Electronic apparatus, method executed by electronic apparatus, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique that, when an electronic apparatus can execute a predetermined function, can appropriately perform cooperative operations between the electronic apparatus and a power receiving device.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus 102 wirelessly receives power from a power transmission device 100 and has a predetermined function different from the power receiving function. The electronic apparatus can perform processing related to restrictions on the transmission of power from the power transmission device. The electronic apparatus determines whether it can perform the processing related to the restrictions on the power transmission (S500), and when determining that it cannot perform the processing related to the restrictions on the power transmission, restricts the predetermined function (S503).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technology of wireless power transmission. [Background technology]

[0002] The development of wireless power transmission systems has been widely conducted, and the standard (Qi standard) established by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) as a wireless charging standard is widely known. In such wireless power transmission, a technology has been disclosed in which, when an event occurs that requires power transmission to be stopped, a power receiving device notifies a power transmitting device of a power transmission stop instruction together with a reason code (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-197851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When an electronic device having a power receiving device attempts to execute a specific function of the electronic device, no proposal has been made so far regarding cooperative operation between the electronic device and the power receiving device. Depending on the function of the electronic device, appropriate cooperative operation between the electronic device and the power receiving device may be required.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique that allows appropriate cooperation between an electronic device and a power receiving device when the electronic device is capable of executing a predetermined function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmitting device, an execution means for executing a predetermined function different from the power receiving function, a processing means for performing processing related to limiting power transmission from the power transmitting device, a determination means for determining whether the processing means can perform processing related to limiting power transmission, and a restriction means for restricting the predetermined function if it is determined that the processing means cannot perform processing related to limiting power transmission. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, when an electronic device is capable of executing a predetermined function, it is possible to appropriately perform cooperative operation with a power receiving device of the electronic device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless power transmission system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic device including a power receiving device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power transmitting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless power transmission system. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an operation of a wireless power transmission system according to a comparative example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the wireless power transmission system when the power transmitting device cannot be controlled. [Figure 7] 10A is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device in the first embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a flowchart showing the operation of the electronic device in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Not all of the features in the embodiments of the present disclosure are essential, and multiple features may be combined as desired. Furthermore, the configurations shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated configurations. In the drawings, the same reference symbols are used to designate the same or similar configurations, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] (System configuration) FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a wireless power transmission system according to this embodiment. In one example, the wireless power transmission system includes a power transmission device 100 and an electronic device 102 incorporating a power receiving device 101. The power transmission device 100 and the power receiving device 101 comply with the WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) standard. The power transmission device 100 is, for example, an electronic device that wirelessly transmits power to a power receiving device 101 placed thereon. The power transmission device 100 wirelessly transmits power to the power receiving device 101 via a power transmission coil. The power receiving device 101 is, for example, an electronic device that receives power from the power transmission device 100 and charges a built-in battery. The power transmission device 100 and the electronic device 102 may be, for example, a camera, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a laptop, an automobile, a robot, a medical device, a printer, or the like.

[0011] (Electronic device configuration) 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of an electronic device 102 including a power receiving device 101. The power receiving device 101 includes, for example, a first control unit 200, a power receiving coil 201, a rectifying unit 202, a voltage control unit 203, a communication unit 204, a charging unit 205, a resonance capacitor 207, and a switch 208. The electronic device 102 includes a battery 206, a second control unit 209, and a functional unit 210.

[0012] The first control unit 200 controls the entire power receiving device 101. The first control unit 200 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The first control unit 200 may include one or more storage devices, such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory). The first control unit 200 can be configured to perform each process described below, for example, by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the storage device. The power receiving coil 201 is a coil used when receiving power from the power transmitting coil 303 of the power transmitting device 100.

[0013] Rectification unit 202 converts the AC voltage and AC current received via power receiving coil 201 into DC voltage and DC current.

[0014] Voltage control unit 203 converts the level of the DC voltage input from rectification unit 202 into a DC voltage level (neither too high nor too low) suitable for operation of first control unit 200, charging unit 205, etc. Furthermore, voltage control unit 203 supplies the voltage of the converted level to charging unit 205.

[0015] The charging unit 205 charges the battery 206 of the electronic device 102 with the voltage supplied from the voltage control unit 203 .

[0016] The power receiving coil 201, the resonant capacitor 207, the rectifier 202, and the voltage control unit 203 are an example of a power receiving unit that receives power wirelessly from the power transmitting device.

[0017] The communication unit 204 performs control communication for wireless charging based on the WPC Qi standard with the power transmitting device 100. This control communication is performed by load modulating the AC voltage and AC current received by the power receiving coil 201.

[0018] Power receiving coil 201 is connected to resonant capacitor 207 and is configured to resonate at a specific frequency F2. Switch 208 is a switch for shorting power receiving coil 201 and resonant capacitor 207, and is controlled by first control unit 200. When switch 208 is turned on, power receiving coil 201 and resonant capacitor 207 form a series resonant circuit. At this time, current flows only through the closed circuit of power receiving coil 201, resonant capacitor 207, and switch 208, and no current flows through rectifier unit 202 or voltage control unit 203. In contrast, when switch 208 is turned off, current flows through rectifier unit 202 and voltage control unit 203 via power receiving coil 201 and resonant capacitor 207.

