Device, device control method, and device control program

Abstract

To provide a device capable of extending the time (interval) for replacing a built-in battery, a method for controlling the device, and a program for controlling the device. [Solution] The device includes multiple communication units, a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility, and a switching control unit that switches between the multiple communication units depending on whether the power receiving unit receives power or not. As an example of this case, in the device, the switching control unit may perform switching control to select a first communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units when the power receiving unit receives power. As another example, in the device, the switching control unit may perform switching control to select a second communication unit that performs mobile communication for IoT from among the multiple communication units when the power receiving unit does not receive power.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device, a device control method, and a device control program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there exist IoT devices that can selectively use a plurality of communication methods for communication (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-202462 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] One embodiment of the device includes a plurality of communication units, a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility, and a switching control unit that switches between the plurality of communication units between when the power receiving unit receives power and when the power receiving unit does not receive power. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram (schematic diagram) for explaining a device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An embodiment will be described below.

[0007] [Overview of Device 100] First, an overview of the device 100 according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram (schematic diagram) for explaining a device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0008] Conventionally, there exist IoT (Internet of Things) devices that can selectively use multiple communication methods for communication. Conventional IoT devices use built-in batteries to cover the power they consume, but these batteries need to be replaced periodically. Therefore, there is a demand to extend the interval between battery replacements.

[0009] The present disclosure provides a device 100, a control method for the device 100, and a control program for the device 100 that can extend the replacement interval of the built-in battery, that is, can use a rechargeable battery (secondary battery).

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the device 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a parent device 200 including an antenna 201 for short-range wireless communication (near-field communication), and a wireless power transmission facility 300 (WPT: Wireless Power Transfer) (WPT signal generating unit 302 (see FIG. 4)) including an antenna 301 (power transmission antenna), and switches to select a communication unit 120 (first communication unit 121) (see FIG. 2) that performs short-range wireless communication (near-field communication) in various facilities such as warehouses. On the other hand, outside a facility where the device 100 of this embodiment cannot receive a WPT signal (electric power), the device 100 switches to select the communication unit 120 (second communication unit 122) (see FIG. 2) that performs mobile communication.

[0011] That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the device 100 of this embodiment includes a plurality of communication units 120, a power receiving unit 140, a battery 150, and an information processing device 110.

[0012] Each of the multiple communication units 120 is, for example, a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving various information to and from a device (external device) outside the device 100. The multiple communication units 120 include, for example, a first communication unit 121 and a second communication unit 122. For example, when the power receiving unit 140 described later receives power, each of the plurality of communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121) may be supplied with power from the power receiving unit 140. Furthermore, for example, when the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power, each of the plurality of communication units 120 (for example, the second communication unit 122) may be supplied with power from the battery 150 described later.

[0013] The first communication unit 121 may be a communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication. The first communication unit 121 may perform communication in accordance with communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) and UWB (Ultra Wide Band), or may use any of various communication methods that enable short-range wireless communication. The first communication unit 121 communicates with the parent device 200 that includes an antenna 201 for short-range wireless communication (near-field communication).

[0014] The second communication unit 122 may be a communication unit that performs mobile communication for IoT. The second communication unit 122 may be, for example, NB-IoT (NarrowBand Internet of Things) or LoRaWAN (registered trademark), or may be any of various communication methods that can perform mobile communication (or mobile communication for IoT). The second communication unit 122 communicates with the base station 400 that performs mobile communication (mobile communication for IoT).

[0015] The power receiving unit 140 receives power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300. That is, the power receiving unit 140 receives power transmitted using a space transmission type wireless power transmission system. The transmission range of the power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300 (the range in which wireless power can be supplied) may be, for example, relatively narrow and may be approximately the same as (substantially the same as) the communication range of the short-range wireless communication by the first communication unit 121.

[0016] The battery 150 (internal battery) may store the power received by the power receiving unit 140. The battery 150 may be, for example, a secondary battery. The battery 150 may supply power to each unit of the device 100 (for example, the information processing device 110, the communication unit 120, etc.).

[0017] The information processing device 110 may be, for example, a computer that controls the device 100. For example, when the power receiving unit 140 receives power, the information processing device 110 may be supplied with power from the power receiving unit 140. Furthermore, for example, when the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power, the information processing device 110 may be supplied with power from the battery 150.

