Receiver

Abstract

To downsize a power receiver used in a wireless power supply system.SOLUTION: The receiver includes an antenna, a rectifier circuit, and a processing circuit. The antenna has an annular shape and includes a conductor having a predetermined width and a substrate. The rectifier circuit is installed on the substrate and rectifies the power supply signal received by the antenna. The processing circuit is installed on the substrate and executes processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a receiver. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, wireless power supply, which supplies power wirelessly, has been realized.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an antenna device that has high antenna efficiency and is flexible. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-025502 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to utilize wireless power supply in various applications, it is desirable to reduce the size of the power receiver used in the wireless power supply system.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the size of a power receiver used in a wireless power feeding system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The receiver includes an antenna, a rectifier circuit, and a processing circuit. The antenna includes a ring-shaped conductor having a predetermined width and a substrate. The rectifier circuit is mounted on the substrate and rectifies a power signal received by the antenna. The processing circuit is mounted on the substrate and performs processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the power receiver used in a wireless power feeding system can be made smaller. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a receiver 200. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the receiver 200. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the receiver 200. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating another example of the configuration of the receiver 200. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a receiver 200. [Figure 8] 2 shows an example of a schematic diagram of a receiver 200 when a shielding material 252 is attached. [Figure 9] 2 shows another example of a schematic diagram of a receiver 200 when a shielding material 252 is attached. [Figure 10] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a receiver 200a when viewed from a predetermined direction. FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the receiver 200a shown in FIG. 10 when viewed from the back. [Figure 12] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a back surface portion 209a on the side not in contact with an antenna 201a. [Figure 13] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a back surface portion 209a on the side that comes into contact with an antenna 201a. [Figure 14] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic diagram of a receiver 200 housed in a housing 250. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic diagram of a receiver 200 in which one surface of a housing 250 is made of metal. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the receiver 200. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the receiver 200a. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a receiver 200. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings describing the embodiments, common components are designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted. Note that the following embodiments do not unduly limit the content of the present disclosure described in the claims. Furthermore, not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration.

[0011] <Summary> The wireless power supply system includes a transmitter that transmits a power supply signal and multiple receivers that receive the power supply signal from the transmitter and generate power. The receiver receives, for example, radio waves in the 920 MHz band as the power supply signal. The receiver also transmits and receives, for example, radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band as a data signal. The receiver receives the 920 MHz band power supply signal and transmits and receives the 2.4 GHz band data signal using a single antenna.

[0012] <1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0013] The WPT system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes, for example, a transmitter 100, a receiver 200, a first information processing device 300, and a second information processing device 400. The WPT system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used, for example, in a building or a factory. Note that the connection between the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300, and the connection between the first information processing device 300 and the second information processing device 400 may be wired or wireless.

[0014] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes three transmitters 100, but the number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to three. The number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 may be two or less, or may be four or more.

[0015] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes seven receivers 200, but the number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to seven. The number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 may be six or less, or eight or more.

[0016] In this specification, the transmitter 100 is a (power) transmitter 100 in the sense of wirelessly transmitting power, and similarly, the receiver 200 is a (power) receiver 200 in the sense of wirelessly receiving power. As will be described later, the receiver 200 may transmit, for example, information about the state of the receiver 200 or information about a measurement result by a sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal, and the transmitter 100 may receive such a data signal. In this case, the transmitter 100 is a receiver that receives the data signal, and the receiver 200 functions as a transmitter that transmits the data signal.

[0017] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes two first information processing devices 300, but the number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to two. The number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 may be one, or three or more.

[0018] The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal to the receiver 200. The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 920 MHz band. The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a data signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. The transmitter 100 may transmit a data signal by radio waves in the 920 MHz band.

[0019] The power feed signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 may be, for example, a continuous wave (CW) signal having a predetermined power. The frequency band of the power feed signal is, for example, the 920 MHz band, taking into consideration the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. If the frequency band is higher than the illustrated frequency band, it may be impossible to feed a predetermined power that allows the receiver 200 to operate unless the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 is shortened. Therefore, an appropriate frequency band can be determined by taking into consideration a practical range (for example, the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 is several meters).

[0020] In this case, the laws of the country in which the WPT system 1 is installed may impose restrictions on the intermittent transmission of a power feed signal having a predetermined power. For example, if the power feed signal from the transmitter 100 falls under the radio station provisions of the Radio Act of Japan (regardless of whether a license is granted), the Radio Act may require a certain pause period for the power feed signal. In this case, the power feed signal cannot be considered a continuous wave from a certain time perspective. However, it is essential to provide a pause period, and a short pause period is sufficient. Therefore, the power feed signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 can be considered to be a substantially continuous continuous wave. As described above, the ratio between the duration of the power feed signal and the pause period may be such that the power feed signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 can be considered to be a substantially continuous continuous wave. For example, the pause period may be approximately 1 / 50 to 1 / 100 of the duration of the power feed signal.

[0021] The transmitter 100 may, for example, supply power to one receiver 200, or may supply power to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a data signal to one receiver 200, or may transmit a data signal to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit the same data signal as another transmitter 100, or may transmit a data signal different from that of the other transmitters 100. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a predetermined command signal as a data signal to the receiver 200, or may transmit a preset signal as a data signal to the receiver 200.

[0022] The transmitter 100 receives, for example, a data signal transmitted from the receiver 200. The transmitter 100 may receive, for example, a data signal transmitted from one receiver 200, or may receive data signals transmitted from a plurality of receivers 200. The transmitter 100 transmits the data signal transmitted from the receiver 200 to the first information processing device 300. The transmitter 100 transmits information related to the state of the transmitter 100 to the first information processing device 300.

[0023] The receiver 200 receives, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. If the receiver 200 has, for example, a power storage unit, it converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and stores the converted electric power in the power storage unit. If the receiver 200 has, for example, a predetermined sensor, it converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and drives the sensor with the converted electric power.

[0024] The receiver 200 transmits, for example, information relating to the state of the receiver 200 or information relating to the measurement results of the sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal.

[0025] The first information processing device 300 is an information processing device that monitors the operations of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 determines whether the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state based on information about the state of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 transmitted from the transmitter 100. If it is determined that the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state, the first information processing device 300 transmits predetermined information to the second information processing device 400.

[0026] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 accumulates information about the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 accommodated in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 stores information about the states of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200, which is transmitted from the transmitter 100, in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300.

[0027] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 controls the operation of the transmitter 100 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 transmits a predetermined instruction or information to the transmitter 100.

[0028] The first information processing device 300 also controls the operation of the second information processing device 400 .