[0019] The second control unit 209 performs overall control of the entire electronic device 102. The second control unit 209 communicates with the first control unit 200 and controls the first control unit 200, thereby transmitting various packets to the power transmitting device 100, thereby controlling the power transmitting device 100. Here, the communication between the first control unit 200 and the second control unit 209 is performed using wired communication based on the I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) standard, or the like. The communication standard is not limited to I2C, and other communication standards such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) may also be used.

[0020] The functional unit 210 is a circuit block for realizing a predetermined function of the electronic device 102. For example, if the electronic device 102 is a radiation imaging device or a camera, the functional unit 210 may be an imaging unit with an imaging function. The functional unit 210 may also be a communication unit for performing wired or wireless communication with another electronic device (another device) not shown. The reason why a communication unit is mentioned here is that, depending on the frequency band of communication performed by such a communication unit, electromagnetic waves generated when the power transmitting device 100 transmits power may adversely affect the communication. The functional unit 210 and the second control unit 209 are an example of an execution means for performing a predetermined function different from the power receiving function.

[0021] (Configuration of power transmission device) 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power transmitting device 100. The power transmitting device 100 includes, for example, a control unit 300, a power supply unit 301, a power transmitting unit 302, a power transmitting coil 303, a communication unit 304, a memory 305, a resonance capacitor 306, and a switch 307.

[0022] The control unit 300 controls the entire power transmitting device 100. The control unit 300 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU or an MPU. The control unit 300 can be configured to perform each process described below by, for example, using the processor to execute a program stored in a memory 305 (described below) or a storage device built into the control unit 300.

[0023] The power supply unit 301 supplies power to each functional block. The power supply unit 301 is, for example, a commercial power supply or a battery. The battery can store power supplied from the commercial power supply, for example.

[0024] The power transmitting unit 302 converts the DC or AC power input from the power supply unit 301 into AC power in a frequency band used for wireless power transmission, and inputs the AC power to the power transmitting coil 303. As a result, electromagnetic waves for causing the power receiving device 101 to receive power are generated from the power transmitting coil 303. For example, the power transmitting unit 302 converts the DC voltage supplied from the power supply unit 301 into an AC voltage using a switching circuit with a half-bridge or full-bridge configuration using FETs (Field Effect Transistors). In this case, the power transmitting unit 302 includes a gate driver that controls the ON / OFF of the FETs.

[0025] The power transmitting unit 302 also controls the intensity and frequency of the electromagnetic waves to be output by adjusting at least one of the voltage (transmission voltage) and current (transmission current) input to the power transmitting coil 303, or the frequency. For example, the power transmitting unit 302 increases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by increasing the transmission voltage or current, and decreases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves by decreasing the transmission voltage or current. The power transmitting unit 302 may be capable of supplying at least 15 watts (W) of power to the charging unit 205 of the power receiving device 101 that complies with the Qi standard. Based on instructions from the control unit 300, the power transmitting unit 302 also controls the output of AC power so that the output of electromagnetic waves from the power transmitting coil 303 is started or stopped. The transmission voltage or current frequency generated by the power transmitting unit 302 may be a frequency between 110 kHz and 148.5 kHz used in the Qi standard, 360 kHz, 1.7 MHz, or the like.

[0026] The communication unit 304 communicates with the power receiving device 101 via the power transmitting coil 303 for power transmission control based on the Qi standard. The communication unit 304 modulates the AC voltage and AC current output from the power transmitting unit 302 using frequency modulation (FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)) and transmits information to the power receiving device 101. The communication unit 304 also demodulates the AC voltage and AC current modulated by load modulation by the communication unit 204 of the power receiving device 101 to acquire information transmitted by the power receiving device 101. That is, the communication unit 304 superimposes information to be transmitted to the power receiving device 101 on electromagnetic waves transmitted from the power transmitting unit 302 and detects a received signal superimposed by the power receiving device 101 on the electromagnetic waves, thereby communicating with the power receiving device 101.

[0027] The communication unit 304 may communicate with the power receiving device 101 according to a standard other than the Qi standard by using a coil (or antenna) other than the power transmitting coil 303. The communication unit 304 may communicate with the power receiving device 101 by selectively using multiple communication functions.

[0028] The memory 305 stores, for example, a control program executed by the control unit 300 and information such as the states of the power transmitting device 100 and the power receiving device 101. For example, the state of the power transmitting device 100 is acquired by the control unit 300. The state of the power receiving device 101 is acquired by the first control unit 200 of the power receiving device 101 and transmitted from the communication unit 204, and the power transmitting device 100 acquires information indicating this state via the communication unit 304.

[0029] The transmitting coil 303 is connected to the resonant capacitor 306 and is configured to resonate at a specific frequency F1. The switch 307 is a switch for shorting the transmitting coil 303 and the resonant capacitor 306, and is controlled by the control unit 300. When the switch 307 is turned on, the transmitting coil 303 and the resonant capacitor 306 form a series resonant circuit. At this time, current flows only through the closed circuit of the transmitting coil 303, the resonant capacitor 306, and the switch 307. When the switch 307 is turned off, power is supplied to the transmitting coil 303 and the resonant capacitor 306 from the power transmitting unit 302.

