Wireless power feeding system, wireless power feeding method, and program

Abstract

To provide a wireless power feeding system, a wireless power feeding method, and a program with which it is possible for a user to mitigate the obstacle to use of wireless power feeding.SOLUTION: Provided is a wireless power feeding system comprising: a power receiver processing unit that registers power receiver information which is acquired via an application provided to a user of a space where a power transmitter for wireless power feeding is installed, and which pertains to the power receiver that the user of the application possesses, to a system that supports the application; a power feeding request unit that, when a power feeding request is received from the user via the application, transmits the power feeding request from the application to a system that supports the application; a linkage processing unit that, when the power feeding request is received from the application, links the power receiver information on the power receiver selected as the object to be fed with power from the system that supports the application to a power feeding control system; and a power transmission processing unit that identifies a power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the power receiver which is the object to be fed with power on the basis of the power receiver information linked from the system that supports the application, and transmits a power transmitting request to the identified power transmitted from the power feeding control system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, various wireless power supply technologies capable of wirelessly supplying power from a power transmitter to a power receiver have been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1 listed below).

[0003] When wireless power supply is introduced to a store or the like in a commercial facility, for example, the power transmitter is set not to transmit power to all power receivers within the power transmission range at once, but to transmit power only to power receivers that require authenticated power reception. In this case, a user of the wireless power supply needs to register in advance the device (power receiver) that he or she wants to receive power from so that the device can receive power by being authenticated when the device comes within the power transmission range of the power transmitter. For this reason, the user needs to install a registration application (hereinafter also referred to as an "app") on a registration terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-191120 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in order to use wireless power supply, users must install a new app and then register the device from which they want to receive power, which has been a barrier to users' use of wireless power supply.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a wireless power feeding system, a wireless power feeding method, and a program that can reduce the barriers for users to utilize wireless power feeding. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a wireless power supply system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless power supply system including: a receiver processing unit that registers receiver information regarding a receiver owned by a user of an app provided to a user of a space in which a transmitter for wireless power supply is installed, in a system corresponding to the app; a power supply request unit that, when a power supply request is received from the user via the app, transmits a power supply request from the app to the system corresponding to the app; a coordination processing unit that, when the power supply request is received from the app, coordinates the receiver information of a receiver selected as a power supply target from the system corresponding to the app to a power supply control system; and a power transmission processing unit that identifies the power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the power receiver that is the power supply target based on the receiver information coordinated from the system corresponding to the app, and transmits a power transmission request to the identified power transmitter from the power supply control system.

[0008] A wireless power supply method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a wireless power supply method executed by a computer, the method including: a receiver processing step of registering receiver information regarding a receiver owned by a user of an app provided to a user of a space in which a transmitter for wireless power supply is installed, in a system corresponding to the app; a power supply request step of transmitting a power supply request from the app to a system corresponding to the app when a power supply request is received from the user via the app; an association processing step of linking the receiver information of a receiver selected as a power supply target from the system corresponding to the app to a power supply control system when the power supply request is received from the app; and a power transmission processing step of identifying a power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the receiver that is the power supply target based on the receiver information associated from the system corresponding to the app, and transmitting a power transmission request from the power supply control system to the identified power transmitter.

[0009] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as: a receiver processing means for registering receiver information regarding a receiver owned by a user of an app provided to a user of a space in which a transmitter for wireless power supply is installed, in a system corresponding to the app; a power supply request means for, upon receiving a power supply request from the user via the app, transmitting a power supply request from the app to the system corresponding to the app; a coordination processing means for, upon receiving the power supply request from the app, coordinating the receiver information of a receiver selected as a power supply target from the system corresponding to the app to a power supply control system; and a power transmission processing means for identifying a power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the receiver that is the power supply target based on the receiver information coordinated from the system corresponding to the app, and transmitting a power transmission request from the power supply control system to the identified power transmitter. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the barriers for users to utilize wireless power supply. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a wireless power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a user terminal according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the power supply control system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a membership system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of power supply target information according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow related to various registrations and the start of power supply according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen related to member registration and menus in a member app according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to a registered power receiver in a member application according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to power receiver registration in a member application according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of a login screen and a top screen in the power supply control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to a power receiver in the power supply control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to a power transmitter in the power supply control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a power transmission and reception map screen in the power supply control system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a policy setting screen in the power supply control system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0013] <1. Wireless power supply system configuration> The configuration of a wireless power feeding system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless power feeding system according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, wireless power feeding is also referred to as "wireless power feeding".

[0014] The wireless power supply system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is a system for providing a service of wireless power supply (hereinafter also referred to as "wireless power supply service") to a user. The wireless power supply service is provided in a space in which a power transmitter for wireless power supply is installed. The space is, for example, a store in a commercial facility, a factory, etc. Note that the space in which the wireless power supply service is provided is not limited to such an example, and may be any space. A user can use the wireless power supply service by registering a device (hereinafter also referred to as a "power receiver") that the user owns that can supply power wirelessly to the wireless power supply service. A user who wants to use the wireless power supply service registers the power receiver in advance using an application (hereinafter also referred to as an "app") that is provided to users of a space in which a power transmitter for wireless power supply is installed. When the user selects a power receiver to which he or she wants to supply power from the app in the space in which the power transmitter is installed, power is transmitted from the power transmitter to the selected power receiver. This allows the user to supply power to the power receiver.

[0015] In the following, the present embodiment will be described by taking as an example a space in which a power transmitter for wireless power supply is installed as a store in a commercial facility. As an example, the apps provided to users of the store are apps that can be used by people who have registered as members of a service provided at the store (hereinafter, also referred to as "member apps").

[0016] The member app is, for example, an existing app that has been used in a service provided in a store before the store introduces the wireless power supply system 1. A business can introduce the wireless power supply system 1 in a store by adding a function for wireless power supply to the existing app. This eliminates the need for a business operator to prepare a new application for using the wireless power supply system 1 when introducing the wireless power supply system 1 into a store, and reduces the cost (time and expense) of developing the application. Therefore, the business operator can easily introduce the wireless power supply system 1.

[0017] The number of member apps is not limited to one, and there may be multiple member apps depending on the services provided at the store. For example, if there is service A provided by business A and service B provided by business B, an app for service A and an app for service B are provided, respectively. As an example, assume that the content of the service is a cafe. In this case, a member app for cafe A run by business A and a member app for cafe B run by business B are provided, respectively. In addition, when one business operator provides multiple services, the member app provided by the business operator may be provided for each service, or may be provided as a common app for multiple services. For example, assume that business operator A operates cafes C and D, which are in different chains. In this case, the member app provided by business operator A may be different for cafe C and cafe D, or may be a member app common to cafe C and cafe D. In addition, when one service is provided at a plurality of stores, the user can use the wireless power supply service at each store by using one member app.

