Power transmitter, power transmission / reception device, human body communication device, and power transmission / reception system

Abstract

To provide a power transmitter, power transmitting / receiving device, a human-body communication device, and a power transmitting / receiving system, capable of supplying power efficiently via a human body.SOLUTION: A power transmitter comprises an antenna unit and a signal generation circuit. The antenna unit includes: a first antenna conductor that, when used, is brought into contact with a human body that is not grounded; and a second antenna conductor that is capacitively coupled to the ground without being brought into contact with the human body. The signal generation circuit applies an AC power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a power transmitter, a power transceiver apparatus, a human body communication apparatus, and a power transceiver system that supply power to a device worn on a human body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for taking in power via the human body have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device that takes in the energy of radio waves propagating through the air via the human body. This power supply device is provided with an antenna terminal for contacting the human body. When the antenna terminal comes into contact with the human body, the human body acts as a virtual antenna. AC waveform power output from the antenna terminal is impedance matched by a matching section, and then rectified by a rectifier section to be supplied as DC waveform power to a secondary battery or an electrical load (Patent Document 1, specification paragraphs

[0023] ,

[0026] ,

[0074] ,

[0078] , Figures 13 and 14, etc.). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-88005 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By using the human body to capture power in this way, it becomes possible to drive various devices attached to the human body, for example. It is expected that such devices will become widespread in the future, and there is a demand for technology to efficiently supply power via the human body.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present technology is to provide a power transmitter, a power transceiver device, a human body communication device, and a power transceiver system that are capable of efficiently supplying power via the human body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a power transmitter according to an embodiment of the present technology includes an antenna unit and a signal generating circuit. The antenna section has a first antenna conductor that is used in contact with a human body that is not grounded to the earth, and a second antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body and is capacitively coupled to the earth ground. The signal generating circuit applies an AC power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor.

[0007] In this power transmitter, a first antenna conductor that contacts the human body and a second antenna conductor that does not contact the human body are provided when the human body is not grounded to the earth. Of these, the second antenna conductor is capacitively coupled to the earth ground. Therefore, the human body becomes a conductor that can transmit AC power. In this state, an AC power signal is applied to each antenna conductor. This makes it possible to efficiently supply power via the human body.

[0008] The first antenna conductor may be a conductor electrode made of at least one of gold, silver, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, an alloy, conductive resin, and conductive rubber, and brought into contact with the human body.

[0009] The conductor electrode may have a surface that comes into contact with the human body and is resin-coated.

[0010] The conductive electrode may be a flat, pin-shaped, hemispherical, or uneven electrode.

[0011] The portion that comes into contact with the human body other than the conductor electrodes may be housed in a housing made of an insulating material.

[0012] The second antenna conductor may be one of a ground pattern provided on a circuit board of the power transmitter, another pattern provided on the circuit board separately from the ground pattern, or a conductive member provided in a portion of a housing that houses the power transmitter that does not come into contact with the human body.

[0013] The power signal may be a pulsed signal or a sinusoidal signal.

[0014] The frequency of the power signal may be set to a frequency that is likely to induce an electric charge in the human body.

[0015] The signal generating circuit may generate the power signal in response to a control signal output from a control unit that controls transmission of power by the power transmitter.

[0016] The control signal may be at least one of a signal that specifies whether the power signal is turned on or off and a signal that specifies the frequency of the power signal.

[0017] The power transmitter may be mounted in either a portable device in contact with the human body or a stationary device in contact with the human body.

[0018] A power transmitting / receiving device according to an embodiment of the present technology includes the power transmitter, a power receiver, and a switch circuit. The power receiver has a rectifier circuit connected to the first antenna conductor, and receives AC power generated in the antenna unit by rectifying it with the rectifier circuit. The switch circuit switches and connects the antenna unit to either the signal generating circuit or the rectifier circuit.

[0019] The power transmitting / receiving device may further include a storage element for storing the power rectified by the rectifier circuit. In this case, the signal generating circuit may generate the power signal using the storage element as a power source.

[0020] A human body communication device according to one embodiment of the present technology includes the power transmitter, and includes a communication unit and a separation circuit. The communication unit is connected to the antenna unit and performs human body communication. The separation circuit has a first path that connects the antenna unit and the signal generating circuit and passes signals having a frequency lower than the frequency of the human body communication, and a second path that connects the antenna unit and the communication unit and passes signals having the frequency of the human body communication. The signal generating circuit generates the power signal at a frequency lower than a frequency of the human body communication.

[0021] A power transmission and reception system according to an embodiment of the present technology includes at least one power transmitter and at least one power receiver. The at least one power transmitter has an antenna section having a first antenna conductor that is used in contact with a human body that is not grounded to the earth, and a second antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body and is capacitively coupled to the earth, and a signal generating circuit that applies an AC power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor. The at least one power receiver receives power responsive to the electrical signal via the body.

[0022] The power transmission and reception system may further include a control unit that controls transmission of power by the at least one power transmitter.

[0023] The control unit may set the power signal output from the power transmitter to be on / off depending on the status of an apparatus in which at least one of the power transmitter or the power receiver is installed, or the status of the human body.

[0024] The control unit may set a frequency of the power signal based on a spectrum of a power waveform induced in the human body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1]1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmission and reception system according to a first embodiment of the present technology. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining transmission of power via a human body by a power transmission and reception system. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a planar configuration and a cross-sectional configuration of a power transmitting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a circuit board. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of a circuit board. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams showing an example of a planar configuration and a cross-sectional configuration of a power receiving device. [Figure 7] 2 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a rectifier circuit mounted on the power receiving device. FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the antenna units on the transmitting and receiving sides. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a graph showing a waveform of power excited in a human body. [Figure 10] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmitting and receiving device; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a power transmitting and receiving system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmitting device that performs human body communication; [Figure 13] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power receiving device that performs human body communication; [Figure 14] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmitting and receiving device that performs human body communication; [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of power transmission and reception involving human body communication. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power transmitting and receiving system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the power transmitting and receiving system shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 1 is a block diagram showing an application example of a power transmission and reception system. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another application example of the power transmitting and receiving system. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another application example of the power transmitting and receiving system. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another application example of the power transmitting and receiving system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. <First embodiment> [Outline of the power transmission and reception system] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmission and reception system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present technology. The power transmission / reception system 100 is a system that transmits and receives power via a human body 2 of a user 1. Therefore, in this system, the human body 2 functions as a power transmission medium. The power transmission and reception system 100 includes a power transmission device 10 and a power receiving device 20. The power transmission device 10 is a device including a power transmitter 11 (power transmission unit) that transmits power via a human body 2. The power receiving device 20 is a device including a power receiver 21 (power receiving unit) that receives power via the human body 2.

[0027] The power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 are configured, for example, as portable devices that come into contact with the human body 2. For example, the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 are configured by incorporating a power transmitter 11 and a power receiver 21 into a UI (User Interface) device such as a wearable device that is worn by a user 1. Alternatively, for example, a dedicated device for transmitting and receiving power may be used.

[0028] In the power transmission / reception system 100, power is transmitted and received in a state where the human body 2 is not grounded to the earth ground (earth ground). For example, assume that a user 1 is wearing shoes and standing on the earth (ground, floor, etc.). In this case, the human body 2 is not grounded to the earth ground, and the potential of the human body 2 is electrically floating with respect to the earth ground. In this case, it is possible to prevent the power generated in the human body 2 from escaping to the earth ground, and it is possible to transmit and receive power efficiently.

[0029] The number of power transmitters 10 and power receivers 20 provided in the power transmission / reception system 100 is not limited. For example, a plurality of power receivers 20 may be used for a single power transmitter 10. Also, for example, a single power receiver 20 may be used for a plurality of power transmitters 10. Of course, a plurality of power transmitters 10 and a plurality of power receivers 20 may be used. In this manner, the power transmission / reception system 100 is composed of at least one power transmitter 10 (power transmitter 11) and at least one power receiver 20 (power receiver 21).

[0030] Furthermore, the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 are not limited in type or form as long as they are devices that come into contact with the human body 2 of the user 1. For example, the power transmitting device 10 may be configured as a stationary device, and the power receiving device 20 may be configured as a portable device. Conversely, the power transmitting device 10 may be configured as a portable device, and the power receiving device 20 may be configured as a stationary device. In either case, when the user 1 comes into contact with the stationary device, power from the power transmitting device 10 can be supplied to the power receiving device 20 via the human body 2 of the user 1.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, a power transmitting device 10 includes an antenna unit 12, a signal generating circuit 13, and a power supply unit (not shown). The antenna unit 12 functions as a transmitting antenna for transmitting electric power via the human body 2 . The signal generating circuit 13 generates an AC power signal and outputs it to the antenna unit 12 . The power supply unit supplies power (power of a power signal) for driving the signal generating circuit 13. In this embodiment, the antenna unit 12 and the signal generating circuit 13 form a power transmitter 11. In addition, the power transmitting device 10 is appropriately provided with a control unit that controls the operation of the signal generating circuit 13, a communication unit for communicating with other devices, and the like.

[0032] The power receiving device 20 includes an antenna unit 22, a rectifier circuit 23, a charger 24, a power storage element 25, and a load 26. The antenna unit 22 functions as a receiving antenna for receiving electric power via the human body 2. For example, the antenna unit 22 receives electric power generated in the human body 2 in response to the above-mentioned power signal. The antenna unit 22 also receives electric power from radio waves and electric field energy of a quasi-static field in the space surrounding the human body 2. This will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 8 etc. The rectifier circuit 23 is directly connected to the antenna unit 22 and rectifies the received AC power. In this embodiment, the antenna unit 22 and the rectifier circuit 23 form a power receiver 21. As described above, the power receiver 21 can extract, as power, in addition to power corresponding to a power signal, the energy of the electric field present around the human body 2. That is, the power receiver 21 can perform energy harvesting (environmental power generation) to harvest power from the surrounding environment.

[0033] Charger 24 charges storage element 25 with the DC power output from rectifier circuit 23 . The power storage element 25 is an element that stores the power rectified by the rectifier circuit (the power received by the antenna unit 22), and supplies the power to the load 26 as required. The load 26 is a circuit or element that is driven by the power of the power storage element 25. For example, a control unit such as a microcomputer, a communication unit, various sensors, and the like are used as the load 26.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the transmission of power via a human body 2 by the power transmission and reception system 100. Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the basic configurations of a power transmitter 11 and a power receiver 21. The antenna unit 12 of the power transmitter 11 is provided with a first antenna conductor 31 and a second antenna conductor 32. The first antenna conductor 31 is a conductor that is used in contact with a human body 2 that is not grounded to the earth. The second antenna conductor 32 is a conductor that is not in contact with the human body 2 and is capacitively coupled to the earth ground.