[0018] The information processing device 110 switches between the multiple communication units 120 depending on whether the power receiving unit 140 receives power or does not receive power.

[0019] The wireless power transmission equipment 300 has a limited power transmission range, and is therefore used in various facilities (indoors) such as warehouses, factories, etc. In the facilities, it is easy to install a short-range wireless communication antenna 201 (access point), and short-range wireless communication is possible. Therefore, when the power receiving unit 140 receives power, the information processing device 110 may perform switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120, for example. When the information processing device 110 receives power through the power receiving unit 140, the information processing device 110 may control the device 100 to operate using that power and may control the device 100 to charge the battery 150 provided in the device using that power.

[0020] On the other hand, if the power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300 does not reach the facility, i.e., if the facility is outside the power transmission range (outdoors), there is a high possibility that the radio waves of the short-range wireless communication will not reach the antenna 201 (access point). Therefore, for example, when the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power, the information processing device 110 may perform switching control to select the second communication unit 122, which performs mobile communication for IoT, from among the multiple communication units 120. In this case, the information processing device 110 may control the device 100 to operate using the power stored in the battery 150.

[0021] Such a device 100 consumes less power when performing short-range wireless communication than when performing mobile communication, so by using short-range wireless communication and mobile communication together, it is possible to extend the time (interval) between replacing (charging) the battery 150, i.e., to receive power wirelessly using a battery (secondary battery) or the like. Furthermore, since the device 100 can receive power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300 and use that power to charge its battery, it becomes possible to extend (prolong) the time (interval) for replacing (charging) the battery 150.

[0022] [Details of the information processing device 110] Next, the information processing device 110 according to an embodiment will be described in detail.

[0023] 2, the information processing device 110 includes, for example, a storage unit 130 and a control unit 111. The control unit 111 includes, for example, an acquisition unit 112, a determination unit 113, and a switching control unit 114. The control unit 111 may be configured, for example, by an arithmetic processing unit of the information processing device 110. The control unit 111 (for example, an arithmetic processing unit) may realize the functions of each unit (for example, the acquisition unit 112, the determination unit 113, and the switching control unit 114) by, for example, appropriately reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 130. In other words, the functions of each unit may be realized by computer implementation.

[0024] The storage unit 130 may store, for example, various information and programs. Examples of the storage unit 130 may include a memory, a solid state drive, and a hard disk drive.

[0025] The acquisition unit 112 acquires location information relating to the location of the device itself using a positioning satellite system. The positioning satellite system may be referred to as, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) or a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System). The acquisition unit 112 arranged in the device 100 acquires the location (location information) of the device itself using the positioning satellite system. That is, the acquisition unit 112 acquires location information that records the location of the device itself.

[0026] The determination unit 113 determines, based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit 112, whether the position of the device itself is within the power receiving range of the power transmitted from the wireless power transmission facility 300. In this case, the memory unit 130 may store, for example, a map (map information) that records the location of the wireless power transmission equipment 300 and the supply range of power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300 (the range in which wireless power supply is possible (power supply range)). The determination unit 113 may, for example, refer to the map information described above and determine whether the position (position information) of the device acquired by the acquisition unit 112 is within the range of wireless power supply (power supply range), i.e., whether the position of the device is within the power receiving range of power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300. In other words, the determination unit 113 may determine whether the position of the device (device 100) is within the power receiving range (power supply range (within the power supply range)) of the power, for example, based on a map (map information recording the map) recording the position of the wireless power transmission equipment 300 and the supply range (power supply range) of the power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300, and the position information (position of the device (device 100)) acquired by the acquisition unit 112.

[0027] The switching control unit 114 may, for example, determine whether the power receiving unit 140 receives power or not receives power, and switch to select one of the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122) depending on whether the power receiving unit 140 receives power or not receives power. In other words, the switching control unit 114 switches between the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122) depending on whether the power receiving unit 140 receives power or not receives power.

[0028] In this case, when the power receiving unit 140 receives power, the switching control unit 114 may perform switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122). In this case, the first communication unit 121 may perform communication (short-range wireless communication) with an external device using the power received by the power receiving unit 140. The first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication can communicate with relatively low power within a relatively short range from an antenna 201 arranged in a facility, for example. Therefore, the first communication unit 121 can communicate using the power received by the power receiving unit 140. Furthermore, the battery 150 can be charged using the power received by the power receiving unit 140 while the first communication unit 121 performs short-range wireless communication.