[0018] In the following, an embodiment will be described using as an example a case in which N operators (N is a natural number) each provide one service and a member app is provided for each service (i.e., an example in which there are N services and N member apps).

[0019] 1, the wireless power supply system 1 includes a user terminal 10, a power receiver 20, a power transmitter 30, a management terminal 40, a power supply control system 50, and a membership system 60. The network NW may include, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a telephone network (mobile phone network, landline telephone network, etc.), a regional Internet Protocol (IP) network, the Internet, etc., as a configuration for transmitting and receiving information.

[0020] (1) User terminal 10 The user terminal 10 is a terminal that a user uses to utilize a wireless power supply service. The user terminal 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. The user terminal 10 is communicatively connected to the power receiver 20 by wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like) or wired connection. The user terminal 10 is also communicatively connected to a membership system 60 via a network NW.

[0021] A screen for the user to use the wireless power supply service is displayed by the member app on the user terminal 10. The user can supply power to the power receiver by operating the screen displayed on the user terminal 10 by the member app at the store. The functions of the member app may be provided by installing the member app on the user terminal 10 (i.e., a native app), or may be provided by a Web system (i.e., a Web app). In the case of a Web app, the member app is managed by a server, and its functions are provided via a Web browser.

[0022] 1 shows, as an example, an example in which a member application AP, which is a native application, is installed on a user terminal 10. In this embodiment, there are N services, and an application is prepared for each service. Therefore, N member applications AP, ranging from an application AP-1 for service A to an application AP-N for service N, are installed on the user terminal 10 as member applications AP.

[0023] (2) Power receiver 20 The power receiver 20 is a device that can receive power wirelessly from a power transmitter. The power receiver 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, a wireless earphone, a wireless headphone, a PC, or the like owned by a user. When the above-mentioned user terminal 10 is a terminal that can receive power wirelessly, the user terminal 10 is also one of the power receivers 20. The power receiver 20 is not limited to a device owned by a user. For example, the power receiver 20 may be a device installed in a store. The device installed in the store may be, for example, an electronic shelf label, an electronic tag, or a sensor device.

[0024] The power receiver 20 is connected to the user terminal 10 wirelessly or via a wired connection so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 10. The power receiver 20 is also connected to the power transmitter 30 wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with the user terminal 10. 1 shows an example in which a user has M (M is a natural number) power receivers 20-1 to 20-M. It is assumed that the power receivers 20-1 to 20-M are capable of communicating with the user terminal 10 and the power transmitter 30 by wireless connection, respectively. In communication with the user terminal 10, the power receiver 20 transmits, for example, power receiver information. In communication with the power transmitter 30, the power receiver 20 receives a beacon request and transmits a beacon.

[0025] The receiver information is information about the receiver 20 owned by the user, and is information acquired when the receiver is registered. The receiver registration is performed by the user from the member app AP. The receiver information may be acquired from the receiver 20 by connection with the user terminal 10, or may be input by the user from the member app AP. The receiver information is, for example, the device name, device type, manufacturer name, product number, battery information, etc. The battery information is, for example, information indicating the battery capacity and power supply status. The power supply status is, for example, information including the connection frequency with the transmitter 30, radio wave strength, power supply time, remaining battery power, etc.

[0026] The beacon request is a request for a beacon to the power receiver 20 to be the power supply target. The power supply target is selected by the user from among the power receivers 20 registered in the member application AP. The beacon request is transmitted from the power transmitter 30 to the power receiver 20 in order to authenticate that the power receiver 20 to be the power supply target is a power receiver 20 to which power can be supplied. For this reason, when the power receiver 20 receives a beacon request from the power transmitter 30, it transmits a beacon to the power transmitter 30. When the power transmitter 30 receives a beacon in response to the beacon request, it determines that the power receiver 20 to be the power supply target is a power receiver 20 to which power can be supplied. A power receiver 20 to which power can be supplied is, in other words, a power receiver 20 that is present within a power transmission range of the power transmitter 30 and to which power can be transmitted from the power transmitter 30.

[0027] (3) Power transmitter 30 The power transmitter 30 is a device capable of wirelessly supplying (transmitting) power to a power receiver. The power transmitter 30 wirelessly supplies power to one or more power receivers 20 present in the store in which the power transmitter 30 is installed, under the control of a power supply control system 50.

[0028] The power transmitter 30 is communicably connected to the power supply control system 50 via a network NW. The power transmitter 30 is also communicably connected to the power receiver 20 by wireless connection. FIG. 1 shows, as an example, an installation example of a power transmitter 30 in a store of service A. In the example shown in FIG. 1, service A is provided in P stores ST-1 to ST-P (P is a natural number). One power transmitter 30-1 is installed in store ST-1. Q power transmitters 30-1 to 30-Q are installed in store ST-P (Q is a natural number). When multiple power transmitters 30 are installed, as in store ST-P, the power supply control system 50 controls so that power is transmitted from an appropriate power transmitter 30 to the power receiver 20. In communication with the power supply control system 50, the power transmitter 30 receives, for example, a power transmission target notification, a power transmission request, etc., and transmits a power transmission availability notification, etc. In communication with the power receiver 20, the power transmitter 30 transmits, for example, a beacon request, and receives a beacon.

[0029] The power transmission target notification is a notification to inform the power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to the power receiver 20 that there has been a power transmission request from a user and information on the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target. The power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to the power receiver 20 is a power transmitter 30 that is within a power transmission range of the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target. The power transmission request is a request for transmitting power to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target. The power transmission request is transmitted to the power transmitter 30 that has determined that it is possible to transmit power to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target. The power transmission availability notification is a notification to inform the power supply control system 50 that power transmission to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target is possible. For example, when the power transmitter 30 receives a beacon from the power receiver 20 that has transmitted a beacon request, the power transmitter 30 determines that power transmission to the power receiver 20 is possible. On the other hand, when the power transmitter 30 does not receive a beacon from the power receiver 20 that has transmitted a beacon request, the power transmitter 30 determines that power transmission to the power receiver 20 is not possible.

[0030] (4) Management terminal 40 The management terminal 40 is a terminal used by an administrator to manage the wireless power supply service. The management terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a PC, etc. The management terminal 40 is connected to the power supply control system 50 via a network NW so as to be able to communicate with the power supply control system 50.