[0029] The second information processing device 400 is, for example, an information processing device operated by an administrator of the WPT system 1. When the second information processing device 400 receives a notification from the first information processing device 300 that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of them housed in the WPT system 1 are in a predetermined state, the second information processing device 400 presents to the user that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of them are in the predetermined state.

[0030] Furthermore, the second information processing device 400 analyzes information about the states of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 stored in the first information processing device 300, and presents predetermined information to the user. The predetermined information is, for example, the following: Information regarding the placement of the transmitter 100 Information about the placement of the receiver 200 Power consumption information Information about power consumption

[0031] <2. Transmitter and receiver configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are, for example, spaced apart by a predetermined distance. For example, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are installed at a distance of about several meters apart. Specifically, for example, the transmitter 100 is fixedly installed at a high location indoors, such as a predetermined high position on a ceiling or a wall. The receiver 200 is installed in a predetermined device indoors or placed near a device requiring power supply. The receiver 200 may also be carried by a user. The transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200 using radio waves of a predetermined frequency, for example, a 920 MHz band. The receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into power and uses the converted power to charge or supply the converted power to a predetermined device.

[0032] The transmitter 100 includes, for example, an oscillator 101, a transmitting antenna 102, a microcomputer (controller) 103, a data transceiver 104, and a data transmitting / receiving antenna 105. The oscillator 101, the microcomputer 103, the data transceiver 104, the data transmitting / receiving antenna 105, or a combination of at least any of these may be mounted on, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board).

[0033] The oscillator 101 oscillates a signal in a predetermined frequency band, for example, the 920 MHz band. The oscillated signal may be amplified and unnecessary frequency components may be removed, if necessary.

[0034] The transmitting antenna 102 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The transmitting antenna 102 radiates a signal oscillated by an oscillator 101 as a power feeding signal.

[0035] The microcomputer 103 controls the operation of the transmitter 100. The microcomputer 103 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor device equipped with an ARM processor. The microcomputer 103 controls, for example, the transmission of radio waves by the transmission antenna 102.

[0036] The data transceiver 104 performs processes such as converting digital data to analog and modulating analog data. The data transceiver 104 also performs processes such as demodulating a data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105 and digitizing the demodulated data. For example, the data transceiver 104 extracts a predetermined signal from the data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105, converts it into digital data, and transmits it to the microcomputer 103.

[0037] The data transmitting / receiving antenna 105 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The data transmitting / receiving antenna 105 radiates data signals supplied from the data transceiver 104. The data transmitting / receiving antenna 105 also receives data signals transmitted from the receiver 200.

[0038] The receiver 200 includes, for example, an antenna 201, a rectifier 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, and a data transceiver 206. The antenna 201, the rectifier 202, the power management unit 203, the power storage unit 204, the microcomputer 205, the data transceiver 206, or a combination of at least any of these may be mounted on, for example, a PCB or an FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0039] The antenna 201 is configured to be able to efficiently receive radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The antenna 201 receives the power supply signal radiated from the transmitting antenna 102.

[0040] The antenna 201 is configured to be able to efficiently receive radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example, but is also able to transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. The antenna 201 emits a data signal supplied from a data transceiver 206. The antenna 201 also receives a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. For example, the antenna 201 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from a power management unit 203 or by power discharged from a power storage unit 204.

[0041] The rectifier 202 rectifies the radio waves received as the power supply signal and converts them into a DC voltage.

[0042] The power management unit 203 manages the DC voltage. For example, the power management unit 203 controls a charging voltage based on the DC voltage. The power management unit 203 charges the power storage unit 204 by controlling the charging voltage. Furthermore, for example, when the power storage unit 204 stores power equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity, the power management unit 203 supplies the DC voltage to a connected member.

[0043] Furthermore, the power management unit 203 releases the power stored in the power storage unit 204 in response to control from the microcomputer 205 .

[0044] The power storage unit 204 stores power in response to an instruction from the power management unit 203. The power storage unit 204 is realized by, for example, a battery or a capacitor. Furthermore, the power storage unit 204 releases the stored power in response to an instruction from the power management unit 203.

[0045] The microcomputer 205 controls the operation of the receiver 200. The microcomputer 205 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power stored in the power storage unit 204. The microcomputer 205 controls the power management unit 203 to cause the power storage unit 204 to release the power stored therein.

[0046] For example, various sensors 208 can be connected to the receiver 200. For example, a heat sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc. can be connected to the receiver 200. In addition, a force sensor, a proximity sensor, a gas sensor, an acceleration sensor, a human sensor, an infrared sensor, an illuminance sensor, a flow rate sensor, a current sensor, a pressure sensor, etc. can also be connected to the receiver 200. The sensors connected to the receiver 200 are driven by, for example, a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power discharged from the power storage unit 204.

[0047] Microcomputer 205 continuously or intermittently monitors the voltage value at a predetermined location of receiver 200, the status of sensor 208 connected to receiver 200, information detected by sensor 208, etc. Microcomputer 205 transmits the voltage value at a predetermined location of receiver 200, the status of sensor 208 connected to receiver 200, information detected by sensor 208, etc. as digital data to data transceiver 206. Note that sensor 208 may be built into receiver 200.

[0048] The data transceiver 206 performs processes such as converting digital data supplied from the microcomputer 205 into analog data and modulating the analog data. The data transceiver 206 also performs processes such as demodulating a data signal received by the antenna 201 and digitizing the demodulated data. The data transceiver 206 is driven by, for example, a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power discharged from the power storage unit 204.

[0049] <3.1 Receiver configuration> In this embodiment, the same antenna 201 is used for receiving a 920 MHz band power feed signal and transmitting and receiving a 2.4 GHz band data signal. That is, the antenna 201 is shared for receiving a 920 MHz band power feed signal and transmitting and receiving a 2.4 GHz band data signal. The configuration of the receiver 200 when the antenna 201 is shared will be described below.

[0050] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of receiver 200. Receiver 200 shown in FIG. 3 includes antenna 201, microcomputer 205, power processing circuit 211, data processing circuit 212, matching circuits 213, 214, 215, and switching circuit 216.

[0051] The power system processing circuit 211 is, for example, a circuit that performs voltage-related processing on a power supply signal received by the antenna 201. The power system processing circuit 211 includes, for example, the rectifier 202, the power management unit 203, and the power storage unit 204 shown in FIG.

[0052] The data processing circuit 212 is a circuit that performs, for example, processing related to reception of a data signal received by the antenna 201, or processing related to transmission of a data signal transmitted by the antenna 201. The data processing circuit 212 includes, for example, the data transceiver 206 shown in FIG.

