Charging system, power supply device, information processing device, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a charging system, a power supply device, an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method capable of improving convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A charging system includes, a power supply device having: a first authentication unit that authenticates, based on a non-contact power supply method, first charging processing for supplying power to a terminal of a user based on the terminal; a second authentication unit that authenticates based on the terminal second charging processing for supplying power to the terminal based on the non-contact power supply method, which is different from the first charging processing authenticated by the first authentication unit; and a non-contact power supply unit that charges the terminal based on either the first charging processing authenticated by the first authentication unit or the second charging processing authenticated by the second authentication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging system, a power supply device, an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method, and more particularly to a charging system, a power supply device, an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that supply power to a terminal based on a contactless power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Contactless charging is a method of supplying power from a power transmitting device to a power receiving device without contact. There are various types of contactless charging methods, such as electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, electric field coupling, and radio wave reception.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that includes a resonant coil and a power supply coil, and when supplying power contactlessly, the resonant coil and the power supply coil are electromagnetically coupled to supply power from the resonant coil using a magnetic field resonance method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-27789 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of contactless power supply system, there is a possibility that a plurality of mutually different standards may be established based on differences in power consumption during charging, differences in the frequencies used, and the like.

[0006] In this way, when multiple standards are in place, it is possible that a receiving device that uses a contactless charging method that complies with any one standard may not be able to be charged by a transmitting device that uses a contactless charging method that complies with another standard different from the standard used by the receiving device, which could result in a loss of convenience for users.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a charging system, a power supply device, an information processing device, a program, and an information processing method that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the charging system of the present invention comprises a power supply device having a first authentication unit that authenticates, based on the terminal, a first charging process that supplies power to a user's terminal based on a contactless power supply method, a second authentication unit that authenticates, based on the terminal, a second charging process that is a process different from the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit and that supplies power to the terminal based on the contactless power supply method, and a contactless power supply unit that charges the terminal based on either the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit or the second charging process authenticated by the second authentication unit.

[0009] According to this, when the power supply device supplies power to a user's terminal using a contactless power supply method, it authenticates the user's terminal as to whether to supply power using the first charging process or the second charging process, and charges the terminal using a process based on the authentication, so that the user can charge the terminal without being aware of the difference between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0010] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user when charging the terminal using a contactless power supply system.

[0011] This charging system executes a terminal information transmission process that transmits terminal information including data related to the user's attributes to an information processing device when charging a terminal with a power supply device, and a power supply device information transmission process that transmits power supply device information including data related to the power supply device's attributes to the information processing device.

[0012] This charging system executes a terminal information transmission process that transmits terminal information including data related to the user's attributes to an information processing device when charging a terminal with a power supply device, and a power supply device information transmission process that transmits power supply device information including data related to the power supply device's attributes to the information processing device, and the information processing device executes a matching process that matches the terminal information with the power supply device information.

[0013] This charging system executes a terminal information transmission process that transmits terminal information including data related to the user's attributes to an information processing device when charging a terminal with a power supply device, and a power supply device information transmission process that transmits power supply device information including data related to the power supply device's attributes to the information processing device, and the information processing device executes a matching process that matches the terminal information with the power supply device information, and the terminal information includes at least one of the user's name or ID, email address, gender, date of birth, occupation, address, and information related to the power consumption of the terminal, and the power supply device information includes at least one of the power supply device's ID, installation location, usage time, and date and time.

[0014] This charging system executes an information display process that displays the position of a power supply device on map information displayed on a terminal based on a user operation.

[0015] The terminal that uses this charging system is at least one of a portable information terminal, an electric appliance having a heating container, and a lighting appliance.

[0016] In order to achieve the above object, the power supply device of the present invention includes a first authentication unit that authenticates, based on the terminal, a first charging process that supplies power to a user's terminal based on a contactless power supply method; a second authentication unit that authenticates, based on the terminal, a second charging process that is a process different from the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit and that supplies power to the terminal based on the contactless power supply method; and a contactless power supply unit that sets power and modulation frequency based on either the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit or the second charging process authenticated by the second authentication unit and charges the terminal.

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, the information processing device of the present invention executes a terminal information reception process that receives terminal information including data related to user attributes obtained when charging a terminal using a power supply device using a contactless power supply method, a power supply device information reception process that receives power supply device information including data related to the attributes of the power supply device, and a matching process that matches the terminal information received in the terminal information reception process with the power supply device information received in the power supply device information reception process.