[0031] A screen for the administrator to manage the wireless power supply service is displayed on the management terminal 40 by the management application. The administrator can manage the wireless power supply service by operating the screen displayed on the management terminal 40 by the management application. The functions of the management application may be provided by installing the management application in the management terminal 40 (i.e., a native application), or may be provided by a Web system (i.e., a Web application). In the case of a Web application, the management application is managed by a server, and the functions are provided via a Web browser.

[0032] (5) Power supply control system 50 The power supply control system 50 is a system for controlling power supply from a power transmitter to a power receiver. The power supply control system 50 is configured, for example, with one or more servers (for example, cloud servers). The power supply control system 50 is communicably connected to the power transmitter 30, the management terminal 40, and the member system 60 via a network NW.

[0033] The power supply control system 50 also processes power supply management information related to management of power supply in the wireless power supply system 1. The power supply management information includes, for example, business operator information of a business operator (company) using the wireless power supply system 1, power transmitter information related to the power transmitter 30 owned by the business operator, and power receiver information related to the power receiver 20 that has received power supply at a store of the business operator. The business information includes account information of the business, account information of an administrator in charge of management within the business, store information regarding stores owned by the business, and the like. The power transmitter information on the power transmitter 30 owned by the business operator is, for example, information indicating the number of installed units in all stores or for each store, the number of units in operation, the installation location, the range of possible power transmission, the power transmission status, the presence or absence of an alert, etc. The installation location and the range of possible power transmission may be displayed in a visualized state on a map, for example. The power transmission status is information including, for example, the connection frequency with the power receiver 20, the radio wave status, the power transmission time, the amount of power transmission, etc. The power transmission status may be displayed in a graph, for example, showing the relationship between the power transmission time and the amount of power transmission. The power receiver information on the power receiver 20 that has received power supply at a store of the business operator is, for example, information indicating the number of units present in all stores or at each store, the number of units currently supplying power, the power supply location, the power supply status, the presence or absence of an alert, etc. The power supply location may be displayed in a visualized state on a map, for example. The power supply status may be, for example, a graph indicating the relationship between the power supply time and the power supply amount.

[0034] (6) Membership System 60 The member system 60 is a system for managing users of the member app. The member system 60 is composed of, for example, one or more servers (for example, cloud servers). The member system 60 is communicatively connected to the user terminal 10 and the power supply control system 50 via the network NW.

[0035] Member system 60 is a system corresponding to member application AP. Therefore, when there are multiple member applications AP, there are also multiple member systems 60. Fig. 1 shows an example in which there are N member applications AP. Therefore, there are N member systems 60, from system 60-1 for service A to system 60-N for service N.

[0036] <2. Functional configuration of user terminal> The configuration of the wireless power supply system 1 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal 10 includes a communication unit 110, an input unit 120, a storage unit 130, a control unit 140, and an output unit 150.

[0037] (1) Communications Department 110 The communication unit 110 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. In communication with the power receiver 20, the communication unit 110 receives, for example, power receiver information. In communication with the member system 60, the communication unit 110 transmits, for example, member information, power receiver information, power supply setting information, and a power supply request.

[0038] Member information is information about a user who uses the wireless power supply service, and is information acquired at the time of member registration. Member registration is performed by the user through the member app AP. Member information is input by the user through the member app AP. Member information includes, for example, name, email address, address, date of birth, and main area of ​​use.

[0039] The power supply setting information is information related to the power supply setting for the power receiver 20 owned by the user, and is information acquired at the time of setting registration. The setting registration is performed by the user from the member app AP. The power supply setting information is input by the user from the member app AP. The power supply setting information is, for example, a power supply condition, a priority, etc.

[0040] The power supply conditions include, for example, conditions set in an automatic power supply setting and conditions set in a power supply end setting. The condition set in the automatic power supply setting is, for example, battery capacity (remaining capacity). As a result, for example, when the battery capacity of the power receiver 20 falls below the set battery capacity, power supply to the power receiver 20 is automatically started. The condition set in the power supply end setting is, for example, battery capacity (remaining capacity) and power supply time. As a result, for example, when the battery capacity of the power receiver 20 falls below the set battery capacity or when the power supply time to the power receiver 20 is equal to or longer than the set power supply time, power supply to the power receiver 20 is automatically ended. The priority level includes, for example, a priority level set in a power supply priority setting. The priority level set in the power supply priority setting is, for example, a priority level for power supply among a plurality of registered power receivers 20. The priority level is set in the order of the inconvenience caused by running out of battery capacity. For example, when the registered power receivers 20 are a smartphone and headphones, the priority level is set so that the smartphone has a higher priority than the headphones.

[0041] The power supply request is a request for power supply to the power receiver 20 to be supplied with power. The power supply target is selected by the user from among the power receivers 20 registered in the member application AP.

[0042] (2) Input unit 120 The input unit 120 has a function of accepting input from a user. The input unit 120 is, for example, configured with an input device provided in the user terminal 10 as hardware, such as a button, a touch panel, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, and the like. The input unit 120 accepts inputs such as a member registration operation, a power receiver registration operation, a setting operation, and a power supply start operation via the member application AP. Through the member registration operation, the input unit 120 accepts registration of member information. Through the power receiver registration operation, the input unit 120 accepts registration of power receiver information. Through the setting operation, the input unit 120 accepts registration of power supply settings. Through the power supply start operation, the input unit 120 accepts a power supply request from a user.

[0043] (3) Storage section 130 The storage unit 130 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 130 is configured by a storage medium provided in the user terminal 10 as hardware, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a random access read / write memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), or any combination of these storage media. The storage unit 130 stores, for example, the member app AP installed in the user terminal 10, information input to the member app, and the like.

[0044] (4) Control unit 140 The control unit 140 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the user terminal 10. The control unit 140 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) provided as hardware in the user terminal 10 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 140 includes a member processing unit 141, a power receiving device processing unit 142, a power supply request unit 143, and an output control unit 144.

[0045] (4-1) Membership Processing Unit 141 Member processing unit 141 has a function of performing processing related to members. For example, when a member registration operation is accepted by input unit 120, member processing unit 141 performs a member registration process for registering member information in member system 60. In the member registration process, member processing unit 141 transmits member information acquired in response to a member registration operation by the user from the member app AP to member system 60 via communication unit 110, and causes member system 60 to register the member information.