[0035] In the power transmitter 11, the signal generating circuit 13 applies an AC power signal between the first antenna conductor 31 and the second antenna conductor 32. This induces an electric charge in the human body 2 that is in contact with the first antenna conductor 31. By inducing an electric charge in the human body 2 in this manner, it becomes possible to extract AC power from the human body 2 in response to the power signal.

[0036] The antenna unit 22 of the power receiver 21 is provided with a third antenna conductor 33 and a fourth antenna conductor 34. The third antenna conductor 33 is a conductor that is used in contact with the human body 2 that is not grounded to the earth. The fourth antenna conductor 34 is a conductor that is not in contact with the human body 2 and is capacitively coupled to the earth ground. The third antenna conductor 33 and the fourth antenna conductor 34 correspond to the first antenna conductor 31 and the second antenna conductor 32 in the power transmitter 11, respectively.

[0037] In the power receiver 21, AC power (power corresponding to a power signal or power of electric field energy) received by the antenna unit 22 (the third antenna conductor 33 and the fourth antenna conductor 34) is directly input to the rectifier circuit 23. Then, the rectifier circuit 23 outputs power rectified to DC. In this way, the power receiver 21 receives power corresponding to an electric signal via the human body 2.

[0038] 2, the flow of power supplied from the power transmitter 11 (power transmitting device 10) to the power receiver 21 (power receiving device 20) via the human body 2 is diagrammatically illustrated by thick dotted arrows. In this manner, in the power transmission and reception system 100, it is possible to increase the amount of power that can be extracted from the human body by intentionally transmitting power by a power signal. This makes it possible to efficiently supply power via the human body 2 to devices in contact with the human body 2, such as the power receiver 21 (power receiving device 20). The power transmitted through the human body 2 does not travel along a fixed path, but travels throughout the entire body of the user 1. This allows any part of the human body 2 of the user 1 to receive power in response to the power signal.

[0039] The configuration of each part of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 will be specifically described below.

[0040] [Configuration of power transmission device] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a planar configuration and a cross-sectional configuration of the power transmitter 10. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are schematic diagrams showing a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the power transmitter 10. Fig. 3C is schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the power transmitter 10. 3A and 3B, the power transmitting device 10 has a conductor electrode 40, a dielectric portion 41, a conductive pin 42, a circuit board 43, a board ground 44, a circuit portion 45, and a case 46. In the power transmitting device 10, the conductor electrode 40, the dielectric portion 41, and the circuit board 43 are provided in layers in this order.

[0041] The conductor electrode 40 is a conductor used in contact with the human body 2 that is not grounded to the earth, and is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the human body 2. Here, the conductor electrode 40 is arranged so as to be exposed from the surface of the case 46. The conductor electrode 40 functions as the first antenna conductor 31 described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0042] As the conductor electrode 40, for example, an electrode using a metal is used. Examples of metals used for the conductor electrode 40 include gold, silver, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, alloys, and the like. For example, by using gold or silver, it is possible to configure an electrode with low resistance. Furthermore, by using aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, and the like, it is possible to reduce the cost of the conductor electrode 40. Furthermore, by using these metals and alloys with other metals, it is possible to appropriately configure a lightweight electrode, an electrode with high durability, and the like. Conductive resin or conductive rubber containing carbon or metal may be used as the conductor electrode 40. By using conductive resin, for example, electrodes of various shapes can be easily formed. By using conductive rubber, it is possible to form an electrode that can be elastically deformed or an electrode with high adhesion. Additionally, the material of the conductor electrode 40 is not limited, and the above-mentioned materials may be used alone, or the electrodes may be formed by combining the above-mentioned materials.

[0043] In this embodiment, a thin plate-like (patch-like) conductor electrode 40 is used. That is, the conductor electrode 40 is a planar electrode. In this case, the conductor electrode 40 functions as a patch antenna in contact with the human body 2, and the area capacitively coupled with the human body 2 (see FIG. 8, etc.) can be made sufficiently large. The shape of the conductor electrode 40 is not limited, and may be any shape that matches the shape of the power transmission device 10 or the part of the human body 2 to which it is attached. For example, the conductor electrode 40 may be a pin-shaped, hemispherical, or uneven-shaped electrode in addition to a planar electrode.

[0044] The conductor electrode 40 may be configured so that the conductor constituting the electrode directly contacts the human body 2, or the surface that contacts the human body 2 may be resin-coated. The conductor electrode 40 is coated with a resin that is water-resistant, such as waterproof and drip-proof, and weather-resistant to ultraviolet rays and the like. This prevents the conductor electrode 40 from corroding when the power transmitting device 10 is used outdoors or in a pool. In addition, the conductor electrode 40 can be protected from sweat, moisture, and the like that occurs when the user 1 exercises.

[0045] The dielectric portion 41 is a plate-shaped dielectric provided between the conductor electrode 40 and the circuit board 43. The dielectric portion 41 is arranged, for example, so as to contact the surface of the conductor electrode 40 opposite to the surface that comes into contact with the human body 2. By providing the dielectric portion 41, for example, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power transmission from the conductor electrode 40 to the human body 2. Alternatively, a certain space may be formed between the conductor electrode 40 and the circuit board 43 without providing the dielectric portion 41 . The conductive pin 42 is a pin-shaped wire that penetrates the dielectric portion 41 and connects the conductive electrode 40 and the circuit board 43. One end of the conductive pin 42 is connected to the conductive electrode 40, and the other end is connected to an electrode (connection point 47) of the circuit board 43.

[0046] Circuit board 43 is a board on which board ground 44 and circuit section 45 are provided. In the example shown in Fig. 3B, board ground 44, circuit section 45, and connection point 47 are formed on the surface of circuit board 43 opposite dielectric section 41. Connection point 47 is an electrode that connects circuit section 45 and conductor electrode 40. Conductive pin 42 penetrates circuit board 43 and is soldered to connection point 47. In addition, the board ground 44, the circuit section 45, etc. may be formed on the surface of the circuit board 43 facing the dielectric section 41. The board ground 44, the circuit section 45, etc. may be formed on both sides of the circuit board 43.

[0047] The board ground 44 is a conductor pattern (ground pattern) that serves as a ground on the circuit board 43. As the board ground 44, a copper foil ground pattern is typically used. The board ground 44 is configured so as not to come into contact with the human body 2 and to be capacitively coupled to the earth ground. For example, a conductor that is not electrically connected to the earth ground and is not shielded from the earth ground is capacitively coupled to the earth ground via the space between the earth ground. The board ground 44 is configured to be such a conductor.

[0048] 3B, the board ground 44 functions as the second antenna conductor 32. That is, the second antenna conductor 32 is configured by a ground pattern provided on the circuit board 43 of the power transmitting device 10 (power transmitter 11). Moreover, the above-mentioned conductor electrode 40 (first antenna conductor 31) and the substrate ground 44 (second antenna conductor 32) form the antenna section 12 of the power transmitting device 10 (power transmitter 11).

[0049] The circuit section 45 is a unit including various circuits provided so as not to overlap with the board ground 44. In this embodiment, the signal generating circuit 13 is formed in the circuit section 45. In addition, a power supply section for the signal generating circuit 13, a control unit for controlling the signal generating circuit 13, a communication unit for communicating with other devices, and the like may be provided in the circuit section 45. The power supply section and other units may be provided separately from the circuit section 45.

[0050] As described above, the signal generating circuit 13 applies an AC power signal between the conductor electrode 40 (first antenna conductor 31) and the substrate ground 44 (second antenna conductor 32). The signal generating circuit 13 is driven by a power supply unit (not shown) and generates an AC signal whose voltage changes at a predetermined period. The power signal is typically a pulse signal or a sine signal, which is output to each antenna conductor constituting the antenna unit 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, the signal generating circuit 13 applies an AC power signal between the conductor electrode 40 (first antenna conductor 31) and the board ground 44 (second antenna conductor 32).

[0051] As the signal generating circuit 13, for example, an AC power supply circuit such as a DC-AC converter that converts DC power into AC power is used. Furthermore, the signal generating circuit 13 may be configured to be able to switch the power signal on / off by a control signal output from, for example, a control unit. Furthermore, the signal generating circuit 13 may be configured to be able to change the frequency of the power signal. In addition, any circuit capable of outputting an AC power signal may be used as the signal generating circuit 13.

[0052] The case 46 is a housing for the power transmission device 10. The case 46 accommodates the power transmitter 11 including the antenna unit 12 and the signal generating circuit 13, as well as other boards, circuits, and the like. Furthermore, the portions of the case 46 that come into contact with the human body 2 other than the conductor electrodes 40 are made of insulating materials. Therefore, even if the main body of the case 46 comes into contact with the human body 2, other than the portions (conductor electrodes 40) provided for contacting the human body 2, it will not conduct electricity between the case 46 and the human body 2. As the insulating materials, materials such as insulating resin and rubber are used. 3B, case 46 is configured using insulating material not only on the surface that contacts human body 2, but also on the side and opposite surface of the case. This makes it possible to achieve good capacitive coupling with the earth ground, since board ground 44 (second antenna conductor) is not shielded.

[0053] In the power transmission device 10 (power transmitter 11) shown in Fig. 3C, the configuration of the case 46 is different from that in Fig. 3B. Here, case 46a and case 46b are used as the case 46. Case 46a is a housing that covers the side on which the conductor electrode 40 is provided, and is made of an insulating material. Case 46b is a housing that covers the side opposite to the side on which the conductor electrode 40 is provided, and is made of a conductive material such as metal. The case 46a and the case 46b are connected via a connection part 48 using a screw or a fitting.

[0054] 3C, the side that does not come into contact with the human body 2 is configured using the conductive case 46b. In this case, the case 46b can be used as the second antenna conductor 32. For example, the board ground 44 provided on the circuit board 43 and the conductive case 46b are electrically connected using a metal wire 49 or the like. That is, the second antenna conductor 32 is composed of a conductive member (case 46b) provided in a portion of the housing (case 46) of the power transmission device 10 (power transmitter 11) that does not come into contact with the human body. This makes it possible to realize the second antenna conductor 32 that is sufficiently capacitively coupled to the earth ground.

[0055] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of circuit board 43. Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an example of the planar configuration of circuit board 43 described with reference to Fig. 3. The shaded area in the figure is the board ground 44 (the second antenna conductor 32). The board ground 44 is configured so as not to overlap with a circuit section 45 in which the signal generating circuit 13 and the like are provided. The shape and arrangement of the board ground 44 are not limited, and may be appropriately set according to the configuration of the circuit section 45, for example. Moreover, the wiring connecting the conductor electrode 40 (first antenna conductor 31) and the circuit section 45 is configured so as not to overlap with the board ground 44. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the potential of the board ground 44 and the power signal generated by the signal generating circuit 13.

