Receiver

Abstract

To provide a receiver that can relax restrictions on installation location. [Solution] The receiver includes an antenna, a processing circuit, a filter circuit, a cable, and a sensor. The antenna receives a power supply signal from a transmitter that transmits the power supply signal in a wireless power supply system. The processing circuit is attached to a first portion of the antenna. The filter circuit is connected to the processing circuit and is capable of blocking the signal. The cable is connected to the filter circuit. The sensor is attached to the cable.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

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

[0005] When attempting to supply power to a specific sensor by wireless power supply, there may be restrictions on the location where a receiver that receives a power supply signal and supplies power to the sensor is installed, depending on the object to which the sensor is attached.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a receiver that can alleviate restrictions on installation locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The receiver includes an antenna, a processing circuit, a filter circuit, a cable, and a sensor. The antenna receives a power supply signal from a transmitter that transmits the power supply signal in a wireless power supply system. The processing circuit is attached to a first portion of the antenna. The filter circuit is connected to the processing circuit and is capable of blocking the signal. The cable is connected to the filter circuit. The sensor is attached to the cable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a receiver that can alleviate restrictions on installation locations. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a transmitter 100 and a receiver 200 shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a receiving antenna 201 and a circuit section 210. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a receiver 200. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receiver 200 attached to a predetermined driving unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the receiver 200. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the receiver 200. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the receiver 200. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the receiver 200. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the receiver 200. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the receiver 200. [Figure 12] 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiver 200 when a plurality of filter circuits 209 are connected to one sensor 208. FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of microcomputer 205 when filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n are connected. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a receiver 200. [Figure 15] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of a receiving antenna 201a and a circuit section 210a when viewed from a predetermined direction. [Figure 16] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the receiving antenna 201a and the circuit section 210a shown in FIG. 13 when viewed from behind. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0011] In the following description, a "processor" refers to one or more processors. The at least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may also be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The at least one processor may be single-core or multi-core.

[0012] Furthermore, the at least one processor may be a processor in the broad sense, such as a hardware circuit (for example, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) that performs part or all of the processing.

[0013] In the following explanation, information that produces an output for an input may be described using expressions such as "xxx table," but this information may be data of any structure, or may be a learning model such as a neural network that produces an output for an input. Therefore, an "xxx table" may be referred to as "xxx information."

[0014] Furthermore, in the following description, the configuration of each table is an example, and one table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0015] In addition, in the following explanation, processing may be described using the "program" as the subject, but since a program is executed by a processor to perform specified processing while appropriately using a memory unit and / or an interface unit, etc., the subject of the processing may also be the processor (or a device such as a controller that has that processor).

[0016] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be stored in, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-transitory) recording medium. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, or one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0017] Furthermore, in the following description, identification numbers are used as identification information for various objects, but other types of identification information (for example, identifiers including alphabetic characters or symbols) may also be used.

[0018] In addition, in the following description, when describing elements of the same type without distinguishing between them, reference symbols (or common symbols among the reference symbols) may be used, and when describing elements of the same type with distinction between them, the identification numbers (or reference symbols) of the elements may be used.

[0019] In the following description, the control lines and information lines are those that are considered necessary for the description, and do not necessarily represent all the control lines and information lines in the product. All components may be interconnected.

[0020] Each information processing device is configured by a computer having an arithmetic unit and a storage unit. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by the hardware configuration will be described later.

[0021] <Summary> A wireless power transfer system includes a transmitter that transmits a power transfer signal and multiple receivers that receive the power transfer signal transmitted from the transmitter and generate power. The receiver includes a sensor that is driven by the generated power. Elements of the receiver other than the sensor are housed in a housing, for example, and only the sensor is connected to a cable and placed outside the housing. The cable is connected to a filter circuit housed in the housing. The filter circuit is a low-pass filter that blocks high-frequency signals. Even when the sensor is connected along a wire via a cable, the cable is connected to the filter circuit, making it possible to suppress the cable's influence on the radio wave characteristics of the receiver. This allows the receiver body and the sensor to be placed apart, allowing for flexible installation location of the receiver.

[0022] <1 Overall system configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a WPT system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0023] The WPT system 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes, for example, a transmitter 100, a receiver 200, a first information processing device 300, and a second information processing device 400. The WPT system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used, for example, in a building or a factory. Note that the connection between the transmitter 100 and the first information processing device 300, and the connection between the first information processing device 300 and the second information processing device 400 may be wired or wireless.

[0024] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes three transmitters 100, but the number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to three. The number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 may be two or less, or may be four or more.

[0025] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes seven receivers 200, but the number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to seven. The number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 may be six or less, or eight or more.

[0026] In this specification, the transmitter 100 is a (power) transmitter 100 in the sense of wirelessly transmitting power, and similarly, the receiver 200 is a (power) receiver 200 in the sense of wirelessly receiving power. As will be described later, the receiver 200 may transmit, for example, information about the state of the receiver 200 or information about a measurement result by a sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal, and the transmitter 100 may receive such a data signal. In this case, the transmitter 100 is a receiver that receives the data signal, and the receiver 200 functions as a transmitter that transmits the data signal.

[0027] 1 shows an example in which the WPT system 1 includes two first information processing devices 300, but the number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to two. The number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 may be one, or three or more.

[0028] The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal to the receiver 200. The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 920 MHz band. The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a data signal to the receiver 200 by radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. The transmitter 100 may transmit a data signal by radio waves in the 920 MHz band.

[0029] The power feed signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 may be, for example, a continuous wave (CW) having a predetermined power. The frequency band of the power feed signal is, for example, the 920 MHz band, taking into consideration the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200. If the frequency band is higher than the illustrated frequency band, it may be impossible to feed the predetermined power required for the receiver 200 to operate unless the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 is shortened. Therefore, an appropriate frequency band can be determined by considering a practical range (for example, a distance of several meters between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200). Examples of usable frequency bands include the 920 MHz band, the 860 MHz band, and a band between approximately 800 MHz and 1 GHz. Frequencies around the 2.4 GHz band, the 5.7 GHz band, and the 24 GHz band can also be used.

[0030] In this case, the laws of the country in which the WPT system 1 is installed may impose restrictions on the intermittent transmission of a power feed signal having a predetermined power. For example, if the power feed signal from the transmitter 100 falls under the radio station provisions of the Radio Act of Japan (regardless of whether a license is granted), the Radio Act may require a certain pause period for the power feed signal. In this case, the power feed signal cannot be considered a continuous wave from a certain time perspective. However, it is essential to provide a pause period, and a short pause period is sufficient. Therefore, the power feed signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 can be considered to be a substantially continuous continuous wave. As described above, the ratio between the duration of the power feed signal and the pause period may be such that the power feed signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 can be considered to be a substantially continuous continuous wave. For example, the pause period may be approximately 1 / 50 to 1 / 100 of the duration of the power feed signal.

[0031] The transmitter 100 may, for example, supply power to one receiver 200, or may supply power to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a data signal to one receiver 200, or may transmit a data signal to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit the same data signal as another transmitter 100, or may transmit a data signal different from that of the other transmitters 100. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a predetermined command signal as a data signal to the receiver 200, or may transmit a preset signal as a data signal to the receiver 200.

[0032] The transmitter 100 receives, for example, a data signal transmitted from the receiver 200. The transmitter 100 may receive, for example, a data signal transmitted from one receiver 200, or may receive data signals transmitted from a plurality of receivers 200. The transmitter 100 transmits the data signal transmitted from the receiver 200 to the first information processing device 300. The transmitter 100 transmits information related to the state of the transmitter 100 to the first information processing device 300.