[0046] (4-2) Power receiver processing unit 142 The power receiver processing unit 142 has a function of performing processing related to the power receiver 20. For example, when a power receiver registration operation is accepted by the input unit 120, the power receiver processing unit 142 performs a power receiver registration process for registering the power receiver information in the member system 60. In the power receiver registration process, the power receiver processing unit 142 transmits the power receiver information acquired in response to the power receiver registration operation by the user from the member app AP to the member system 60 via the communication unit 110, and causes the member system 60 to register the power receiver information. Furthermore, when the setting operation is accepted by the input unit 120, the power receiver processing unit 142 performs a setting and registration process for registering the power supply setting information in the member system 60. In the setting and registration process, the power receiver processing unit 142 transmits the power supply setting information acquired in response to the setting operation by the user from the member app AP to the member system 60 via the communication unit 110, and causes the member system 60 to register the power supply setting information.

[0047] (4-3) Power supply request unit 143 The power supply request unit 143 has a function of performing processing related to a power supply request. For example, when a power supply start operation is accepted by the input unit 120, the power supply request unit 143 performs a power supply request process for transmitting a power supply request to the member system 60. In the power supply request process, the power supply request unit 143 transmits a power supply request from the member application AP to the member system 60 via the communication unit 110.

[0048] (4-4) Output control unit 144 The output control unit 144 has a function of controlling the output of various information. For example, the output control unit 144 causes the output unit 150 to display a screen of the member application AP.

[0049] (5) Output unit 150 The output unit 150 has a function of outputting various information. The output unit 150 is, for example, an output device provided in the user terminal 10 as hardware, such as a display device or a touch screen (touch panel), or an audio output device such as a speaker. The output unit 150, for example, in response to control from the output control unit 144, displays the screen of the member application AP on the display device.

[0050] <3. Functional configuration of the power supply control system> The functional configuration of the user terminal 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the power supply control system 50 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the power supply control system 50 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply control system 50 includes a communication unit 510, a storage unit 520, and a control unit 530.

[0051] (1) Communications Unit 510 The communication unit 510 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. In communication with the power transmitter 30, the communication unit 510 transmits, for example, a power transmission target notification and a power transmission request, and receives a power transmission availability notification, etc. In communication with the management terminal 40, the communication unit 510 transmits, for example, power supply management information, etc. In communication with the member system 60, the communication unit 510 receives information on the power transmission target (for example, power receiver information or power supply setting information), etc.

[0052] (2) Storage section 520 The storage unit 520 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 520 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the power supply control system 50, such as an HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, an EEPROM, a RAM, a ROM, or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 520 includes a policy information storage unit 521 and a power supply management information storage unit 522.

[0053] (2-1) Policy Information Storage Unit 521 The policy information storage unit 521 has a function of storing policy information. The policy information is information indicating a policy (hereinafter, also referred to as a "power transmission policy") when the power transmitter 30 transmits power to the power receiver 20. In the power transmission policy, a method for determining the priority of power supply, the transmission power, and the like are set. The priority of power supply and the amount of power transmission are determined, for example, according to the power receiver information of the power receiver 20 present within the power transmission range of the power transmitter 30.

[0054] (2-2) Power supply management information storage unit 522 The power supply management information storage unit 522 has a function of storing power supply management information. The power supply management information storage unit 522 stores the power supply management information generated by the processing in the power supply management unit 532 described later.

[0055] (3) Control unit 530 The control unit 530 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the power supply control system 50. The control unit 530 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the power supply control system 50 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 530 includes a power transmission processing unit 531, a power supply management unit 532, and an output control unit 533.

[0056] (3-1) Power transmission processing unit 531 The power transmission processing unit 531 has a function of performing processing related to power transmission. The power transmission processing unit 531 identifies a power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to a power receiver 20 that is a power supply target based on information related to the power transmission target linked from the member system 60, and transmits a power transmission request to the identified power transmitter 30 from the power supply control system 50. For this purpose, the power transmission processing unit 531 performs, for example, a power transmission target notification process, a power transmission parameter determination process, a power transmission request process, and the like. The information on the power transmission target includes at least the power receiver information, and may further include the power supply setting information. That is, the power transmission processing unit 531 may control the power transmission by the power transmitter 30 based on at least the power receiver information, or may control the power transmission by the power transmitter 30 based on the power receiver information and the power supply setting information.

[0057] When the power transmission processing unit 531 receives information related to the power transmission target from the member system 60, the power transmission processing unit 531 performs a power transmission target notification process. The power transmission target notification process will be specifically described. The power transmission processing unit 531 identifies the power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target, based on the power receiver information received by the communication unit 510 from the member system 60. First, the power transmission processing unit 531 identifies the store in which the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target indicated by the power receiver information is located. Next, the power transmission processing unit 531 identifies the power transmitter 30 that is located within the power transmission possible range of the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target, among the power transmitters 30 installed in the identified store. After the identification, the power transmission processing unit 531 transmits a power transmission target notification to the identified power transmitter 30 from the power supply control system 50 via the communication unit 510.

[0058] The power transmission processing unit 531 performs a power transmission parameter determination process when the communication unit 510 receives a power transmission possibility notification from the power transmitter 30 and the power transmission possibility notification indicates that power transmission is possible. The power transmission parameter determination process will be described in detail. The power transmission processing unit 531 determines the power transmission parameters based on the power transmission policy, and controls the power transmission by the power transmitter 30 based on the determined power transmission parameters. First, the power transmission processing unit 531 acquires policy information corresponding to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target indicated by the power receiver information from the policy information storage unit 521. Next, the power transmission processing unit 531 determines the power transmission parameters according to the power transmission policy indicated by the policy information based on the power receiver information. For example, the power transmission processing unit 531 compares the power receiver information of the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target with the power receiver information of other power receivers 20, and determines the priority of power transmission as the power transmission parameters according to the power supply status of each power receiver 20. As an example, the power transmission processing unit 531 determines the power transmission parameters by adjusting the order of power transmission and the amount of power transmission so that the power receiver 20 with a lower remaining battery level than the other power receivers 20 can be preferentially supplied with power. The power transmission parameters may be determined based on the power supply setting information. The power supply status of each power receiver 20 can be understood from the power supply management information stored in the power supply management information storage unit 522.

[0059] After the power transmission parameter determination process, the power transmission processing unit 531 performs a power transmission request process. The power transmission request process will be specifically described. First, the power transmission processing unit 531 generates a power transmission request so as to transmit power according to the power transmission parameters determined in the power transmission parameter determination process. Next, the power transmission processing unit 531 transmits the power transmission request via the communication unit 510 to the power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target.