[0056] 4, the signal generating circuit 13 has two output terminals 50a and 50b for outputting an AC or pulse wave power signal. One output terminal 50a is connected to the conductor electrode 40 via a connection point 47. The other output terminal 50b is connected to the substrate ground 44. In addition, an electrostatic protection component 51 is provided between the conductor electrode 40 and the board ground 44 as a countermeasure against electrostatic discharge. A varistor or the like is used as the electrostatic protection component 51. When a high voltage is applied between the conductor electrode 40 and the board ground 44, the elements on the circuit unit 45 side can be protected.

[0057] 3C, when conductive case 46b is used for the portion of case 46 that does not contact human body 2, case 46b and board ground 44 are connected via metal wire 49. In this case, board ground 44 and case 46b both function as second antenna conductor 32. When case 46b is used as the ground, the area of ​​board ground 44 may be reduced.

[0058] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another configuration example of the circuit board 43. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the second antenna conductor 32 is formed of another conductor pattern 52 provided on the circuit board 43 separately from the board ground 44. Here, the board ground 44 and the conductor pattern 52 electrically isolated from the board ground 44 are formed so as not to overlap the circuit section 45 (signal generating circuit 13, etc.). The conductor pattern 52 is configured so as not to come into contact with the human body 2 and so as to be capacitively coupled to the earth ground.

[0059] In the circuit board 43 configured in this manner, the output terminal 50a of the signal generating circuit 13 is connected to the conductor electrode 40 via the connection point 47, and the output terminal 50b is connected to the conductor pattern 52. As a result, an AC or pulse wave power signal is applied between the conductor electrode 40 and the conductor pattern 52. As in FIG. 4, an electrostatic protection component 51 such as a varistor is provided between the conductor electrode 40 and the board ground 44 as a countermeasure against electrostatic discharge.

[0060] 3C, when conductive case 46b is used for the portion of case 46 that does not contact human body 2, case 46b and conductor pattern 52 are connected via metal wire 49. In this case, conductor pattern 52 and case 46b both function as second antenna conductor 32. When connecting to case 46b, it is also possible to reduce the area of ​​conductor pattern 52 and increase the area of ​​board ground 44.

[0061] [Configuration of power receiving device] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a planar configuration and a cross-sectional configuration of the power receiving device 20. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are schematic diagrams showing a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the power receiving device 20. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the power receiving device 20 has a conductor electrode 60, a dielectric portion 61, a conductive pin 62, a circuit board 63, a board ground 64, a circuit portion 65, and a case 66.

[0062] These components of the power receiving device 20 can be substantially the same as those of the power transmitting device 10, except for the circuit section 65. Therefore, the explanations of the conductor electrode 40, the dielectric section 41, the conductive pin 42, the circuit board 43, the board ground 44, and the case 46 can be read as explanations of the conductor electrode 60, the dielectric section 61, the conductive pin 62, the circuit board 63, the board ground 64, and the case 66. In the following, parts that overlap with the explanation of the power receiving device 20 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0063] The conductor electrode 60 is an electrode provided exposed on the case 66, and is used in contact with the human body 2 that is not grounded to the earth. The dielectric portion 61 is a dielectric provided between the conductor electrode 60 and the circuit board 63 . The conductive pin 62 is a wire that connects the conductive electrode 60 and the circuit board 63 . The circuit board 63 is a board on which a board ground 64 and a circuit section 65 are provided. The connection portion between the circuit board 63 and the conductive pin 62 serves as a power supply point 67a from the conductor electrode 60 to the circuit section 65. The board ground 64 is a conductor pattern (ground pattern) that serves as a ground in the circuit board 63, and is configured to be capacitively coupled to the earth ground so as not to come into contact with the human body 2. As the board ground 64, for example, a ground pattern similar to the board ground 44 described with reference to FIG. The case 66 is a housing for the power receiving device 20 and houses each part of the power receiving device 20 . In the example shown in FIG. 6, the conductor electrode 60 and the substrate ground 64 function as the third antenna conductor 33 and the fourth antenna conductor 34 of the antenna unit 22 described with reference to FIG.

[0064] The circuit section 65 is a unit including various circuits provided so as not to overlap with the substrate ground 64. In this embodiment, the rectifier circuit 23 is formed in the circuit section 65. In addition, the charger 24, the storage element 25, the load 26, and the like shown in FIG.

[0065] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the rectifier circuit 23 mounted on the power receiving device 20. As shown in FIG. In the power receiving device 20, for example, a voltage of several volts is generated between the conductor electrode 60 and the substrate ground 64, but the current that can be extracted is considered to be relatively small. When rectifying such a signal, it is important to sufficiently suppress leakage current, etc. For this reason, the rectifier circuit 23 uses a circuit that does not include a capacitor or the like used in a voltage doubler rectifier circuit, for example, and that suppresses excess leakage current.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the rectifier circuit 23 is configured as a full-wave rectifier circuit. The rectifier circuit 23 has four diodes 68a-68d, two Zener diodes 69a and 69b, a backflow prevention diode 70, and output terminals 71a and 71b. The diodes 68a and 68b are connected in series in the forward direction with the diode 68a at the head. A power feed point 67a is provided between the diodes 68a and 68b. The diodes 68c and 68d are connected in series in the forward direction with the diode 68c at the head. The cathodes of the diode 68a, the diode 68c, the Zener diode 69a, and the Zener diode 69b are connected to the anode of the reverse current prevention diode 70. The cathode of the reverse current prevention diode 70 is connected to the output terminal 71a. The anodes of the diode 68b, the diode 68d, the Zener diode 69a, and the Zener diode 69b are connected to the output terminal 71b.

[0067] The conductor electrode 60 is connected to a feed point 67a between the diodes 68a and 68b, and the substrate ground 64 is connected to a connection point 67b between the diodes 68c and 68d. For example, AC power received by the antenna unit 22 (conductor electrode 60 and substrate ground 64) is full-wave rectified by four diodes 68a-68d and output as DC power from output terminals 71a and 71b. In this manner, the rectifier circuit 23 shown in Fig. 7 is configured using the minimum number of diodes 68a-68d required for full-wave rectification. This makes it possible to suppress unnecessary leakage current and sufficiently improve the power receiving efficiency.

[0068] The Zener diode 69a is an element for dissipating static electricity and the like that occurs, for example, between the conductor electrode 60 and the substrate ground 64. For example, when a high voltage such as static electricity occurs, the Zener diode 69a functions as an electrostatic protection component that dissipates the static electricity. The Zener diode 69b is an element for protecting a downstream IC circuit (such as the charger 24) connected to the output terminals 71a and 71b. For example, when the voltage between the conductor electrode 60 and the substrate ground 64 becomes 6.5V or higher, the Zener diode 69b functions as a low-resistance conductor. This makes it possible to prevent the downstream circuit from being damaged. The reverse current prevention diode 70 is a diode that prevents a reverse current flow. By providing the reverse current prevention diode 70, it becomes possible to stably operate a circuit at a subsequent stage, for example.

[0069] The configuration of the rectifier circuit 23 is not limited. For example, a voltage doubler rectifier circuit or a voltage quadruple rectifier circuit that multiplies the voltage using a capacitor, a rectifier circuit incorporating a Cockcroft-Walton circuit, or the like may be used. In addition, a half-wave rectifier circuit, or the like may be used. In addition, the rectifier circuit 23 may be appropriately configured depending on the power reception characteristics of the antenna unit 22, the characteristics of the elements and circuits used as the load 26, and the like.

[0070] In the above, a configuration has been described in which the board ground 64 of the power receiving device 20 functions as the fourth antenna conductor 34. In the power receiving device 20, as in the power transmitting device 10, a conductor other than the board ground 64 can be used as the fourth antenna conductor 34. For example, the portion of the case 66 that does not come into contact with the human body 2 may be made of a conductive material (see FIG. 3C). In this case, the conductive material and the board ground 64 are connected using a metal wire or the like. This allows the portion of the case 66 made of the conductive material to function as the fourth antenna conductor 34.

[0071] Also, for example, a conductor pattern different from the board ground 64 may be provided on the circuit board 63 (see FIG. 5). In this case, the rectifier circuit 23 is connected to the conductor electrode 60 and the conductor pattern, and the conductor pattern functions as the fourth antenna conductor 34. Furthermore, when the portion of the case 66 that does not contact the human body 2 is made of a conductive member, the conductor pattern and the conductive member that constitutes the case 66 may be connected by a metal wire or the like. Besides this, the configuration of the fourth antenna conductor 34 is not limited.

[0072] [Antenna operation] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the transmitting and receiving antenna units 12 and 22. Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B are schematic diagrams showing the transmitting antenna unit 12 and the receiving antenna unit 22 in contact with the human body 2. Fig. 8C shows a human body 2 that is not grounded to the earth ground 4, and a power transmitting device 10 and a power receiving device 20 worn on the human body 2. Here, the power transmitting device 10 is worn on the arm, and the power receiving device 20 is worn on the wrist.

[0073] First, the operation of the transmitting antenna unit 12 will be described. 8A, the first antenna conductor 31 (conductor electrode 40) of the antenna unit 12 and the human body 2 can be considered to be in an electrically capacitively coupled state. The human body 2 is also considered to be in an electrically floating state with respect to the earth ground 4. In this case, the human body 2 is an ungrounded antenna element as viewed from the power transmitting device 10 (power transmitter 11).

[0074] Furthermore, the second antenna conductor 32 (such as the board ground 44) ​​is not directly connected to the earth ground 4, but is capacitively coupled to the earth ground 4 as shown in Fig. 8C. Therefore, the second antenna conductor 32 can be considered to form a pseudo ground based on the earth ground 4. As a result, the second antenna conductor 32 functions as a ground for the human body 2 which serves as an antenna element.

[0075] In this state, when the voltage generated in the first antenna conductor 31 is changed, that is, when the electric field acting on the human body 2 is intentionally changed, an electric charge is induced in the human body 2. This is the same as when AC power is applied to the human body 2, which is an antenna element. This makes it possible to transmit AC or pulse wave power according to the change in voltage (power signal) of the first antenna conductor 31, using the human body 2 as a transmission path. In FIG. 8A, the AC power transmitted through the human body 2 is diagrammatically illustrated using a sine waveform. It should be noted that neither the human body 2 nor the second antenna conductor 32 is grounded to the earth ground 4. Therefore, a situation in which the energy of the power signal is dissipated to the earth ground 4 is avoided.

[0076] Next, the operation of the receiving antenna section 22 will be described. In general, various electric field energies exist in the environment in which humans live. These electric field energies can be classified into low frequency components and high frequency components. For example, the electric field leaking from a home AC power supply (50Hz / 60Hz), noise near a personal computer, and the voltage generated when a person walks (see Fig. 8C) are electric field energies with low frequency components and are called quasi-static fields (near field). On the other hand, radio broadcasts (AM / FM), television broadcasts, and mobile phone communication radio waves are electric field energies with high frequency components and are called radio waves (far field).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8B, the third antenna conductor 33 (conductor electrode 60) of the antenna section 22 and the human body 2 are electrically capacitively coupled, and as in the case of the transmitting side, the human body 2 becomes an ungrounded antenna element as viewed from the power receiving device 20 (power receiver 21). 8C, the fourth antenna conductor 34 (substrate ground 64, etc.) is capacitively coupled with the earth ground 4 to form a pseudo ground. As a result, the fourth antenna conductor 34 functions as a ground for the human body 2 which serves as an antenna element.