[0029] When the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power, the switching control unit 114 may perform switching control to select the second communication unit 122, which performs mobile communication for IoT, from among the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122). In this case, the second communication unit 122 may perform communication with an external device (mobile communication for IoT) using power stored in the battery 150. The mobile communication for IoT may be, for example, a mobile phone line available to IoT devices. The second communication unit 122 performing mobile communication for IoT can communicate, for example, within the cell range of the base station 400, i.e., within a communication range wider than the communication range of short-range wireless communication. Therefore, when the device 100 is outside the communication range of short-range wireless communication, i.e., when the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power, the second communication unit 122 performs mobile communication (mobile communication for IoT).

[0030] When the determination unit 113 determines that the position of the device 100 itself is within a power receiving range (power supply range (within the power supply range)), the switching control unit 114 may perform switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120 (e.g., the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122). That is, when the position of the device 100 itself, acquired using a positioning satellite system, is within the power supply range of the wireless power transmission facility 300 (e.g., the antenna 301, etc.), the switching control unit 114 selects the first communication unit 121 to perform short-range wireless communication (performs switching control (selection control)).

[0031] In this case, when the power receiving unit 140 receives power and the determination unit 113 determines that the position of the device 100 itself is within the power receiving range, the switching control unit 114 may perform switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122). That is, when the power receiving unit 140 receives power and the position of the device 100 itself, acquired using a positioning satellite system, is within the power supply range of the wireless power transmission equipment 300 (for example, the antenna 301), the switching control unit 114 selects the first communication unit 121 to perform short-range wireless communication (performs switching control (selection control)).

[0032] On the other hand, the switching control unit 114 may perform switching control to select the second communication unit 122 in at least one of the cases where the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power (where it is determined that the power receiving unit 140 does not receive power) and where the determination unit 113 determines that the location of the device 100 is not within the power receiving range (outside the power supply range).

[0033] The switching control unit 114 may set the other communication units 120, excluding the communication unit 120 selected by the switching control, to the sleep mode among the plurality of communication units 120. That is, when the switching control unit 114 performs switching control (selection control) to select the first communication unit 121 from the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122, the switching control unit 114 may perform short-range wireless communication using the first communication unit 121 while setting the second communication unit 122 to sleep mode. In addition, when the switching control unit 114 performs switching control (selection control) to select the second communication unit 122 from the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122, it sets the first communication unit 121 to sleep mode while performing mobile communication (mobile communication for IoT) (communication using a mobile phone line) using the second communication unit 122. The sleep mode may be, for example, a mode in which power consumption is reduced when the communication unit 120 is not performing communication.

[0034] [Information processing method] Next, an information processing method according to an embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment.

[0035] In step ST101, the acquisition unit 112 acquires location information relating to the location of the device itself (device 100) using a positioning satellite system.

[0036] In step ST102, the determination unit 113 determines whether the position of the device itself (the device 100) is within the power receiving range of the power transmitted from the wireless power transmission facility 300, based on the position information acquired in step ST101.

[0037] In step ST103, the switching control unit 114 determines whether or not the power receiving unit 140 will receive power. The switching control unit 114 switches between the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122) depending on whether or not the power receiving unit 140 will receive power. That is, if it is determined that the power receiving unit 140 will receive power, the process proceeds to step ST104. If it is determined that the power receiving unit 140 will not receive power, the process proceeds to step ST106.

[0038] In step ST104, when it is determined in step ST103 that power is to be received by the power receiving unit 140, the switching control unit 114 performs switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120 (e.g., the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122). In this case, when the switching control unit 114 determines in step ST102 that the position of the device itself (device 100) is within the power receiving range (power supply range (within the power supply range)), it may perform switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120 (for example, the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122). In addition, when the switching control unit 114 determines in step ST103 that power will be received by the power receiving unit 140 and determines in step ST102 that the location of the device itself (device 100) is within the power receiving range, it may perform switching control to select the first communication unit 121 that performs short-range wireless communication from among the multiple communication units 120 (e.g., the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122).