[0030] 4 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the wireless power transmission system of this embodiment. In FIG. 4, the operation on the electronic device 102 side is shown as the operation of the power receiving device 101 (first control unit 200), the second control unit 209, and the function unit 210.

[0031] When the electronic device 102 is a radiation imaging device, the functional unit 210 includes at least a sensor for detecting radiation and an imaging unit for capturing images. The sensor is sensitive to frequencies between 110 kHz and 148.5 kHz, 360 kHz, 1.7 MHz, and other frequencies used in the Qi standard. In other words, if the power transmitting device 100 captures an image while transmitting power to the power receiving device 101 (while the power receiving device 101 is receiving power), the sensor has the above sensitivity, and therefore the voltage and current at these frequencies are superimposed as image noise on the image generated by the imaging unit. The generation of an image with image noise superimposed is a problem for a radiation imaging device. Therefore, the electronic device 102 controls the power transmitting device 100 via the power receiving device 101 to capture an image while power transmission is stopped. This operation is described below.

[0032] The power transmitting device 100 transmits an Analog Ping to detect an object present near the power transmitting coil 303 (F400). The Analog Ping is a pulsed power for detecting an object. The Analog Ping is a very small power that cannot activate the first control unit 200 even if the power receiving device 101 receives it. The power transmitting device 100 detects the object by detecting a shift in the resonant frequency of the voltage value inside the power transmitting coil 303, which is caused by an object present near the power transmitting coil 303, or a change in the voltage value and current value flowing through the power transmitting coil 303, using the Analog Ping.

[0033] When the power transmitting device 100 detects an object by the Analog Ping, it measures the Q value of the power transmitting coil 303 (F401). Then, following the Q value measurement, the power transmitting device 100 starts transmitting a Digital Ping (F402). The Digital Ping is power for starting the first control unit 200 of the power receiving device 101, and is greater than the Analog Ping. The Digital Ping is transmitted continuously thereafter. That is, the power transmitting device 100 continues to transmit power equal to or greater than the Digital Ping from the time when it starts transmitting the Digital Ping (F402) until it receives an EPT (End Power Transfer) packet (described later) from the power receiving device 101 (F426).

[0034] When the power receiving apparatus 101 receives the Digital Ping and starts up, the power receiving apparatus 101 stores the voltage value of the received Digital Ping in a Signal Strength packet and transmits the packet to the power transmitting apparatus 100 (F403).

[0035] Next, the power receiving device 101 transmits to the power transmitting device 100 an ID packet storing an ID including version information of the Qi standard to which the power receiving device 101 conforms and device identification information (F404). The power receiving device 101 transmits to the power transmitting device 100 a Configuration packet including information such as the maximum value of power that the voltage control unit 203 supplies to the load (charging unit 205) (F405). The power transmitting device 100 receives the ID packet and the Configuration packet. When the power transmitting device 100 determines from these packets that the power receiving device 101 supports an extended protocol of the Qi standard v1.2 or later (including Negotiation, which will be described later), it responds with an ACK (acknowledgment) (F406).

[0036] When the power receiving device 101 receives the ACK, it transitions to a negotiation phase in which negotiations are performed regarding power to be transmitted and received. First, the power receiving device 101 transmits an FOD (Foreign Object Detection) Status packet to the power transmitting device 100 (F407). In this embodiment, this FOD Status packet is called "FOD(Q1)." The power transmitting device 100 performs foreign object detection using a first foreign object detection method based on the Q value stored in the received FOD(Q1) and the Q value measured in the Q value measurement (F401). Then, if the power transmitting device 100 determines that there is a high possibility that a foreign object is not present, it transmits an ACK indicating the determination result to the power receiving device 101 (F408).

[0037] Upon receiving the ACK, the power receiving apparatus 101 transmits a GRQ (CAP) (F409). Here, the GRQ (CAP) is a packet of General Requests (GRQs) defined in the Qi standard, by which the power receiving apparatus 101 inquires about the capability of the power transmitting apparatus 100. Then, the power receiving apparatus 101 receives the capability from the power transmitting apparatus 100 (F410).

[0038] The power receiving device 101 negotiates Guaranteed Load Power (hereinafter referred to as GP), which is the maximum value of the power value that the power receiving device 101 requests to receive. GP indicates the load power of the power receiving device 101 (power consumed by the battery 206) agreed upon with the power transmitting device 100. This negotiation is realized by the power receiving device 101 transmitting a packet that stores the requested GP value, which is one of Specific Requests (SRQ) defined in the Qi standard, to the power transmitting device 100 (F411). In this embodiment, this packet is called an "SRQ(GP)."