[0078] With this configuration, the antenna section 22 can take in both electric field energies of quasi-static fields such as noise, which is leakage current, and radio waves such as broadcast waves, using the human body 2 as an antenna element. Of course, the electric field energy taken in by the antenna unit 22 also includes the electric field energy of the power signal output from the power transmission device 10 (power transmitter 11). Therefore, the antenna unit 22 receives power that is a combination of the energies of the quasi-electrostatic field, the radio wave, and the power signal. 8B is a schematic diagram showing the waveform of the power received through the human body 2. The waveform of the power contains a wide range of frequency components.

[0079] The antenna unit 22 configured as described above can receive quasi-electrostatic field energy at a low frequency, such as 50 Hz. The reason why the antenna unit 22 resonates at such a low frequency is believed to be that, for example, iron contained in the blood inside the human body 2 functions as an antenna. This action enables the antenna unit 22 to capture electric field energy over a very wide band.

[0080] [Electricity excited into the human body] FIG. 9 is a graph showing the waveform of the power excited in the human body 2. As shown in FIG. The graphs shown in the upper, middle, and lower parts of Fig. 9 are graphs showing waveforms of power excited in the human body 2 detected by the power receiving device 20 (antenna unit 22). The horizontal axis of the graphs represents frequency, and a range from 2 Hz to 150 kHz is plotted. The vertical axis of the graphs represents the intensity of the frequency components, and the scale is in 10 dB increments.

[0081] 9 is a graph measured when the human body 2 or the like is not in contact with the conductor electrode 60 of the antenna unit 22. This is a plot of the power received by the antenna unit 22 alone, and the intensity of the frequency components is at a level of approximately 0 dB or less.

[0082] The graph in the middle of Fig. 9 is a graph measured when the human body 2 is in contact with the conductor electrode 60 of the antenna section 22. At this time, the human body 2 is not in contact with any device that may be a noise source. Therefore, this graph can be said to be a plot of the power taken in by receiving electric field energy of the quasi-static field, etc., when the human body 2 is functioning as an antenna element. 9, the graph in the upper part and the graph in the middle part show that the received power has increased by about 10 dB overall in the graph in the middle part. As described above, it can be seen that by bringing the human body 2 into contact with the conductor electrode 60 of the antenna unit 22, power can be received evenly over a wide frequency band. Furthermore, in the graph in the middle of Fig. 9, a peak appears at 60 kHz, as indicated by the diamond 1 marker in the graph. This is thought to be due to the reception of 60 kHz power as a result of receiving noise from a noise source (such as a computer) that is present in the vicinity of the human body 2 and is not in contact with the human body 2. Therefore, such a low frequency, for example a band centered around 60 kHz, is a band in which electric charges are easily induced in the human body 2.

[0083] 9 is a graph measured when the human body 2 is in contact with the conductor electrode 60 of the antenna unit 22 and is also in contact with a computer, which is a noise source. Therefore, this graph can be said to be a plot of the power (electric field energy of the quasi-static field) from the noise source transmitted to the human body 2, which is the antenna element. 9, the lower graph shows that the received power has increased by about 20 dB overall. As such, it can be seen that the human body 2 in contact with the conductor electrode 60 comes into contact with the noise source, allowing the reception of high power uniformly over a wide frequency band. In addition, a broad peak is measured around 60 kHz in the graph at the bottom of Figure 9. As shown above, it is possible to receive relatively strong power in the band where electric charges are easily induced.

[0084] Thus, there exists a frequency at which an electric charge is easily induced by an electric field in the human body 2. This characteristic also applies when a power signal is applied to the human body 2 to intentionally generate power (electric field energy). For example, at a frequency where electric charge is easily induced, the intensity of the electric power corresponding to the electric power signal is high, and the efficiency of the electric power transmission is improved. Conversely, at a frequency where electric charge is difficult to induce, the intensity of the electric power corresponding to the electric power signal is low, and the receivable electric power may decrease. In particular, electric charge is difficult to induce in the human body 2 at frequencies higher than 1 GHz.

[0085] [Signal generation circuit operation] The present inventor has found a method for setting the frequency of a power signal in accordance with the characteristics of the human body 2. That is, in the power transmitter 11 (power transmitting device 10), the frequency of the power signal generated by the signal generating circuit 13 is set to a frequency that easily induces an electric charge in the human body 2.

[0086] For example, the frequency of the power signal is set to 60 kHz, which increases the intensity of the power corresponding to the power signal and significantly improves the transmission efficiency compared to the case where other frequencies are used. Without being limited thereto, the frequency of the power signal may be set within the range of, for example, 60 kHz ± 10 kHz. Also, in the graph in the middle of Fig. 9, the power reception strength is high around 120 kHz, which is twice 60 kHz. In this way, a frequency that is an integer multiple (120 kHz, 180 kHz, etc.) of 60 kHz that is a harmonic may be used. Alternatively, the frequency of the power signal may be set to any frequency that easily induces an electric charge in the human body 2.

[0087] The power transmitting device 10 may be provided with a control unit that controls the transmission of power by the power transmitter 11. Specifically, the control unit is a unit that controls the operation of the signal generating circuit 13 using a control signal. In this case, the signal generating circuit 13 generates a power signal in response to a control signal output from the control unit. In this embodiment, the control unit corresponds to a control unit.

[0088] For example, the control signal is a signal that specifies whether the power signal is on or off. The signal generating circuit 13 turns the power signal on or off in response to such a control signal. For example, the control unit monitors the state of the power supply unit that drives the signal generating circuit 13, and when the remaining charge of the battery or the like is low, the power signal is set to off. Alternatively, the power signal may be set to on / off in response to an operation by the user 1. Furthermore, when a communication unit or the like is provided, communication may be performed between the control unit and another power receiving device 20. In this case, it is possible for the power receiving device 20 to set the power signal to ON when it requests power, and to set the power signal to OFF when the request for power is completed. This makes it possible to supply power effectively.

[0089] Also, for example, the control signal is a signal that specifies the frequency of the power signal. In this case, the signal generating circuit 13 is configured to be able to change the frequency of the power signal. For example, if the power transmitting device 10 transmits a power signal in a frequency band used for communication, there is a possibility that the communication will be hindered. For this reason, for example, the control unit appropriately changes the frequency of the power signal depending on the communication status of the device. This makes it possible to supply power without hindering communication.

[0090] It is not necessary to provide a control unit. For example, a switch element or the like that switches on / off depending on the voltage supplied from the power supply unit may be incorporated in the signal generating circuit 13. In this case, it is possible to automatically turn off the power signal when the voltage of the power supply unit drops. By using such a switch element, the configuration of the power transmitting device 10 becomes simple and it becomes possible to suppress power consumption, etc. Besides, the method of controlling the operation of the signal generating circuit 13 is not limited.

[0091] [Power transmission and reception device] In the above, the power transmitting device 10 (power transmitter 11) and the power receiving device 20 (power receiver 21) are configured as separate devices. In addition to devices with separate power transmitting and receiving functions, it is also possible to configure a device (power transmitting / receiving device) that has both power transmitting and receiving functions.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a power transmitting and receiving device. The power transmitting / receiving device 80 is a device capable of transmitting and receiving power via the human body 2. The power transmitting / receiving device 80 includes an antenna unit 81, a transmission / reception switch 82, a signal generating circuit 83, a rectifying circuit 84, a charger 85, a power storage element 86, and a load 87. This configuration is a combination of the power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 described above.

[0093] The antenna unit 81 functions as an antenna that transmits and receives power via the human body 2. The antenna unit 81 is configured similarly to the antenna unit 12 of the power transmitter 11 (or the antenna unit 22 of the power receiver 21) described with reference to FIG. 1 etc. In the following, of the two antenna conductors that configure the antenna unit 81, the conductor that is used in contact with the human body 2 is referred to as a first antenna conductor 31, and the conductor that is not in contact with the human body 2 is referred to as a second antenna conductor 32.

[0094] The transmit / receive switch 82 switches and connects the antenna unit 81 to either the signal generating circuit 83 or the rectifying circuit 84. In this embodiment, the transmit / receive switch 82 corresponds to a switch circuit. A method of switching the connection with the antenna unit 81 will be described later.

[0095] The signal generating circuit 83 generates an AC power signal and outputs it to the antenna unit 81. In addition, an electricity storage element 86 is connected to the signal generating circuit 83. Therefore, the signal generating circuit 83 generates an electricity signal using the electricity storage element 86 as a power source. In the power transmitting / receiving device 80, an antenna unit 81 and a signal generating circuit 83 are connected by a transmission / reception switch 82 to realize a power transmitter 11. In this case, the power transmitter 11 applies an AC power signal generated by the signal generating circuit 83 to the antenna unit 81 to transmit AC power.

[0096] The rectifier circuit 84 is connected to the first antenna conductor 31 and the second antenna conductor 32 that constitute the antenna unit 81 , and rectifies the AC power received by the antenna unit 81 . In the power transmitting / receiving device 80, the antenna unit 81 and the rectifier circuit 84 are connected by the transmission / reception switch 82, thereby realizing the power receiver 21. In this case, the power receiver 21 rectifies the AC power generated in the antenna unit 81 by the rectifier circuit 84 and receives the power. In this manner, in the power transmitting / receiving device 80, the power transmitter 11 and the power receiver 21 share the antenna unit 81.

[0097] The charger 85 charges the power output from the rectifier circuit 84 into the power storage element 86 . The power storage element 86 is an element that stores the power rectified by the rectifier circuit 84, and supplies the power to a load 87 as required. The load 87 is a circuit or element that is driven by the power of the storage element 86 . In the power transmitting / receiving device 80, for example, a communication unit that communicates with other devices is provided as a load 87. The communication unit is, for example, a unit that supports short-range wireless communication such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) or Zigbee.

[0098] For example, information such as the power reception status of other devices and the remaining battery level is read by BLE or the like. At this time, if there is a device or the like that is short of power, the transmission / reception switch 82 is controlled to connect the antenna unit 81 and the signal generation circuit 83. The signal generation circuit 83 also generates a power signal based on the power of the storage element 86 and applies it to the antenna unit 81. This makes it possible to supply power to the device that is short of power via the human body 2.

[0099] Furthermore, when power is no longer needed or when the remaining charge of the storage element 86 is low, the transmission / reception switch 82 is controlled to connect the antenna unit 81 and the rectifier circuit 84, and the electric field energy generated in the human body 2 is supplied to the storage element 86 via the antenna unit 81, the rectifier circuit 84, and the charger 85. This makes it possible to recharge the storage element 86, and to appropriately supply power to a device in contact with the human body 2 without charging it from an external power source.