[0039] In step ST105, the switching control unit 114 sets the other communication units 120 (second communication unit 122) among the multiple communication units 120 (for example, first communication unit 121 and second communication unit 122) to sleep mode, except for the communication unit 120 (first communication unit 121) selected by the switching control of step ST104.

[0040] In step ST106, if the switching control unit 114 determines in step ST103 that power will not be received by the power receiving unit 140, it performs switching control to select the second communication unit 122, which performs mobile communication for IoT, from among the multiple communication units 120 (e.g., the first communication unit 121 and the second communication unit 122).

[0041] In step ST107, the switching control unit 114 sets the other communication units 120 (first communication unit 121) among the multiple communication units 120 (e.g., first communication unit 121 and second communication unit 122) to sleep mode, except for the communication unit 120 (second communication unit 122) selected by the switching control of step ST106.

[0042] In step ST108, the control unit 111 (information processing device 110) determines whether to terminate the operation of its own device (device 100). If the operation of its own device (device 100) is not to be terminated (No), the process returns to step ST101. If the operation of its own device (device 100) is to be terminated (Yes), the process terminates.

[0043] [Example] Next, an example of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining an example of this embodiment.

[0044] The power receiving unit 140 of the device 100 includes, for example, a power receiving antenna 141, a rectifying unit 142, a power supply unit 143, and a voltage detecting unit 144. The power receiving antenna 141 receives power (WPT signal) (radio wave) transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment 300 (WPT signal generating unit 302). The rectification unit 142 rectifies the WPT signal (radio wave) and converts it into a voltage. The power supply unit 143 charges the battery 150 with the voltage rectified by the rectifier unit 142 . The voltage detection unit 144 detects a voltage (for example, a voltage value, etc.) and transmits a detection signal (a signal indicating detection of WPT power reception) indicating the magnitude of the voltage (voltage value) to the switching control unit 114 of the information processing device 110 (control unit 111).

[0045] If the magnitude of the voltage recorded in the detection signal is equal to or greater than a preset threshold, the switching control unit 114 determines that its own device (device 100) is receiving power, and switches to select the first communication unit 121 (state switching). This enables the first communication unit 121 to communicate (short-distance communication) with the parent device 200 that performs short-distance wireless communication (short-distance communication).

[0046] On the other hand, if the magnitude of the voltage recorded in the detection signal is less than a preset threshold, the switching control unit 114 determines that its own device (device 100) is not receiving power, and switches to select the second communication unit 122 (state switching). This enables second communication unit 122 to communicate (mobile communication) with base station 400 that performs mobile communication.

[0047] [Functions and circuits] Next, the functions and circuits of the information processing device 110 will be described. Each unit of the information processing device 110 may be realized as a function of a computer's arithmetic processing unit or the like. The information processing device 110 may, for example, realize the functions of the acquisition unit 112, the judgment unit 113, and the switching control unit 114 using a single control unit 111 (e.g., an arithmetic processing device, etc.), or may realize the functions of the acquisition unit 112, the judgment unit 113, and the switching control unit 114 in a distributed manner using multiple different control units 111 (e.g., an arithmetic processing device, etc.). The acquisition unit 112, determination unit 113, and switching control unit 114 (control unit 111) of the information processing device 110 described above may be realized as an acquisition function, a determination function, and a switching control function (control function) by an arithmetic processing unit of a computer, etc. The information processing program can cause a computer to realize each of the above-mentioned functions. The information processing program may be recorded on a non-transitory tangible recording medium readable by a computer, such as a memory, a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, or an optical disk. The storage medium may also be rephrased as a non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium that stores the information processing program. The information processing program may also be transmitted online. The information processing program can be realized as a product (computer program product) including the information processing program by the control unit 111 (for example, an arithmetic processing device, etc.). Furthermore, as described above, each unit of the information processing device 110 may be realized by an arithmetic processing device of a computer or the like. The arithmetic processing device or the like is configured by, for example, an integrated circuit or the like. Therefore, each unit of the information processing device 110 may be realized as a circuit that constitutes the arithmetic processing device or the like. That is, the acquisition unit 112, determination unit 113, and switching control unit 114 (control unit 111) of the information processing device 110 may be realized as an acquisition circuit, a determination circuit, and a switching control circuit (control circuit) that constitute the arithmetic processing device of a computer or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 120 (first communication unit 121 and second communication unit 122), the power receiving unit 140, and the storage unit 130 of the device 100 and the information processing device 110 may be realized as, for example, a communication function (first communication function and second communication function), a power receiving function, and a storage function including the functions of an arithmetic processing device or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 120 (first communication unit 121 and second communication unit 122), the power receiving unit 140, and the storage unit 130 of the device 100 and the information processing device 110 may be realized as, for example, a communication circuit (first communication circuit and second communication circuit), a power receiving circuit, and a storage circuit by being configured with an integrated circuit or the like. Furthermore, the communication unit 120 (first communication unit 121 and second communication unit 122), the power receiving unit 140, and the storage unit 130 of the device 100 and the information processing device 110 may be realized as, for example, a communication device (first communication device and second communication device), a power receiving device, and a storage device by being configured with a plurality of devices.