[0039] The power transmitting device 100 responds to the SRQ(GP) taking into consideration the power transmission capability of the power transmitting device 100, etc. If the power transmitting device 100 determines that the GP is acceptable, it transmits an ACK indicating that the request has been accepted (F412). The power receiving device 101 can request, for example, 15 watts as the GP using the SRQ(GP). When the power receiving device 101 completes negotiation of multiple parameters including the GP, it transmits an "SRQ(EN)" of the Specific Requests requesting the end of negotiation (End Negotiation) to the power transmitting device (F413). Then, the power transmitting device 100 transmits an ACK in response to the SRQ(EN) (F414), ends the Negotiation phase, and transitions to the Power Transfer phase in which power defined by the GP is transmitted and received.

[0040] The power receiving device 101 then transmits to the power transmitting device 100 information for foreign object detection based on the power loss method as a second foreign object detection method, but this will not be described in detail in this embodiment. First, the power receiving device 101 notifies the power transmitting device 100 of a Received Power Packet (mode 1), which is a packet storing received power (F415). This packet is called RP1 (FOD) in this embodiment. Upon receiving this packet, the power transmitting device 100 transmits an ACK to the power receiving device 101 (F416).

[0041] The power receiving device 101 transmits CE(+) to the power transmitting device 100, which indicates that the transmission output (for example, voltage or current) from the power transmitting device 100 should be increased by a predetermined value (F417). Upon receiving CE(+), the power transmitting device 100 changes the setting value of the power transmitting unit 302. When the voltage or current received increases in response to CE(+), the power receiving device 101 supplies the received power to a load (the charging unit 205 or the battery 206).

[0042] The power receiving apparatus 101 notifies the power transmitting apparatus 100 of a Received Power Packet (mode 2), which is a packet storing the received power (F418). In this embodiment, this packet is called RP2 (FOD). Upon receiving this packet, the power transmitting apparatus 100 transmits an ACK to the power receiving apparatus 101 (F419). The power receiving apparatus 101 transmits CE(+) (F420, F421), similar to F417 above.

[0043] Here, when the user of the electronic device 102 captures an image, in order to avoid generating an image with superimposed noise, the second control unit 209 notifies the power transmitting device 100 via the power receiving device 101 of negotiations for a period for stopping power transmission and an instruction to stop power transmission. For example, when the second control unit 209 receives an instruction to perform imaging from the user of the electronic device 102, it issues a renegotiation instruction indicating an instruction to return from the power transfer phase to the negotiation phase again (F428). For example, communication based on the above-mentioned I2C or SPI is used for this instruction.

[0044] When the first control unit 200 receives the Renegotiation instruction, it transmits an ACK indicating that the reception has been performed correctly to the second control unit 209 (F429). Then, the first control unit 200 transmits a Renegotiation packet to the power transmitting device 100 in order to return from the Power Transfer phase to the Negotiation phase again (F422). When the power transmitting device 100 receives the Renegotiation packet, it transmits an ACK to the power receiving device 101 (F423) and transitions to the Renegotiation phase.

[0045] The second control unit 209 notifies the first control unit 200 of Re Ping Delay, which indicates the power transmission suspension period (F430). When the first control unit 200 receives the Re Ping Delay packet, it transmits an ACK, which indicates that the packet was received correctly, to the second control unit 209 (F431). The power transmission suspension period is specifically the time from when the power transmission suspension instruction is received until the next Digital Ping is transmitted, and is a time determined by the user based on the time required for imaging, which will be described later.

[0046] The first control unit 200 transmits an SRQ (rep) packet to the power transmission device 100 for negotiating with the power transmission device 100 the power transmission suspension period received in F430 (F424), and receives an ACK from the power transmission device 100 indicating that the negotiation has been accepted (F425).

[0047] The second control unit 209 notifies the first control unit 200 of EPT / rep indicating an instruction to stop power transmission for the power transmission suspension period (F432). Then, the second control unit 209 receives an ACK from the first control unit 200 (F433). Upon receiving the EPT / rep instruction, the first control unit 200 transmits the EPT / rep to the power transmitting device (F426).

[0048] When the power transmitting device 100 receives the EPT / rep, it stops transmitting power for the Re Ping Delay. At this time, the power receiving device 101 naturally stops receiving power.

[0049] Information indicating the period for stopping power transmission (e.g., Re Ping Delay) and / or information indicating a power transmission stop instruction (instruction to stop power transmission) (e.g., EPT / rep) are examples of information related to power transmission restriction. Negotiation of the period for stopping power transmission is also an example of communication of information related to power transmission restriction. Alternatively, transmission of a power transmission stop instruction (instruction to stop power transmission) and a response thereto are also examples of communication of information related to power transmission restriction. The second control unit 209 and the program that mainly executes processing related to power transmission restriction are examples of processing means that executes processing related to power transmission restriction from the power transmitting device.

[0050] Then, the second control unit 209 issues an image capture instruction to the function unit 210 (F434), and the function unit 210 receives the image capture instruction and captures an image during the Re Ping Delay period (F435).

[0051] When the Re Ping Delay period ends, the power transmitting device 100 transmits a Digital Ping (F427).

[0052] In this way, the second control unit 209 can prevent an image with noise superimposed thereon from being generated by capturing an image while the power transmitting device 100 is not transmitting power.