[0018] To achieve the above object, the program of the present invention causes an information processing device implemented by a computer to execute a terminal information reception process that receives terminal information including data related to user attributes acquired when charging a terminal using a power supply device using a contactless power supply method, a power supply device information reception process that receives power supply device information including data related to the attributes of the power supply device, and a matching process that matches the terminal information received in the terminal information reception process with the power supply device information received in the power supply device information reception process.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the information processing method according to the present invention is one in which an information processing device implemented by a computer executes a terminal information reception process that receives terminal information including data related to user attributes acquired when charging a terminal using a power supply device using a contactless power supply method, a power supply device information reception process that receives power supply device information including data related to the attributes of the power supply device, and a matching process that matches the terminal information received in the terminal information reception process with the power supply device information received in the power supply device information reception process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience for a user when charging a terminal using a contactless power supply system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a charging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a power supply device of the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a computer in the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the functions of an information processing device of the charging system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of terminal information processed in the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of power supply device information processed in the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of matching information processed in the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of matching information processed in the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a screen interface of a smartphone that uses the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of functions of a map business operator terminal of the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the processing of the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of the processing of the charging system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a power supply device of a charging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a smartphone of a user who uses the charging system according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the outline of the configuration of an electric kettle for a user who uses the charging system according to each embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Next, a charging system according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Prior to describing the charging system according to each embodiment of the present invention, an overview of a smartphone and an electric kettle, which are terminals of a user who uses the charging system, will first be described with reference to FIGS.

[0024] 15 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of a smartphone, which is a portable information terminal. As shown in the figure, a smartphone 200 includes a control unit 201, a display 202, sensors 203, and a contactless power receiving unit 204 as its main components.

[0025] In this embodiment, the control unit 201 controls each unit of the smartphone 200, such as the display 202, sensors 203, and non-contact power receiving unit 204, and is composed of, for example, a processor, memory, storage, a transmitting / receiving unit, etc.

[0026] In this embodiment, this control unit 201 stores an application for using the services provided by the charging system described later or a browser that can view websites, and the services can be used on smartphone 200 via the application or browser based on the processing of a program in an information processing device described later.

[0027] In this embodiment, the display 202 displays various screen interfaces of services used by the smartphone 200.

[0028] The display 202 is a so-called touch panel that accepts information input by touching the display surface, and is implemented using various technologies such as a resistive film system or a capacitive system.

[0029] In this embodiment, information for operating an application that executes a service is input via this display 202. This information is input based on any action of the user on the display 202 (for example, an action of tapping or swiping the screen, or an action of dragging and dropping an icon or the like displayed on the screen).

[0030] In this embodiment, the sensors 203 are configured by a GPS sensor, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like, and detect the position and orientation of the smartphone 200.

[0031] In this embodiment, the non-contact power receiving unit 204 is mainly composed of a power receiving coil that receives power in a non-contact state with the non-contact power feeding unit by the action of electromagnetic induction when it comes close to the non-contact power feeding unit of the power feeding device described later.

[0032] In this embodiment, the portable information terminal is implemented as a smartphone 200, but it may be any portable information terminal (implemented by information processing technology) that employs a contactless power supply method, such as a tablet computer or a glasses-type wearable device.

[0033] 16 is a block diagram illustrating the general configuration of an electric appliance, an electric kettle 300. As shown in the figure, the electric kettle 300 includes a non-contact power receiving unit 301, a heating unit 302, and a communication unit 303 as its main components.

[0034] In this embodiment, the non-contact power receiving unit 301 is mainly composed of a power receiving coil that receives power in a non-contact state with the non-contact power feeding unit by the action of electromagnetic induction when it comes close to the non-contact power feeding unit of the power feeding device described later.

[0035] In this embodiment, the heating unit 302 heats a heating container (not shown) as a load, and is composed of, for example, an electric heating wire built into the heating container, and heats the contents of the heating container by heating the electric heating wire based on the power received by the non-contact power receiving unit 301.

[0036] The communication unit 303 connects the electric kettle 300 to any network, and may be equipped with a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), or may be compatible with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi.

[0037] The electric kettle 300 may further include a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the contents of the heating container, for example.

[0038] (First embodiment) Next, a charging system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0039] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a charging system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the charging system 10 mainly comprises a plurality of power supply devices 20, relay devices 30, and an information processing device 40. The power supply devices 20 are connected to a network N such as the Internet or a carrier communication network (SIM communication) via the relay devices 30, thereby connecting the power supply devices 20 and the information processing devices 40 so that they can access each other.

[0040] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the charging system 10 is configured such that a program stored in the information processing device 40, which will be described later, and a program stored in the map provider terminal 400, which will be described later, are linked (connected) via an API (Application Programming Interface) via the network N.

[0041] In this embodiment, the power supply device 20 and the relay device 30 are deployed in highly public facilities such as train stations, shopping malls, or shared offices, and the information processing device 40 is managed by a business operator 1 that provides services using the charging system 10.

[0042] On the other hand, the map provider terminal 400 is managed by a map provider 2 that provides a service of providing map information.

[0043] In this embodiment, the service using the charging system 10 is a service in which a power supply device 20 is installed in any facility, equipment, etc., and power is supplied to a user 3's terminal, such as a smartphone 200 or an electric kettle 300, using a contactless power supply method.

[0044] Next, the specific configuration of each part of the charging system 10 will be described.