[0060] (3-2) Power Supply Management Unit 532 The power supply management unit 532 has a function of managing power supply to the power receiver 20 by power transmission from the power transmitter 30. The power supply management unit 532 updates the power supply management information stored in the power supply management information storage unit 522 based on, for example, the power supply status indicated by the power receiver information received by the communication unit 510 from the member system 60, the power transmission status grasped by controlling the power transmission of the power transmitter 30, and the like. Furthermore, the power supply management unit 532 acquires power supply status information indicating the power supply status of the power receiver 20 due to power transmission from the power transmitter 30. For example, the power supply management unit 532 generates power supply status information indicating the connection frequency, radio wave status, power supply time, remaining battery level, and the like, based on the power supply status indicated by the power receiver information and the power transmission status indicated by the power transmitter information.

[0061] (3-3) Output control unit 533 The output control unit 533 has a function of controlling the output of various information. For example, the output control unit 533 causes the management terminal 40 to display a management screen based on the power supply management information. In addition, the output control unit 533 causes the member application AP to display the power supply status to the power receiver 20 based on the power supply status information acquired by the power supply management unit 532. Furthermore, when the power transmission processing unit 531 determines that power transmission from the power transmitter 30 to the power receiver 20 is not possible, the output control unit 533 causes the member application AP to display an alert notification indicating that fact.

[0062] <4. Functional configuration of the membership system> The functional configuration of the power supply control system 50 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the member system 60 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the member system 60 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the member system 60 includes a communication unit 610, a storage unit 620, and a control unit 630.

[0063] (1) Communications Department 610 The communication unit 610 has a function of transmitting and receiving various information. In communication with the user terminal 10, the communication unit 610 receives, for example, member information, power receiver information, power supply setting information, and power supply request. In communication with the power supply control system 50, the communication unit 610 transmits information related to the power transmission target (for example, power receiver information or power supply setting information).

[0064] (2) Storage section 620 The storage unit 620 has a function of storing various information. The storage unit 620 is configured by a storage medium provided as hardware in the member system 60, such as a HDD, SSD, flash memory, EEPROM, RAM, ROM, or any combination of these storage media. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 620 includes a member information storage unit 621 and a power supply target information storage unit 622.

[0065] (2-1) Member information storage unit 621 The member information storage unit 621 has a function of storing member information. The member information storage unit 621 stores the member information received by the communication unit 610 from the user terminal 10.

[0066] (2-2) Power supply target information storage unit 622 The power supply target information storage unit 622 has a function of storing power supply target information. The power supply target information is information on a power supply target, for example, information in which member information, power receiver information, and power supply setting information are associated with each other.

[0067] Here, the data configuration of the power supply target information according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the power supply target information according to this embodiment.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply target information includes data such as No., user ID, MAC address, Bluetooth address, device name, device type, manufacturer name, product number, battery information, power supply conditions, and priority.

[0069] (3) Control unit 630 The control unit 630 has a function of controlling the overall operation of the member system 60. The control unit 630 is realized, for example, by causing a CPU provided as hardware in the member system 60 to execute a program. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 630 includes a data processing unit 631, a cooperation processing unit 632, and an output control unit 633.

[0070] (3-1) Data processing unit 631 The data processing unit 631 has a function of performing data processing. For example, the data processing unit 631 performs a registration process of data that the communication unit 610 receives from the user terminal 10. The data to be registered includes member information, power receiver information, and power supply setting information.

[0071] (3-2) Collaboration processing unit 632 The cooperation processing unit 632 has a function of performing cooperation processing of data. For example, when the communication unit 610 accepts a power supply request from the user terminal 10 (member application AP), the cooperation processing unit 632 cooperates (transmits) the power supply target information to the power supply control system 50.

[0072] The cooperation processing unit 632 cooperates with the power supply control system 50 with at least the power receiver information of the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target. Specifically, the cooperation processing unit 632 acquires the power receiver information of the power receiver 20 selected as the power supply target indicated by the power supply request from the power supply target information storage unit 622. After the acquisition, the cooperation processing unit 632 cooperates with the power supply control system 50 from the member system 60 via the communication unit 610 with the acquired power receiver information.

[0073] When power supply setting information is set for the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target, the cooperation processing unit 632 also acquires the power supply setting information associated with the power receiver information from the power supply target information storage unit 622. After acquisition, the cooperation processing unit 632 cooperates with the acquired power receiver information and power supply setting information from the member system 60 to the power supply control system 50 via the communication unit 610.

[0074] (3-3) Output control unit 633 The output control unit 633 has a function of controlling the output of various information. For example, the output control unit 633 causes the user terminal 10 to display a screen related to the member application AP.

[0075] <5. Processing flow> The functional configuration of the member system 60 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the flow of processing according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of processing related to various registrations and the start of power supply according to this embodiment.

[0076] 6, first, the user performs a member registration operation on the user terminal 10 (step S101). Specifically, the user starts the member app AP on the user terminal 10, inputs member information on a member registration screen displayed by the member app AP, and performs member registration. By the member registration operation, member processing unit 141 of user terminal 10 transmits member information to member system 60 (step S102). Specifically, member processing unit 141 acquires the member information input by the user in the member registration process, transmits the member information from member app AP via communication unit 110 to member system 60, and causes registration. The data processing unit 631 of the member system 60 registers the member information from the user terminal 10 (step S103). Specifically, the data processing unit 631 stores the member information received by the communication unit 610 from the user terminal 10 in the member information storage unit 621.

[0077] Next, the user performs a power receiver registration operation on the user terminal 10 (step S104). Specifically, the user inputs power receiver information into a power receiver registration screen displayed by the member application AP on the user terminal 10, and performs power receiver registration. By the power receiver registration operation, the power receiver processing unit 142 of the user terminal 10 transmits the power receiver information to the member system 60 (step S105). Specifically, the power receiver processing unit 142 acquires the power receiver information input by the user in the power receiver registration process, and transmits the power receiver information from the member application AP via the communication unit 110 to the member system 60 for registration. The data processing unit 631 of the member system 60 registers the power receiver information from the user terminal 10 (step S106). Specifically, the data processing unit 631 stores the power receiver information received by the communication unit 610 from the user terminal 10 in the power supply target information storage unit 622.