[0053] (Comparative Example) Next, a comparative example for comparison with this embodiment of the wireless power transmission system operating as described above will be described. Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the comparative example of the wireless power transmission system. In the Qi standard, power transmission may be stopped due to misalignment between the power transmitting device 100 and the power receiving device 101. An example of power transmission being stopped due to such misalignment will be described as a comparative example with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the same steps as those shown in Fig. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0054] Assume that immediately after receiving CE(+) from the power receiving device 101 at F421, a positional misalignment occurs between the power transmitting device 100 and the power receiving device 101, causing power transmission to stop. At this time, the power receiving device 101 stops receiving power, so the first control unit 200 no longer receives power and stops operating. Therefore, the first control unit 200 does not transmit an ACK in response to the Renegotiation instruction (F428), Re Ping Delay (F430), or EPT / rep instruction (F432) from the second control unit. Therefore, the power receiving device 101 does not transmit an SRQ(rep) or EPT / rep to the power transmitting device 100.

[0055] When the power transmitting device 100 stops power transmission due to a positional shift of the power receiving device 101, it returns to the Ping phase in accordance with the Qi standard and transmits an Analog Ping (F400) and a Digital Ping (F402). If the positional shift remains, the power receiving device 101 cannot receive the Digital Ping and does not transmit Signal Strength (F403). In other words, the power receiving device 101 cannot communicate information related to the stop of power transmission with the power transmitting device 100. Then, the power transmitting device 100 transmits an Analog Ping (F400) and a Digital Ping (F436) again.

[0056] The second control unit 209 issues an image capture instruction to the functional unit 210 (F434), and the functional unit 210 captures the image (F435).

[0057] Here, if the Digital Ping transmitted by the power transmitting device 100 in F436 and the image capturing F435 overlap in time, there is a problem that an image with noise superimposed thereon is generated.

[0058] (Operation of the Electronic Device of the Present Embodiment) In consideration of the above-mentioned problem, the second control unit 209 of the electronic device 102 determines whether the power receiving device 101 can control the power transmitting device 100, and if it determines that control is not possible, prohibits the operation of the function unit 210. Specifically, the determination of whether the power transmitting device 100 can be controlled refers to a determination of whether processing related to limiting power transmission by the power transmitting device 100 can be performed. The operation of the second control unit 209 of this embodiment will be described based on the flowchart in FIG. 7(A) and the sequence in FIG. 6.

[0059] When the second control unit 209 receives an input of an image capture instruction from the user, or when a positional deviation occurs between the power transmitting device 100 and the power receiving device 101, the second control unit 209 transmits a renegotiation instruction to the first control unit 200 (F428). In communication with the first control unit 200, the second control unit 209 determines whether or not an ACK in response to the renegotiation instruction (F428) has been received for data communication performed with the first control unit 200 (S500). The second control unit 209 and the program that executes the determination in S500 are an example of a determination means that determines whether or not the electronic device can perform processing related to limiting power transmission from the power transmitting device.

[0060] If the second control unit 209 has not received an ACK (NO in S500), the power receiving device 101 is not receiving power, and the second control unit 209 cannot control the operation of stopping power transmission of the power transmitting device 100. Therefore, the second control unit 209 displays an error message on a display unit (not shown) of the electronic device 102 (S502), and prohibits the user from capturing an image by issuing an instruction to the function unit 210 that capturing an image is not permitted (S503). The second control unit 209 and the program for prohibiting capturing an image in S503 are an example of a restriction unit that restricts a predetermined function when it is determined that processing related to limiting power transmission by a processing unit cannot be performed.

[0061] If the second control unit 209 has received the ACK (YES in S500), the power receiving device 101 is receiving power and can control the power transmitting device 100. Therefore, the second control unit 209 checks whether an error display is being displayed. If not (NO in S501), the second control unit 209 instructs the function unit 210 to perform image capture based on a user instruction (S505). If an error display is being displayed (YES in S501), the power transmitting device 100 is currently in a controllable state, so the second control unit 209 erases the error display (S504) and instructs the function unit 210 to perform image capture based on a user instruction (S505). In S502, the second control unit 209 and the program that notifies the error are examples of notification means for notifying the user of the electronic device of an error. Note that the error notification is not limited to being displayed on a display unit, and may be performed by sound, vibration, or the like.

[0062] The operation of the wireless power transmission system of this embodiment will be described below using the sequence of FIG.

[0063] Since the second control unit 209 does not receive an ACK for the renegotiation instruction (F428), it displays an error on a display unit (not shown) (F438) and instructs the functional unit 210 not to capture images, thereby prohibiting the user from capturing images (F439).

[0064] Although not shown in the figure, it is assumed that the user corrects the positional deviation based on the error display, and thereby places the electronic device 102 in the intended position where the power receiving device 101 can receive power. Then, the power receiving device 101 starts receiving power from the power transmitting device 100 based on the processing from F400 to F421 already described. In this case, the second control unit 209 receives ACK (F429, F431, F433 in FIG. 4), and therefore determines that it is possible to control the power transmitting device 100 via the first control unit 200, and can perform imaging based on the user's instruction.