[0033] The receiver 200 receives, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. If the receiver 200 has, for example, a power storage unit, it converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and stores the converted electric power in the power storage unit. If the receiver 200 has, for example, a predetermined sensor, it converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into electric power and drives the sensor with the converted electric power.

[0034] The receiver 200 transmits, for example, information relating to the state of the receiver 200 or information relating to the measurement results of the sensor to the transmitter 100 as a data signal.

[0035] The first information processing device 300 is an information processing device that monitors the operations of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 determines whether the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state based on information about the state of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 transmitted from the transmitter 100. If it is determined that the transmitter 100 or the receiver 200 is in a preset state, the first information processing device 300 transmits predetermined information to the second information processing device 400.

[0036] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 accumulates information about the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 accommodated in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 stores information about the states of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200, which is transmitted from the transmitter 100, in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300.

[0037] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 controls the operation of the transmitter 100 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 transmits a predetermined instruction or information to the transmitter 100.

[0038] The first information processing device 300 also controls the operation of the second information processing device 400 .

[0039] The second information processing device 400 is, for example, an information processing device operated by an administrator of the WPT system 1. When the second information processing device 400 receives a notification from the first information processing device 300 that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of them housed in the WPT system 1 are in a predetermined state, the second information processing device 400 presents to the user that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both of them are in the predetermined state.

[0040] Furthermore, the second information processing device 400 analyzes information about the states of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 stored in the first information processing device 300, and presents predetermined information to the user. The predetermined information is, for example, the following: Information regarding the placement of the transmitter 100 Information about the placement of the receiver 200 Power consumption information Information about the amount of electricity

[0041] <2 Transmitter and receiver configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are, for example, spaced apart by a predetermined distance. For example, the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 are installed at a distance of about several meters apart. Specifically, for example, the transmitter 100 is fixedly installed at a high location indoors, such as a predetermined high position on a ceiling or a wall. The receiver 200 is installed in a predetermined device indoors or placed near a device requiring power supply. The receiver 200 may also be carried by a user. The transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200 using radio waves of a predetermined frequency, for example, a 920 MHz band. The receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into power and uses the converted power to charge or supply the converted power to a predetermined device.

[0042] The transmitter 100 includes, for example, an oscillator 101, a transmitting antenna 102, a microcomputer (controller) 103, a data transceiver 104, and a data transmitting / receiving antenna 105. The oscillator 101, the microcomputer 103, the data transceiver 104, the data transmitting / receiving antenna 105, or a combination of at least any of these may be mounted on, for example, a PCB (printed circuit board).

[0043] The oscillator 101 oscillates a signal in a predetermined frequency band, for example, the 920 MHz band. The oscillated signal may be amplified and unwanted frequency components may be removed, if necessary.

[0044] The transmitting antenna 102 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The transmitting antenna 102 radiates a signal oscillated by an oscillator 101 as a power feeding signal.

[0045] The microcomputer 103 controls the operation of the transmitter 100. The microcomputer 103 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor device equipped with an ARM processor. The microcomputer 103 controls, for example, the transmission of radio waves by the transmission antenna 102.

[0046] The data transceiver 104 performs processes such as converting digital data to analog and modulating analog data. The data transceiver 104 also performs processes such as demodulating a data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105 and digitizing the demodulated data. For example, the data transceiver 104 extracts a predetermined signal from the data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 105, converts it into digital data, and transmits it to the microcomputer 103.

[0047] The data transmitting / receiving antenna 105 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The data transmitting / receiving antenna 105 radiates data signals supplied from the data transceiver 104. The data transmitting / receiving antenna 105 also receives data signals transmitted from the receiver 200.

[0048] The receiver 200 includes, for example, a receiving antenna 201, a rectifier circuit 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, a data transceiver 206, a data transmitting / receiving antenna 207, a filter circuit 209, and a sensor 208. The receiving antenna 201, the rectifier circuit 202, the power management unit 203, the power storage unit 204, the microcomputer 205, the data transceiver 206, the data transmitting / receiving antenna 207, or a combination of at least any of these may be mounted on, for example, a PCB or an FPC (flexible printed circuit).

[0049] The receiving antenna 201, rectifier circuit 202, power management unit 203, power storage unit 204, microcomputer 205, data transceiver 206, data transmitting / receiving antenna 207, and filter circuit 209 are housed in a housing 250. The housing 250 is made of, for example, a thermoplastic resin such as polycarbonate resin.

[0050] The receiving antenna 201 is configured to be able to efficiently receive radio waves in the 920 MHz band, for example. The receiving antenna 201 receives the power supply signal radiated from the transmitting antenna 102.

[0051] The rectifier circuit 202 rectifies the radio waves received as the power supply signal and converts them into a DC voltage.

[0052] The power management unit 203 manages the DC voltage. For example, the power management unit 203 controls a charging voltage based on the DC voltage. The power management unit 203 charges the power storage unit 204 by controlling the charging voltage. Furthermore, for example, when the power storage unit 204 stores power equal to or greater than a predetermined capacity, the power management unit 203 supplies the DC voltage to a connected member.

[0053] Furthermore, the power management unit 203 releases the power stored in the power storage unit 204 in response to control from the microcomputer 205 .

[0054] The power storage unit 204 stores power in response to an instruction from the power management unit 203. The power storage unit 204 is realized by, for example, a battery or a capacitor. Furthermore, the power storage unit 204 releases the stored power in response to an instruction from the power management unit 203.

[0055] The microcomputer 205 controls the operation of the receiver 200. The microcomputer 205 is an example of a processing circuit. The microcomputer 205 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power stored in the power storage unit 204. The microcomputer 205 controls the power management unit 203 to cause the power storage unit 204 to release the power stored therein.

[0056] The filter circuit 209 is connected to the microcomputer 205. The filter circuit 209 is, for example, a circuit that blocks signals having a predetermined frequency or higher. In other words, the filter circuit 209 is, for example, a circuit that blocks high-frequency signals. More specifically, the filter circuit 209 is, for example, a circuit that blocks signals in the MHz band. More specifically, the filter circuit 209 is a circuit that blocks signals in a high-frequency band, for example, from several MHz to several tens of MHz or higher. The filter circuit 209 can also be called, for example, a low-pass filter that passes signals having frequencies equal to or lower than a predetermined frequency band. The filter circuit 209 can also be called, for example, a band-pass filter that passes signals having frequencies other than a predetermined frequency band (for example, 1 Hz to 1 MHz). The filter circuit 209 is realized by, for example, ferrite beads or an inductor (coil). The filter circuit 209 may also be called an isolation circuit.

[0057] The sensor 208 is connected to the filter circuit 209 via a cable of a predetermined length. The sensor 208 can be realized by, for example, various sensors. For example, the sensor 208 may be a heat sensor, a temperature sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, a magnetic sensor, or the like. The sensor 208 may also be a force sensor, a proximity sensor, a gas sensor, an acceleration sensor, a human presence sensor, an infrared sensor, an illuminance sensor, a flow rate sensor, a current sensor, a pressure sensor, or the like. The sensor 208 is driven by, for example, a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power discharged from the power storage unit 204.

[0058] The microcomputer 205 continuously or intermittently monitors the voltage value at a predetermined location of the receiver 200, the status of the sensor 208, information detected by the sensor 208, etc. The microcomputer 205 transmits the voltage value at a predetermined location of the receiver 200, the status of the sensor 208, information detected by the sensor 208, etc. to the data transceiver 206 as digital data.