[0045] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of the power supply device 20. As shown in the figure, the power supply device 20 includes a first authentication unit 21, a second authentication unit 22, a contactless power supply unit 23, a power supply unit 24, a frequency setting unit 25, and a communication unit 26.

[0046] In this embodiment, when power is supplied to the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of the user 3 using a contactless power supply method, the first authentication unit 21 performs a process of authenticating whether or not to supply power in the first charging process based on the authentication method adopted by the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300.

[0047] Specifically, when the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 is placed on the non-contact power supply unit 23 described later, the first authentication unit 21 periodically transmits data for authentication based on a specific communication method to the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 (power receiving side).

[0048] In addition, the data and communication method for authentication based on a specific communication method may be changed depending on the amount of power supplied (for example, 15W for normal charging and 50W for fast charging), and may be different depending on whether power is supplied free of charge or for a fee.

[0049] When the contactless power supply unit 22 supplies power, if data corresponding to data based on a specific communication method transmitted from the power supply device 20 side (power supply side) is sent back from the power receiving side to the power supply side, the first authentication unit 21 authenticates that the first charging process is being performed for the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of the user 3.

[0050] In this embodiment, when power is supplied to the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of the user 3 using a contactless power supply method, the second authentication unit 22 performs a process of authenticating whether or not to supply power using a second charging process different from the first charging process, based on the authentication method adopted by the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300.

[0051] When the non-contact power supply unit 23 supplies power, the second authentication unit 22 periodically supplies a specific high-frequency weak current to the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 (power receiving side), and when it detects a specific response waveform based on mutual induction to this weak current, it authenticates that the second charging process is being performed for the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 of the user 3.

[0052] In addition, even if a device is capable of authenticating the first charging process, it may be possible for the device to authenticate the second charging process, so if the device is authenticated as the first charging process, the second charging process is given priority.

[0053] In this embodiment, the transmission of data when authenticating the first charging process and the supply of a weak current when authenticating the second charging process are performed alternately and periodically at short intervals, for example, at intervals of about one second.

[0054] Here, in this embodiment, the first charging process is assumed to be a process of supplying power using a contactless power supply method based on "Qi" or "Qi2," which are international standards established by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), and the second charging process is assumed to be a process of supplying power using a contactless power supply method based on any technical specification established by operator 1.

[0055] In this case, in this embodiment, the smartphone 200 corresponds to the first charging process, and the electric kettle 300 corresponds to the second charging process.

[0056] In this embodiment, the non-contact power supply unit 23 is mainly composed of a single resonant capacitor and a power supply coil that, when brought close to the non-contact power receiving unit 204 of the smartphone 200 or the non-contact power receiving unit 301 of the electric kettle 300, supplies power to the non-contact power supply unit 204 (301) in a non-contact state by the action of electromagnetic induction.

[0057] In this embodiment, this non-contact power supply unit 23 is capable of supplying power to the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of the user 3 using a single power supply coil, whether supplying power in the first charging process or in the second charging process.

[0058] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 24 supplies power to the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 of the user 3 via the non-contact power supply unit 23, for example, at a preset amount of power (for example, supplying power at 15 W or supplying power at 50 W).

[0059] For example, the amount of power may be changed between the first charging process and the second charging process, such that 15 W is supplied when power is supplied in the first charging process and 50 W is supplied when power is supplied in the second charging process.

[0060] In this embodiment, the frequency setting unit 25 sets a modulation frequency for communication between the power supply device 20 and the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 of the user 3 .

[0061] For example, based on authentication in the first authentication unit 21 and the second authentication unit 22, a modulation frequency in the range of 100 kHz to 200 kHz or a modulation frequency in the range of 300 kHz to 400 kHz is set using PWM (Pulse Width Modulation), and power is supplied to the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of the user 3 based on mutual induction.

[0062] As an example, when power is supplied in the first charging process based on authentication in the first authentication unit 21, power is supplied at a modulation frequency of 360 kHz, and when power is supplied in the second charging process based on authentication in the second authentication unit 22, power is supplied at a modulation frequency of about 100 kHz; thus, the modulation frequency can be changed between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0063] The modulation frequency and power settings in the power supply unit 24 and frequency setting unit 25 are set integrally by an inverter.

[0064] The amount of power and the modulation frequency may be changed independently between the first charging process and the second charging process, or may be changed simultaneously.

[0065] Power is supplied based on the specifications of the power receiving side, and while the charging time can be shortened if the supplied power is large, the power is frequency modulated using PWM or other methods, and depending on the frequency, the frequency and harmonics of that frequency generated can become electromagnetic noise, which can interfere with communication with peripheral devices, so it is effective to be able to change the amount of power and modulation frequency.

[0066] The communication unit 26 connects the power supply device 20 to any network, and may be compatible with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi, or may be equipped with a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0067] In this embodiment, this communication unit 26 communicates with the smartphone 200 of the user 3 to acquire terminal information, which will be described later, and transmits the acquired terminal information and power supply device information, which will be described later, to the information processing device 40 via the relay device 30, which will be described next (terminal information transmission process and power supply device information transmission process).