[0065] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the electronic device 102 is capable of executing a predetermined function different from the power receiving function, the electronic device 102 can appropriately cooperate with the power receiving device 101. As a result, when the electronic device 102 attempts to execute a predetermined function, the electronic device 102 can execute the function while avoiding adverse effects or failures on the predetermined function. When the predetermined function is an imaging function as in the present embodiment, the risk of generating an image with noise superimposed thereon can be avoided. Furthermore, when the risk of generating an image with noise superimposed thereon disappears (when it becomes possible to control the operation of stopping power transmission by the power transmitting device 100), the electronic device 102 can perform imaging based on a user instruction.

[0066] [Second embodiment] 1, a system configuration is described that assumes wireless power transmission by the power transmitting device 100. However, there may be a system in which the battery 206 of the electronic device 102 is charged by a wired charger (not shown), or a system in which the power transmitting device 100 and the wired charger are not present, and the electronic device 102 may operate.

[0067] In a system in which the power transmitting device 100 does not exist, the second control unit 209 should not only perform the operation described in the first embodiment of prohibiting the operation of the functional unit 210 when it determines that the first control unit 200 (power receiving device 101) is not receiving power. This is because, in a system in which the power transmitting device 100 does not exist, even though there is no risk of generating an image with noise superimposed thereon, the operation of prohibiting imaging is performed because ACK is not received (NO in S500).

[0068] In this embodiment, an appropriate operation of the second control unit 209 in a system in which the power transmitting device 100 is not present will be described. FIG. 7B is a flowchart showing this operation. The second control unit 209 determines whether the current operating mode is a mode in which the power transmitting device 100 is present in the system and it is necessary to control the power transmitting device 100 (S506). If the power transmitting device 100 is present in the system and the operating mode is one in which the battery 206 is charged by wireless power transmitted by the power transmitting device 100 (YES in S506), the operation is performed based on the flow already described in FIG. 7A. If the result in S506 is NO, the second control unit 209 instructs the function unit 210 to capture an image based on a user instruction (S505). If the result in S506 is NO, the current operating mode of the electronic device 102 is one in which the battery 206 is charged by a wired charger or one in which the electronic device 102 operates without charging the battery 206 by the power transmitting device 100 and the wired charger.

[0069] According to this embodiment, even if the current operation mode is an operation mode in which the battery 206 is charged by a wired charger, the second control unit 209 can appropriately operate the functional unit 210 based on a user instruction. Similarly, even if the current operation mode is an operation mode in which the battery 206 is not charged by the power transmitting device 100 or a wired charger, the second control unit 209 can appropriately operate the functional unit 210 based on a user instruction.

[0070] Here, there are several possible methods for determining whether the power transmitting device 100 is in a certain operation mode. For example, the power receiving device 101 detects that wired charging has started. This may be determined by detecting a terminal voltage of a connector for wired charging or by the state of a switch (not shown) implemented in the electronic device 102 for a user to select an operation mode. Alternatively, the determination may be made by receiving information about the operation mode from another device via a wireless communication unit (not shown), such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Low Energy, or a wired communication unit (not shown), implemented in the electronic device 102.

[0071] [Other embodiments] In the above first and second embodiments, the electronic device 102 is described as a radiation imaging device, and the functional unit 210 is described as an imaging unit, but this is not limiting. The electronic device 102 may be another product that uses a sensor sensitive to the frequency band between 100 kHz and 148.5 kHz, which is the operating frequency of Qi. Combinations of products and sensors may include a camera and an imaging sensor, a printer (e.g., a multifunction peripheral) and a scanner sensor, or a product that provides a mixed reality / virtual reality experience to the user and various sensors. Alternatively, the electronic device 102 may be a product that implements Near Field Communication (NFC) with other products.

[0072] In the first and second embodiments, the second control unit 209 determines whether the power receiving device 101 is receiving power and whether processing related to stopping power transmission can be performed based on communication with the first control unit 200. However, other means may be used. For example, the second control unit 209 may make this determination based on at least one of the electrical values ​​of the following hardware elements (or between the hardware elements). Examples of the electrical values ​​of the hardware elements (or between the hardware elements) include the electrical values ​​between the power receiving coil 201 and the rectifier unit 202, the output of the rectifier unit 202, the input or output of the voltage control unit 203, and the input of the charging unit 205. The electrical values ​​refer to the input voltage value, the input current value, the output voltage value, or the output current value. In this case, if the voltage or current value at one or more locations of these hardware elements is equal to or lower than a threshold value (for example, 0), the second control unit 209 may determine that the power receiving device 101 is not receiving power and that the power transmitting device 100 cannot be controlled. Furthermore, the second control unit 209 may acquire the electrical value of the hardware element upon receiving an image capture instruction from the user and determine whether or not processing related to stopping power transmission can be performed. In this case, the second control unit 209 may or may not transmit a renegotiation instruction.