[0053] Matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 are circuits for adjusting the characteristic impedance of antenna 201, the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211, and the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212. Specifically, for example, matching circuits 213 and 214 are designed so that the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 matches the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211. For example, matching circuits 213 and 214 match the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 and the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211 using complex conjugates. For example, the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 is designed to be R+jX, and the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211 is designed to be R-jX.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, matching circuits 213 and 215 are designed so that the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 matches the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212. For example, matching circuits 213 and 215 match the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 and the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212 using complex conjugates. For example, the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 is designed to be R+jX, and the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212 is designed to be R-jX.

[0055] The switching circuit 216 is, for example, an example of a branching unit, and switches the path to be connected based on a signal from the microcomputer 205. The switching circuit 216 is connected to either the path connecting the antenna 201 and the power system processing circuit 211 or the path connecting the antenna 201 and the data system processing circuit 212. The microcomputer 205 outputs a switching instruction to the switching circuit 216 at a predetermined cycle. Specifically, for example, when the WPT system 1 is used in an everyday space such as a building, the microcomputer 205 causes the switching circuit 216 to switch the connection at a cycle of about 1 minute. Furthermore, for example, when the WPT system 1 is used in a production space such as a factory, the microcomputer 205 causes the switching circuit 216 to switch the connection at a cycle of about 5 mS. The transmitter 100 may transmit a power supply signal and a data signal based on the switching frequency of the switching circuit 216.

[0056] When a data signal is received by the data processing circuit 212 while the switching circuit 216 connects the antenna 201 and the data processing circuit 212, the microcomputer 205 may, for example, refrain from outputting a switching instruction to the switching circuit 216 until a response to the data signal is transmitted. This allows the response to the received data signal to be given priority when a data signal is received. When a response to the received data signal is transmitted, the microcomputer 205 resumes outputting switching instructions at a predetermined cycle.

[0057] The microcomputer 205 may switch the connection of the switching circuit 216 in response to an instruction from the user.

[0058] 3, the connection is switched by the switching circuit 216, so that even when the antenna 201 is shared, signals can be accurately delivered to the power system processing circuit 211 and the data system processing circuit 212. In addition, data signals can be accurately transmitted from the antenna 201.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of receiver 200. Receiver 200 shown in Fig. 4 includes antenna 201, microcomputer 205, power system processing circuit 211, data system processing circuit 212, matching circuits 213, 214, and 215, and band-pass filters (BPF: band-pass filter) 217 ​​and 218.

[0060] The BPF 217 is a filter that passes radio waves in a predetermined frequency band and blocks other frequency bands. Specifically, for example, the frequency band of the BPF 217 is set to pass radio waves in a predetermined frequency width centered around 920 MHz so as to pass a 920 MHz band power supply signal to a subsequent stage.

[0061] The BPF 218 is a filter that passes radio waves in a predetermined frequency band and blocks other frequency bands. Specifically, for example, the frequency band of the BPF 218 is set to pass radio waves in a predetermined frequency width centered around 2.4 GHz so as to pass data signals in the 2.4 GHz band to the subsequent stage.

[0062] 4, the BPFs 217 and 218 output only signals of corresponding frequencies to the subsequent stage, so that even when the antenna 201 is shared, the signals can be accurately delivered to the power system processing circuit 211 and the data system processing circuit 212. Furthermore, the data signal can be accurately transmitted from the antenna 201.

[0063] The number of BPFs attached to receiver 200 is not limited to two. BPF 217 does not necessarily have to be attached. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of receiver 200. In FIG. 5, BPF 218 is attached but BPF 217 is not attached. For example, the strength of a power feed signal is generally greater than the strength of a data signal. Therefore, even if a data signal enters power system processing circuit 211, it does not have a significant effect. For example, matching circuit 214 may be adjusted so that the effects of signals other than the power feed signal are filtered out by matching circuit 214.

[0064] 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of receiver 200. Receiver 200 shown in FIG. 6 includes antenna 201, microcomputer 205, power processing circuit 211, data processing circuit 212, matching circuits 213, 214, and 215, and circulator 219.

[0065] As a use case of the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 6 , the receiver 200 may receive a power feed signal while transmitting a data signal. That is, at this time, for example, the receiver 200 does not receive a data signal. The circulator 219 is, for example, an example of a branching unit, and supplies the power feed signal received by the antenna 201 to the power system processing circuit 211. The circulator 219 also supplies the data signal generated by the data system processing circuit 212 to the antenna 201. Even if an analog signal is generated by the power system processing circuit 211, the circulator 219 prevents the signal from being supplied to the antenna 201. As a result, according to the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 6 , the circulator 219 sets the supply destinations of the power feed signal and the data signal. Therefore, even if the antenna 201 is shared, it is possible to receive the power feed signal and transmit the data signal from the antenna 201. In this way, by ensuring isolation between the power feed signal and the data signal, the antenna 201 can simultaneously receive the power feed signal and transmit the data signal.

[0066] The configuration of receiver 200 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 3 to 6. For example, the branching section is not limited to switching circuit 216 and circulator 219. Specifically, for example, a diplexer that distributes a received signal into signals of two frequency bands may be installed instead of switching circuit 216 shown in Figure 3. Furthermore, a directional coupler or an isolator may be installed instead of circulator 219 shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, the BPFs shown in Figures 4 and 5 may be LPFs, HPFs, stubs, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 do not necessarily need to be provided. For example, if matching circuit 214 matches the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 with the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211, matching circuit 213 is unnecessary. For example, if matching circuit 215 matches the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 with the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212, matching circuit 213 is unnecessary. For example, if matching circuit 213 matches the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 with the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211 and the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 with the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212, matching circuits 214 and 215 are unnecessary. For example, if the design is such that the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 matches the characteristic impedance of power system processing circuit 211 and the characteristic impedance of antenna 201 matches the characteristic impedance of data system processing circuit 212, matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 are unnecessary.

[0068] 3.2 Receiver structure: horizontal type FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of receiver 200. Receiver 200 shown in FIG. 7 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section. Receiver 200 has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface. The upper surface represents the portion located on the upper surface in FIG. 7. The lower surface represents the portion located on the lower surface in FIG. 7. The side surface represents the portion located on the side in FIG. 7. The upper surface and the lower surface are arranged to face each other. In receiver 200 shown in FIG. 7, the upper surface and the lower surface are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The upper surface and the lower surface do not have to be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface may be entirely or partially flat, curved, or a combination thereof.

[0069] The receiver 200 includes, for example, an antenna 201 , a circuit section 220 , and a sensor 208 .

[0070] Antenna 201 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and has a predetermined height. For example, antenna 201 has a lateral width of 10 mm, a longitudinal width of 30 mm, and a height of 8 mm. The longitudinal width of 30 mm is, for example, approximately equal to one-tenth of the wavelength of a 920 MHz band signal that is expected to be received. Note that the size of antenna 201 is not limited to this and may be increased or decreased within a predetermined range. Antenna 201 may be treated as a loop antenna or an inverted-F antenna.

