPU 20 determines that an authentication response has not been received from the power receiving device 30 (NO in S311), it repeats the process of S311 until an authentication response is received, but ends the process if an authentication response has not been received from the power receiving device 30 for a predetermined period of time. If the CPU 20 determines that an authentication response has been received from the power receiving device 30 (YES in S311), it advances the process to S312.

[0068] In S312, the CPU 20 determines whether to supply power to the power receiving device 30 again. The CPU 20 analyzes device information included in the authentication response signal received in S311, and determines whether the power receiving device 30 is in a state where power can be supplied again. If the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 is in a state where power can be supplied again (YES in S312), the process returns to S306 and repeats the process from S306, and if the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 is not in a state where power can be supplied again (NO in S312), the process ends. Note that if the result is NO in S312, the process may not end, and the process from S301 may be repeated.

[0069] <First Search Process (S301)> Next, the first search process in S301 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] In S401, the CPU 20 searches for the power receiving device 30 by controlling the modem circuit 16 based on the first communication method stored in the ROM 18. After the CPU 20 searches for the power receiving device 30 using the first communication method, the process proceeds to S402.

[0071] In S402, the CPU 20 determines whether or not there has been a response from the power receiving device 30 to the search by the first communication method performed in S401. If the CPU 20 confirms a response from the power receiving device 30 (YES in S402), the process proceeds to S407, and if the CPU 20 has not confirmed a response from the power receiving device 30 for a predetermined period of time (NO in S402), the process proceeds to S403.

[0072] In S403, the CPU 20 searches for the power receiving device 30 by controlling the modem circuit 16 based on the second communication method stored in the ROM 18. After the CPU 20 searches for the power receiving device 30 using the second communication method, the process proceeds to S404.

[0073] In S404, the CPU 20 determines whether there has been a response from the power receiving device 30 to the search by the second communication method in S403. If the CPU 20 confirms a response from the power receiving device 30 (YES in S404), the process proceeds to S407, and if the CPU 20 has not confirmed a response from the power receiving device 30 for a predetermined period of time (NO in S404), the process proceeds to S405.

[0074] In S405, the CPU 20 searches for the power receiving device 30 by controlling the modem circuit 16 based on the third communication method stored in the ROM 18. After the CPU 20 searches for the power receiving device 30 using the third communication method, the process proceeds to S406.

[0075] In S406, the CPU 20 determines whether there has been a response from the power receiving device 30 to the search by the third communication method in S406. If the CPU 20 confirms a response from the power receiving device 30 (YES in S406), the process proceeds to S407, and if the CPU 20 does not confirm a response from the power receiving device 30 for a predetermined time (NO in S406), the process returns to S401, and the process from S401 is repeated.

[0076] The first search process using the first, second, and third communication methods is, for example, a polling process that sequentially transmits request commands of Type A, Type B, and Type F using NFC, but is not limited to this. The same applies to the second search process described later.

[0077] The search processes using the first, second, and third communication methods in S401 to S406 may be performed in any order. Furthermore, the process is not limited to three communication methods as long as it is performed in parallel, and may be less than three types of processes or four or more types of processes. In this embodiment, the process using three communication methods is illustrated, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the above-mentioned search process may be performed periodically and repeatedly at predetermined time intervals.

[0078] In S407, the CPU 20 determines whether any devices detected in S401 to S406 exist other than the power receiving device 30. If the CPU 20 determines that a device other than the power receiving device exists (YES in S407), the process proceeds to S408, and if the CPU 20 determines that no device other than the power receiving device exists (NO in S407), the process ends.

[0079] In S408, the CPU 20 controls the notification unit 19 to perform an error notification to inform the user that power supply cannot be started due to the detection of multiple devices, and prompts the user to remove the communication device 40 from the communication range of the power supply device 10. After the CPU 20 finishes the error notification, the process proceeds to S409.