[0073] In the first and second embodiments, the second control unit 209 determines whether or not it is possible to perform processing related to stopping power transmission of the power transmitting device 100. However, the second control unit 209 may determine whether or not it is possible to perform processing related to limiting power transmission, not limited to the operation of stopping power transmission. Here, "limit" includes "stop" and also includes power transmission at a predetermined level or less that is small enough to be tolerated when a predetermined function is executed. An example of power less than the predetermined level is 5 W, but is not limited to this.

[0074] In the first and second embodiments, the second control unit 209 inhibits a predetermined function when it determines that it cannot perform processing related to stopping power transmission from the power transmitting device 100. However, the second control unit 209 is not limited to "prohibiting" a predetermined function, and may instead "restrict" the predetermined function, including prohibiting it. Restricting a predetermined function means narrowing the executable range of the function or reducing the number of executable processes or settings. Narrowing the executable range includes, for example, lowering the output or lowering the sensitivity of a sensor. For example, if the functional unit 210 is an imaging unit, the imaging unit can generate an image that allows a small amount of noise to be superimposed, i.e., an image with a deliberately lowered resolution, which has little effect on image quality.

[0075] In the first and second embodiments, the ACK to be determined in S500 is the ACK in response to the Renegotiation instruction (F428). However, the ACK to be determined may be the ACK in response to the Re Ping Delay instruction (F430) or the EPT / rep instruction (F432). Alternatively, the second control unit 209 may determine that it is not possible to perform processing related to stopping power transmission of the power transmitting device 100 if it is unable to receive at least two of these three ACKs.

[0076] The process for stopping (limiting) power transmission is not limited to the Renegotiation instruction to the EPT / rep instruction, and may take any form as long as it is a process for stopping (limiting) power transmission.

[0077] The error display (F438) may not only simply indicate that imaging cannot be performed, but may also notify the user of the status of wireless charging between the power transmitting device 100 and the power receiving device 101 and prompt the user to check the power transmitting device 100 or the power receiving device 101.

[0078] The frequency of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the power transmitting device 100 may be other than 100 kHz to 148.5 kHz, and may be in the 60 kHz to 90 kHz band, the 300 kHz band, the 1.7 MHz band, the 6.78 MHz band, or the 13.56 MHz band.

[0079] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0080] The power transmitting device and the electronic device may be, for example, an image input device such as an imaging device (such as a camera or video camera) or a scanner, or an image output device such as a printer, a copier, a projector, etc. Furthermore, they may be storage devices such as a hard disk drive or a memory device, or information processing devices such as a personal computer (PC) or a smartphone.

[0081] The electronic device of the present disclosure may also be an information terminal device. For example, the information terminal device has a display unit (display) that receives power from a power receiving antenna and displays information to a user. The power received from the power receiving antenna is stored in a power storage unit (battery), and power is supplied from the battery to the display unit. In this case, the electronic device may have a communication unit that communicates with other devices different from the power transmitting device. The communication unit may be compatible with communication standards such as NFC communication and the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G).

[0082] The electronic device of the present disclosure may also be a vehicle such as an automobile. For example, the automobile, which is an electronic device, may receive power from a charger (power transmission device) via a power transmission antenna installed in a parking lot. The automobile, which is an electronic device, may also receive power from the charger (power transmission device) via a power transmission antenna embedded in the road. In such an automobile, the received power is supplied to a battery. The battery power may be supplied to a driving unit (motor, electric unit) that drives the wheels, or may be used to drive a sensor used for driving assistance or a communication unit that communicates with an external device. In other words, in this case, the electronic device may have, in addition to the wheels, a battery, a motor or sensor that is driven using the received power, and a communication unit that communicates with devices other than the power transmission device. Furthermore, the electronic device may have a storage unit for accommodating a person. For example, the sensor may be a sensor used to measure the distance between the vehicle and other obstacles. The communication unit may be compatible with the Global Positioning System (GPS), for example. The communication unit may be compatible with communication standards such as the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G), etc. The vehicle may be a bicycle or a motorcycle.

[0083] The electronic device of the present disclosure may also be a power tool, a home appliance, or the like. These electronic devices may have a battery and a motor that is driven by received power stored in the battery. These devices may also have a notification means for notifying the user of the remaining battery charge, etc. These devices may also have a communication unit that communicates with other devices different from the power transmitting device. The communication unit may be compatible with communication standards such as NFC and the fifth generation mobile communication system (5G).

[0084] The power transmitting device of the present disclosure may also be an on-board charger that transmits power to a mobile information terminal device, such as a smartphone or tablet, that supports wireless power transmission within the vehicle. Such an on-board charger may be installed anywhere within the vehicle. For example, the on-board charger may be installed in the console of the vehicle, on the instrument panel (instrument panel, dashboard), between passenger seats, on the ceiling, or in the door. However, it is preferable that the on-board charger is not installed in a location that interferes with driving. Furthermore, although the power transmitting device has been described using the example of an on-board charger, such chargers are not limited to those installed in vehicles, and may also be installed in transportation vehicles such as trains, airplanes, and ships. In this case, the charger may also be installed between passenger seats, on the ceiling, or in the door.

[0085] The power transmitting device may also be a vehicle such as an automobile equipped with an on-board charger. In this case, the power transmitting device has wheels and a battery, and supplies power to a power receiving device (electronic device) via a power transmitting circuit unit and a power transmitting antenna using power from the battery.