[0059] The data transceiver 206 performs processes such as converting digital data supplied from the microcomputer 205 into analog data and modulating the analog data. The data transceiver 206 also performs processes such as demodulating a data signal received by a data transceiver antenna 207 and digitizing the demodulated data. The data transceiver 206 is driven by, for example, a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power discharged from the power storage unit 204.

[0060] The data transmitting / receiving antenna 207 is configured to be able to efficiently transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The data transmitting / receiving antenna 207 radiates a data signal supplied from the data transceiver 206. The data transmitting / receiving antenna 207 also receives a data signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. For example, the data transmitting / receiving antenna 207 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power discharged from the power storage unit 204.

[0061] 3.1 Receiving antenna and circuit structure FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the receiving antenna 201 and the circuit unit 210. The receiving antenna 201 shown in FIG. 3 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section. The receiving antenna 201 has an upper surface portion, a lower surface portion, and a side surface portion. The upper surface portion represents the portion located on the upper surface in FIG. 3. The lower surface portion represents the portion located on the lower surface in FIG. 3. The side surface portion represents the portion located on the side in FIG. 3. The upper surface portion and the lower surface portion are arranged to face each other. In the receiving antenna 201 shown in FIG. 3, the upper surface portion and the lower surface portion are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The upper surface portion and the lower surface portion do not have to be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper surface portion, the lower surface portion, and the side surface portion may be entirely or partially flat, curved, or a combination thereof.

[0062] The receiving antenna 201 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and has a predetermined height. For example, the receiving antenna 201 has a lateral width of 10 mm, a longitudinal width of 30 mm, and a height of 8 mm. The longitudinal width of 30 mm is, for example, approximately one-tenth the wavelength of a 920 MHz band signal that is expected to be received. Note that the size of the receiving antenna 201 is not limited to this and may be increased or decreased within a predetermined range. The receiving antenna 201 may be treated as a loop antenna or an inverted-F antenna.

[0063] The receiving antenna 201 includes a first conductor 2011 and a second conductor 2012. The first conductor 2011 is formed on the upper surface portion shown in Fig. 3. The first conductor 2011 is realized by, for example, a conductive layer formed on a PCB. The conductive layer formed on the PCB is realized by, for example, copper foil.

[0064] The second conductor 2012 is realized by, for example, a conductive plate that forms the bottom surface and both side surface portions shown in FIG. 3. The conductive plate is made of, for example, a metal plate such as copper or aluminum. The second conductor 2012 is formed, for example, by bending a single conductive plate. More specifically, for example, a single copper plate is bent into a substantially U-shape (substantially U-shape or substantially C-shape) in cross section. The bending may involve, for example, plastic processing of the copper plate using a mold. The first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012 are connected, for example, by soldering the second conductor 2012 to a PCB.

[0065] The circuit unit 210 is formed on the upper surface portion shown in FIG. 3. The circuit unit 210 is mounted on, for example, a PCB. The circuit unit 210 includes a rectifier circuit 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, a data transceiver 206, and a data transmission / reception antenna 207. The circuit unit 210 may also include a filter circuit 209. The first conductor 2011 has a slit (gap) formed in the vicinity of the area where the rectifier circuit 202 is installed. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the slit is formed on the upper surface portion. In FIG. 3, the circuit unit 210 is mounted on the upper surface portion facing in the spatial direction. The circuit unit 210 may also be mounted on the upper surface portion facing in the lower surface direction.

[0066] The characteristic impedance of the first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012 is designed to match the characteristic impedance of the rectifier circuit 202. Specifically, for example, the characteristic impedance of the first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012 and the characteristic impedance of the rectifier circuit 202 are matched using complex conjugates. For example, the characteristic impedance of the first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012 is designed to be R+jX. Furthermore, the characteristic impedance of the rectifier circuit 202 is designed to be R-jX.

[0067] The structures of the receiving antenna 201 and the circuit unit 210 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 3. For example, FIG. 3 shows a case in which the circuit unit 210 is attached in the spatial direction of the upper surface portion. The lower surface portion may be realized by a PCB, and the first conductor 2011 may be formed on the lower surface portion. In this case, the circuit unit 210 is mounted on the PCB of the lower surface portion. The circuit unit 210 may be mounted in the spatial direction of the lower surface portion, or may be mounted on the upper surface direction of the lower surface portion. The second conductor 2012 may be realized, for example, by a conductive plate that forms the upper surface portion and both side surfaces. Alternatively, the side surfaces may be realized by a PCB, and the first conductor 2011 may be formed on the side surfaces. In this case, the circuit unit 210 is mounted on the PCB of the side surfaces. The circuit unit 210 may be mounted in the spatial direction of the side surfaces, or may be mounted in the inward direction of the cylindrical shape of the side surfaces. The second conductor 2012 may be realized, for example, by a conductive plate that forms the upper surface portion, the lower surface portion, and the other side surface portion.

[0068] 3.2 Receiver structure FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of receiver 200. In receiver 200 shown in FIG. 4, receiving antenna 201, circuit section 210, and filter circuit 209 are housed in housing 250. A cable is connected to filter circuit 209. The cable is connected to sensor 208 located outside housing 250. In this embodiment, what is connected to filter circuit 209 is not limited to a cable, that is, for example, a conductor for transmitting electricity covered with a protective insulating coating. For example, what is connected to filter circuit 209 may be a conductor capable of transmitting an electric signal, and for example, a circuit board such as an FFC (flexible flat cable), FPC, or rigid-flex board may be connected instead of a cable.

[0069] <3.3 Receiver installation> Receiver 200 is installed in, for example, a predetermined indoor device. More specifically, receiver 200 is attached to, for example, a metal housing of a drive unit used indoors. Note that the attachment location of receiver 200 is not limited to the drive unit. For example, receiver 200 may be attached to a predetermined frame. Also, the attachment location of receiver 200 is not limited to a metal housing. For example, receiver 200 may be attached to a non-metallic housing.

[0070] 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of receiver 200 attached to a predetermined drive unit. Receiver 200 is attached, for example, so that one surface of housing 250 is in contact with the metal housing of the drive unit. Sensor 208 is attached to a predetermined position on the drive unit, away from housing 250.

[0071] The housing 250 that houses the receiver 200 is not limited to being made entirely of resin. At least one surface of the housing 250 may be made of a conductive material, for example, metal. The metal portion of the housing 250 contacts, for example, one surface of the receiving antenna 201. The contact between the metal portion and the receiving antenna 201 may be physical contact, or may be a functional or electrical connection. Furthermore, the metal portion may be shared with one surface of the receiving antenna 201.

[0072] As described above, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 includes the receiving antenna 201, the processing circuit 210 (circuit unit 210), the filter circuit 209, a cable, and the sensor 208. The receiving antenna 201 includes the first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012 that is connected to the first conductor 2011 to form a ring shape with the first conductor 2011. The processing circuit 210 is attached to a first portion of the substrate on which the first conductor 2011 is formed. The filter circuit 209 is connected to the processing circuit 210 and blocks signals above a predetermined frequency. The cable is connected to the filter circuit 209. The sensor 208 is attached to the cable. This makes it possible to attach the sensor 208 to the cable and install the sensor 208, the receiving antenna 201, and the processing circuit 210 at a distance from each other.

[0073] If the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 cannot be installed apart from the sensor 208, the installation directions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 need to be aligned with the direction in which the sensor 208 is attached to the drive unit. For this reason, depending on the installation direction of the sensor 208, it may be difficult to align the installation directions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 with the polarization direction of the power feed signal. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be installed apart from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210, and therefore it is possible to align the installation directions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 with the polarization direction of the power feed signal, thereby improving the power receiving efficiency of the receiver 200.