[0100] In the power transmitting / receiving device 80, a filter element that separates frequency components may be provided instead of the above-described transmission / reception changeover switch 82. In this case, the filter element is configured to output, for example, the frequency components of the power signal output from the signal generating circuit 80 to the antenna unit 81. The filter element is also configured to output, of the power received by the antenna unit 81, frequency components other than the same frequency component as the power signal to the rectifier circuit 84. By using a filter element, for example, a switch operation or the like is not required, making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0101] As described above, in the power transmitter 11 according to this embodiment, the first antenna conductor 31 that contacts the human body 2 and the second antenna conductor 32 that does not contact the human body 2 are provided in a state in which the human body 2 is not grounded to the earth ground 4. Of these, the second antenna conductor 32 is capacitively coupled to the earth ground 4. Therefore, the human body 2 becomes a conductor that can transmit AC power. In this state, an AC power signal is applied to each of the antenna conductors 31 and 32. This makes it possible to efficiently supply power via the human body 2.

[0102] <Second embodiment> A power transmission and reception system according to a second embodiment of the present technology will be described. In the following description, the description of the same configuration and operation as those of the power transmission and reception system 100 described in the above embodiment will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of a power transmitting and receiving system according to the second embodiment. The power transmission and reception system 200 includes a power transmitting device 210 and a power receiving device 220. In this embodiment, the power transmitting device 210 and the power receiving device 220 function as human body communication devices that perform human body communication with each other. Human body communication is a communication method for transmitting and receiving communication signals using the dielectric body 2 as a medium. For example, human body communication is used for communication between devices attached to the human body 2, or between a device attached to the human body and an external device.

[0103] In the power transmission / reception system 200, the power transmission device 210 and the power receiving device 220 are in contact with the human body 2 of the user 1, and power transmission and human body communication are performed in response to the power signal. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, in addition to the power signal, a communication signal for performing human body communication is output to the human body 2. Note that the power transmission and the human body communication can be performed simultaneously by using different frequency bands. For example, the frequency for performing the human body communication can be 1 MHz or higher, and the frequency for transmitting power can be less than 1 MHz. 11, the power corresponding to the power signal is shown by a thick arrow, and the communication signal of the human body communication is shown by a thin arrow. The configurations of the power transmitting device 210 and the power receiving device 220 will be described below.

[0104] FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmitting device 210 that performs human body communication. The power transmitting device 210 has an antenna unit 212, a diplexer 201, a signal generating circuit 213, and a human body communication unit 218. This configuration is a combination of the power transmitting device 10 shown in FIG.

[0105] Diplexer 201 is a three-terminal device consisting of one main terminal and two sub-terminals. For example, a signal input to the main terminal is separated into a component on the higher frequency side and a component on the lower frequency side than a predetermined frequency, and output from each sub-terminal. Furthermore, a signal input to each sub-terminal is output from the main terminal as a signal in which the frequency components are mixed. In this way, diplexer 201 is a separation circuit that separates frequencies.

[0106] The main terminal of diplexer 201 is connected to antenna unit 212 (first antenna conductor 31). One sub-terminal is connected to signal generating circuit 213, and the other sub-terminal is connected to human body communication unit 218. Hereinafter, the path connecting antenna unit 212 and signal generating circuit 213 is referred to as a first path, and the path connecting antenna unit 212 and human body communication unit 218 is referred to as a second path.

[0107] The first path is a path that passes frequency components below a threshold frequency, and the second path is a path that passes frequency components equal to or higher than the threshold frequency. Here, the threshold frequency is set according to a frequency used in human body communication. In general, frequencies used in human body communication are frequencies of 1 MHz or higher. Therefore, the threshold frequency of diplexer 201 is set to 1 MHz. Alternatively, the threshold frequency may be set appropriately according to the frequency of human body communication.

[0108] Therefore, the first path connects the antenna unit 212 and the signal generating circuit 213, and serves as a path through which a signal with a lower frequency than the frequency of human body communication passes. The second path connects the antenna unit 212 and the human body communication unit 218, and serves as a path through which a signal with a frequency of human body communication passes. This makes it possible to handle the power signal and the communication signal for human body communication separately, and to combine the signals and output them to the antenna unit 212.

[0109] Moreover, in this embodiment, the signal generating circuit 213 generates a power signal with a frequency lower than the frequency of the human body communication. More specifically, the frequency of the power signal is set to a frequency lower than the threshold frequency (here, 1 MHz) set in the diplexer 201. This makes it possible to transmit power through the human body 2 without interfering with the human body communication.

[0110] The human body communication unit 218 is a communication unit that is connected to the antenna unit 212 and performs human body communication. In this embodiment, the human body communication unit 218 corresponds to a communication unit. The communication signal used in the human body communication unit 218 is a signal with a frequency higher than a threshold frequency (such as 1 MHz). The human body communication unit 218 includes a transmit / receive switch 90 , an amplifier 91 , a bandpass filter 92 , a demodulator 93 , a modulator 94 , a transmission driver 95 , a communication controller 96 , and an interface 97 .

[0111] The transmit / receive switch 90 is connected to the antenna unit 212 via the diplexer 201. The transmit / receive switch 90 switches between transmitting a communication signal to the antenna unit 212 and receiving a communication signal from the antenna unit 212.

[0112] The amplifier 91 is a differential amplifier that differentially amplifies the communication signal output from the transmission / reception switch 90. This suppresses common mode noise and the like that is common to each antenna conductor. The bandpass filter 92 extracts a signal (communication signal) of a frequency used for human body communication from the output of the amplifier 91. This cuts out signal components unnecessary for communication. The demodulation circuit 93 demodulates the analog communication signal extracted by the bandpass filter 92 and converts it into a digital signal. The demodulated communication signal is input to the interface unit 97.

[0113] The modulation circuit 94 modulates the digital signal output from the interface unit 97 and converts it into an analog communication signal. The modulated communication signal is input to the transmission driver 95. The transmission driver 95 adjusts, for example, the voltage level of an analog communication signal. The communication signal output from the transmission driver 95 is input to the transmit / receive switch 90.

[0114] The communication control unit 96 controls the operation of each part of the human body communication unit 218 based on a control signal output from the interface unit 97. For example, the connection destination of the transmission / reception changeover switch 90 is appropriately controlled to switch between transmission and reception. Also, the demodulation circuit 93, the transmission driver 95, the modulation circuit 94, etc. are appropriately switched on / off to manage power during communication and standby. The interface unit 97 is a calculation unit that performs various calculation processes, such as communication processes with other devices via human body communication and processes according to the contents of the communication.

[0115] For example, a communication signal output from the human body communication unit 218 passes through the diplexer 201 and is output to the antenna unit 212. A communication signal received by the antenna unit 212 from another device passes through the diplexer 201 and is input to the human body communication unit 218. In this way, even during a period in which a communication signal is being transmitted and received, a power signal having a frequency lower than that of the communication signal output from the signal generating circuit 213 is applied to the antenna unit 212 via the diplexer 201. This makes it possible to simultaneously realize power transmission and human body communication.

[0116] 13 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power receiving device 220 that performs human body communication. The power receiving device 220 includes an antenna unit 222, a diplexer 202, a rectifier circuit 223, a charger 224, a power storage element 225, a load 226, and a human body communication unit 228. 1 is combined with a human body communication unit 228 via a diplexer 202. The human body communication unit 228 may be configured as a load 226 driven by a power storage element 225.

[0117] The main terminal of diplexer 202 is connected to antenna unit 222 (third antenna conductor 33). One sub-terminal is connected to rectifier circuit 223, and the other sub-terminal is connected to human body communication unit 228. The path connecting antenna unit 222 and rectifier circuit 223 is a path that passes frequency components below the threshold frequency (e.g., 1 MHz) of diplexer 202. The path connecting antenna unit 222 and human body communication unit 228 is a path that passes frequency components equal to or higher than the threshold frequency of diplexer 202.

[0118] For example, a communication signal output from the human body communication unit 228 passes through the diplexer 202 and is output to the antenna unit 222. A communication signal received by the antenna unit 222 from another device passes through the diplexer 202 and is input to the human body communication unit 228. In this way, even during a period in which communication signals are transmitted and received, a signal having a frequency lower than the threshold frequency received by the antenna unit 222 is input as power to the rectifier circuit 223. As described above, the frequency of the power signal output from the power transmitter 210 is set to be lower than the threshold frequency. Therefore, the rectifier circuit 223 can receive AC power according to the power signal. This makes it possible to simultaneously realize power reception and human body communication.

[0119] In the above, the case where the power transmitting device 210 and the power receiving device 220 that perform human body communication are configured as separate devices has been described. In addition, it is also possible to configure a device (power transmitting / receiving device) that has both a power transmitting function and a power receiving function and performs human body communication.

[0120] 14 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a power transmitting and receiving device that performs human body communication. The power transmitting and receiving device 280 includes an antenna unit 281, a diplexer 203, a transmission / reception switch 282, a signal generating circuit 283, a rectifying circuit 284, a charger 285, a power storage element 286, a load 287, and a human body communication unit 288. 10 and a human body communication unit 288 via a diplexer 203. Note that the human body communication unit 288 may be configured as a load 287 driven by a power storage element 286.

[0121] A main terminal of diplexer 203 is connected to antenna unit 281 (first antenna conductor 31). One sub-terminal is connected to transmit / receive switch 282, and the other sub-terminal is connected to human body communication unit 288. A path connecting antenna unit 281 and transmit / receive switch 282 is a path that passes frequency components below a threshold frequency (e.g., 1 MHz) of diplexer 203. A path connecting antenna unit 281 and human body communication unit 288 is a path that passes frequency components equal to or higher than a threshold frequency of diplexer 203.

[0122] For example, when transmitting power according to a power signal, the diplexer 203 and the signal generating circuit 283 are connected by the transmit / receive switch 282. In this case, the power signal output from the signal generating circuit 283 passes through the transmit / receive switch 282 and the diplexer 203 and is applied to the antenna unit 281. Furthermore, when power is received via the antenna unit 281, the diplexer 203 and the rectifier circuit 284 are connected by the transmit / receive switch 282. In this case, of the signals received by the antenna unit 281, signals having a frequency lower than the threshold frequency of the diplexer 203 pass through the diplexer 203 and the transmit / receive switch 282 and are input to the rectifier circuit 284. The signal rectified by rectifier circuit 284 is charged in power storage element 286 via charger 285. Charger 285 may be used as a power supply source for human body communication unit 288. In this case, human body communication unit 288 is directly driven using the power received by antenna section 281. This makes it possible to drive human body communication unit 288 in conjunction with the contact action of human body 2.