[0068] In this embodiment, the relay device 30 shown in FIG. 1 communicates with the power supply device 20 to connect the power supply device 20 to the network N, thereby establishing communication between the power supply device 20 and the information processing device 40.

[0069] In this embodiment, the information processing device 40 is implemented by a computer, for example, a desktop or notebook computer.

[0070] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a computer that implements information processing device 40. As shown in the figure, the computer mainly comprises a processor 101, a memory 102, a storage 103, a transmitting / receiving unit 104, and an input / output unit 105, which are electrically connected to each other via a bus 106.

[0071] The processor 101 is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the computer, controls the transmission and reception of data between elements, and performs processing necessary for executing application programs.

[0072] In this embodiment, the processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes application programs loaded in a memory 102 (to be described later) to perform various processes.

[0073] The memory 102 is implemented by a main storage device that is configured as a volatile storage device such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0074] This memory 102 is used as a working area for the processor 101, and also stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) that is executed when the computer is started, various setting information, and the like.

[0075] The storage 103 stores data and the like used for various processes by application programs and the like.

[0076] The transmitting / receiving unit 104 connects the computer to the network N. This transmitting / receiving unit 104 may be compatible with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi, or may be equipped with a short-range communication interface such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy).

[0077] If necessary, information input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse and output devices such as a display are connected to the input / output unit 105. In this embodiment, a keyboard, a mouse, and a display are all connected.

[0078] The bus 106 transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals between the processor 101, memory 102, storage 103, transmission / reception unit 104, and input / output unit 105 that are connected to it.

[0079] In this embodiment, the computer implementing the information processing device 40 may be logically realized in a cloud environment.

[0080] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the functions of the information processing device 40. As shown in the figure, the information processing device 40 includes a terminal information receiving unit 41, a terminal information storage unit 42, a power supply device information receiving unit 43, a power supply device information storage unit 44, a matching unit 45, a matching information storage unit 46, and an information display unit 47.

[0081] The terminal information storage unit 42, the power supply device information storage unit 44, and the matching information storage unit 46 are realized by partitioning the memory area of ​​the storage 103, and the terminal information reception unit 41, the power supply device information reception unit 43, the matching unit 45, and the information display unit 47 are realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102.

[0082] In this embodiment, the terminal information receiving unit 41 receives terminal information acquired from the smartphone 200, for example, terminal information transmitted via an application of the smartphone 200 or terminal information transmitted from the power supply device 20 via the relay device 30 (terminal information receiving process).

[0083] In this embodiment, the terminal information received by the terminal information receiving unit 41 is stored in the terminal information storage unit .

[0084] 5 is a diagram showing an example of terminal information stored in the terminal information storage unit 42. As shown in the diagram, the terminal information is information about the smartphone 200 and the electric kettle 300, including information about the attributes of the user 3.

[0085] In this embodiment, this terminal information includes various information such as a user name (user account), email address, gender, date of birth, occupation, address, terminal identification information, set temperature, current temperature, and the like.

[0086] The user name (user account), email address, gender, date of birth, occupation, and address are information about the attributes of user 3, the terminal identification information is information for identifying the individual assigned to electric kettle 300, the set temperature is information about the arbitrary temperature set by user 3 as the target temperature for electric kettle 300, and the current temperature is information about the current temperature of electric kettle 300.

[0087] In this embodiment, the power supply device information receiving unit 43 shown in Figure 4 receives power supply device information acquired from the power supply device 20, and for example, receives power supply device information transmitted from the power supply device 20 via the relay device 30 (power supply device information receiving process).

[0088] In this embodiment, the power supply device information received by the power supply device information receiving unit 43 is stored in the power supply device information storage unit 44.

[0089] 6 is a diagram showing an example of power supply device information stored in the power supply device information storage unit 44. As shown in the figure, the power supply device information includes information on the attributes of the power supply device 20, information on the smartphone 200, and information on the electric kettle 300, and in this embodiment includes various information such as device identification information, installation location, usage time, usage date and time, power consumption, power receiving device information, etc.

[0090] The device identification information is information for identifying an individual device assigned to the power supply device 20, and the installation location is information about the location where the power supply device 20 is installed. Both are information about the attributes of the power supply device 20.

[0091] In this embodiment, information about the installation location is stored in advance in the power supply device information storage unit 44 as power supply device information when the power supply device 20 is installed in the facility.

[0092] The usage time is information about the time spent charging the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 (start time, end time, charging time, etc.), the usage date and time is information about the date and time when the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 was charged, and the power consumption is information about the power consumed when charging the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300.

[0093] The power receiving device information is information about the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 that is supplied with power by the power supply device 20, and includes, for example, the product type (smartphone or electric kettle, product model, manufacturer, place of manufacture, serial number, etc.), terminal identification information assigned to the electric kettle, and information about the maximum power consumption when charging the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300.