[0074] Furthermore, depending on the indoor environment, reflected radio waves may interfere with the power feed signal, amplifying or canceling out the power feed signal, resulting in a dead spot. If the receiver 200 is placed in a dead spot, the received power will be almost zero. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be placed away from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210, so the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be placed away from the dead spot.

[0075] Depending on the placement of devices indoors, receivers 200 may be placed close to each other. When receivers 200 are placed close to each other, there is a risk that the receiving antennas 201 may interfere with each other, resulting in a deterioration in power receiving performance. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be installed away from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210, and therefore the receiving antenna 201 can be placed away from the receiving antennas 201 of other receivers 200, thereby making it possible to avoid a deterioration in power receiving performance.

[0076] If there is an obstruction between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200, this affects the amount of power received by the receiver 200. In particular, if the transmitter 100 and the obstruction are parallel, the amount of power received by the receiver 200 is significantly affected. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be installed apart from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210. Therefore, even if the detection position by the sensor 208 is fixed, the arrangement positions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be flexibly changed. Therefore, it becomes possible to arrange the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 in a position where there is no obstruction between them and the transmitter 100, that is, in a position where power can be received efficiently.

[0077] Depending on the device to which the sensor 208 is attached, the power receiving performance may change depending on the position on the device. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be installed apart from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210, so even if the detection position of the sensor 208 is fixed, the placement positions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be flexibly changed. Therefore, it becomes possible to place the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 in a position where power can be received efficiently.

[0078] Depending on the shape of the device to which it is attached (for example, a structure such as a metal pole), the power receiving performance may change depending on the placement position. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be placed apart from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210, so even if the detection position of the sensor 208 is fixed, the placement positions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be flexibly changed. Therefore, it becomes possible to place the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 in a position where power can be received efficiently.

[0079] If there is metal between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200, the power receiving performance of the receiver 200 changes. According to this embodiment, the sensor 208 can be installed apart from the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210, so even if the detection position by the sensor 208 is fixed, the placement positions of the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be flexibly changed. Therefore, it becomes possible to place the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 in a position where power can be received efficiently.

[0080] Therefore, it is possible to provide a receiver that can alleviate restrictions on installation location.

[0081] <4 Variations> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which one sensor 208 is attached to a cable connected to the filter circuit 209. The configuration of the receiver 200 according to this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0082] (Variation 1) Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of receiver 200. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of receiver 200. In receiver 200 shown in Fig. 6, sensor 208-1 is connected to microcomputer 205 via filter circuit 209 and a cable wired from filter circuit 209. Sensor 208-1 is arranged outside housing 250. Sensor 208-2 is connected to microcomputer 205. Sensor 208-2 is arranged inside housing 250. Sensors 208-1 and 208-2 may measure the same type of parameter or different types of parameters.

[0083] 7 includes a receiving antenna 201, a circuit section 210, a sensor 208-2, and a filter circuit 209 housed in a housing 250. A cable is connected to the filter circuit 209. The cable is connected to a sensor 208-1 located outside the housing 250.

[0084] The sensor 208-2 is, for example, a sensor module having a predetermined size. The sensor 208-2 is connected to the circuit unit 210 by connecting to wiring formed on a PCB. The sensor 208-2 is disposed at a position that penetrates the lower surface portion on the back side of the lower surface portion relative to the upper surface portion. The distance between the sensor 208-2 and the lower surface portion is based on, for example, the position at which the sensor 208-2 measures the state of the drive unit when the receiver 200 is attached to the drive unit. Note that the sensor 208-2 does not necessarily have to be disposed so as to penetrate the lower surface portion. For example, wiring may be laid on the surfaces of the first conductor 2011 and the second conductor 2012, and the sensor 208-2 may be disposed at a position on the back side of the lower surface portion relative to the upper surface portion. In this case, for example, the circuit unit 210 and the sensor 208-2 may be mounted on a rigid-flexible substrate. By providing a ferrite bead or an inductor at the connection between the rigid part of the rigid-flex board and the flexible part, it is possible to suppress the influence of the flexible part on receiving antenna 201.

[0085] Receiver 200 is attached, for example, so that one surface of housing 250 is in contact with the metal housing of a predetermined drive unit. Receiver 200 is attached so that sensor 208-2 is disposed at a predetermined position on the drive unit. Sensor 208-1 is attached at a predetermined position on the drive unit, away from housing 250. The drive unit to which sensor 208-1 is attached may be different from the drive unit to which housing 250 is attached.

[0086] Depending on the arrangement of devices indoors, receivers 200 may be arranged close to each other. When receivers 200 are arranged close to each other, there is a risk that receiving antennas 201 may interfere with each other, resulting in degradation of power receiving performance. According to this embodiment, sensors 208-1 and 208-2 can share the receiving antenna 201 and processing circuit 210, which makes it possible to prevent receiving antennas 201 from being arranged close to each other, thereby making it possible to avoid degradation of power receiving performance.

[0087] (Variation 2) Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of receiver 200. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of receiver 200. In receiver 200 shown in Fig. 8, sensors 208-1 and 208-3 are connected to microcomputer 205 via filter circuit 209 and a cable wired from filter circuit 209. Sensors 208-1 and 208-3 may measure the same type of parameter, or may measure different types of parameters.

[0088] Receiver 200 shown in Fig. 9 has receiving antenna 201, circuit section 210, and filter circuit 209 stored in housing 250. A cable is connected to filter circuit 209. The cable is connected to sensors 208-1 and 208-3 located outside housing 250. Two cables may be wired from filter circuit 209, or one cable may branch off midway. Although Fig. 9 shows two connectors provided on housing 250, one connector may also be provided.

[0089] Receiver 200 is attached, for example, so that one surface of housing 250 is in contact with the metal housing of a predetermined drive unit. Sensors 208-1 and 208-3 are attached, for example, to different positions on the same drive unit, away from housing 250. The drive unit to which sensor 208-1 is attached may be different from the drive unit to which sensor 208-3 is attached. Furthermore, the drive unit to which sensors 208-1 and 208-3 are attached may be different from the drive unit to which housing 250 is attached.

[0090] 10 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the structure of the receiver 200. The filter circuits 209 may be installed at different positions in the circuit section 210, and cables may be wired from each of them.

[0091] Depending on the arrangement of devices indoors, the receivers 200 may be arranged close to each other. When the receivers 200 are arranged close to each other, there is a risk that the receiving antennas 201 may interfere with each other, resulting in a deterioration in power receiving performance. According to this embodiment, the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be shared by the sensors 208-1 and 208-3, which makes it possible to prevent the receiving antennas 201 from being arranged close to each other and to avoid a deterioration in power receiving performance. Furthermore, since the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 can be arranged regardless of the positions of the sensors 208-1 and 208-3, it is possible to arrange the receiving antenna 201 and the processing circuit 210 in a position where power can be received efficiently.

[0092] (Variation 3) Fig. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of receiver 200. Receiver 200 shown in Fig. 11 includes a path that bypasses filter circuit 209 (a path that short-circuits filter circuit 209), and switching circuit 2010 that is installed in that path.

[0093] The switching circuit 2010 switches on / off in response to control from the microcomputer 205. When the switching circuit 2010 is on, the path that bypasses the filter circuit 209 is turned on, and the signal passes through this path. When the switching circuit 2010 is off, the path that bypasses the filter circuit 209 is cut off, and the signal passes through the filter circuit 209.