[0071] Antenna 201 includes a first conductor 2011 and a second conductor 2012. First conductor 2011 is formed on the top surface of receiver 200 shown in Fig. 7. First conductor 2011 is realized by, for example, a conductive layer formed on a PCB. The conductive layer formed on the PCB is realized by, for example, copper foil.

[0072] The second conductor 2012 is realized by, for example, a conductive plate that forms the bottom surface and both side surfaces of the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 7. The conductive plate is made of, for example, a metal plate such as copper or aluminum. The second conductor 2012 is formed, for example, by bending a single conductive plate. More specifically, for example, a single copper plate is bent into a substantially U-shape (substantially U-shape or substantially C-shape) in cross section. The bending may involve plastic processing of the copper plate or the like using, for example, a mold. The first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012 are connected, for example, by soldering the second conductor 2012 to a PCB.

[0073] The circuit unit 220 is formed on the upper surface of the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 7. The circuit unit 220 is mounted on, for example, a PCB. The circuit unit 220 includes a rectifier 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, and a data transceiver 206. The circuit unit 220 may also include, for example, matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 and a switching circuit 216. The circuit unit 220 may also include BPFs 217 and 218. In the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 7, the slit is formed on the upper surface. In FIG. 7, the circuit unit 220 is mounted on the upper surface facing in the spatial direction. The circuit unit 220 may also be mounted on the upper surface facing toward the lower surface.

[0074] The first conductor 2011 has a slit (gap) formed near the area where the rectifier 202 is installed. A feeder (not shown) is connected to the slit. A power feed signal or a data signal received by the antenna 201 is supplied to, for example, the switching circuit 216 shown in FIG. 3 via the feeder. The power feed signal or the data signal received by the antenna 201 is also supplied to, for example, the BPFs 217 and 218 shown in FIG. 4 via the feeder. The power feed signal or the data signal received by the antenna 201 is also supplied to, for example, the power system processing circuit 211 and the BPF 218 shown in FIG. 5 via the feeder. The power feed signal or the data signal received by the antenna 201 is also supplied to, for example, the power system processing circuit 211 and the data system processing circuit 212 shown in FIG. 6 via the feeder.

[0075] The sensor 208 is, for example, a sensor module having a predetermined size. The sensor 208 is, for example, a magnetic sensor. The sensor 208 is connected to the circuit unit 220 by connecting to wiring formed on a PCB. The sensor 208 is disposed at a position that penetrates the lower surface of the upper surface, behind the lower surface. The distance between the sensor 208 and the lower surface is based on, for example, the position at which the sensor 208 measures the state of the device when the receiver 200 is attached to the device. Note that the sensor 208 does not necessarily have to be disposed so as to penetrate the lower surface. For example, wiring may be laid on the surfaces of the first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012, and the sensor 208 may be disposed at a position behind the lower surface of the upper surface. In this case, for example, the circuit unit 220 and the sensor 208 may be mounted on a rigid-flexible substrate. By providing a ferrite bead or an inductor at the connection between the rigid part of the rigid-flex board and the flexible part, it is possible to suppress the influence of the flexible part on the antenna 201.

[0076] The structure of receiver 200 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 7. For example, FIG. 7 shows a case in which circuit unit 220 is attached to the upper surface portion in the spatial direction. The lower surface portion may be realized by a PCB, and first conductor 2011 may be formed on the lower surface portion. In this case, circuit unit 220 is mounted on the PCB on the lower surface portion. Circuit unit 220 may be mounted in the spatial direction of the lower surface portion, or may be mounted on the upper surface direction of the lower surface portion. Second conductor 2012 may be realized, for example, by a conductive plate that forms the upper surface portion and both side surfaces. Alternatively, the side surfaces may be realized by a PCB, and first conductor 2011 may be formed on the side surfaces. In this case, circuit unit 220 is mounted on the PCB on the side surfaces. Circuit unit 220 may be mounted in the spatial direction of the side surfaces, or may be mounted in the inward direction of the cylindrical shape of the side surfaces. Second conductor 2012 may be realized, for example, by a conductive plate that forms the upper surface portion, the lower surface portion, and the other side surface portion.

[0077] Receiver 200 may be provided with a shielding material 252 for reflecting radio waves. Shielding material 252 is made of, for example, a conductive material, such as metal. Shielding material 252 is formed to cover circuit section 220, avoiding the slit to which rectifier 202 is connected.

[0078] Fig. 8 shows an example of a schematic diagram of receiver 200 when shielding material 252 is attached. Shielding material 252 is attached, for example, in the spatial direction on the top surface. Note that Fig. 8 shows a case where shielding material 252 covers the entire circuit unit 220, but shielding material 252 may also cover a portion of circuit unit 220. Furthermore, shielding material 252 may cover multiple locations of circuit unit 220 instead of covering one location.

[0079] 9 shows another example of a schematic diagram of receiver 200 when shielding material 252 is attached. Shielding material 252 is attached, for example, to the lower surface of the upper surface. While FIG. 9 shows a case where shielding material 252 covers the entire back side of the upper surface, shielding material 252 may also cover a portion of the back side of the upper surface. Shielding material 252 may also cover multiple locations on the back side of the upper surface, rather than covering one location.

[0080] 3.3 Receiver structure: vertical type 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the structure of receiver 200a. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of receiver 200a when viewed from a predetermined direction. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of receiver 200a shown in Fig. 10 when viewed from the back.

[0081] Receiver 200a shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section closed by a substrate. Receiver 200a has an upper surface, a lower surface, and side surfaces. The upper surface refers to the portion located on the upper surface in FIGS. 10 and 11. The lower surface refers to the portion located on the lower surface in FIGS. 10 and 11. The side surface refers to the portion located on the side in FIGS. 10 and 11. The upper surface and the lower surface are arranged to face each other. A slit (gap) is formed in one of the side surfaces. In receiver 200a shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the upper surface and the lower surface are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The upper surface and the lower surface do not have to be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface may be entirely or partially flat, curved, or a combination thereof.

[0082] The receiver 200a includes, for example, an antenna 201a, a back surface 209a, a circuit section 220a, and a sensor 208.

[0083] Antenna 201a has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and has a predetermined height. For example, antenna 201a has a lateral width of 10 mm, a longitudinal width of 30 mm, and a height of 8 mm. The longitudinal width of 30 mm is, for example, approximately equal to one-tenth of the wavelength of a 920 MHz band signal that is expected to be received. Note that the size of antenna 201a is not limited to this and may be increased or decreased within a predetermined range. Antenna 201a may be treated as a loop antenna or an inverted-F antenna.