[0048] The information processing device 110 can be configured by combining one or any combination of the above-mentioned multiple units. In this disclosure, the term "information" is used, but the term "information" can be replaced with "data" and the term "data" can be replaced with "information."

[0049] [Aspects and Effects of the Present Embodiment] Next, one aspect of this embodiment and the effects of each aspect will be described. Note that each aspect described below is an example at the time of filing, and this embodiment is not limited to the aspects described below. In other words, this embodiment is not limited to the aspects described below, and may be realized by appropriately combining the above-mentioned parts. Furthermore, a lower-level aspect may be able to cite any of the higher-level aspects. The effects of the present embodiment described below are merely examples, and the effects of each aspect are not limited to those described below. Each aspect may, for example, achieve at least one of the effects described below.

[0050] (Aspect 1) One embodiment of the device includes a plurality of communication units, a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility, and a switching control unit that switches between the plurality of communication units between when the power receiving unit receives power and when the power receiving unit does not receive power. This allows the device to transmit measurement values ​​(measurement information) obtained using one or more sensors (sensor units) (not shown) arranged on the device, and the device's location information obtained using a positioning system, to an external device (e.g., a server, etc.) using one of the multiple communication units. Furthermore, the device may be mobile, and even if the device moves outside the transmission range of the wireless power transmission equipment (e.g., an antenna, etc.), it can receive power from a battery installed in the device and transmit measurement values ​​(measurement information), location information, etc. to an external device (e.g., a server, etc.) using mobile communication (e.g., mobile communication for IoT) (mobile phone line). Furthermore, when the device is located within a facility, it can receive power (wireless power supply) from wireless power transmission equipment (e.g., an antenna) installed in the facility and transmit measurement values ​​(measurement information), location information, etc. to an external device (e.g., a server) using short-range wireless communication, which consumes relatively little power. Therefore, the device can consume less power than if it always performs mobile communication (even within the facility). In addition, the device can receive power from the wireless power transmission equipment and then charge the battery (secondary battery), which means that the device can operate for a longer period of time (extending the time between battery changes (charging)) compared to when a typical primary battery is built in, and the power supply process to the device can be automated. As another example, when using the device to manage disaster prevention supplies, it is possible to achieve both relatively high-resolution location management within a warehouse and wide-area location management outdoors. In other words, the device can enable item location management (item tracking) (tracker) using both short-range wireless communication and mobile communication.

[0051] (Aspect 2) In the device of one aspect, the switching control unit may perform switching control to select a first communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication from among the plurality of communication units when the power receiving unit receives power. This allows the device to receive power (wireless power supply) from wireless power transmission equipment (e.g., antennas) installed in the facility, and transmit measurement values ​​(measurement information), location information, etc. to an external device (e.g., server, etc.) using short-range wireless communication, which consumes relatively little power. This allows the device to consume less power than if it always performed mobile communication (even within the facility).

[0052] (Aspect 3) In one aspect of the device, the switching control unit may perform switching control to select a second communication unit that performs mobile communication for IoT from among the multiple communication units when the power receiving unit is not receiving power. This allows the device to receive power from a battery installed in the device and use mobile communications (e.g., mobile communications for IoT) (mobile phone lines) to transmit measurement values ​​(measurement information), location information, etc. to an external device (e.g., a server, etc.).