[0094] The microcomputer 205 monitors the received power voltage and switches the switching circuit 2010 on and off. Specifically, for example, the microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the voltage value of a predetermined part in the rectifier circuit 202 or the power management unit 203 exceeds a predetermined value (a preset threshold) when the switching circuit 2010 is on. If the voltage value exceeds the predetermined value, the microcomputer 205 keeps the switching circuit 2010 on. If the voltage value does not exceed the predetermined value, the microcomputer 205 switches the switching circuit 2010 off. This allows the microcomputer 205 to prevent the cable portion from functioning as part of an antenna, thereby preventing the radio wave characteristics of the receiver 200 from deteriorating. Furthermore, if the cable portion functions as part of an antenna, and the radio wave characteristics of the receiver 200 are improved, the microcomputer 205 can maintain the improved radio wave characteristics.

[0095] The microcomputer 205 may monitor the receiving voltage at a predetermined cycle and switch the switching circuit 2010. For example, the environment around the receiver 200 may change when a drive unit to which the receiver 200 is attached is driven. The drive unit may be referred to as the sensing target of the sensor 208. The microcomputer 205 measures the receiving voltage, for example, in synchronization with the drive unit's drive cycle. If the voltage value of the receiving voltage exceeds a predetermined value, the microcomputer 205 maintains the connection of the switching circuit 2010. On the other hand, if the voltage value of the receiving voltage is below the predetermined value, the microcomputer 205 switches the connection of the switching circuit 2010 to the other side. In other words, if the radio wave characteristics are better when the cable unit is not treated as part of the antenna, the microcomputer 205 turns off the switching circuit 2010. On the other hand, if the radio wave characteristics are better when the cable unit is treated as part of the antenna, the microcomputer 205 turns on the switching circuit 2010. This allows microcomputer 205 to control switching circuit 2010 so as to maintain high radio wave characteristics of receiver 200. The period at which microcomputer 205 measures the received voltage does not need to be synchronized with the drive period of the drive unit. Microcomputer 205 may measure the received voltage in units of seconds or in periods less than a second.

[0096] The microcomputer 205 may monitor the received voltage at a predetermined cycle and may employ one of a plurality of filter circuits 209 provided for one sensor 208 .

[0097] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of receiver 200 when multiple filter circuits 209 are connected to one sensor 208. Receiver 200 shown in Fig. 12 has filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n. Filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n have, for example, different impedance characteristics. Fig. 12 shows an example in which all paths connecting microcomputer 205 and sensor 208 are connected to one of filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n, but there may also be paths that short-circuit filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n.

[0098] Receiver 200 has switching circuits 2010-1 to 2010-n for filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n, respectively. Switching circuits 2010-1 to 2010-n are switched on / off in response to control from microcomputer 205. Microcomputer 205 controls switching circuits 2010-1 to 2010-n so that one of switching circuits 2010-1 to 2010-n is turned on and the other switching circuits are turned off. Because filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n have different impedance characteristics, the receiving voltage differs for each of connected filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n depending on the environment in which receiver 200 is installed. Microcomputer 205 controls switching circuit 2010 so that filter circuit 209 with the highest receiving voltage is connected.

[0099] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of microcomputer 205 when filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n are connected.

[0100] In step S11, the microcomputer 205 repeats the processes of steps S12 to S18, for example, until a stop instruction is input. In step S12, the microcomputer 205 repeats the processes of steps S13 to S15 the same number of times as the number of filter circuits 209. That is, the microcomputer 205 repeats the processes of steps S13 to S15 n times.

[0101] In steps S13 to S15, the microcomputer 205 turns on the switching circuits 2010-1 to 2010-n one by one (turning off the other switching circuits). After turning on / off the switching circuit 2010, the microcomputer 205 waits for a transition time (Ts). The transition time (Ts) represents a variable or constant that stores the time from when the filter circuit transitions from on to off or from off to on until the power receiving state stabilizes. Ts may be a preset constant or may be dynamically changed. After Ts has elapsed, the microcomputer 205 stores the measured power receiving voltage in Vr_buf[]. After storing the power receiving voltages for all of the filter circuits 209-1 to 209-n in Vr_buf[], the microcomputer 205 proceeds to step S16.

[0102] In step S16, the microcomputer 205 identifies the filter circuit 209 with the maximum receiving voltage based on the receiving voltage stored in Vr_buf[ ]. The maximum value of the receiving voltage is calculated using, for example, an existing method.

[0103] In step S17, the microcomputer 205 turns on only the switching circuit 2010 connected to the filter circuit 209 with the highest received voltage, and turns off the other switching circuits 2010.

[0104] In step S18, the microcomputer 205 waits for a control period (Tc). The control period (Tc) represents a variable or constant that stores an arbitrary control period. Tc is a time that determines how many seconds it takes to compare the filter circuit state with and without the filter circuit and change the power receiving mode. Tc may be preset (a constant) or may be dynamically changed. After Tc has elapsed, the microcomputer 205 repeats the process from step S12.

[0105] The above process enables the receiver 200 to efficiently use the external sensor cable as part of the antenna, thereby maximizing the power available for other processes during the Tc seconds.

[0106] Although the above describes a case in which the microcomputer 205 determines whether the voltage value of the receiving voltage exceeds a predetermined value, the voltage value to be compared is not limited to the predetermined value. The microcomputer 205 may also compare voltage values ​​between predetermined states. Specifically, for example, the microcomputer 205 may compare the voltage value of the receiving voltage when the switching circuit 2010 is turned on with the voltage value of the receiving voltage when the switching circuit 2010 is turned off. The microcomputer 205 switches the connection of the switching circuit 2010 at predetermined intervals and compares the voltage value before and after the connection change. If the voltage value after the change is higher, the microcomputer 205 maintains the connection of the switching circuit 2010. On the other hand, if the voltage value before the change is higher, the microcomputer 205 restores the connection of the switching circuit 2010. The microcomputer 205 may switch the connection of the switching circuit 2010 in synchronization with the drive cycle of the drive unit, or may switch the connection of the switching circuit 2010 asynchronously with the drive cycle of the drive unit. Microcomputer 205 may switch the connection of switching circuit 2010 in units of seconds or in cycles less than a second, which allows microcomputer 205 to control switching circuit 2010 so that the radio wave characteristics of receiver 200 are maintained at a high level.

[0107] When a plurality of cables are connected to the filter circuit 209 and each cable is equipped with a sensor 208, the switching circuit 2010 may be provided for each cable.

[0108] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the filter circuit 209 is installed in the circuit unit 210, but the location where the filter circuit 209 is installed is not limited to the circuit unit 210. The filter circuit 209 may be installed in a position immediately before a cable is drawn out from the housing 250 to the outside.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200 includes the sensor 208. However, the receiver 200 does not necessarily include the sensor 208. For example, the sensor 208 may be detachable from a cable. Furthermore, the cable to which the sensor 208 is attached may be detachable from the housing 250. The housing 250 has, for example, a mechanism (connector) that allows the cable to be detached. By making the sensor 208 detachable, it becomes possible to attach any sensor 208 to the receiver 200. It also becomes possible to attach a cable of any length to the receiver 200.

[0110] In the above embodiment, a WPT system has been described in which a power supply signal is transmitted from the transmitter 100 via radio waves, the power supply signal is received by the receiver 200, and power is generated based on the received power supply signal. However, the receiver 200 according to this embodiment is not limited to being used in a WPT system. The receiver 200 according to this embodiment may also be a device related to an RFID tag. That is, for example, a wireless signal may be transmitted from the transmitter 100, and the receiver 200 may receive the wireless signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, receiver 200 may have a mechanism for accurately measuring the DC voltage received by receiving antenna 201 and output from rectifier circuit 202. The value of the DC voltage supplied from rectifier circuit 202 to power management unit 203 varies depending on the fluctuation of impedance in the circuit including power management unit 203 and power storage unit 204. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately measure the value of the DC voltage supplied from rectifier circuit 202 to power management unit 203.