[0084] The antenna 201a is realized by, for example, a conductor having a ring shape. The antenna 201a is realized by, for example, a conductive plate made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The antenna 201a is formed by, for example, bending a single conductive plate. More specifically, for example, the antenna 201a is formed by bending a single copper plate into a substantially rectangular shape in cross section. In the bending process, for example, a die may be used to plastically process the copper plate or the like.

[0085] The circuit unit 220a is formed on the rear surface portion 209a shown in Figures 10 and 11. The circuit unit 220a includes a rectifier 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, and a data transceiver 206. The circuit unit 220a may also include, for example, matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 and a switching circuit 216. The circuit unit 220a may also include BPFs 217 and 218. The circuit unit 220a may be formed on both surfaces of the rear surface portion 209a, or on one surface thereof.

[0086] 10 and 11 show the case where the sensor 208 is mounted as a module, the sensor 208 may be formed as a circuit on the rear surface portion 209a, that is, the sensor 208 may be surface-mounted on the rear surface portion 209a.

[0087] A feeder (not shown) is connected to a gap on the side of the receiver 200a. A power supply signal or a data signal received by the antenna 201a is supplied via the feeder to, for example, the switching circuit 216 shown in FIG. 3. The power supply signal or the data signal received by the antenna 201a is also supplied via the feeder to, for example, the BPFs 217 and 218 shown in FIG. 4. The power supply signal or the data signal received by the antenna 201a is also supplied via the feeder to, for example, the power system processing circuit 211 and the BPF 218 shown in FIG. 5. The power supply signal or the data signal received by the antenna 201a is also supplied via the feeder to, for example, the power system processing circuit 211 and the data system processing circuit 212 shown in FIG. 6.

[0088] The rear surface portion 209a is realized by, for example, a substrate such as a PCB. The rear surface portion 209a is arranged, for example, so as to cover the cylindrical portion of the antenna 201a. The rear surface portion 209a may cover, for example, the entire cylindrical portion of the antenna 201a, or may cover only a part of the cylindrical portion.

[0089] 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the rear surface portion 209a. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the rear surface portion 209a on the side that is not in contact with the antenna 201a. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the rear surface portion 209a on the side that is in contact with the antenna 201a. The hatched areas in FIGS. 12 and 13 represent insulators. That is, the hatching represents areas where no conductive material is present. In the rear surface portion 209a, conductive materials are used in limited areas. For example, in the rear surface portion 209a, conductive materials are used only for circuits, metal wires for connecting the circuits, antenna elements, part of the ground, vias, etc. In the rear surface portion 209a, the insulators represented by the hatched areas may be hollowed out to leave nothing there.

[0090] 10 and 11, the rear surface portion 209a has a portion where the sensor 208 is attached that protrudes from the antenna 201a. However, the protruding portion is not limited to the portion where the sensor 208 is attached. The rear surface portion 209a may protrude toward the top surface portion, the side surface portion, the bottom surface portion, or at least any combination thereof. In other words, the rear surface portion 209a may be larger than the cross section of the antenna 201a. The circuit portion 220a may be mounted in an area of ​​the rear surface portion 209a that protrudes from the antenna 201a.

[0091] The sensor 208 is, for example, a sensor module having a predetermined size. The sensor 208 is, for example, a magnetic sensor, and is connected to wiring formed on the substrate. Receiver 200a can be expected to have almost the same reception efficiency as receiver 200.

[0092] A shielding material for reflecting radio waves may be attached to receiver 200a. The shielding material is made of, for example, a conductive material, such as metal. The shielding material is attached, for example, so as to cover a part of rear surface portion 209a. Specifically, the shielding material is attached, for example, so as to cover circuit portion 220a. The shielding material may be attached on the antenna 201a side of rear surface portion 209a, or on the space side.

[0093] <3.4 Receiver installation> The receivers 200, 200a are installed in, for example, a predetermined indoor device. Here, an example will be described in which the receiver 200 is installed in a device. More specifically, for example, the receiver 200 is attached to a metal housing of a drive unit used indoors. Note that the attachment location of the receiver 200 is not limited to the drive unit. For example, the receiver 200 may be attached to a predetermined frame. Also, the attachment location of the receiver 200 is not limited to a metal housing. For example, the receiver 200 may be attached to a non-metallic housing.

[0094] When the receiver 200 is attached to the metal housing of the drive unit, the receiver 200 is housed in a housing 250 for attachment to the metal housing. The housing 250 is made of a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate resin.

[0095] 14 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic diagram of receiver 200 housed in housing 250. Receiver 200 is attached, for example, so that one surface of housing 250 is in contact with the metal housing of the drive unit.

[0096] The housing 250 that houses the receiver 200 is not limited to one that is made entirely of resin. At least one surface of the housing 250 may be made of a conductive material, for example, metal.

[0097] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic diagram of receiver 200 in which one surface of housing 250 is made of metal. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of cross section AA of FIG. 15. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the lower surface of antenna 201 and metal portion 251 are in physical contact. Note that sensor 208 is not illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. When sensor 208 is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, for example, a hole is drilled in metal portion 251, and sensor 208 is connected through the hole. Furthermore, physical contact of metal portion 251 is not limited to the lower surface. For example, metal portion 251 may be located on a side surface of housing 250 and be in physical contact with the side surface of antenna 201. Furthermore, metal portion 251 may be located on an upper surface of housing 250 and be in physical contact with the upper surface of antenna 201.

[0098] Metal portion 251 does not have to be in physical contact with antenna 201. For example, if metal portion 251 is a bottom surface portion of housing 250, 251 may be in functional or electrical contact with the bottom surface portion of antenna 201. Furthermore, for example, if metal portion 251 is a side surface portion of housing 250, metal portion 251 may be in functional or electrical contact with the side surface portion of antenna 201. Furthermore, for example, if metal portion 251 is an upper surface portion of housing 250, metal portion 251 may be in functional or electrical contact with the upper surface portion of antenna 201.

[0099] Metal portion 251 may be shared with one surface of antenna 201. For example, in FIGS. 15 and 16, metal portion 251 may be integrated with the bottom surface of antenna 201. Similarly, in FIGS. 15 and 16, when metal portion 251 is a side surface of housing 250, metal portion 251 may be integrated with the side surface of antenna 201. Furthermore, in FIGS. 15 and 16, when metal portion 251 is an upper surface of housing 250, metal portion 251 may be integrated with the upper surface of antenna 201.