[0053] (Aspect 4) In one embodiment, the device may include an acquisition unit that acquires location information regarding the device's own location using a positioning satellite system, a determination unit that determines whether the device's own location is within a power receiving range of power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility based on the location information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a switching control unit that performs switching control to select a first communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication from among multiple communication units when the determination unit determines that the device's own location is within the power receiving range. This allows the device to determine whether its own position (location information) obtained using a positioning satellite system allows it to receive power (wireless power supply) from wireless power transmission equipment installed in the facility.

[0054] (Aspect 5) In one embodiment of the device, when the power receiving unit receives power and the determination unit determines that the device's location is within the power receiving range, the switching control unit may perform switching control to select a first communication unit from among the multiple communication units that performs short-range wireless communication. As a result, when the device determines that its own position (position information) acquired using a positioning satellite system indicates that it can receive power (wireless power feeding) from a wireless power transmission facility installed in the facility, and when the device is actually receiving power (wireless power feeding) from the wireless power transmission facility, it can determine that an antenna (antenna for short-range wireless communication) in the facility is present within the communication range of the first communication unit (short-range wireless communication is possible by the first communication unit). In other words, the device can reliably communicate with an external device (e.g., a server, etc.) using the first communication unit.

[0055] (Aspect 6) In one aspect of the device, the switching control unit may set the other communication units, excluding the communication unit selected by the switching control, out of the plurality of communication units, to the sleep mode. This allows the device to reduce power consumption by setting other communication units to sleep mode, thereby reducing consumption of power stored in the battery.

[0056] (Aspect 7) In one embodiment of a method for controlling an apparatus, an information processing device of the apparatus includes a plurality of communication units and a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility, and executes a first determination step of determining whether the power receiving unit will receive power or not, a first switching control step of selecting a first communication unit from the plurality of communication units that performs short-range wireless communication if the first determination step determines that the power receiving unit will receive power, and a second switching control step of selecting a second communication unit from the plurality of communication units that performs mobile communication for IoT if the first determination step determines that the power receiving unit will not receive power.

[0057] (Aspect 8) In one embodiment of a method for controlling an equipment, an information processing device executes an acquisition step in which it acquires location information regarding its own location using a positioning satellite system, and a second determination step in which it determines whether its own location is within a power receiving range of power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility based on the location information acquired in the acquisition step, and the first switching control step may perform switching control to select the first communication unit if it determines in the first determination step that power will be received by the power receiving unit and if it determines in the second determination step that its own location is within the power receiving range.

[0058] (Aspect 9) In one embodiment of the device control method, the second switching control step may perform switching control to select the second communication unit when the first determination step determines that the power receiving unit will not receive power, or when the second determination step determines that the device's location is not within a power receiving range.

[0059] As a result, the device control methods according to the seventh to ninth aspects can achieve the same effects as the device according to the above-mentioned aspect.

[0060] (Aspect 10) A control program for one embodiment of an apparatus causes an information processing device of the apparatus, which has a plurality of communication units and a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility, to realize the following: a first determination function that determines whether the power receiving unit will receive power or not; a first switching control function that selects a first communication unit from the plurality of communication units that performs short-range wireless communication when the first determination function determines that the power receiving unit will receive power; and a second switching control function that selects a second communication unit from the plurality of communication units that performs mobile communication for IoT when the first determination function determines that the power receiving unit will not receive power.

[0061] (Aspect 11) A control program for one embodiment of the device may cause an information processing device to implement an acquisition function that uses a positioning satellite system to acquire location information regarding the device's own location, and a second judgment function that determines whether the device's location is within a power receiving range of power transmitted from a wireless power transmission equipment based on the location information acquired by the acquisition function, and the first switching control function may perform switching control to select the first communication unit when the first judgment function determines that power will be received by the power receiving unit and the second judgment function determines that the device's location is within the power receiving range.

[0062] (Aspect 12) In one embodiment of a control method for an apparatus, the second switching control function may perform switching control to select the second communication unit when at least one of the following cases is determined by the first determination function to determine that the power receiving unit will not receive power, and the second determination function determines that the device's location is not within a power receiving range.

[0063] As a result, the control programs for the devices according to the tenth to twelfth aspects can achieve the same effects as the device according to the above-mentioned aspect.