[0094] In this embodiment, the matching unit 45 shown in Figure 4 performs a process of matching the terminal information received by the terminal information receiving unit 41 with the power supply device information received by the power supply device information receiving unit 43 to generate matching information (matching process).

[0095] In this embodiment, the matching information generated by the matching unit 45 is stored in a matching information storage unit 46 .

[0096] 7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of matching information stored in the matching information storage unit 46. The matching information shown in Fig. 7 shows an example of matching information generated when the smartphone 200 is charged by the power supply device 20, and is matched by associating the user name (user account) included in the terminal information with the device identification information included in the power supply device information.

[0097] In this embodiment, this matching information includes various information such as user name (user account), device identification information, email address, gender, date of birth, occupation, address, power consumption, date and time of use, and the like.

[0098] On the other hand, the matching information shown in Figure 8 shows an example of matching information generated when the electric kettle 300 is charged by the power supply device 20, and is matched by associating the terminal identification information included in the terminal information with the device identification information included in the power supply device information.

[0099] In this embodiment, this matching information includes various information such as terminal identification information, device identification information, set temperature, current temperature, power consumption, product type, date and time of use, and the like.

[0100] In this embodiment, the information display unit 47 shown in Figure 4 executes a process (information display process) of displaying facilities (spots) where the power supply device 20 is installed on map information displayed on the display 202 of the smartphone 200 by an application stored in the smartphone 200 of the user 3 for using a service using the charging system 10.

[0101] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen interface of map information displayed by the information display process on the display 202 of the smartphone 200. As shown in the figure, a power supply device icon E, a search box W, and a GPS icon S are displayed on the screen interface IF.

[0102] The power supply device icon E is displayed at a location on the map information of a facility or the like where the power supply device 20 is installed. When the power supply device icon E is tapped, detailed information about the power supply device 20 corresponding to the power supply device icon E is displayed, such as the name of the facility or the like where the power supply device 20 corresponding to the tapped power supply device icon E is installed (for example, "ABC Coffee Ebisu store"), the number of power supply devices 20 installed in the facility or the like (for example, 20 units), and the number of power supply devices 20 available (not in use) at that time (for example, 10 units).

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply device icon E is color-coded to indicate whether the power source of the power supply device 20 is renewable energy or non-renewable energy, depending on the power source of the power supply device 20 (whether renewable energy or non-renewable energy is used) that is preset for each power supply device 20, so that the power source of the power supply device 20 can be visually identified at a glance.

[0104] The search window W is an input interface that accepts input of any search word (for example, a place name), and when any search word is input into this search window W, a power supply device icon E corresponding to the power supply device 20 corresponding to the input search word is displayed, positioned at a facility or the like on the map information corresponding to the input search word.

[0105] Based on the current location of the user 3, the GPS icon S displays a power supply device icon E corresponding to the power supply device 20 located in the vicinity of the current location of the user 3, positioned at a facility or the like on the map information.

[0106] 10 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the functions of the map provider terminal 400 of the map provider 2. As shown in the figure, the map provider terminal 400 includes a map information providing processing unit 401. This map information providing processing unit 401 is realized by the processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102.

[0107] When an application for using the services provided by the charging system 10 is launched on the smartphone 200 and any operation is input, the map information providing processing unit 401 executes a process of providing map information to the smartphone 200 via the information processing device 40 linked (connected) via an API.

[0108] Next, an outline of the processing of the charging system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0109] 11 is a flowchart outlining the processing of the charging system 10. First, in step S1, as shown in the figure, in the power supply device 20 installed in an arbitrary facility, the user 3 reads a two-dimensional code provided on the power supply device 20 with the smartphone 200.

[0110] When the two-dimensional code is read by smartphone 200, an application for using the service using charging system 10 is started on smartphone 200 in step S2.

[0111] If this application is not stored in the smartphone 200, it is assumed that when the two-dimensional code is read by the smartphone 200, a downloader for downloading the application will be launched.

[0112] When the application is started on the smartphone 200, in step S3, moving image information is delivered to the smartphone 200. This moving image information is, for example, an advertising moving image whose advertiser is the facility where the power supply device 20 is installed, and is delivered via a moving image delivery server external to the charging system 10.

[0113] When the user 3 watches the distributed advertising video to the end on the smartphone 200, the smartphone 200 transmits terminal information to the information processing device 40 (terminal information transmission process), and in step S4, the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information (terminal information reception process).

[0114] Before or after the terminal information reception process, for example, when the user 3 places the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 on the power supply device 20, after the terminal information reception process, in step S5, the information processing device 40 transmits a power supply signal to the power supply device 20 via the relay device 30.

[0115] When the power supply signal is transmitted to the power supply device 20, in step S6, it is authenticated whether the supply of power to the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 of the user 3 is the first charging process or the second charging process.

[0116] If it is authenticated as the first charging process, in step S7, the modulation frequency and power based on the first charging process are set, and power is supplied to the smartphone 200, and power supply device information is transmitted from the power supply device 20 to the information processing device 40 via the relay device 30 (power supply device information transmission process), and in step S8, the information processing device 40 receives the power supply device information (power supply device information reception process).