[0078] Next, the user performs a power supply start operation on the user terminal 10 (step S107). Specifically, the user selects the power receiver 20 to be supplied with power on a power supply start screen displayed by the member application AP on the user terminal 10, and makes a power supply request. By the power supply start operation, the power supply request unit 143 of the user terminal 10 transmits a power supply request to the member system 60 (step S108). Specifically, in the power supply request process, the power supply request unit 143 transmits a power supply request from the member application AP to the member system 60 via the communication unit 110 for the power receiver 20 selected by the power supply start operation input by the user. The cooperation processing unit 632 of the member system 60 cooperates with the power supply control system 50 with the power supply target information (step S109). Specifically, the cooperation processing unit 632 acquires corresponding power supply target information from the power supply target information storage unit 622 for the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target indicated by the power supply request received by the communication unit 610 from the user terminal 10, and cooperates (transmits) the information from the member system 60 to the power supply control system 50 via the communication unit 610.

[0079] The power transmission processing unit 531 of the power supply control system 50 transmits a power transmission target notification to the power transmitter 30 (step S110). Specifically, the power transmission processing unit 531 identifies the power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to the power receiver 20 that is the power supply target, based on the power supply target information received by the communication unit 510 from the member system 60, and transmits the power transmission target notification from the power supply control system 50 to the power transmitter 30 via the communication unit 510. The power transmitter 30 transmits a beacon request to the power receiver 20 to which power is to be fed (step S111). Specifically, the power transmitter 30 identifies the power receiver 20 to which power is to be fed based on the power transmission target notification received from the power feeding control system 50, and transmits a beacon request to the identified power receiver 20. The power receiver 20 transmits a beacon to the power transmitter 30 (step S112). Specifically, when the power receiver 20 receives a beacon request from the power transmitter 30, the power receiver 20 transmits a beacon to the power transmitter 30. The power transmitter 30 transmits a power transmission possibility notification to the power supply control system 50 (step S113). Specifically, when the power transmitter 30 receives a beacon from the power receiver 20, it determines that power transmission to the power receiver 20, which is the power supply target, is possible, and transmits a power transmission possibility notification indicating that power transmission is possible to the power supply control system 50. On the other hand, when the power transmitter 30 does not receive a beacon from the power receiver 20, it determines that power transmission to the power receiver 20, which is the power supply target, is not possible, and transmits a power transmission possibility notification indicating that power transmission is not possible to the power supply control system 50.

[0080] The power transmission processing unit 531 of the power supply control system 50 determines whether or not power transmission from the power transmitter 30 to the power receiver 20 is possible based on the power transmission availability notification received by the communication unit 510 from the power transmitter 30 (step S114). If power transmission is possible (step S114 / YES), the process proceeds to step S115. On the other hand, if power transmission is not possible (step S114 / NO), the process proceeds to step S118.

[0081] When the process proceeds to step S115, the power transmission processing unit 531 determines power transmission parameters (step S115). Specifically, the power transmission processing unit 531 acquires policy information corresponding to the power receiver 20 to be supplied with power from the policy information storage unit 521, and determines the power transmission parameters based on the power supply target information already received from the member system 60 and in accordance with the power transmission policy indicated by the policy information. After determining the power transmission parameters, the power transmission processing unit 531 transmits a power transmission request to the power transmitter 30 (step S116). Specifically, the power transmission processing unit 531 generates a power transmission request corresponding to the determined power transmission parameters, and transmits the power transmission request from the power supply control system 50 to the power transmitter 30 via the communication unit 510. The power transmitter 30 that has received the power transmission request starts transmitting power to the power receiver 20 (step S117). Specifically, the power transmitter 30 transmits power to the power receiver 20 while adjusting power transmission parameters based on the power transmission request received from the power supply control system 50.

[0082] When the process proceeds to step S118, the output control unit 533 of the power supply control system 50 transmits an alert notification to the user terminal 10 via the communication unit 510 and the member system 60 (step S118). The user terminal 10 that has received the alert notification causes the member application AP to display the alert (step S119).

[0083] The user may set the power supply setting for the power receiver 20 to be supplied with power at any timing. In this case, similar to the registration of the power receiver 20, the user may register the power supply setting information, the user terminal 10 (member application AP) may transmit the power supply setting information, and the member system 60 may register the power supply setting information.

[0084] <6. Screen Examples> The flow of processing according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, examples of screens according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0085] (1) Example of a member app screen Examples of screens in the member application AP will be described with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG.

[0086] (1-1) Membership registration and menu screen Screens related to member registration and menus in the member app AP will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to member registration and menus in the member app AP according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a member registration screen AG1, a member menu screen AG2, and a wireless power supply menu screen AG3.

[0087] The member registration screen AG1 is a screen for member registration. The member registration screen AG1 is a screen that the member application AP displays on the user terminal 10 during the member registration process. The user can register as a member by inputting member information into the member registration screen AG1 displayed on the user terminal 10.

[0088] The member menu screen AG2 is a screen that shows a menu related to services. The member menu screen AG2 is a screen that the member app AP displays on the user terminal 10 after member registration. The member menu screen AG2 displays a menu item for wireless power supply. The wireless power supply menu item is displayed on the existing menu screen as a result of a function for wireless power supply being added to the existing member app AP. The user can use wireless power supply by selecting the wireless power supply menu item on the member menu screen AG2.

[0089] The wireless power supply menu screen AG3 is a screen showing a menu related to wireless power supply. The wireless power supply menu screen AG3 is a screen that the member application AP displays on the user terminal 10 when the wireless power supply menu item is selected on the member menu screen AG2. The user can register the receiver 20, check the receiver information, supply power, etc. by selecting an item for receiver information on the wireless power supply menu screen AG3. In addition, the user can check the connection status with the transmitter 30, check the usage settings, and check the usage method by selecting an item for power transmission and reception settings on the wireless power supply menu screen AG3.

[0090] (1-2) Screen regarding registered receivers A screen related to the registered power receiver 20 in the member application AP will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to the registered power receiver 20 in the member application AP according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a registered device list screen AG4 and a wireless power supply screen AG5.

[0091] The registered device list screen AG4 is a screen that displays a list of registered power receivers 20. The registered device list screen AG4 is a screen that the member application AP displays on the user terminal 10 when the power receiver information item is selected on the wireless power supply menu screen AG3. The user can start power transmission (power supply) to the power receiver 20 by selecting the power transmission start item on the registered device list screen AG4. In addition, the user can register a new power receiver 20 by selecting the device addition item on the registered device list screen AG4.