[0064] By using the above-mentioned disclosure, it is possible to contribute to the achievement of Goal 9 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and promote innovation and resilience." [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 100 equipment 110 Information processing equipment 111 Control Unit 112 Acquisition Department 113 Judgment section 114 Switching control unit 120 Communications Department 121 First Communications Department 122 Second Communications Department 130 Storage section 140 Power receiving unit 141 Receiving antenna 142 Rectifier 143 Power supply section 144 Voltage detection unit 150 Battery (e.g., secondary battery, etc.) 200 Near Field Communication (Near Field Communication) Base Station 201 Antenna 300 Wireless Power Transmission Equipment (WPT) 301 Antenna 302 WPT signal generator 400 mobile communication base stations

Claims

1. A plurality of communication units; a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from the wireless power transmission equipment; a first determination unit that determines whether the power receiving unit receives power or not; a first switching control unit that selects a first communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication from among the plurality of communication units when the first determination unit determines that the power receiving unit receives power; a second switching control unit that selects a second communication unit that performs mobile communication for IoT from among the plurality of communication units when the first determination unit determines that the power receiving unit will not receive power; Equipment comprising:

2. An acquisition unit that acquires location information regarding the location of the aircraft using a positioning satellite system; a second determination unit that determines whether the position of the device itself is within a range of receiving power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility based on the position information acquired by the acquisition unit, The first switching control unit performs switching control to select the first communication unit when the first determination unit determines that the power receiving unit receives power and the second determination unit determines that the device is located within a power receiving range.

10. The device of claim 1.

3. The second switching control unit performs switching control to select the second communication unit when at least one of the first determination unit determines that the power receiving unit does not receive power and the second determination unit determines that the position of the own aircraft is not within a power receiving range.

3. The device of claim 2.

4. the first switching control unit sets the second communication unit, which is a communication unit other than the first communication unit selected by switching control, among the plurality of communication units, to a sleep mode; The second switching control unit sets the first communication unit, which is a communication unit other than the second communication unit selected by switching control, to a sleep mode among the plurality of communication units.

10. The device of claim 1.

5. A plurality of communication units; an information processing device of a device including a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility, a first determination step of determining whether the power receiving unit receives power or not; a first switching control step of selecting a first communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication from among the plurality of communication units when it is determined in the first determination step that the power receiving unit will receive power; a second switching control step of selecting a second communication unit that performs mobile communication for IoT from among the plurality of communication units when it is determined in the first determination step that the power receiving unit will not receive power; A method for controlling equipment that performs the above.

6. The information processing device, an acquisition step of acquiring location information relating to the location of the aircraft using a positioning satellite system; a second determination step of determining whether the position of the device itself is within a range of power reception transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility based on the position information acquired in the acquisition step; The first switching control step performs switching control to select the first communication unit when it is determined in the first determination step that the power receiving unit receives power and when it is determined in the second determination step that the position of the device is within a power receiving range. The device control method according to claim 5.

7. The second switching control step performs switching control to select the second communication unit when at least one of the first determining step determining that the power receiving unit does not receive power and the second determining step determining that the location of the device is not within a power receiving range. The device control method according to claim 6.

8. A plurality of communication units; a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility; a first determination function that determines whether the power receiving unit receives power or not; a first switching control function that selects a first communication unit that performs short-range wireless communication from among the plurality of communication units when the first determination function determines that the power receiving unit will receive power; a second switching control function that selects a second communication unit that performs mobile communication for IoT from among the plurality of communication units when the first determination function determines that the power receiving unit will not receive power; A control program for the equipment that makes this possible.

9. The information processing device includes: an acquisition function that acquires location information regarding the aircraft's location using a positioning satellite system; a second determination function that determines whether the position of the device itself is within a range of power reception transmitted from a wireless power transmission facility based on the position information acquired by the acquisition function, The first switching control function performs switching control to select the first communication unit when the first determination function determines that the power receiving unit receives power and the second determination function determines that the device is located within a power receiving range. A control program for the device according to claim 8.

10. The second switching control function performs switching control to select the second communication unit when at least one of the first determination function determines that the power receiving unit does not receive power and the second determination function determines that the device is located outside a power receiving range. A control program for the device according to claim 9.

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