[0100] As described above, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 includes the antenna 201, the rectifier circuit 202, and a processing circuit (data processing circuit 212). The antenna 201 is annular and includes a conductor having a predetermined width and a substrate. The rectifier circuit 202 is mounted on the substrate and rectifies a power feed signal received by the antenna 201. The processing circuit 212 is mounted on the substrate and executes processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna 201. This enables the receiver 200 to receive a power feed signal and transmit a data signal using a single antenna 201. In other words, the antenna 201 is shared between receiving a power feed signal and transmitting a data signal, eliminating the need for an antenna for transmitting a data signal.

[0101] Therefore, the receiver 200 according to this embodiment can reduce the size of a power receiver used in a wireless power feeding system.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200 includes a branching unit that is installed on a substrate, branches a signal received by the antenna 201, and outputs the branched signal to the rectifier circuit 202 or the processing circuit 212. This allows the receiver 200 to receive a power supply signal and transmit and receive a data signal with high accuracy using the single antenna 201.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 are mounted on a substrate and perform impedance matching between the antenna 201 and the rectifier circuit 202, and between the antenna 201 and the processing circuit 212. This makes it possible to suppress noise that may occur within the receiver 200.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 includes a switching circuit 216 as a branching section that switches between the connection between the antenna 201 and the rectifier circuit 202 and the connection between the antenna 201 and the processing circuit 212. This allows signals to be accurately delivered to the rectifier 202 and the data processing circuit 212 even when the antenna 201 is shared.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200 includes a circulator 219 as a branching unit, which supplies a power feed signal received by the antenna 201 to the rectifier circuit 202 and supplies a data signal generated by the processing circuit 212 to the antenna 201. This allows the antenna 201 to receive a power feed signal and transmit a data signal simultaneously.

[0106] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, receiver 200 includes bandpass filters 217, 218 that pass signals of corresponding frequencies between antenna 201 and rectifier circuit 202, between antenna 201 and processing circuit 212, or both. This allows signals to be accurately delivered to rectifier 202 and data processing circuit 212 even when antenna 201 is shared.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the annular antenna 201 is formed of a conductor and a substrate, which allows the antenna 201 to be manufactured efficiently.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200a includes an antenna 201a, a substrate (rear portion 209a), a rectifier circuit 202, and a processing circuit (data processing circuit 212). The antenna 201a is made of a conductor having a predetermined width and has an annular shape. The substrate 209a is disposed so as to cover the cylindrical portion of the annular antenna 201a. The rectifier circuit 202 is disposed on the substrate 209a and rectifies a power feed signal received by the antenna 201a. The processing circuit 212 is disposed on the substrate 209a and executes processing for transmitting and receiving data signals via the antenna 201a. This enables the receiver 200a to receive power feed signals and transmit and receive data signals using a single antenna 201a. In other words, an antenna for transmitting and receiving data signals is not required.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200a includes a branching unit that is installed on a substrate, branches a signal received by the antenna 201a, and outputs the branched signal to the rectifier circuit 202 or the processing circuit 212. This allows the receiver 200 to receive a power supply signal and transmit and receive a data signal with high accuracy using a single antenna 201.

[0110] In the above embodiment, the matching circuits 213, 214, and 215 are installed on the substrate 209a, and perform impedance matching between the antenna 201a and the rectifier circuit 202, and between the antenna 201a and the processing circuit 212. This makes it possible to suppress noise that may occur within the receiver 200.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200a includes a switching circuit 216 as a branching section that switches between the connection between the antenna 201a and the rectifier circuit 202 and the connection between the antenna 201a and the processing circuit 212. This allows signals to be accurately delivered to the rectifier 202 and the data processing circuit 212 even when the antenna 201a is shared.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200a includes a circulator 219 as a branching unit, which supplies the power feed signal received by the antenna 201a to the rectifier circuit 202 and supplies the data signal generated by the processing circuit 212 to the antenna 201a. This allows the antenna 201a to receive the power feed signal and transmit the data signal simultaneously.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200a includes band-pass filters 217, 218 that pass signals of corresponding frequencies between the antenna 201a and the rectifier circuit 202, between the antenna 201a and the processing circuit 212, or both. This allows signals to be accurately delivered to the rectifier 202 and the data processing circuit 212 even when the antenna 201a is shared.

[0114] <4 Variations> In the above embodiment, the receivers 200, 200a have the configurations described in Figures 3 to 6, and the antenna 201 is shared by the power system processing circuit 211 and the data system processing circuit 212. However, the means for sharing the antenna 201 between the power system processing circuit 211 and the data system processing circuit 212 is not limited to those described in Figures 3 to 6. In the receiver 200, the feeder that supplies the power system processing circuit 211 with a feed signal and the feeder that supplies the data system processing circuit 212 with a data signal may be located in physically separate areas.

[0115] Fig. 17 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of receiver 200. Receiver 200 shown in Fig. 17 has a feeder for supplying a 920 MHz band power signal near one end of antenna 201, and a feeder for supplying a 2.4 GHz band data signal near the other end of antenna 201. The feeder is connected to, for example, a conductor on which circuit section 220 is formed. When one feeder is selected, the slit to which the other feeder is attached may or may not be conductive.

[0116] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of a receiver 200a. The receiver 200a shown in Fig. 18 has a feeder for supplying a 920 MHz band power signal near one end of the antenna 201, and a feeder for supplying a 2.4 GHz band data signal near the other end of the antenna 201.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the receiver 200, 200a may have a mechanism for accurately measuring the DC voltage received by the antenna 201 and output from the rectifier 202. The value of the DC voltage supplied from the rectifier 202 to the power management unit 203 varies depending on the fluctuation of the impedance in the circuit including the power management unit 203 and the power storage unit 204. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure the value of the DC voltage supplied from the rectifier 202 to the power management unit 203.

[0118] Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the rectifier 202 is supplied to a resistor that is separated from the downstream load, and the voltage across the resistor is measured.

[0119] 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiver 200. The receiver 200 shown in FIG. 19 includes an antenna 201, a rectifier 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, a data transceiver 206, a switching circuit 221, a resistor 222, and a measurement unit 223.

[0120] The switching circuit 221 switches the path to be connected based on a signal from the microcomputer 205. The switching circuit 221 is connected to either the path connecting the rectifier 202 and the power management unit 203 or the path connecting the rectifier 202 and the resistor 222. The microcomputer 205 outputs a switching instruction to the switching circuit 221 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, for example, in an initial state when a power supply signal is supplied, for example, in a state in which charging of the power storage unit 204 or a capacitor in the circuit is not complete, the switching circuit 221 connects the rectifier 202 and the power management unit 203. When charging of the power storage unit 204 or a capacitor in the circuit is complete, the microcomputer 205 causes the switching circuit 221 to switch the connection and connect the rectifier 202 and the resistor 222. For example, the microcomputer 205 may monitor the voltage of the power storage unit 204, and when the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, cause the switching circuit 221 to switch the connection to connect the rectifier 202 and the resistor 222. Furthermore, the microcomputer 205 may monitor the voltage of the power storage unit 204, and when the voltage trend is not decreasing, cause the switching circuit 221 to switch the connection to connect the rectifier 202 and the resistor 222.