[0086] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmitting device; an execution unit that executes a predetermined function different from the power receiving function; a processing means for performing processing related to limiting power transmission from the power transmission device; a determination means for determining whether or not the processing means can perform the processing related to the restriction on power transmission; and a limiting means for limiting the predetermined function when it is determined that the processing means cannot perform the processing related to the limit of the power transmission. An electronic device characterized by: (Configuration 2) The predetermined function is an image capturing function or a communication function with another device. 2. The electronic device according to configuration 1. (Configuration 3) The restriction of the power transmission includes the suspension of the power transmission. 3. The electronic device according to configuration 1 or 2. (Configuration 4) The restriction on the predetermined function includes prohibiting the execution of the predetermined function. 4. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 3. (Configuration 5) The process related to the restriction of power transmission includes a process of communicating information related to the restriction of power transmission with the power transmission device. 5. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4. (Configuration 6) When the determination means does not receive a response from the power transmission device in response to the information regarding the power transmission restriction transmitted to the power transmission device in the communication, the determination means determines that the processing means cannot perform the processing regarding the power transmission restriction. 6. The electronic device according to configuration 5. (Configuration 7) The information regarding the restriction of power transmission includes information indicating either a period during which the power transmission is restricted or an instruction to restrict the power transmission. 7. The electronic device according to configuration 6. (Configuration 8) In the Wireless Power Consortium standard, the information indicating the power transmission restriction period is a Re Ping delay indicating a period during which the power transmission is stopped, and the information indicating an instruction to execute the power transmission restriction is an EPT / rep indicating an instruction to stop the power transmission during the period during which the power transmission is stopped. 8. The electronic device according to configuration 7. (Configuration 9) The electronic device further includes a notification unit that notifies a user of the electronic device of an error when it is determined that the processing unit is unable to perform the processing related to the power transmission restriction. 9. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8. (Configuration 10) the execution means executes the predetermined function without determining whether or not the processing means can perform processing related to the limitation of power transmission when the electronic device does not wirelessly receive power from the power transmission device; The determination means performs the determination when the electronic device wirelessly receives power from the power transmitting device. 10. The electronic device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9. (method) A method executed by an electronic device that wirelessly receives power from a power transmitting device, comprising: a processing step of performing processing related to limiting power transmission from the power transmission device; a determination step of determining whether or not the processing related to the restriction on power transmission can be performed by the processing step; a limiting step of limiting a predetermined function different from the power receiving function when it is determined that the processing related to the limit of the power transmission by the processing step cannot be performed. A method characterized by: (program) A program that causes a computer to execute each step of the above method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 100: Power transmission device 101: Power receiving device 102:Electronic equipment 200: First control section 204: Communications Department 209: Second control section 210: Functional section

Claims

1. power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmitting device; an execution unit that executes a predetermined function different from the power receiving function; a processing means for performing processing related to limiting power transmission from the power transmission device; a determination means for determining whether or not the processing means can perform the processing related to the restriction on power transmission; and a limiting means for limiting the predetermined function when it is determined that the processing means cannot perform the processing related to the limit of the power transmission. An electronic device characterized by:

2. The predetermined function is an image capturing function or a communication function with another device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

3. The restriction of the power transmission includes the suspension of the power transmission.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

4. The restriction on the predetermined function includes prohibiting the execution of the predetermined function.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

5. The process related to the restriction of power transmission includes a process of communicating information related to the restriction of power transmission with the power transmission device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

6. When the determination means does not receive a response from the power transmission device in response to the information regarding the power transmission restriction transmitted to the power transmission device in the communication, the determination means determines that the processing means cannot perform the processing regarding the power transmission restriction.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5,

7. The information regarding the restriction of power transmission includes information indicating either a period during which the power transmission is restricted or an instruction to restrict the power transmission.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

8. In the Wireless Power Consortium standard, the information indicating the power transmission restriction period is Re Ping delay indicating the power transmission suspension period, and the information indicating the power transmission restriction execution instruction is EPT / rep indicating an instruction to suspend the power transmission during the power transmission suspension period.

8. The electronic device according to claim 7,

9. The electronic device further includes a notification unit that notifies a user of the electronic device of an error when it is determined that the processing unit is unable to perform the processing related to the power transmission restriction.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

10. the execution means executes the predetermined function without determining whether or not the processing means can perform processing related to the limitation of power transmission when the electronic device does not wirelessly receive power from the power transmission device; The determination means performs the determination when the electronic device wirelessly receives power from the power transmitting device.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is a semiconductor device.

11. A method executed by an electronic device that wirelessly receives power from a power transmitting device, comprising: a processing step of performing processing related to limiting power transmission from the power transmission device; a determination step of determining whether or not the processing related to the restriction on power transmission can be performed by the processing step; a limiting step of limiting a predetermined function different from the power receiving function when it is determined that the processing related to the limit of the power transmission by the processing step cannot be performed. A method characterized by:

12. A program causing a computer to execute the steps according to claim 11.

Images