[0123] Furthermore, a communication signal output from human body communication unit 288 passes through diplexer 203 and is output to antenna unit 281. A communication signal received by antenna unit 281 from another device passes through diplexer 203 and is input to human body communication unit 288. In this way, even during a period in which a communication signal is being transmitted and received, it is possible to apply a power signal output from the signal generating circuit 283 to the antenna unit 281, and to input a power signal having a frequency lower than the threshold frequency received by the antenna unit 281 to the rectifier circuit 284. This makes it possible to simultaneously realize power transmission and reception and human body communication.

[0124] 12, 13, and 14, a configuration has been described in which the antenna units (antenna unit 212, antenna unit 222, and antenna unit 281) used for transmitting and receiving power are shared with the human body communication units (human body communication unit 218, human body communication unit 228, and human body communication unit 288). This is not limiting, and for example, the antenna units used for transmitting and receiving power and the antenna units used by the human body communication units for human body communication may be configured separately. Even in such a case, it is possible to simultaneously realize transmission and reception of power and human body communication by setting the frequency of the power signal lower than the frequency of the human body communication.

[0125] 15 is a schematic diagram showing an application example of power transmission and reception involving human body communication. Here, power transmission and reception and human body communication are performed between a stationary power transmitting device 210 provided at a part that the user 1 comes into contact with and a portable power receiving device 220 worn by the user 1. Note that either or both of the power transmitting device 210 and the power receiving device 220 may be configured as a power transmitting and receiving device 280.

[0126] 15, when unlocking a door, authentication processing for user 1 is performed using human body communication. In this case, the conductor electrode (first antenna conductor 31) of the power transmitting device 210 is configured as a doorknob 230 that the user 1 grasps, and the main body of the power transmitting device 210 is embedded in the periphery of the doorknob 230 (first antenna conductor 31). The power receiving device 220 is configured as a device that transmits the ID, etc. of user 1 in response to a request from the power transmitting device 210.

[0127] For example, when the user 1 touches the doorknob 230 (first antenna conductor 31), a power signal is applied to the doorknob 230 (first antenna conductor 31) by the power transmitting device 210 (signal generating circuit 213). As a result, AC power corresponding to the power signal is generated in the human body 2 of the user 1. The power receiving device 220 is activated by receiving the AC power via the human body 2. Then, information such as the ID of the user 1 is transmitted from the power receiving device 220 by human body communication. The power transmitting device 210 (signal generating circuit 213) that has received this information compares the ID information with preregistered data and performs authentication processing of the user 1. Then, if it is determined that the user 1 is a registered person, the door is unlocked.

[0128] In this way, by combining human body communication and power transmission, it is possible to realize a system in which a door is automatically unlocked when the user 1 simply touches the doorknob 230 (first antenna conductor 31). Furthermore, since power is transmitted via the human body 2, it is possible to properly perform authentication processing even if the power receiving device 220 does not have a battery. This makes it possible to realize, for example, a lightweight and small authentication device that does not have a battery or the like.

[0129] <Third embodiment> Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power transmission and reception system according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 16, the flow of power is diagrammatically shown using dotted arrows. The power transmission and reception system 300 is composed of a UI device 30 (power transmission device 310 or power transmission and reception device 380) equipped with a power transmitter that transmits power through the human body 2, and a UI device 30 (power receiving device 320 or power transmission and reception device 380) equipped with a power receiver that receives power through the human body 2. At least one UI device 30 equipped with a power transmitter and at least one UI device 30 equipped with a power receiver are provided in the power transmission / reception system 300. For example, the power transmission / reception system 300 is configured as any one of a system including at least a power transmission device 310 and a power reception device 320, a system including at least a power transmission device 310 and a power transmission / reception device 380, a system including at least a power transmission / reception device 380 and a power reception device 320, and a system including at least two or more power transmission / reception devices 380.

[0130] The power transmitting and receiving system 300 also includes a host terminal 35 . The host terminal 35 may be configured as any UI device 30 that transmits and receives power, or may be configured as a terminal device that does not have the function of transmitting and receiving power. In the power transmission / reception system 300, the operation of power transmission by each of the UI devices 30 equipped with a power transmitter is controlled by the host terminal 35. That is, the host terminal 35 controls the transmission of power by at least one power transmitter constituting the power transmission / reception system 300. In addition, when the host terminal 35 is configured as a UI device 30 (power receiving device 320 or power transmitting / receiving device 380) that receives power, the host terminal 35 that uses power may be provided with a power source (battery) separate from the power source (battery) stored by the power receiver. In this embodiment, the host terminal 35 corresponds to a control unit.

[0131] Specifically, the host terminal 35 sets the power signal output from the power transmitter to on / off depending on the status of the UI device 30 in which at least one of the power transmitter or the power receiver is installed, or the status of the human body 2. Here, the status of the UI device 30 refers to, for example, the usage status, communication status, battery remaining status, etc. of each UI device 30. The host terminal 35 communicates with the UI device 30 to appropriately acquire information indicating the status of each UI device 30. The status of the human body 2 refers to, for example, the posture of the user 1, the environment in which the user 1 is, or the motion status of the user 1. The host terminal 35 appropriately acquires information indicating the status of the human body 2 using a sensor provided in the host terminal 35 main body, a sensor provided in each UI device 30, or the like.

[0132] For example, in the host terminal 35, the timing for transmitting power is determined based on information indicating the status of the UI device 30 and the human body 2. Also, a power transmitter (UI device 30) to be used for power transmission is selected. Then, based on these results, a control signal is generated to control the on / off of a power signal from each power transmitter (signal generating circuit). This makes it possible to supply the necessary power at an appropriate timing.

[0133] Examples of UI devices 30 equipped with a power transmitter and a power receiver include mobile terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and mobile batteries, as well as wearable devices worn by a user 1, such as wristwatch-type devices, headphone-type devices, contact lens-type devices (ICL: Intelligent Contact Lens, etc.), and ring-type devices. Since the contact lens type device and the ring type device are very small in size, they are configured as UI devices 30 for reception only, for example. Furthermore, a stationary device such as a PC, an electronic musical instrument, a training device, an automobile, a game controller, or a device attached to a pillow or a blanket may be used as the UI device 30. Such a stationary device is typically equipped with a power transmitter.

[0134] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the power transmission and reception system 300 shown in FIG. 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams showing a relationship between a UI device 30 (power transmitting device 310) equipped with a power transmitter and a UI device 30 (power receiving device 320) equipped with a power receiver, which represents transmission and reception of power via a human body 2. The UI device 30 (310) equipped with a power transmitter includes, for example, a wristwatch-type device. The UI device 30 (320) equipped with a power receiver includes, for example, an ICL or a ring-type device. In the following, the UI device 30 configured as a power transmitting device 310 will be described as UI device 30(310), the UI device 30 configured as a power receiving device 320 will be described as UI device 30(320), and the UI device 30 configured as a power transmitting / receiving device 380 will be described as UI device 30(380).

[0135] In each drawing, a device equipped with a power transmitter A, a power transmitter B, a power transmitter C, etc. is illustrated as a UI device 30 (310) equipped with a power transmitter. It is also possible to use a UI device 30 (380) configured as a power transceiver device 380, instead of the UI device 30 (310) equipped with a power transmitter or the UI device 30 (320) equipped with a power receiver.

[0136] 17A, the UI device 30 (310) equipped with a power transmitter is switched depending on the situation. In the host terminal 35, for example, a UI device 30 (310) with a high remaining battery level or a UI device 30 (310) that is not in use is preferentially selected as a device to transmit power. Also, a device close to the device receiving power may be selected as a device to transmit power. Furthermore, when the user 1 touches a stationary UI device 30 (310) (such as a PC or a game controller), a process is also possible in which the device transmitting power is switched to the stationary UI device 30 (310).

[0137] In Fig. 17B, power is transmitted from a plurality of UI devices 30 (310) equipped with a power transmitter. In this case, the power transmitted from the plurality of devices is combined. For example, when the remaining charge of a battery (such as a power storage element) of a device receiving power is low or when the amount of power consumption has increased, the plurality of UI devices 30 (310) are selected as devices transmitting power. This makes it possible to supply sufficient power via the human body 2. In addition, when the efficiency of receiving power is low, it is also possible to gradually add devices that transmit power. In this way, by appropriately combining the operations shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B, it is possible to realize power transmission suited to the situation.

[0138] FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an application example of the power transmitting and receiving system 300. 18A includes a contact lens type device 30a, a ring type device 30b, a wristwatch type device 30c, a UI device 30s for power supply, and a host terminal 35. An external antenna 36 is connected to the human body 2.

[0139] The contact lens type device 30a is a UI device 30 that is used in contact with the eye of the user 1. The ring type device 30b is a UI device 30 that is used in contact with the finger of the user 1. The wristwatch type device 30c is a UI device 30 that is used in contact with the arm (wrist) of the user 1. Each of the devices 30a, 30b, and 30c is configured to have any one of a power receiving function, a power transmitting function, and a power transmitting / receiving function. Here, the contact lens type device 30a and the ring type device 30b are configured as UI devices 30 dedicated to receiving power (power receiving device 320), while the wristwatch type device 30c is configured as a UI device 30 capable of transmitting and receiving power (power transmitting and receiving device 380).

[0140] The UI device 30s is a device configured as a power transmitting / receiving device 380, and includes an antenna unit 53, a power receiving unit 54, a power storage unit 55, a power transmitting unit 56, and a communication unit 57. Here, it is assumed that the UI device 30s (380) supplies power to other UI devices 30 (the contact lens type device 30a (320), the ring type device 30b (320), and the wristwatch type device 30c (380)) that are in contact with the human body 2.

[0141] The antenna unit 53 has a first shared antenna conductor 75 and a second shared antenna conductor 76. The first shared antenna conductor 75 is an antenna conductor that is used in contact with the human body 2, and the second shared antenna conductor 75 is an antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body 2 and is capacitively coupled with the earth ground 4. Furthermore, the antenna unit 53 is used as an antenna shared by the power receiving unit 54 and the power transmitting unit 56. For example, when transmitting power, the first shared antenna conductor 75 functions as the first antenna conductor 31, and the second shared antenna conductor 76 functions as the second antenna conductor 32. When receiving power, the first shared antenna conductor 75 functions as the third antenna conductor 33, and the second shared antenna conductor 76 functions as the fourth antenna conductor 34.

[0142] The power receiving unit 54 functions as a power generating device that extracts power from the human body 2 via the antenna unit 53. In the UI device 30s (380), the antenna unit 53 and the power receiving unit 54 form a power receiver. The power storage unit 55 is a power storage element (such as a battery) that stores the power received by the power receiving unit 54. The power stored in the power storage unit 55 is output to the power transmitting unit 56. The power transmitting unit 56 functions as a power feeding device that transmits power to another UI device 30 in contact with the human body 2 via the antenna unit 53. In the UI device 30s (380), the antenna unit 53 and the power transmitting unit 56 form a power transmitter.