[0092] The wireless power supply screen AG5 is a screen that displays detailed information about the registered power receiver 20. The wireless power supply screen AG5 is a screen that the member application AP displays on the user terminal 10 when the detailed setting item is selected on the registered device list screen AG4. On the wireless power supply screen AG5, the user can check the receiver information, power supply setting information, power transmission status, and the like of the registered power receiver 20. In addition, the user can change the power supply setting by selecting the setting change item on the wireless power supply screen AG5. In addition, the user can stop power transmission to the power receiver 20 by selecting the power transmission stop item on the wireless power supply screen AG5.

[0093] (1-3) Screen for registering receiver A screen relating to power receiver registration in the member application AP will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen relating to power receiver registration in the member application AP according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 shows a registered device list screen AG4, a device addition screen AG6, and a registered device list screen AG7. Note that the registered device list screen AG4 shown in Fig. 9 is the same as the registered device list screen AG4 shown in Fig. 8, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0094] The device addition screen AG6 is a screen for registering (adding) the power receiver 20. The device addition screen AG6 is a screen that the member application AP displays on the user terminal 10 when the item for adding a device is selected on the registered device list screen AG4. On the device addition screen AG6, the user can select whether or not to register the power receiver 20 connected to the user terminal 10.

[0095] The registered device list screen AG7 is a screen that is displayed after the power receiver 20 is added. Only the information of the smartphone is displayed on the registered device list screen AG4 shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. The registered device list screen AG7 shown in Fig. 9 further displays information of headphones that are additionally registered by the user.

[0096] (2) Example of a screen from a power supply control system 10 to 14, examples of screens in the power supply control system 50 will be described. The screens in the power supply control system 50 are, for example, management screens displayed on the management terminal 40.

[0097] (2-1) Login screen and top screen A login screen and a top screen in the power supply control system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a login screen and a top screen in the power supply control system 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a login screen KG1 and a top screen KG2.

[0098] The login screen KG1 is a screen for an administrator to log in to the power supply control system 50. The login screen KG1 is a screen that is displayed by a management application on the management terminal 40 in response to an operation from the administrator. The administrator can log in to the power supply control system 50 by inputting administrator information (e.g., a company ID, a user ID, and a password) on the login screen KG1 displayed on the management terminal 40.

[0099] The top screen KG2 is a top screen related to management of the wireless power supply system 1. The top screen KG2 is a screen that the management application displays on the management terminal 40 after login. The top screen KG2 displays items related to user information, items related to the power receiver 20, items related to the power transmitter 30, items related to power transmission and reception policy settings, items related to the number of external API (Application Programming Interface) connections, items related to a store map, and the like. The administrator can check details of the selected information by selecting an item related to each piece of information on the top screen KG2.

[0100] (2-2) Screen related to the power receiver A screen related to the power receiver 20 in the power supply control system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to the power receiver 20 in the power supply control system 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 11 shows a power receiver list screen KG3 and a power receiver detail screen KG4.

[0101] The power receiver list screen KG3 is a screen that displays a list of power receivers 20 that are using the wireless power supply service in a store managed by the administrator. The power receiver list screen KG3 is a screen that the management application displays on the management terminal 40 when an item related to the power receiver 20 is selected on the top screen KG2. The administrator can check details of the selected power receiver 20 by selecting an item related to each power receiver 20 on the power receiver list screen KG3.

[0102] The power receiver details screen KG4 is a screen that displays details of the power receiver 20. The power receiver details screen KG4 is a screen that the management application displays on the management terminal 40 when an item related to the power receiver 20 is selected on the power receiver list screen KG3. The power receiver details screen KG4 displays power receiver information, a power supply status, whether or not an alert has been issued, and the like. The power supply status may be displayed using a map or a graph.

[0103] (2-3) Power transmitter screen A screen related to the power transmitter 30 in the power supply control system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen related to the power transmitter 30 in the power supply control system 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 12 shows a power transmitter list screen KG5 and a power transmitter detail screen KG6.

[0104] The power transmitter list screen KG5 is a screen that displays a list of the power transmitters 30 installed in the store managed by the administrator. The power transmitter list screen KG5 is a screen that the management application displays on the management terminal 40 when an item related to the power transmitters 30 is selected on the top screen KG2. The administrator can check details of the selected power transmitter 30 by selecting an item related to each power transmitter 30 on the power transmitter list screen KG5.

[0105] The power transmitter details screen KG6 is a screen that displays details of the power transmitter 30. The power transmitter details screen KG6 is a screen that the management application displays on the management terminal 40 when an item related to the power transmitter 30 is selected on the power transmitter list screen KG5. The power transmitter details screen KG6 displays power transmitter information, a power transmission status, whether or not an alert has been issued, and the like. The power transmission status may be displayed using a map or a graph.

[0106] (2-4) Power transmission and reception map screen A power transmission and reception map screen in the power supply control system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a power transmission and reception map screen in the power supply control system 50 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 13 shows a power transmission and reception map screen KG7.

[0107] The power transmission and reception map screen KG7 is a screen that displays a power transmission and reception map. The power transmission and reception map is a map that shows the position of the power receiver 20, the position of the power transmitter 30, the power transmission possible range, the power transmission and reception status, and the like. In the store shown in the power transmission and reception map of FIG. 13, three power receivers 20-1 to 20-3 exist, and two power transmitters 30-1 to 30-2 are provided. The power receiver 20-1 exists in the power transmission possible range A1 of the power transmitter 30-1. The power receiver 20-2 and the power receiver 20-3 exist in the power transmission possible range A2 of the power transmitter 30-2. The power transmission and reception status is information that shows, for example, the number of power transmitters, the number of power receivers, the number of alerts that have occurred, the number of units currently supplying power, the number of units that have completed power supply, and the like, in the store shown in the power transmission and reception map.

[0108] (2-5) Policy setting screen A policy setting screen in the power supply control system 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a policy setting screen in the power supply control system 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 14 shows a policy setting screen KG8.

[0109] The policy setting screen KG8 is a screen that displays policy settings. The policy setting screen KG8 may display a power transmission and reception map, similar to the power transmission and reception map screen KG7. The policy settings displayed on the policy setting screen KG8 are, for example, priority orders in power transmission and reception. Examples include the priority order of the power transmitter 30 (Tx) that transmits power, the priority order of the power receiver 20 (Rx) that receives power, and the priority order when the power transmitters 30 overlap.