[0112] Therefore, in this embodiment, the output of the rectifier circuit 202 is supplied to a resistor that is separated from the downstream load, and the voltage at that resistor is measured.

[0113] 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a receiver 200. The receiver 200 shown in FIG. 14 includes a receiving antenna 201, a rectifier circuit 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, a data transceiver 206, a data transmitting / receiving antenna 207, a sensor 208, a filter circuit 209, a switching circuit 221, a resistor 222, and a measurement unit 223.

[0114] The switching circuit 221 switches the path to be connected based on a signal from the microcomputer 205. The switching circuit 221 is connected to either the path connecting the rectifier circuit 202 and the power management unit 203 or the path connecting the rectifier circuit 202 and the resistor 222. The microcomputer 205 outputs a switching instruction to the switching circuit 221 at a predetermined timing. Specifically, for example, in an initial state when a power supply signal is supplied, for example, in a state in which charging of the power storage unit 204 or a capacitor in the circuit is not completed, the switching circuit 221 connects the rectifier circuit 202 and the power management unit 203. When charging of the power storage unit 204 or a capacitor in the circuit is completed, the microcomputer 205 causes the switching circuit 221 to switch the connection and connect the rectifier circuit 202 and the resistor 222. For example, the microcomputer 205 may monitor the voltage of the power storage unit 204, and when the voltage is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, cause the switching circuit 221 to switch the connection to connect the rectifier circuit 202 and the resistor 222. Furthermore, the microcomputer 205 may monitor the voltage of the power storage unit 204, and when the voltage trend is not decreasing, cause the switching circuit 221 to switch the connection to connect the rectifier circuit 202 and the resistor 222.

[0115] The resistor 222 is, for example, a resistor with a predetermined resistance value. The resistance value is, for example, 100 ohms. The resistor 222 may be a plurality of resistors with different resistance values.

[0116] The measuring unit 223 measures the voltage between the terminals of the resistor. The microcomputer 205 may display the measured voltage on a display provided in the receiver 200, or may transmit the measured voltage to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 via the data transceiver 206. If the resistor 222 is a plurality of resistors with different resistance values, the measuring unit 223 measures the voltage for at least one of the resistors. The microcomputer 205 may display on a display the measured voltage, along with the procedure by which the voltage was measured and which resistor was used, or may transmit the measured voltage to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300.

[0117] By supplying the output of rectifier circuit 202 to a resistor that is separated from the downstream load and measuring the voltage at that resistor with measurement unit 223, receiver 200 can measure the supply power of the power feed signal in real time. This allows the user to identify areas in an office or factory where the supply power is weak based on the measurement results of receiver 200. Furthermore, receiver 200 can measure the supply power in real time even after a specific device has been installed in the office or factory. Furthermore, by accumulating actual power measurement results for the results of a prior simulation, the accuracy of the prior simulation can be improved.

[0118] The resistor 222 and the measuring unit 223 may be predetermined devices driven by a current. Specifically, for example, the resistor 222 and the measuring unit 223 may be replaced with an LED. The light intensity of the LED changes depending on the magnitude of the current supplied. Therefore, the user can grasp the power supply amount in the area where the receiver 200 is installed based on the light intensity of the LED.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 may monitor the voltage of the power storage unit 204 and vary the intensity of the power feeding signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 based on the magnitude of the voltage. Specifically, for example, when the voltage is lower than a predetermined threshold and the voltage trend is decreasing, the receiver 200 transmits an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power feeding signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. Furthermore, for example, when the voltage is higher than a predetermined threshold and the voltage trend is not decreasing, the receiver 200 transmits an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to decrease the intensity of the power feeding signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.

[0120] As a result, the transmitter 100 transmits the power supply signal with a reduced output, thereby reducing the occurrence of breakdowns. Also, the receiver 200 can flexibly respond to sudden power needs. Also, the transmitter 100 can operate in an energy-saving mode appropriate for the purpose or use.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, when the voltage supplied by the received power supply signal is lower than a predetermined value, the receiver 200 may transmit an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. Furthermore, for example, when the power consumption in the receiver 200 is higher than a predetermined value or when the trend of power consumption is increasing, the receiver 200 may transmit an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100. Furthermore, for example, the receiver 200 may transmit an instruction to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 to increase the intensity of the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 in accordance with an operable time based on the power consumption measured by a sensor 208 attached to the receiver 200.

[0122] The transmitter 100 receives information about the received power from the receiver 200 installed in the space. The transmitter 100 determines the intensity distribution of the received power based on the information about the received power. The transmitter 100 evaluates the intensity distribution of the transmitted power, and may increase the intensity of the power supply signal if the variation is greater than a preset value.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the receiver 200 may monitor the power storage status in the receiver 200 by observing the voltage stored in the receiver 200 over a long period (several minutes to an hour) in addition to a short period (several milliseconds to several seconds). For example, the receiver 200 measures the power supply voltage over a short period and a long period. The power supply voltage is, for example, the voltage of the power storage unit 204. For example, the receiver 200 stores the voltage values ​​measured over a short period in a short-period ring buffer and stores the voltage values ​​measured over a long period in a long-period ring buffer. The receiver 200 linearly approximates the voltage values ​​read at predetermined positions in the long-period ring buffer using a predetermined statistical method (e.g., the least squares method). The receiver 200 calculates the slope of the approximation curve and issues a notification to the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 based on the calculated slope.

[0124] In an environment where the WPT system 1 is used, there may be cases where the received power is slightly insufficient compared to the power consumption on the receiver 200 side. In this case, the power supply voltage decreases gradually over a long period of time, and eventually the system may become inoperable. In such cases, short-period voltage measurements result in a "no change" and are difficult to detect. For the user, it is desirable to be able to detect this at an early stage during startup or steady operation, because the system may stop working like a time bomb, even though it should be operating normally according to the results of short-period measurements. According to this embodiment, voltage values ​​are measured at long intervals, making it possible to detect a state in which the power supply voltage has been decreasing for a long period of time at an early stage.

[0125] Furthermore, the receiver 200 may monitor the power storage status of the receiver 200 by measuring the difference between the DC voltage output from the rectifier circuit 202 and the voltage of the power storage unit 204 over a long period of time. Specifically, for example, the receiver 200 measures the DC voltage output from the rectifier circuit 202 and the voltage of the power storage unit 204 at a predetermined interval. The receiver 200 samples the difference between the DC voltage and the power supply voltage. The receiver 200 calculates a time average of the difference and determines whether the calculated time average value is below a threshold value over a long period of time. If the time average value is below the threshold value for a certain period of time, the receiver 200 notifies the transmitter 100 or the first information processing device 300 of this fact.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the circuit unit 210 is formed horizontally on the receiving antenna 201. However, the circuit unit 210 does not have to be formed horizontally on the receiving antenna 201. For example, the circuit unit 210 may be formed perpendicular to the receiving antenna 201.

[0127] Figures 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams showing examples of the structure of the receiving antenna 201a and circuit unit 210a. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the receiving antenna 201a and circuit unit 210a when viewed from a predetermined direction. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the structure of the receiving antenna 201a and circuit unit 210a shown in Figure 15 when viewed from behind.