[0121] The resistor 222 is, for example, a resistor with a predetermined resistance value. The resistance value is, for example, 100 ohms. The resistor 222 may be a plurality of resistors with different resistance values.

[0122] The measuring unit 223 measures the voltage between the terminals of the resistor. The microcomputer 205 may display the measured voltage on a display provided in the receiver 200, or may transmit the measured voltage to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 via the data transceiver 206. If the resistor 222 is a plurality of resistors with different resistance values, the measuring unit 223 measures the voltage for at least one of the resistors. The microcomputer 205 may display on a display the measured voltage, along with the procedure by which the voltage was measured and which resistor was used, or may transmit the measured voltage to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300.

[0123] By supplying the output of rectifier 202 to a resistor that is separated from the downstream load and measuring the voltage at that resistor with measuring unit 223, receiver 200 can measure the supply power of the power feed signal in real time. This allows the user to identify areas in an office or factory where the supply power is weak based on the measurement results of receiver 200. Furthermore, receiver 200 can measure the supply power in real time even after a specific device has been installed in the office or factory. Furthermore, by accumulating actual power measurement results for the results of a prior simulation, the accuracy of the prior simulation can be improved.

[0124] The resistor 222 and the measuring unit 223 may be predetermined devices driven by a current. Specifically, for example, the resistor 222 and the measuring unit 223 may be replaced with an LED. The light intensity of the LED changes depending on the magnitude of the current supplied. Therefore, the user can grasp the power supply amount in the area where the receiver 200 is installed based on the light intensity of the LED.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 may monitor the voltage of the power storage unit 204 and vary the intensity of the power feeding signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 based on the magnitude of the voltage. Specifically, for example, when the voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold and the voltage trend is decreasing, the receiver 200 transmits an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power feeding signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. Furthermore, for example, when the voltage is higher than a predetermined threshold and the voltage trend is not decreasing, the receiver 200 transmits an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to decrease the intensity of the power feeding signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.

[0126] As a result, the transmitter 100 transmits the power supply signal with a reduced output, thereby reducing the occurrence of breakdowns. Also, the receiver 200 can flexibly respond to sudden power needs. Also, the transmitter 100 can operate in an energy-saving mode appropriate for the purpose or use.

[0127] Furthermore, for example, when the voltage supplied by the received power supply signal is lower than a predetermined value, the receiver 200 may transmit an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. Furthermore, for example, when the power consumption in the receiver 200 is higher than a predetermined value or when the trend of power consumption is increasing, the receiver 200 may transmit an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. Furthermore, for example, the receiver 200 may transmit an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 in accordance with an operable time based on the power consumption measured by a sensor 208 attached to the receiver 200.

[0128] The transmitter 100 receives information about the received power from the receiver 200 installed in the space. The transmitter 100 determines the intensity distribution of the received power based on the information about the received power. The transmitter 100 evaluates the intensity distribution of the transmitted power, and may increase the intensity of the power supply signal if the variation is greater than a preset value.

[0129] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 may monitor the power storage status in the receiver 200 by observing the voltage stored in the receiver 200 over a long period (several minutes to an hour) in addition to a short period (several milliseconds to several seconds). For example, the receiver 200 measures the power supply voltage over a short period and a long period. The power supply voltage is, for example, the voltage of the power storage unit 204. For example, the receiver 200 stores the voltage values ​​measured over a short period in a short-period ring buffer and stores the voltage values ​​measured over a long period in a long-period ring buffer. The receiver 200 linearly approximates the voltage values ​​read at predetermined positions in the long-period ring buffer using a predetermined statistical method (e.g., the least squares method). The receiver 200 calculates the slope of the approximation curve and issues a notification to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 based on the calculated slope.

[0130] In an environment where the WPT system 1 is used, there may be cases where the received power is slightly insufficient compared to the power consumption on the receiver 200 side. In this case, the power supply voltage decreases gradually over a long period of time, and eventually the system may become inoperable. In such cases, short-period voltage measurements result in a "no change" and are difficult to detect. For the user, it is desirable to be able to detect this at an early stage during startup or steady operation, because the system may stop working like a time bomb, even though it should be operating normally according to the results of short-period measurements. According to this embodiment, voltage values ​​are measured at long intervals, making it possible to detect a state in which the power supply voltage has been decreasing for a long period of time at an early stage.

[0131] Furthermore, the receiver 200 may monitor the power storage status of the receiver 200 by measuring the difference between the DC voltage output from the rectifier 202 and the voltage of the power storage unit 204 over a long period of time. Specifically, for example, the receiver 200 measures the DC voltage output from the rectifier 202 and the voltage of the power storage unit 204 at a predetermined interval. The receiver 200 samples the difference between the DC voltage and the power supply voltage. The receiver 200 calculates a time average of the difference and determines whether the calculated time average value is below a threshold value over a long period of time. If the time average value is below the threshold value for a certain period of time, the receiver 200 notifies the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 of this fact.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200 may have a user-accessible interface. A user accesses the receiver 200, which is attachable to a device, via the interface. The interface may include, for example, a button, an LED, or a combination thereof connected to the circuit unit 220.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the antenna 201 has an annular shape, but the shape of the antenna 201 is not limited to the above.

[0134] <5. Basic computer hardware configuration> 20 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 91, a main memory device 92, an auxiliary memory device 93, and a communication IF (interface) 99. These are electrically connected to each other by a bus.

[0135] The processor 91 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0136] The main storage device 92 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0137] The auxiliary storage device 93 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0138] The communication IF 99 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0139] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0140] <Basic functional configuration of computer 90> A description will be given of the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90 shown in Fig. 20. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0141] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0142] The control unit is realized by the processor 91 reading various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 93, expanding them in the main storage device 92, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that processes information.

[0143] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 92 and an auxiliary storage device 93. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 91 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 92 or the auxiliary storage device 93 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0144] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called tables, which are structured by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables can be set and associated. Usually, each table has a column set as a key for uniquely identifying a record, but setting a key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to add, delete, or update records in a specific table stored in the storage unit according to various programs.

[0145] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 99. The communication unit realizes the function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 91 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. In addition, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0146] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0147] In the above description, a "processor" refers to one or more processors. The at least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The at least one processor may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0148] Furthermore, the at least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0149] In the above explanation, information that produces an output for an input is sometimes described using expressions such as "xxx table," but this information can be data of any structure, or a learning model such as a neural network that produces an output for an input. Therefore, an "xxx table" can also be called "xxx information."