[0117] When the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information and the power supply device information, in step S9, a process is executed to match the terminal information with the power supply device information and generate matched information (matching process).

[0118] On the other hand, if it is authenticated in step S6 that it is the second charging process, that is, in this embodiment, if the terminal placed on the power supply device 20 is the electric kettle 300 rather than the smartphone 200, then in step S10, the modulation frequency and power based on the second charging process are set and power is supplied to the electric kettle 300.

[0119] At this time, if the application of the smartphone 200 is running, the smartphone 200 acquires the terminal information of the electric kettle 300 through communication between the electric kettle 300 and the smartphone 200 .

[0120] When the smartphone 200 acquires the terminal information of the electric kettle 300, the smartphone 200 transmits the terminal information to the information processing device 40 (terminal information transmission process), and in step S11, the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information (terminal information reception process).

[0121] Similarly, when power is supplied to the electric kettle 300 in the second charging process, power supply device information is transmitted from the power supply device 20 to the information processing device 40 via the relay device 30 (power supply device information transmission process), and in step S12, the information processing device 40 receives the power supply device information (power supply device information reception process).

[0122] When the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information and the power supply device information, in step S13, a process is executed to match the terminal information with the power supply device information and generate matched information (matching process).

[0123] In this way, when the power supply device 20 supplies power to the terminal of the user 3 using a contactless power supply method, it authenticates whether to supply power using the first charging process or the second charging process depending on the terminal of the user 3, and sets the modulation frequency and power using a process based on the authentication to charge the terminal, so that the user 3 can charge the terminal without being aware of the difference between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0124] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user 3 when charging the terminal using a contactless power supply system.

[0125] In particular, in this embodiment, the power supply device 20 is deployed in highly public facilities such as train stations, shopping malls, or shared offices, and therefore it is expected that the convenience for the user 3 will be further improved when there is an urgent need to charge the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 while away from home.

[0126] Furthermore, the power supply device 20 includes a non-contact power supply unit 23 that can supply power using a single power supply coil whether power is supplied by the first charging process or the second charging process, and since there is no need to provide power supply coils for terminals that use different charging process methods, it can be made space-saving (compact) and inexpensive.

[0127] On the other hand, since the amount of power and modulation frequency can be set separately for the first charging process and the second charging process, it is possible to minimize the impact on communication of peripheral devices caused by electromagnetic noise generated by a specific modulation frequency of the supplied power.

[0128] In this embodiment, based on the matching information, information regarding user 3's account and attributes, location information of user 3, or information regarding user 3's terminal, etc., can be obtained, thereby making it possible to identify user 3's behavior, preferences, etc.

[0129] This matching information allows us to understand information such as what type of user 3 uses which power supply device 20, which is installed in which facility, and how frequently it is used, and whether the power source of the power supply device 20 is renewable energy or non-renewable energy.

[0130] Therefore, it can be used for various analyses, such as analysis of facility usage (number of users per day, user demographics, usage time per person, etc.), usage status between facilities by user 3 (analysis of people flow), or visualization of renewable energy used.

[0131] (Second embodiment) Next, a charging system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0132] 12 and 13, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0133] 12 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of a charging system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, a charging system 50 includes, as its main components, a plurality of power supply devices 20 and an information processing device 40, which are connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet or a carrier communication network (SIM communication).

[0134] In this embodiment, the power supply device 20 is installed in each residence 3A of multiple users 3, and functions as a power supply source within the home for the terminals of the users 3 that receive power via a contactless power supply method, such as a smartphone 200 and an electric kettle 300.

[0135] Next, an outline of the processing of the charging system 50 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0136] 13 is a flowchart outlining the processing of the charging system 50. As shown in the figure, first, the user 3 places the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 on the power supply device 20 in step S20.

[0137] When the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 is placed on the power supply device 20, in step S21, authentication is performed to determine whether the supply of power to the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 of the user 3 is the first charging process or the second charging process.

[0138] If it is authenticated as the first charging process, in step S22, the modulation frequency and power based on the first charging process are set and power is supplied to the smartphone 200, and if an application of the smartphone 200 is running, at least information regarding power consumption among the terminal information and power supply device information are transmitted from the power supply device 20 to the information processing device 40 (terminal information transmission process and power supply device information transmission process).

[0139] The terminal information may be transmitted directly from the smartphone 200 to the information processing device 40, and in this case, the power supply device information may also be transmitted from the smartphone 200 to the information processing device 40.

[0140] When the terminal information and power supply device information are transmitted from the power supply device 20 to the information processing device 40, in step S23, the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information (terminal information reception process), and in step S24, the information processing device 40 receives the power supply device information (power supply device information reception process).

[0141] When the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information and the power supply device information, in step S25, a process is executed to match the terminal information with the power supply device information and generate matched information (matching process).