[0143] The communication unit 57 communicates with the host terminal 35 to obtain a control signal that controls the transmission and reception of power by the UI device 30s (380). In response to this control signal, the operation of the power transmitting unit 56 (turning the transmission of power on / off, etc.) and the operation of the power receiving unit 54 (turning the reception of power on / off, etc.) are controlled. As the communication unit 57, for example, a short-range wireless communication unit such as BLE or Zigbee, or a human body communication unit is used.

[0144] The host terminal 35 controls the transmission of power by the UI device 30s (380). For example, the on / off of the power transmission unit 56 is controlled according to the status of the other UI device 30 (usage status, communication status, remaining battery level, etc.) and the status of the human body 2 (posture, environment, movement, etc. of the user 1). Also, the on / off of the transmission of power may be controlled according to a request from the other UI device 30. The host terminal 35 may also control the on / off of the power transmission function of devices other than the UI device 30s (380). Here, the transmission of power by the wristwatch type device 30c (380) having a power transmission / reception function is appropriately controlled.

[0145] Furthermore, the host terminal 35 may control the on / off of the power receiving function of each device including the UI device 30s (380). For example, the power receiving function is set to off for devices that transmit power or devices that are fully charged. Conversely, the power receiving function is set to on for devices that require power. This makes it possible to selectively supply power to devices that require power, thereby suppressing power loss.

[0146] The host terminal 35 also reads data measured by sensors mounted on the UI device 30s (380), the contact lens type device 30a (320), the ring type device 30b (320), and the wristwatch type device 30c (380). For example, data such as the pulse rate, body temperature, and blood oxygen concentration of the user 1 is appropriately read. This data may be provided to an application that monitors the condition of the user 1, or may be output to another device such as a PC. The host terminal 35 is configured as a device having an independent power source (a battery or other cell or a fixed power source), but may be a device powered by, for example, the power storage unit 55 of the UI device 30s.

[0147] The external antenna 36 is an antenna attached to the human body 2 . For example, the external antenna 36 is configured as the second shared antenna conductor 76 of the antenna unit 53 of the UI device 30s (380). In this case, the external antenna 36 functions as an antenna that is not in direct contact with the human body 2 and is capacitively coupled with the earth ground 4. This makes it possible to improve the power receiving efficiency of the UI device 30s (380). Moreover, the external antenna 36 may be configured as the first shared antenna conductor 75. In this case, the external antenna 36 functions as an antenna that is in direct contact with the human body 2. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of power transmission by the UI device 30s (380).

[0148] In addition, the external antenna 36 may be configured as an independent antenna that is not connected to the UI device 30s (380). In this case, for example, it is possible to expand the function of the human body 2 as an antenna, and it is possible to improve the power receiving efficiency. Note that a plurality of external antennas 36 may be attached to the human body 2, or no external antenna 36 may be attached to the human body 2.

[0149] The power transmission / reception system 300 shown in FIG. 18B includes a power supply UI device 30s (380), a contact lens type device 30a (320), a ring type device 30b (320), and a wristwatch type device 30c (380). Among these, the UI device 30s (380) is provided with a host processing unit 58 that executes the same processing as that of the host terminal 35 shown in Fig. 18A. In this case, the host processing unit 58 communicates with the other UI device 30 via a communication unit (not shown) and controls the transmission of power by the UI device 30s (380), etc. In this way, the UI device 30s (380) functions as the host terminal 35. In this way, the host terminal 35 may be configured as a device having a power transmission function and a power reception function. In addition, when the power consumption of the host processing unit 58 (host terminal 35) is large, a power source (such as a battery) for operating the host processing unit 58 may be provided in addition to the power storage unit 55 of the UI device 30s.

[0150] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing another application example of the power transmitting and receiving system 300. In FIG. The power transmission / reception system 300 shown in Fig. 19 includes a contact lens type device 30a (320), a ring type device 30b (320), a wristwatch type device 30c (380), and a host terminal 35. In the configuration shown in Fig. 19, power is transmitted by the wristwatch type device 30c (380) instead of the UI device 30s (380) shown in Fig. 18A.

[0151] The wristwatch type device 30c (380) includes an antenna section 53, a power receiving section 54, a power storage section 55, a power transmitting section 56, and a communication unit 57. The antenna section 53 serves as an antenna shared by the power receiving section 54 and the power transmitting section 56. The communication unit 57 also obtains control signals for controlling the operation of the power receiving section 54 and the power transmitting section 56 from a host terminal 35 provided separately from the wristwatch type device 30c (380).

[0152] As the host terminal 35, for example, a device such as a smartphone is used. The host terminal 35 transmits power from the power transmission unit 56 of the wristwatch type device 30c (380) in accordance with the timing when the contact lens type device 30a (320) and the ring type device 30b (320) are used. Alternatively, power may be transmitted in accordance with the timing when the contact lens type device 30a (320) and the ring type device 30b (320) are not communicating with each other. In addition, processing such as transmitting power when the remaining battery level of each device is low may be performed. Note that a wristwatch type device 30c (380) may be configured as the host terminal 35, similar to the UI device 30s (380) shown in FIG. 18B.

[0153] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing another application example of the power transmitting and receiving system 300. In FIG. The power transmission / reception system 300 shown in Fig. 20 includes a contact lens type device 30a (320), a ring type device 30b (320), a wristwatch type device 30c (380), a headphone type device 30d (380), and a host terminal 35. In the configuration shown in Fig. 20, power is transmitted by the headphone type device 30d (380) instead of the UI device 30s (380) shown in Fig. 18A. The headphone type device 30d includes an antenna section 53, a power receiving section 54, a power storage section 55, a power transmitting section 56, a communication unit 57, and a headband type antenna 37. It is also assumed that the user 1 is wearing a mask shield type antenna 38 . In this case, the headband type antenna 37 and the mask shield type antenna 38 both function as the external antenna 36 .

[0154] For example, the headband type antenna 37 and the mask shield type antenna 38 are configured as a second shared antenna conductor 76 that is capacitively coupled to the earth ground 4 in the headphone type device 30d (380). This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of receiving power. Also, the headband type antenna 37 and the mask shield type antenna 38 may be configured as a first shared antenna conductor 75 that directly contacts the human body 2 in the headphone type device 30d (380). This makes it possible to improve the power transmission efficiency. In addition, the headband antenna 37 and the mask shield antenna 38 may be configured as independent antennas that are not connected to the headphone device 30d (380). This expands the function of the human body 2 as an antenna, making it possible to improve the efficiency of receiving power. In addition, the headband type antenna 37 and the mask shield type antenna 38 may be appropriately configured to function as an external antenna 36 attached to the human body 2.

[0155] In the headphone type device 30d (380), the power receiving unit 54 supplies the power received through the human body 2 and the power received by the headband type antenna 37 and the mask shield type antenna 38 to the power storage unit 55. In addition, the power transmitting unit 56 generates a power signal using the power storage unit 55 as a power source, and outputs the power signal to the human body 2 via the antenna unit 53. Power in response to the power signal is supplied to the contact lens type device 30a (320), the ring type device 30b (320), and the wristwatch type device 30c (380).

[0156] 20, the headphone type device 30d (380) is provided with the external antenna 36 (headband type antenna 37 and mask shield type antenna 38), and thus is able to receive power efficiently. The headphone type device 30d (380) is also sufficiently larger than the contact lens type device 30a (320) and the like, and can easily be equipped with a relatively large capacity power storage unit 55 and the like. This makes it possible to supply sufficient power to other UI devices 30.

[0157] Depending on the situation, it is possible to switch the device that transmits power from the headphone type device 30d (380) to the wristwatch type device 30c (380). For example, when the wristwatch type device 30c (380) and the ring type device 30b (320) are worn on the same hand, the ring type device 30b (320) is powered by the nearby wristwatch type device 30c (380). Similarly, the contact lens type device 30a (320) is powered by the nearby headphone type device 30d (380). This allows power to be supplied efficiently. In addition, it is also possible to switch the device to which power is transmitted depending on the remaining battery power of the headphone type device 30d (380) or the wristwatch type device 30c (380).

[0158] Fig. 21 is a block diagram showing another application example of the power transmission and reception system 300. In the example shown in Fig. 21, in addition to the configuration described with reference to Fig. 19, a frequency analysis unit 77 is provided in the host terminal 35. Note that the following description is also applicable to the configuration shown in Fig. 20.

[0159] The frequency analysis unit 77 analyzes the power waveform induced in the human body 2. The power waveform data is read using, for example, an AD converter or the like provided in the host terminal 35 main body. Alternatively, the power waveform data read by another UI device 30 may be used. The frequency analysis unit 77 performs a fast Fourier transform (FFT) on the power waveform data (the electromagnetic wave frequency received from the human body 2) to calculate the spectrum of the power waveform. By analyzing this spectrum, the state of the electric field energy applied to the human body 2 (distribution of frequency components, etc.) is analyzed.

[0160] For example, it is possible to monitor in real time the frequency at which an electric charge is likely to be induced in the human body 2 from the spectrum of the electric power waveform (see FIG. 9). The host terminal 35 calculates the frequency at which an electric charge is likely to be induced in each situation (the posture, clothing, environment, etc. of the user 1) and sets this frequency as the transmission frequency of the electric power signal. In this way, the host terminal 35 sets the transmission frequency of the electric power signal based on the spectrum of the electric power waveform induced in the human body 2. In this case, the electric power transmission unit 56 (power transmitter) outputs an electric power signal at a frequency at which an electric charge is likely to be induced. For example, there are individual differences in the human body 2 of the user 1, including the weight, body shape, etc. For this reason, the optimal frequency for power transmission differs for each user 1 in the human body 2. The transmission frequency of the power signal output by the power transmitter 56 is a frequency set based on the power waveform actually generated in the human body 2, and is a frequency suitable for power transmission regardless of the individual differences of the human body 2. This makes it possible to generate high-intensity power in the human body 2, and to sufficiently improve the power reception efficiency.

[0161] When the power waveform is monitored, the input resistance of the power receiving unit 54 may decrease, and the power taken from the human body 2 may be consumed. For this reason, it is preferable to measure the power waveform at short intervals rather than constantly. This makes it possible to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0162] Furthermore, if the frequency of the power signal interferes with the frequency used for communication between UI devices 30 (such as human body communication or short-range wireless communication), communication errors may occur. For this reason, the host terminal 35 identifies the band used for communication from the spectrum of the power waveform, and sets the frequency of the power signal to avoid that band. This makes it possible to supply power without disrupting communication. Note that the present invention is not limited to changing the frequency of an electric power signal, and the frequency of a signal used for communication, for example, may be changed.

[0163] Also, the power receiving unit 54 (power receiver) may be controlled to select a frequency that does not interfere with the frequency of the power signal output from the power transmitting unit 56. In this case, for example, the frequency of the power signal is read from the spectrum of the power waveform. Then, the power receiving unit 54 is controlled to receive a frequency component that does not interfere with that frequency. This makes it possible to avoid interference between power generation and power supply, and to efficiently supply power to the UI device 30 that requires power.