[0080] In S409, the CPU 20 determines whether re-searching for the power receiving device 30 is possible. After notifying the user of an error, the CPU 20 determines that re-searching is possible when the user removes the communication device 40 and operates the power supply device 10. If the CPU 20 determines that re-searching for the power receiving device 30 is possible (YES in S409), the process returns to S401 and repeats the process from S401, and if the CPU 20 determines that re-searching for the power receiving device 30 is not possible (NO in S409), the process of S409 is repeated until re-searching is possible. Moreover, if the CPU 20 continues to determine that re-searching is not possible for a predetermined period of time, it ends the process.

[0081] <Device Information Storage Process (S305)> Next, the device information storage process in S305 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0082] In S501, the CPU 20 acquires, from the authentication information acquired in S303, identification information of the power receiving device 30. After acquiring the identification information of the power receiving device 30, the CPU 20 advances the process to S502.

[0083] In S502, the CPU 20 stores the identification information of the power receiving device 30 acquired in S501 in the RAM 17. After storing the identification information of the power receiving device 30 in the RAM 17, the CPU 20 advances the process to S503.

[0084] In S503, the CPU 20 associates the information about the communication method by which the power receiving device 30 was detected with the identification information of the power receiving device 30 acquired in S502, and stores the information about the communication method by which the power receiving device 30 was detected in the RAM 17. After storing the information about the communication method by which the power receiving device 30 was detected with the identification information of the power receiving device 30 in the RAM 17, the CPU 20 proceeds to the process at S504.

[0085] In S504, the CPU 20 determines whether the authentication information acquired in S303 contains any other identification information besides the identification information of the power receiving device 30. This is because there are devices that support multiple communication methods. If the CPU 20 determines that there is no other identification information (NO in S504), the process ends, and if the CPU 20 determines that there is other identification information (YES in S504), the process returns to S501 and the process from S501 is repeated.

[0086] <Second Search Process (S306)> Next, the second search process in S306 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0087] In S601, the CPU 20 determines whether the power receiving device 30 supports the first communication method. The CPU 20 makes the determination using information stored in the RAM 17 by the device information storage process in S305. If the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 supports the first communication method (YES in S601), the process proceeds to S604, and if the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 does not support the first communication method (NO in S601), the process proceeds to S602.

[0088] In S602, the CPU 20 determines whether the power receiving device 30 supports the second communication method. The CPU 20 makes the determination using the information stored in the RAM 17 by the device information storage process in S305. If the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 supports the second communication method (YES in S602), the process proceeds to S606, and if the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 does not support the second communication method (NO in S602), the process proceeds to S603.

[0089] In S603, the CPU 20 determines whether the power receiving device 30 supports the third communication method. The CPU 20 makes the determination using the information stored in the RAM 17 by the device information storage process in S305. If the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 supports the second communication method (YES in S603), the process proceeds to S608, and if the CPU 20 determines that the power receiving device 30 does not support the third communication method (NO in S603), the process ends.

[0090] In S604, the CPU 20 searches for a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 by controlling the modem circuit 16 based on the second communication method stored in the ROM 18. After searching for the communication device 40 using the second communication method, the CPU 20 advances the process to S605.

[0091] In S605, the CPU 20 determines whether there has been a response from the communication device 40 in response to the search by the second communication method in S604. If the CPU 20 determines that there has been a response from the communication device 40 (YES in S605), the process proceeds to S613, and if the CPU 20 determines that there has been no response from the communication device 40 for a predetermined period of time (NO in S605), the process proceeds to S610b.

[0092] In S606, the CPU 20 searches for a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 by controlling the modem circuit 16 based on the third communication method stored in the ROM 18, and advances the process to S607.

[0093] In S607, the CPU 20 determines whether there has been a response from the communication device 40 in response to the search by the third communication method in S606. If the CPU 20 determines that there has been a response from the communication device 40 (YES in S607), the process proceeds to S613, and if the CPU 20 determines that there has been no response from the communication device 40 for a predetermined period of time (NO in S607), the process proceeds to S610c.

[0094] In S608, the CPU 20 searches for a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 by controlling the modem circuit 16 based on the first communication method stored in the ROM 18, and advances the process to S609.