[0128] The receiving antenna 201a shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 has, for example, a cylindrical shape with a substantially rectangular cross section, and the cylindrical portion is closed by a substrate. The receiving antenna 201a has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface. The upper surface refers to the portion located on the upper surface in FIGS. 15 and 16. The lower surface refers to the portion located on the lower surface in FIGS. 15 and 16. The side surface refers to the portion located on the side in FIGS. 15 and 16. The upper surface and the lower surface are arranged to face each other. A slit (gap) is formed in one of the side surfaces. In the receiving antenna 201a shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the upper surface and the lower surface are arranged substantially parallel to each other. The upper surface and the lower surface do not have to be arranged substantially parallel to each other. Furthermore, the upper surface, the lower surface, and the side surface may be entirely or partially flat, curved, or a combination thereof.

[0129] The receiving antenna 201a has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, and has a predetermined height. For example, the receiving antenna 201a has a lateral width of 10 mm, a longitudinal width of 30 mm, and a height of 8 mm. The longitudinal width of 30 mm is, for example, approximately one-tenth the wavelength of a 920 MHz band signal that is expected to be received. Note that the size of the receiving antenna 201a is not limited to this and may be increased or decreased within a predetermined range. The receiving antenna 201a may be treated as a loop antenna or an inverted-F antenna.

[0130] The receiving antenna 201a is realized, for example, by a conductor having a ring shape. The receiving antenna 201a is realized, for example, by a conductive plate made of a metal such as copper or aluminum. The receiving antenna 201a is formed, for example, by bending a single conductive plate. More specifically, for example, a single copper plate is bent into a substantially rectangular shape in cross section. In the bending process, for example, a metal mold may be used to plastically process the copper plate or the like.

[0131] The circuit unit 210a is formed on the rear surface 2013a shown in Figures 15 and 16. The circuit unit 210a includes a rectifier circuit 202, a power management unit 203, a power storage unit 204, a microcomputer 205, and a data transceiver 206. The circuit unit 210a may include a filter circuit 209. The circuit unit 210a may be formed on both surfaces of the rear surface 2013a, or on one surface thereof.

[0132] The rear surface part 2013a is realized by, for example, a substrate such as a PCB. The rear surface part 2013a is arranged, for example, so as to cover the cylindrical part of the receiving antenna 201a. The rear surface part 2013a may cover, for example, the entire cylindrical part of the receiving antenna 201a, or may cover only a part of the cylindrical part.

[0133] 15 and 16, when the sensor 208-2 is attached to the rear surface portion 2013a, the portion where the sensor 208-2 is attached may be formed so as to protrude from the receiving antenna 201a.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the receiver 200 may have a user-accessible interface. A user accesses the receiver 200, which is attachable to a device, via the interface. The interface may include, for example, a button, an LED, or a combination thereof connected to the circuit unit 210.

[0135] In the above embodiment, the receiving antenna 201 has been described as having an annular shape. However, the shape of the receiving antenna 201 is not limited to the above. For example, the receiving antenna 201 can be configured in various ways, such as a dipole antenna, a monopole antenna, a slot antenna, a chip antenna, a patch antenna, or the like.

[0136] In this specification, "connection" refers to a relationship in which information, power, signals, or electric or magnetic fields influence each other, regardless of whether there is physical contact, and includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections via other elements or materials.

[0137] For example, when circuit element A and circuit element C are connected, even if circuit element B is inserted between them, A and C are considered to be connected if electrical signal transmission, current flow, or influence via electric or magnetic fields is maintained between A and C. In this specification, "connection" includes the following forms: (1) Communicable Connection If the first connection point and the anode of the diode are electrically connected, and electrical continuity is maintained under certain conditions even if a resistor, capacitor, inductor, switch, or other element is inserted between them, they are considered to be connected. (2) Network Connection If the first connection point and the diode anode belong to the same circuit network and have an electrical influence on each other, even if an element is inserted between them, this is considered a connection. For example, this applies to circuit nodes where potential is affected or circuit paths where impedance matching is taken into consideration. (3) Electrical Pathway A connection is defined as when an electrical path is formed between the first connection point and the anode of a diode, regardless of whether there is an intervening element between them. For example, this applies to a connection via a switching element in a power supply circuit or the formation of a path within a bridge circuit.

[0138] Furthermore, the definition of interconnection may vary depending on the type and operating principle of the semiconductor circuit. For example, the concept of interconnection applies to bulk CMOS, SOI CMOS, compound semiconductor circuits, and wide bandgap semiconductor circuits as follows: (1) Connections in CMOS circuits In bulk CMOS, electrical connections are defined as metal wiring or diffusion regions formed directly on the silicon substrate, whereas in SOI CMOS, the silicon layer and the substrate are separated by a buried oxide layer, so coupling through parasitic capacitance can also be included as a form of connection. (2) Connections in wide bandgap semiconductor circuits In wide bandgap semiconductor circuits using SiC or GaN, in order to accommodate high voltage and high frequency operation, it is necessary to consider connections via vertical current paths and electron movement through barrier layers. (3) Connection in high frequency circuits High-frequency circuits may include not only physical conductor connections, but also coupling via parasitic inductance and parasitic capacitance, signal transmission via electromagnetic induction, and the effects of resonant circuits. For example, millimeter-wave circuits may also include connections via waveguides and antennas.

[0139] In this specification, the definition of "connection" is applied depending on the circuit configuration and operating conditions, and is not limited to simple physical conduction. In a broad sense, connection can also include coupling via an electric field or magnetic field, optical coupling, electromagnetic coupling, etc. On the other hand, when defined as connection in a narrow sense, only a direct conduction relationship or specific physical contact can be included. It should be interpreted appropriately depending on the embodiment of the present invention.

[0140] <5. Basic computer hardware configuration> 17 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of a computer 90. The computer 90 includes at least a processor 901, a main memory device 902, an auxiliary memory device 903, and a communication IF 991 (interface), which are electrically connected to one another by a communication bus 921.

[0141] The processor 901 is hardware for executing an instruction set written in a program, and is composed of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, and the like.

[0142] The main memory device 902 is used to temporarily store programs, data to be processed by the programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0143] The auxiliary storage device 903 is a storage device for saving data and programs, such as a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a semiconductor memory.

[0144] The communication IF 991 is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communicating with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. The network is composed of the Internet, a LAN, various mobile communication systems constructed by wireless base stations, etc. For example, the network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)) that can connect to the Internet via a predetermined access point. In the case of a wireless connection, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), and Bluetooth (registered trademark). In the case of a wired connection, the network also includes a direct connection using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable, etc.

[0145] It should be noted that the computer 90 can be virtually realized by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and interconnecting them via a network. In this way, the computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single housing or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0146] <6 Basic functional configuration of computer 90> The following describes the functional configuration of a computer realized by the basic hardware configuration (FIG. 17) of the computer 90. The computer includes at least the functional units of a control unit, a storage unit, and a communication unit.

[0147] The functional units of the computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of the functional units among multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The computer 90 is a concept that includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0148] The control unit is realized by the processor 901 reading out various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, expanding them in the main storage device 902, and executing processing in accordance with the programs. The control unit can realize functional units that perform various types of information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0149] The storage unit is realized by a main storage device 902 and an auxiliary storage device 903. The storage unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. Furthermore, the processor 901 can allocate a storage area corresponding to the storage unit in the main storage device 902 or the auxiliary storage device 903 in accordance with the programs. Furthermore, the control unit can cause the processor 901 to execute processes for adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the storage unit in accordance with the various programs.