[0164] <Other embodiments> The present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various other embodiments can be realized.

[0165] In the above, a power transmitter that transmits power mainly via a human body and a power receiver that receives power via a human body have been described. However, the present technology is not limited to this, and can be applied to a conductor other than the human body. A typical example of a conductor other than the human body is a metal body. Here, a metal body refers to an object whose components, such as a housing, frame, or wiring, are made of metal, and includes a variety of objects such as electronic devices, home appliances, automobiles, steel racks, and wire mesh.

[0166] The power transmitter is provided with a first antenna conductor in contact with the metal body and a second antenna conductor not in contact with the metal body and capacitively coupled to the earth ground, while the power receiver is provided with a third antenna conductor in contact with the metal body and a fourth antenna conductor not in contact with the metal body and capacitively coupled to the earth ground. When a power signal is applied between the first and second antenna conductors by the power transmitter, power corresponding to the power signal is generated in the metal body. In this case, the power receiver can receive the power generated in the metal body from the third and fourth antenna conductors. In this way, by using the present technology, it is possible to transmit power through a metal body in the same way as through a human body. Also, in the contents described in each of the above embodiments, descriptions related to the human body can be appropriately read as descriptions related to a metal body.

[0167] It is also possible to combine at least two of the characteristic parts of the present technology described above. That is, the various characteristic parts described in each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined without distinction between the embodiments. In addition, the various effects described above are merely examples and are not limited thereto, and other effects may be exhibited.

[0168] In this disclosure, the terms "same", "equal", "orthogonal", etc. are concepts that include "substantially the same", "substantially equal", "substantially orthogonal", etc. For example, a state that falls within a predetermined range (e.g., a range of ±10%) based on "completely the same", "completely equal", "completely orthogonal", etc. is also included.

[0169] The present technology can also be configured as follows. (1) An antenna unit having a first antenna conductor that is used in contact with a human body that is not grounded to the earth, and a second antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body and is capacitively coupled to the earth ground; a signal generating circuit that applies an AC power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor; A power transmitter comprising: (2) A power transmitter according to (1), The first antenna conductor is made of at least one of gold, silver, aluminum, copper, iron, nickel, an alloy, conductive resin, and conductive rubber, and is a conductive electrode that comes into contact with the human body. Power transmitter. (3) A power transmitter according to (2), The conductor electrode has a resin-coated surface that comes into contact with the human body. Power transmitter. (4) A power transmitter according to (2) or (3), The conductive electrode is a flat, pin-shaped, hemispherical, or uneven electrode. Power transmitter. (5) A power transmitter according to any one of (2) to (4), The portion that comes into contact with the human body other than the conductor electrodes is accommodated in a housing made of an insulating material. Power transmitter. (6) A power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (5), The second antenna conductor is any one of a ground pattern provided on a circuit board of the power transmitter, another pattern provided on the circuit board separately from the ground pattern, and a conductive member provided in a portion of a housing that houses the power transmitter and does not come into contact with the human body. Power Transmitter (7) A power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (6), The power signal is a pulse signal or a sinusoidal signal. Power transmitter. (8) A power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (7), The frequency of the power signal is set to a frequency that easily induces an electric charge in the human body. Power transmitter. (9) A power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (8), The signal generating circuit generates the power signal in response to a control signal output from a control unit that controls the transmission of power by the power transmitter. Power transmitter. (10) A power transmitter according to (9), The control signal is at least one of a signal that specifies whether the power signal is on or off and a signal that specifies the frequency of the power signal. Power transmitter. (11) A power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (10), The device is mounted on either a portable device that contacts the human body or a stationary device that contacts the human body. Power transmitter. (12) A power transmitting / receiving device equipped with a power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (11), a power receiver including a rectifier circuit connected to the first antenna conductor, the power receiver rectifying AC power generated in the antenna unit by the rectifier circuit and receiving the AC power; A switch circuit is provided to switch and connect the antenna unit to either the signal generating circuit or the rectifying circuit. Power transmitting and receiving device. (13) The power transmitting and receiving device according to (12), further comprising: a storage element for storing the power rectified by the rectifier circuit, The signal generating circuit generates the power signal using the power storage element as a power source. Power transmitting and receiving device. (14) A human body communication device equipped with a power transmitter according to any one of (1) to (13), a communication unit connected to the antenna unit and performing human body communication; a separation circuit having a first path connecting the antenna unit and the signal generating circuit and passing a signal having a frequency lower than the frequency of the human body communication, and a second path connecting the antenna unit and the communication unit and passing a signal having the frequency of the human body communication, The signal generating circuit generates the power signal at a frequency lower than a frequency of the human body communication. Human body communication device. (15) At least one power transmitter having an antenna unit including a first antenna conductor that is used by contacting a human body that is not grounded to the earth, and a second antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body and is capacitively coupled to the earth, and a signal generating circuit that applies an AC power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor; at least one power receiver that receives power in response to the electrical signal via the human body; A power transmitting and receiving system comprising: (16) The power transmission and reception system according to (15), further comprising: A control unit that controls the transmission of power by the at least one power transmitter. Power transmitting and receiving system. (17) The power transmission and reception system according to (16), The control unit sets on / off of the power signal output from the power transmitter according to a state of a device in which at least one of the power transmitter and the power receiver is mounted, or a state of the human body. Power transmitting and receiving system. (18) The power transmission and reception system according to (16) or (17), The control unit sets a frequency of the power signal based on a spectrum of a power waveform induced in the human body. Power transmitting and receiving system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0170] 1. User 2…Human body 4. Earth Ground 10, 210, 310...Power transmission device 11...Power transmitter 12, 212…Antenna section 13, 213...signal generating circuit 31...first antenna conductor 32...Second antenna conductor 35…Host terminal 40...Conductor electrode 44...Substrate ground 46, 46a, 46b…Cases 52...Conductor pattern 77…Frequency analysis section 80, 280, 380...Power transmitter / receiver 201, 202, 203...Diplexer 218, 228, 288...Body communication unit 100, 200, 300... Power transmission and reception system

Claims

1. A power transmitter that receives power corresponding to an AC signal generated in a human body and transmits power to an external power receiver that supplies the power to a load, an antenna unit having a first antenna conductor that is used in contact with a human body that is not grounded to the earth, and a second antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body and is capacitively coupled to the earth; a transmitter that generates an AC power signal used for the power transmission to the external power receiver and applies the power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor; A power transmitter comprising:

2. A power transmitter as claimed in claim 1, the external power receiver receives power corresponding to an AC signal of a predetermined band generated in the human body; The transmitter generates a power signal in the predetermined band as the power signal, and applies the power signal in the predetermined band between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor. Power transmitter.

3. A power transmitter as claimed in claim 1, The transmitter generates an unmodulated power signal as the power signal, and applies the unmodulated power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor. Power transmitter.

4. 2. The power transmitter of claim 1, The first antenna conductor is a conductor electrode that comes into contact with the human body, and the surface that comes into contact with the human body is resin-coated. Power transmitter.

5. 5. A power transmitter according to claim 4, The portion that comes into contact with the human body other than the conductor electrodes is accommodated in a housing made of an insulating material. Power transmitter.

6. 2. The power transmitter of claim 1, The second antenna conductor is any one of a ground pattern provided on a circuit board of the power transmitter, another pattern provided on the circuit board separately from the ground pattern, and a conductive member provided in a portion of a housing that houses the power transmitter and does not come into contact with the human body. Power transmitter.

7. 2. The power transmitter of claim 1, The frequency of the power signal is set to a frequency that easily induces an electric charge in the human body. Power transmitter.

8. 2. The power transmitter of claim 1, The transmitter generates the power signal in response to a control signal output from a control unit that controls transmission of power by the power transmitter. Power transmitter.

9. 9. A power transmitter as claimed in claim 8, The control signal is at least one of a signal that specifies whether the power signal is on or off and a signal that specifies the frequency of the power signal. Power transmitter.

10. 2. The power transmitter of claim 1, The device is mounted on either a portable device that contacts the human body or a stationary device that contacts the human body. Power transmitter.

11. A power transmitting / receiving device equipped with the power transmitter according to claim 1, an internal power receiver having a rectifier circuit connected to the first antenna conductor, the internal power receiver rectifying AC power generated in the antenna unit by the rectifier circuit and receiving the AC power; A switch circuit is provided to switch and connect the antenna unit to either the transmitter or the rectifier circuit. Power transmitting and receiving device.

12. The power transmitting and receiving device according to claim 11, further comprising: a storage element for storing the power rectified by the rectifier circuit, The transmitter generates the power signal using the power storage element as a power source. Power transmitting and receiving device.

13. A human body communication device equipped with the power transmitter according to claim 1, a communication unit connected to the antenna unit and performing human body communication; a separation circuit having a first path connecting the antenna unit and the transmitter and passing a signal having a frequency lower than a frequency of the human body communication, and a second path connecting the antenna unit and the communication unit and passing a signal having the frequency of the human body communication, The transmitter generates the power signal at a frequency lower than the frequency of the intrabody communication. Human body communication device.

14. at least one power transmitter having an antenna section including a first antenna conductor that is used by contacting a human body that is not grounded to the earth, and a second antenna conductor that is not in contact with the human body and is capacitively coupled to the earth, and a transmitter that generates an AC power signal used for power transmission and applies the power signal between the first antenna conductor and the second antenna conductor; at least one external power receiver that receives power according to the power signal through the human body and supplies the power to a load; A power transmitting and receiving system comprising:

15. The power transmission and reception system according to claim 14, The first antenna conductor is a conductor electrode that comes into contact with the human body, and the surface that comes into contact with the human body is resin-coated. Power transmitting and receiving system.

16. The power transmission and reception system according to claim 15, The portion that comes into contact with the human body other than the conductor electrodes is accommodated in a housing made of an insulating material. Power transmitting and receiving system.

17. The power transmission and reception system according to claim 14, The second antenna conductor is any one of a ground pattern provided on a circuit board of the power transmitter, another pattern provided on the circuit board separately from the ground pattern, and a conductive member provided in a portion of a housing that houses the power transmitter and does not come into contact with the human body. Power transmitting and receiving system.

18. The power transmission and reception system according to claim 14, The frequency of the power signal is set to a frequency that easily induces an electric charge in the human body. Power transmitting and receiving system.

19. The power transmitting and receiving system according to claim 14, further comprising: A control unit that controls the transmission of power by the at least one power transmitter. Power transmitting and receiving system.

20. 20. The power transmission and reception system according to claim 19, The control unit sets on / off of the power signal output from the power transmitter according to a state of a device in which at least one of the power transmitter and the external power receiver is mounted, or a state of the human body. Power transmitting and receiving system.

21. 20. The power transmission and reception system according to claim 19, The control unit sets a frequency of the power signal based on a spectrum of a power waveform induced in the human body. Power transmitting and receiving system.

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