[0095] In S609, the CPU 20 determines whether there has been a response from the communication device 40 in response to the search by the first communication method in S608. If the CPU 20 determines that there has been a response from the communication device 40 (YES in S609), the process proceeds to S613, and if the CPU 20 determines that there has been no response from the communication device 40 for a predetermined period of time (NO in S609), the process proceeds to S610a.

[0096] In addition, in each of the processes of S604, S606, and S608, when the ID of the power receiving device 30 is searched for, the CPU 20 stores the ID information in the RAM 17.

[0097] In S610a, the CPU 20 determines whether the power supply device 10 has searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods, and thereby determines whether to end the search for the communication device 40. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 has searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods and to end the search (YES in S610a), the process proceeds to S611. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 has not searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods and to continue the search (NO in S610a), the process proceeds to S604.

[0098] In S610b, the CPU 20 performs the same process as in S610a. The CPU 20 determines whether the power supply device 10 has searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods, and then determines whether to end the search for the communication device 40. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 has searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods and to end the search (YES in S610b), the process proceeds to S611. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 has not searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods and to continue the search (NO in S610b), the process proceeds to S606.

[0099] In S610c, the CPU 20 performs the same process as S610a and S610b. The CPU 20 determines whether the power supply device 10 has searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods, and determines whether to end the search for the communication device 40. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 has searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods and to end the search (YES in S610c), the process proceeds to S611. If the CPU 20 determines that the power supply device 10 has not searched for the communication device 40 using the first to third communication methods and to continue the search (NO in S610c), the process proceeds to S608.

[0100] In S611, the CPU 20 determines whether the ID of the power receiving device 30 has been detected in the search processes of S604, S606, and S608 by analyzing the information stored in the RAM 17. If the CPU 20 determines that the ID of the power receiving device 30 has been detected in the processes of S604, S606, and S608 (YES in S611), the process proceeds to S612, and if the CPU 20 determines that the ID has not been detected (NO in S611), the process proceeds to S613.

[0101] In S612, the CPU 20 sets a flag stored in the RAM 17 indicating that power supply is possible, thereby transitioning the power supply device 10 to a state in which it is possible to supply power to the power receiving device 30. When the flag indicating that power supply is possible is set, the power supply device 10 is able to supply power to the power receiving device 30. After setting the flag stored in the RAM 17 indicating that power supply is possible, the CPU 20 ends the process.

[0102] In S613, the CPU 20 resets a flag stored in the RAM 17 indicating that power supply is possible, thereby causing the power supply device 10 to transition to a state in which power supply is not possible to supply power to the power receiving device 30. When the flag indicating that power supply is possible is reset, the power supply device 10 cannot start supplying power to the power receiving device 30. After resetting the flag stored in the RAM 17 indicating that power supply is possible, the CPU 20 advances the process to S614.

[0103] In S614, the CPU 20 controls the notification unit 19 to perform an error notification to inform the user that power supply cannot be started due to the presence of the communication device 40 or the absence of the power receiving device 30, and proceeds to the process at S615. By performing the error notification, the user is prompted to remove the communication device 40 from the communication range of the power supply device 10 or to place the power receiving device 30 within the communication range of the power supply device 10.

[0104] In S615, the CPU 20 determines whether re-searching for the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 is possible. The CPU 20 determines that re-searching is possible when, after notifying the user of an error, the user removes the communication device 40 or places the power receiving device 30 and operates the power supply device 10. If the CPU 20 determines that re-searching for the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 is possible (YES in S615), the process proceeds to S616, and if the CPU 20 determines that re-searching for the power receiving device 30 is not possible (NO in S615), the process of S615 is repeated until re-searching is possible. If the CPU 20 continues to determine that re-searching is not possible for a predetermined period of time, the process ends and returns to the start point of FIG. 3.

[0105] In S616, the CPU 20 determines whether the re-search for the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 has been performed a predetermined number of times or more. If the CPU 20 determines that the re-search for the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 has been performed a predetermined number of times or more (YES in S616), the process ends, and if the CPU 20 determines that the re-search for the power receiving device 30 and the communication device 40 has not been performed the predetermined number of times or more (NO in S616), the process returns to S601 and the process from S601 is repeated.