[0142] On the other hand, if it is authenticated in step S21 that it is the second charging process, that is, in this embodiment, if the terminal placed on the power supply device 20 is the electric kettle 300 rather than the smartphone 200, then in step S26, the modulation frequency and power based on the second charging process are set and power is supplied to the electric kettle 300.

[0143] At this time, if the application of the smartphone 200 is running, the smartphone 200 acquires the terminal information of the electric kettle 300 through communication between the electric kettle 300 and the smartphone 200 based on the operation of the user 3 .

[0144] When the smartphone 200 acquires the terminal information of the electric kettle 300, based on the operation of the user 3, the smartphone 200 transmits the terminal information, including at least the terminal identification information, the current temperature, the set temperature, etc., to the information processing device 40 (terminal information transmission process), and in step S27, the information processing device 40 accepts the terminal information (terminal information acceptance process).

[0145] On the other hand, if an application on the smartphone 200 is running when power is supplied to the electric kettle 300 in the second charging process, and communication between the electric kettle 300 and the smartphone 200 is switched to communication between the power supply device 20 and the smartphone 200, the smartphone 200 acquires power supply device information of the power supply device 20 based on the operation of the user 3.

[0146] When the smartphone 200 acquires the power supply device information of the power supply device 20, based on the operation of the user 3, the smartphone 200 transmits the power supply device information to the information processing device 40 (power supply device information transmission process), and in step S28, the information processing device 40 receives the power supply device information (power supply device information reception process).

[0147] When the information processing device 40 receives the terminal information and the power supply device information, in step S29, a process is executed to match the terminal information with the power supply device information and generate matched information (matching process).

[0148] In this embodiment, communication between the electric kettle 300 and the information processing device 40 is described as being performed via the smartphone 200, but this is not limited to this and communication may be performed via any network, such as the Internet.

[0149] In this way, in this embodiment, when the power supply device 20 installed in the residence 3A of the user 3 supplies power to the terminal of the user 3 using a contactless power supply method, authentication is performed to determine whether power is to be supplied using the first charging process or the second charging process depending on the terminal of the user 3, and the terminal is charged using a process based on the authentication, so that the user 3 can charge the terminal even at home without being aware of the difference between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0150] Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user 3 when charging the terminal using a contactless power supply system.

[0151] (Third embodiment) Next, a charging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

[0152] In FIG. 14, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0153] 14 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of the configuration of a power supply device of a charging system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, power supply device 20A includes first authentication unit 21, second authentication unit 22A, contactless power supply unit 23, power supply unit 24, frequency setting unit 25, and communication unit 26.

[0154] In this embodiment, when power is supplied to the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of the user 3 using a contactless power supply method, the second authentication unit 22A performs a process of authenticating whether or not to supply power using a second charging process different from the first charging process, based on the authentication method adopted by the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300.

[0155] Here, the smartphone 200 or electric kettle 300 of user 3 that is supplied with power by the power supply device 20A of the charging system according to this embodiment via a contactless power supply method may be equipped with an authentication chip that has written therein signed information for authenticating the supply of power in the second charging process.

[0156] When the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 is placed on the non-contact power supply unit 23, the second authentication unit 22A periodically transmits data for authentication based on a specific communication method to the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 (power receiving side).

[0157] If the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 is equipped with an authentication chip, when the contactless power supply unit 23 supplies power, data responding to data based on a specific communication method sent from the power supply device 20 side (power supply side) is sent back from the power receiving side to the power supply side together with signed information.

[0158] If the data is returned together with the signed information, the second authentication unit 22A authenticates that the smartphone 200 or the electric kettle 300 of the user 3 is in the second charging process.

[0159] For example, when power is supplied in the first charging process based on authentication in the first authentication unit 21, 7.5 W is supplied, and when power is supplied in the second charging process based on authentication in the second authentication unit 22A, 15 W is supplied; thus, the amount of power can be changed between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0160] Regarding the modulation frequency, when power is supplied in the first charging process based on authentication in the first authentication unit 21, power is supplied at a modulation frequency of 150 kHz, and when power is supplied in the second charging process based on authentication in the second authentication unit 22A, power is supplied at a modulation frequency of approximately 360 kHz, and the modulation frequency can be changed between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0161] Power is supplied based on the specifications of the power receiving side, and while the charging time can be shortened if the supplied power is large, the power is frequency modulated using PWM or other methods, and depending on the frequency, the frequency and harmonics of that frequency generated can become electromagnetic noise, which can interfere with communication with peripheral devices, so it is effective to be able to change the amount of power and modulation frequency.

[0162] Here, in this embodiment, when "Qi" and "Qi2" coexist as international standards, it is assumed that the first charging process is a process of supplying power using a contactless power supply method based on "Qi," and the second charging process is a process of supplying power using a contactless power supply method based on "Qi2."

[0163] In addition, "Qi" and "Qi2" may differ in various respects, such as whether authentication is performed based on an authentication chip on the user 3's terminal during authentication, the power that can be supplied, the frequency at which power is supplied, etc.