[0110] As described above, the wireless power supply system 1 of this embodiment includes a receiver processing unit 142 that registers receiver information regarding the receiver 20 owned by a user of the member app AP (app) in a member system 60 (a system corresponding to the app) corresponding to the member app AP, the receiver information being obtained via a member app AP (app) provided to a user of a space in which a power transmitter 30 for wireless power supply is installed; a power supply request unit 143 that transmits a power supply request from the member app AP to the member system 60 when a power supply request is received from the user via the member app AP; a coordination processing unit 632 that coordinates the receiver information of the power receiver 20 selected as the target for power supply from the member system 60 to the power supply control system 50 when a power supply request is received from the member app AP; and a power transmission processing unit 531 that identifies a power transmitter 30 capable of transmitting power to the power receiver 20 that is the target for power supply based on the receiver information coordinated from the member system 60, and transmits a power transmission request from the power supply control system 50 to the identified power transmitter 30.

[0111] With this configuration, a user can use wireless power supply by using the member app AP of the store where the user wants to use wireless power supply, without having to install a new app for using wireless power supply. Therefore, the wireless power supply system 1 according to this embodiment makes it possible to reduce the barriers for users to utilize wireless power supply.

[0112] <7. Variations> The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. Next, modified examples of the above-described embodiments will be described. Each modified example described below may be applied to the embodiment alone or in combination with the embodiment. Each modified example may be applied in place of the configuration described in the embodiment, or may be applied in addition to the configuration described in the embodiment.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the power transmission processing unit 531 determines the power transmission parameters based on the power supply target information (power receiver information or power supply setting information) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the power transmission processing unit 531 may determine the power transmission parameters based on the membership information of a user who has the power receiver 20 that is the power transmission target. In this case, when the member system 60 links information on the power transmission target to the power supply control system 50, it also links the member information of the user who has the power receiver 20 that is the power transmission target. The power transmission processing unit 531 determines the power transmission parameters in accordance with the power transmission policy based on the user's member information acquired from the member system 60. The member information includes, for example, usage status information indicating the user's service usage status. The power transmission processing unit 531 determines the power transmission parameters in accordance with the power transmission policy based on the usage status information. From the usage status information, the power transmission processing unit 531 determines, for example, the degree of good customer of the user. Based on this degree of good customer, the power transmission processing unit 531 determines the priority of power supply and determines the power transmission parameters. For example, the power transmission processing unit 531 assigns a higher priority to a good customer and a lower priority to a less good customer.

[0114] The above describes the modified embodiment of the present invention. Note that some or all of the functions of the wireless power supply system 1, the user terminal 10, the power supply control system 50, and the member system 60 in the above-mentioned embodiment may be realized by a computer. In that case, a program for realizing the functions may be recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded in the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to realize the functions. Note that the "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" may also include a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and a medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in that case. Furthermore, the above program may be for realizing part of the functions described above, or may be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system, or may be realized using a programmable logic device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0115] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1...wireless power supply system, 10...user terminal, 20 (20-1 to 20-M)...power receiver, 30 (30-1 to 30-Q)...power transmitter, 40...management terminal, 50...power supply control system, 60...membership system, 110...communication unit, 120...input unit, 130...storage unit, 140...control unit, 141...membership processing unit, 142...power receiver processing unit, 143...power supply request unit, 144...output control unit, 150...output unit, 510...communication unit , 520...storage unit, 521...policy information storage unit, 522...power supply management information storage unit, 530...control unit, 531...power transmission processing unit, 532...power supply management unit, 533...output control unit, 610...communication unit, 620...storage unit, 621...membership information storage unit, 622...power supply target information storage unit, 630...control unit, 631...data processing unit, 632...cooperation processing unit, 633...output control unit, AP...membership application, NW...network

Claims

1. a power receiver processing unit that registers, in a system corresponding to an application, power receiver information relating to a power receiver owned by a user of the application, the power receiver information being acquired via an application provided to a user of a space in which a power transmitter for wireless power supply is installed; a power supply request unit that, when receiving a power supply request from the user via the application, transmits the power supply request from the application to a system corresponding to the application; a linking processing unit that links, when the power supply request is received from the application, the power receiver information of the power receiver selected as a power supply target from a system corresponding to the application to a power supply control system; a power transmission processing unit that identifies the power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the power receiver that is the power supply target based on the power receiver information linked from a system corresponding to the application, and transmits a power transmission request to the identified power transmitter from the power supply control system; A wireless power supply system comprising:

2. The cooperation processing unit cooperates with a power supply control system from a system corresponding to the application, the power supply setting information being set for each of the power receivers by the user via the application; The power transmission processing unit controls the power transmission by the power transmitter based on the power receiver information and the power supply setting information. The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. a power supply management unit that acquires power supply status information indicating a power supply status of the power receiver due to power transmission from the power transmitter; an output control unit that causes the application to display a power supply status to the power receiver based on the acquired power supply status information; The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. the power transmission processing unit determines a power transmission parameter based on a power transmission policy, and controls power transmission by the power transmitter based on the determined power transmission parameter. The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 .

5. The power transmission processing unit determines the power transmission parameters in accordance with the power transmission policy based on the power receiver information acquired from a system corresponding to the application. The wireless power supply system according to claim 4 .

6. the power transmission processing unit determines the power transmission parameters in accordance with the power transmission policy based on usage status information indicating a service usage status of the user acquired from a system corresponding to the application; The wireless power supply system according to claim 4 .

7. a receiver processing step of registering receiver information related to a receiver owned by a user of an application provided to a user of a space in which a power transmitter for wireless power supply is installed, in a system corresponding to the application; a power supply request process of transmitting a power supply request from the application to a system corresponding to the application when a power supply request is received from the user via the application; a linking process step of linking, when the power supply request is received from the application, the power receiver information of the power receiver selected as a power supply target from a system corresponding to the application to a power supply control system; a power transmission process step of identifying the power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the power receiver that is the power supply target based on the power receiver information linked from a system corresponding to the application, and transmitting a power transmission request to the identified power transmitter from the power supply control system; A wireless power supply method implemented by a computer, comprising:

8. Computer, a power receiver processing means for registering, in a system corresponding to an application, power receiver information relating to a power receiver owned by a user of the application, the power receiver information being acquired via an application provided to a user of a space in which a power transmitter for wireless power supply is installed; a power supply request means for transmitting a power supply request from the application to a system corresponding to the application when the power supply request is received from the user via the application; a linking processing means for linking, when the power supply request is received from the application, the power receiver information of the power receiver selected as a power supply target from a system corresponding to the application to a power supply control system; a power transmission processing means for identifying the power transmitter capable of transmitting power to the power receiver that is the power supply target based on the power receiver information linked from a system corresponding to the application, and transmitting a power transmission request to the identified power transmitter from the power supply control system; A program to function as a

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