[0150] Furthermore, in the above description, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0151] Furthermore, in the above explanation, the processing may be described using the "program" as the subject, but since the program is executed by a processor to perform the specified processing using a memory unit and / or an interface unit as appropriate, the subject of the processing may also be the processor (or a device such as a controller that has that processor, or a microcomputer).

[0152] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be stored in, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0153] Furthermore, in the above description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including alphabetic characters or symbols) may also be used.

[0154] In addition, in the above explanation, when describing elements of the same type without distinguishing between them, reference symbols (or common symbols among the reference symbols) may be used, and when describing elements of the same type with distinction between them, the identification numbers (or reference symbols) of the elements may be used.

[0155] In the following description, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily represent all the control lines and information lines in the product. All components may be interconnected.

[0156] The functions performed by the components described herein may be implemented in circuitry or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), a CPU (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to perform the described functions. A processor includes transistors and other circuits and is considered to be circuitry or processing circuitry. A processor may also be a programmed processor that executes programs stored in memory. In this specification, a circuitry, unit, or means is hardware that is programmed to realize or performs the described functions, which may be any hardware disclosed herein or any hardware known to be programmed to realize or perform the described functions. If the hardware is a processor considered to be a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of the hardware and software used to configure the hardware and / or processor.

[0157] <Additional Notes> The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below. (Appendix 1) A receiver comprising: an annular antenna having a conductor having a predetermined width and a substrate; a rectifier circuit mounted on the substrate for rectifying a power supply signal received by the antenna; and a processing circuit mounted on the substrate for performing processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna. (Appendix 2) A receiver as described in (Appendix 1) that is provided with a branching unit that is installed on a substrate, branches a signal received by an antenna, and outputs the branched signal to a rectifier circuit or a processing circuit. (Appendix 3) A receiver as described in (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2), which is mounted on a substrate and includes one or more matching circuits for impedance matching between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, and between the antenna and the processing circuit. (Appendix 4) The receiver according to claim 2, further comprising a switching circuit as a branching section, which switches between a connection between the antenna and the rectifier circuit and a connection between the antenna and the processing circuit. (Appendix 5) The receiver according to claim 2, further comprising a circulator as a branching section, which supplies a signal received by the antenna to a rectifying circuit and supplies a signal generated by a processing circuit to the antenna. (Appendix 6) A receiver as described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5), comprising a filter between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, between the antenna and the processing circuit, or both, that passes signals of the corresponding frequency. (Appendix 7) The receiver according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 6), wherein the annular antenna is formed by a conductor and a substrate. (Appendix 8) A receiver comprising: an annular antenna made of a conductor having a predetermined width; a substrate arranged to cover the cylindrical portion of the annular antenna; a rectifier circuit mounted on the substrate for rectifying a power supply signal received by the antenna; and a processing circuit mounted on the substrate for executing processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna. (Appendix 9) A receiver as described in (Appendix 8) that is provided with a branching unit that is installed on a substrate, branches a signal received by an antenna, and outputs the branched signal to a rectifier circuit or a processing circuit. (Appendix 10) A receiver as described in (Appendix 8) or (Appendix 9), which is mounted on a substrate and includes one or more matching circuits for impedance matching between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, and for impedance matching between the antenna and the processing circuit. (Appendix 11) The receiver according to claim 9, further comprising a switching circuit as a branching section, which switches between a connection between the antenna and the rectifier circuit and a connection between the antenna and the processing circuit. (Appendix 12) The receiver according to claim 9, further comprising a circulator that supplies a signal received by an antenna to the rectifier circuit and supplies a signal generated by the processing circuit to the antenna. (Appendix 13) A receiver as described in any one of (Appendix 8) to (Appendix 12), comprising a filter between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, between the antenna and the processing circuit, or both, that passes signals of the corresponding frequency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1...WPT system 100...Transmitter 101...Oscillator 102...Transmitting antenna 103...microcomputer 104...Data transmitter / receiver 105...Data transmission / reception antenna 200...Receiver 201...receiving antenna 202…Rectifier 203…Power management department 204... Power storage unit 205...microcomputer 206...Data transmitter / receiver 300...First information processing device 400...Second information processing device

Claims

1. an annular shaped antenna comprising a conductor having a predetermined width and a substrate; a rectifier circuit disposed on the substrate and configured to rectify a power supply signal received by the antenna; a processing circuit disposed on the substrate and configured to perform processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna; A receiver comprising:

2. 2. The receiver according to claim 1, further comprising a branching unit disposed on the substrate, which branches a signal received by the antenna and outputs the branched signal to the rectifier circuit or the processing circuit.

3. 2. The receiver according to claim 1, further comprising one or more matching circuits mounted on the substrate for impedance matching between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, and for impedance matching between the antenna and the processing circuit.

4. 3. The receiver according to claim 2, further comprising a switching circuit as the branching section, which switches between a connection between the antenna and the rectifier circuit and a connection between the antenna and the processing circuit.

5. 3. The receiver according to claim 2, further comprising, as said branching section, a circulator for supplying a signal received by said antenna to said rectifying circuit and for supplying a signal generated by said processing circuit to said antenna.

6. 2. The receiver of claim 1, further comprising a filter between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, between the antenna and the processing circuit, or both, for passing signals of a corresponding frequency.

7. 7. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the annular antenna is formed by the conductor and the substrate.

8. an annular antenna made of a conductor having a predetermined width; a substrate disposed so as to cover a cylindrical portion of the annular antenna; a rectifier circuit disposed on the substrate and configured to rectify a power supply signal received by the antenna; a processing circuit disposed on the substrate and configured to perform processing for transmitting a data signal via the antenna; A receiver comprising:

9. 9. The receiver according to claim 8, further comprising a branching unit disposed on the substrate, which branches a signal received by the antenna and outputs the branched signal to the rectifier circuit or the processing circuit.

10. 9. The receiver according to claim 8, further comprising one or more matching circuits mounted on the substrate for impedance matching between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, and for impedance matching between the antenna and the processing circuit.

11. 10. The receiver according to claim 9, further comprising, as the branching section, a switching circuit that switches between a connection between the antenna and the rectifier circuit and a connection between the antenna and the processing circuit.

12. 10. The receiver according to claim 9, further comprising a circulator that supplies a signal received by the antenna to the rectifier circuit and supplies a signal generated by the processing circuit to the antenna.

13. 9. The receiver of claim 8, further comprising a filter between the antenna and the rectifier circuit, between the antenna and the processing circuit, or both, for passing signals of a corresponding frequency.

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