[0164] In this way, in this embodiment, when "Qi" and "Qi2" coexist as international standards, authentication is performed to determine whether power is to be supplied using the first charging process or the second charging process depending on the terminal of user 3, and the terminal is charged using a process based on the authentication, so that user 3 can charge the terminal without being aware of the difference between the first charging process and the second charging process.

[0165] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0166] In the above embodiments, the case where the terminal of the user 3 is a portable information terminal such as the smartphone 200 and the electric kettle 300 has been described, but this is not limited to these. For example, instead of the electric kettle 300, it may be a smartphone that performs authentication with a high level of security and specifications different from those of the smartphone 200, or a lighting fixture that uses a contactless power supply system and has communication functions.

[0167] In each of the above embodiments, a process of providing map information to the smartphone 200 of the user 3 via the map provider terminal 400 of the map provider 2 is described. However, the map information may be provided to the smartphone 200 by the smartphone 200 accessing map information stored in the information processing device 40 managed by the provider 1.

[0168] In the first embodiment described above, a case was described in which video information is delivered to the smartphone 200, and when the video information is viewed to the end, terminal information is sent from the smartphone 200 to the information processing device 40. However, for example, it may be possible to charge the user 3, or to have the advertiser answer a questionnaire for the user 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1 business operator 3 users 10,50 Charging System 20 Power supply device 40 Information processing equipment 200 Smartphones (terminals, portable information terminals) 300 Electric kettle (terminal)

Claims

1. a first authentication unit that authenticates a first charging process for supplying power to a user terminal based on the contactless power supply method, based on the user terminal; a second authentication unit that authenticates, based on the terminal, a second charging process that is different from the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit and that supplies power to the terminal based on the wireless power supply method; a wireless power supply unit that charges the terminal based on either the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit or the second charging process authenticated by the second authentication unit, Charging system.

2. a terminal information transmission process of transmitting terminal information including data related to attributes of the user to an information processing device when the terminal is charged by the power supply device; and executing a power supply device information transmission process of transmitting power supply device information including data on attributes of the power supply device to the information processing device. The charging system of claim 1 .

3. a terminal information transmission process of transmitting terminal information including data related to attributes of the user to an information processing device when the terminal is charged by the power supply device; a power supply device information transmission process for transmitting power supply device information including data related to attributes of the power supply device to the information processing device; The information processing device includes: executing a matching process for matching the terminal information with the power supply device information; 3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a terminal information transmission process of transmitting terminal information including data related to attributes of the user to an information processing device when the terminal is charged by the power supply device; a power supply device information transmission process for transmitting power supply device information including data related to attributes of the power supply device to the information processing device; The terminal information is The information includes at least one of the user's name or ID, email address, gender, date of birth, occupation, address, and power consumption of the terminal.

3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a terminal information transmission process of transmitting terminal information including data related to attributes of the user to an information processing device when the terminal is charged by the power supply device; a power supply device information transmission process for transmitting power supply device information including data related to attributes of the power supply device to the information processing device; The power supply device information The information includes at least one of the ID of the power supply device, the installation location, the usage time, and the date and time.

3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. executing an information display process for displaying the position of the power supply device on map information displayed on the terminal based on an operation by the user; 3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The terminal At least one of a portable information terminal, an electrical appliance having a heating container, and a lighting appliance.

3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a first authentication unit that authenticates a first charging process for supplying power to a user terminal based on the contactless power supply method, based on the user terminal; a second authentication unit that authenticates, based on the terminal, a second charging process that is different from the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit and that supplies power to the terminal based on the wireless power supply method; a wireless power supply unit that sets power and a modulation frequency based on either the first charging process authenticated by the first authentication unit or the second charging process authenticated by the second authentication unit and charges the terminal; A power supply device comprising:

9. a terminal information receiving process for receiving terminal information including data on user attributes acquired when the terminal is charged by the power supply device using a contactless power supply method; a power supply device information receiving process for receiving power supply device information including data on attributes of the power supply device; a matching process of matching the terminal information received in the terminal information receiving process with the power supply device information received in the power supply device information receiving process; An information processing device that executes the above.

10. An information processing device implemented by a computer, a terminal information receiving process for receiving terminal information including data on user attributes acquired when the terminal is charged by the power supply device using a contactless power supply method; a power supply device information receiving process for receiving power supply device information including data on attributes of the power supply device; a matching process of matching the terminal information received in the terminal information receiving process with the power supply device information received in the power supply device information receiving process; A program that executes the following.

11. An information processing device implemented by a computer, a terminal information receiving process for receiving terminal information including data on user attributes acquired when the terminal is charged by the power supply device using a contactless power supply method; a power supply device information receiving process for receiving power supply device information including data on attributes of the power supply device; a matching process of matching the terminal information received in the terminal information receiving process with the power supply device information received in the power supply device information receiving process; An information processing method that performs the above.

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