[0150] A database refers to a relational database, which manages data sets called masters and tables in a tabular format structurally defined by rows and columns, by relating them to each other. In a database, a table is called a table, a master, a column in a table is called a column, and a row in a table is called a record. In a relational database, relationships between tables and masters can be set and associated. Typically, each table and each master has a column set as a primary key to uniquely identify a record, but setting a primary key to a column is not essential. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the storage unit according to various programs. Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the storage unit, it can be considered that the information processing device and information processing system according to the present disclosure have been manufactured.

[0151] Note that the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structure in which information is structurally defined (such as a list, dictionary, associative array, or object). The data structure also includes data that can be considered as a data structure by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc. written in any programming language.

[0152] The communication unit is realized by the communication IF 991. The communication unit realizes a function of communicating with other computers 90 via a network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input the information to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to execute information processing on the received information in accordance with various programs. In addition, the communication unit can transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0153] Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The present invention can also be realized by software program code that implements the functions of the embodiments. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and a processor included in the computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media for providing such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tape, non-volatile memory cards, and ROMs.

[0154] Furthermore, the program code that realizes the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of program or script languages, such as assembler, C / C++, perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0155] Furthermore, the program code of the software that realizes the functions of the embodiments may be distributed via a network and stored in a storage means such as a computer's hard disk or memory, or in a storage medium such as a CD-RW or CD-R, and the processor of the computer may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

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

[0157] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are intended to be included in the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the inventions.

[0158] (Addendum) The matters described in the above embodiments will be supplemented below.

[0159] (Appendix 1) In a wireless power supply system, a receiver includes an antenna that receives a power supply signal from a transmitter that transmits the power supply signal, a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the antenna, a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals, a cable connected to the filter circuit, and a sensor attached to the cable. (Appendix 2) A receiver comprising: an antenna having a first conductor and a second conductor that is connected to the first conductor to form a ring shape with the first conductor; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of a substrate on which the first conductor is formed; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a cable connected to the filter circuit; and a sensor attached to the cable. (Appendix 3) A receiver according to (Supplementary Note 1) or (Supplementary Note 2), wherein the antenna, processing circuit, and filter circuit are housed in the housing, and the cable and sensor are arranged outside the housing. (Appendix 4) The receiver according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 3), wherein a plurality of cables are connected to the filter circuit, and sensors are connected to the plurality of cables, respectively. (Appendix 5) The receiver according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of sensors measure the same or different parameters. (Appendix 6) The receiver according to claim 3, further comprising a second sensor connected to the processing circuit and housed in the housing. (Appendix 7) The receiver according to claim 6, wherein the sensor and the second sensor measure the same or different types of parameters. (Appendix 8) A receiver as described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7), comprising a switching circuit that switches the conduction / disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit, and wherein the processing circuit switches the connection of the switching circuit based on the voltage value of a voltage generated by a power supply signal received by the antenna. (Appendix 9) A receiver as described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8), comprising: a processing circuit; a plurality of filter circuits having different impedance characteristics, each connected to a cable; and a plurality of switching circuits for switching the conduction / disconnection of paths to the plurality of filter circuits, wherein the processing circuit switches the connection of the plurality of switching circuits based on the voltage value of a voltage generated by a power supply signal received by an antenna. (Appendix 10) The receiver according to claim 8, wherein the processing circuit measures the voltage value at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor. (Appendix 11) a switching circuit for switching between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; The receiver described in any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 7), wherein the processing circuit switches the connection of the switching circuit at a predetermined cycle and determines the connection of the filter circuit based on the voltage value of a voltage generated by a power supply signal received by the antenna. (Appendix 12) The receiver according to claim 11, wherein the processing circuit switches the connection of the filter circuit at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor. (Appendix 13) The receiver according to claim 3, wherein the cable is detachable from the housing. (Appendix 14) A receiver comprising: an antenna having a first conductor and a second conductor that is connected to the first conductor to form a ring shape with the first conductor; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of a substrate on which the first conductor is formed; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a circuit board connected to the filter circuit; and a sensor attached to the circuit board. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1...WPT system 100...Transmitter 101...Oscillator 102...Transmitting antenna 103...microcomputer 104...Data transmitter / receiver 105...Data transmission / reception antenna 200...Receiver 201...receiving antenna 202…Rectifier 203…Power management department 204... Power storage unit 205...microcomputer 206...Data transmitter / receiver 300...First information processing device 400...Second information processing device

Claims

1. In a wireless power feeding system, an antenna that receives a power feeding signal from a transmitter that transmits the power feeding signal; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the antenna; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a cable connected to the filter circuit; a sensor attached to the cable; a switching circuit that switches between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; Equipped with The processing circuit measures the voltage value of the voltage generated by the power supply signal received by the antenna at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor, and switches the connection of the switching circuit based on the voltage value.

2. A wireless power supply system, comprising: an antenna that receives a power supply signal from a transmitter that transmits the power supply signal; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the antenna; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a cable connected to the filter circuit; a sensor attached to the cable; a switching circuit that switches between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; Equipped with The processing circuit switches the connection of the switching circuit at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor, and determines the connection of the filter circuit based on the voltage value of the voltage generated by the power supply signal received by the antenna.

3. an antenna including a first conductor and a second conductor that is connected to the first conductor to form a ring shape with the first conductor; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the substrate on which the first conductor is formed; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a cable connected to the filter circuit; a sensor attached to the cable; a switching circuit that switches between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; Equipped with The processing circuit measures the voltage value of the voltage generated by the power supply signal received by the antenna at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor, and switches the connection of the switching circuit based on the voltage value.

4. An antenna comprising a first conductor and a second conductor that forms a ring shape with the first conductor by connecting to the first conductor; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the substrate on which the first conductor is formed; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a cable connected to the filter circuit; a sensor attached to the cable; a switching circuit that switches between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; Equipped with The processing circuit switches the connection of the switching circuit at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor, and determines the connection of the filter circuit based on the voltage value of the voltage generated by the power supply signal received by the antenna.

5. 5. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the antenna, the processing circuit, and the filter circuit are housed in a housing, and the cable and the sensor are disposed outside the housing.

6. A plurality of the cables are connected to the filter circuit, 5. The receiver according to claim 1, wherein the sensors are connected to the plurality of cables, respectively.

7. 7. The receiver of claim 6, wherein the plurality of sensors measure the same or different parameters.

8. 6. The receiver of claim 5, further comprising a second sensor connected to the processing circuit and housed in the housing.

9. 9. The receiver of claim 8, wherein the sensor and the second sensor measure the same or different parameters.

10. 6. The receiver according to claim 5, wherein the cable is detachable from the housing.

11. an antenna including a first conductor and a second conductor that is connected to the first conductor to form a ring shape with the first conductor; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the substrate on which the first conductor is formed; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a flexible circuit board connected to the filter circuit; a sensor attached to the circuit board; a switching circuit that switches between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; Equipped with The processing circuit measures the voltage value of the voltage generated by the power supply signal received by the antenna at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor, and switches the connection of the switching circuit based on the voltage value.

12. An antenna comprising a first conductor and a second conductor that forms a ring shape with the first conductor by connecting to the first conductor; a processing circuit attached to a first portion of the substrate on which the first conductor is formed; a filter circuit connected to the processing circuit and capable of blocking signals; a flexible circuit board connected to the filter circuit; a sensor attached to the circuit board; a switching circuit that switches between conduction and disconnection of a path that short-circuits the filter circuit; Equipped with The processing circuit switches the connection of the switching circuit at a period based on the drive period of the device being sensed by the sensor, and determines the connection of the filter circuit based on the voltage value of the voltage generated by the power supply signal received by the antenna.

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