[0106] As described above, according to the power supply control of the present embodiment, even if the power receiving device 30 is detected by the first search process, if a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 is detected by the second search process, power supply is controlled not to start. That is, in a situation where a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 is arranged on the power supply device 10 from the beginning or arranged simultaneously with the power receiving device 30, power supply to the power receiving device 30 can be restricted. In this way, by searching for a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 at a predetermined timing before power supply, power supply to the power receiving device 30 can be started so as not to supply power to the communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30.

[0107] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described.

[0108] For ease of explanation, the following description will focus on the differences from embodiment 1. The system configuration and device configuration of this embodiment are similar to those of embodiment 1 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, but the operation process of the power supply device 10 is different from that of embodiment 1.

[0109] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the start of power supply is restricted so as not to supply power to communication devices 40 other than the power receiving device 30 by searching for communication devices 40 other than the power receiving device 30 at a predetermined timing before power supply. In particular, in this embodiment, in a situation where the communication device 40 is inserted in the middle of the operation processing of the power supply device 10, control is performed to restrict power supply to the power receiving device 30 when the power supply device 10 performs communication processing with the power receiving device 30 every time. Furthermore, in order to minimize the communication processing performed every time, authentication with the power receiving device 30 is not performed every time, and the communication device 40 is searched for when a command indicating a power supply request is received from the power receiving device 30.

[0110] <Power Supply Operation> Next, the power supply operation by the power supply device 10 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The processing in Fig. 7 is realized by the CPU 20 executing a computer program stored in the ROM 18.

[0111] In S701, S702, S703, and S704 in FIG. 7, the same processes as in S301, S302, S303, and S304 in FIG. 3 are performed.

[0112] In S705, the CPU 20 determines whether a power supply request has been received from the power receiving device 30, and if it is determined that a power supply request has been received (YES in S705), the CPU 20 proceeds to S706, and if it is determined that a power supply request has not been received (NO in S705), the CPU 20 terminates the processing.

[0113] In S706, the CPU 20 determines whether the power corresponding to the power supply request received from the power receiving device 30 in S705 is within a predetermined value. The predetermined value corresponds to a power value transmitted when the power supply device 10 communicates with the power receiving device 30. The predetermined value may be changed arbitrarily depending on the state of the power supply device 10 and the power receiving device 30. If the CPU 20 determines that the requested power from the power receiving device 30 is within the predetermined value (YES in S706), the process proceeds to S709, and if the CPU 20 determines that the requested power from the power receiving device 30 exceeds the predetermined value (NO in S706), the process proceeds to S707.

[0114] 7, the same processes as those of S306, S307, S308, and S309 in FIG. 3 are performed.

[0115] As described above, according to the power supply control of the present embodiment, even if a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 is placed while the power supply device 10 is performing communication processing before starting power supply with the power receiving device 30, power supply is controlled not to start. In this way, by searching for a communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30 during communication processing before starting power supply, power supply to the power receiving device 30 can be started without supplying power to the communication device 40 other than the power receiving device 30.

[0116] [Other embodiments] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10... power supply device, 11... antenna, 20... CPU, 30... power receiving device, 31... antenna, 36... CPU, 40... communication device, 41... antenna, 44... CPU

Claims

[Claim 1] A power supply device, A communication means for performing a plurality of polling processes in a plurality of communication methods in Near Field Communication (NFC); A control unit for controlling wireless power supply to the power receiving device, The control means performing a first process of detecting a power receiving device to which power can be supplied; a second process is performed to detect a communication device that is different from the power receiving device, responds to any of the plurality of polling processes, and should not be supplied with power from the power supply device, by performing a plurality of polling processes in a plurality of communication methods in the NFC; A power supply device characterized by controlling, when a communication device other than the power receiving device is detected in the second processing, not to transition to a state in which power can be supplied to the power receiving device detected in the first processing.

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