Systems, information processing devices, programs, and methods

Abstract

In a WPT system, this aims to create a mechanism that can provide sufficient power while suppressing interference. [Solution] The system comprises means for transmitting notifications regarding interference, means for controlling the transmission of power supply signals, means for transmitting power supply signals based on the control, means for diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signals, means for diagnosing the interference status based on notifications regarding interference, and means for outputting the diagnosis results of the power supply status in the power supply space and the diagnosis results of the interference status. The means for transmitting notifications and the means for controlling are connected on the same network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system, an information processing apparatus, a program, and a method.

Background Art

[0002] The invention according to Patent Document 1 generally relates to wireless power transmission, and more particularly to devices, systems, and methods related to wireless power transmission to a remote system such as an automobile including a battery. For example, in Patent Document 1, the operating frequency of a wireless power transmission system can be selected so that a fundamental wave or any harmonic does not interfere with other communication signals such as a broadcast station signal such as a time signal broadcast frequency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the use of space transmission type wireless power transfer (WPT), the power supply amount and the occurrence of interference are basically in a trade-off relationship. On the other hand, a system that allows problems due to interference to occur is basically unthinkable. There is a need for a mechanism that can provide a sufficient power supply amount while suppressing interference.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to realize a mechanism that can provide a sufficient power supply amount while suppressing interference in a WPT system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the system includes means for transmitting interference notifications, means for controlling the transmission of power supply signals, means for transmitting power supply signals based on the control, means for diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signals, means for diagnosing the interference status based on interference notifications, and means for outputting the diagnosis results of the power supply status in the power supply space and the diagnosis results of the interference status, wherein the means for transmitting notifications and the means for controlling are connected on the same network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, a mechanism can be provided in the WPT system that can maximize the amount of power supplied while suppressing interference. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the first information processing device 300. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the second information processing device 400. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the control unit 303 according to this embodiment when diagnosing interference conditions and power supply conditions. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the control unit 303 according to this embodiment when it comprehensively evaluates the power supply space. [Figure 7] This table shows examples of the rules used by diagnostic module 3034 when performing an overall evaluation. [Figure 8] This table shows examples of rules used by the diagnostic module 3034 when diagnosing interference conditions and power supply conditions based on their severity. [Figure 9] This figure shows another example of the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 10]This figure shows another example of the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure shows another example of the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the first information processing device 300 when optimizing power transmission conditions. [Figure 13] A block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of Computer 90. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings illustrating the embodiments, common components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. The following embodiments are not intended to unduly limit the content of this disclosure as described in the claims. Not all components shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential components of this disclosure. Also, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a strict illustration.

[0010] Furthermore, in the following description, "processor" refers to one or more processors. At least one processor is typically a microprocessor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but may be another type of processor such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). At least one processor may be single-core or multi-core.

[0011] Furthermore, at least one processor may be a broad-sense processor, such as a hardware circuit that performs some or all of the processing (e.g., an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)).

[0012] In the following description, there may be cases where information from which output is obtained for an input is described using an expression such as "xxx table". However, this information may be data of any structure or a learning model such as a neural network that generates output for the input. Therefore, "xxx table" can be referred to as "xxx information".

[0013] In the following description, the configuration of each table is an example. One table may be divided into two or more tables, or all or part of two or more tables may be one table.

[0014] In the following description, there may be cases where processing is described with "program" as the subject. However, since the program is executed by a processor to perform defined processing while appropriately using a storage unit and / or an interface unit, etc., the subject of the processing may be the processor (or a device such as a controller having that processor).

[0015] The program may be installed in a device such as a computer, or may be, for example, in a program distribution server or a computer-readable (e.g., non-temporary) recording medium. 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.

[0016] In the following description, an identification number is used as identification information for various objects, but identification information of other types (e.g., an identifier including letters or symbols) may be adopted.

[0017] In the following description, when describing elements of the same type without distinction, reference signs (or common signs among the reference signs) are used, and when describing elements of the same type while distinguishing them, the identification numbers (or reference signs) of the elements may be used.

[0018] Furthermore, in the following explanation, only control lines and information lines deemed necessary for the explanation are shown, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the actual product. All components may be interconnected.

[0019] Each information processing device consists of a computer equipped with an arithmetic unit and a memory device. The basic hardware configuration of the computer and the basic functional configuration of the computer realized by said hardware configuration will be described later.

[0020] <Overview> The wireless power transfer (WPT) system according to this embodiment optimizes the power supply efficiency of wireless power transfer from the transmitter to the receiver while suppressing interference with other devices. An information processing device, such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or gateway included in the system, diagnoses the interference status of the WPT system with other devices (FA equipment, RFID, sensors, etc.) and the power supply status of the WPT system. The information processing device outputs the diagnosis results. Based on the diagnosis results, the information processing device dynamically controls (adjusts) the power transmission conditions of the WPT system (transmission power, frequency, hopping pattern, transmission timing, duty cycle, etc.) so that the amount of power supplied is optimized while suppressing interference within an acceptable range.

[0021] <1 System Configuration Diagram> Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0022] The WPT system 1 shown in Figure 1 is used, for example, in buildings or factories. The WPT system 1 is, for example, a spatial transmission type wireless power supply system. The WPT system 1 comprises, for example, a transmitter 100, a receiver 200, a first information processing unit 300, a second information processing unit 400, an RFID reader 500, and an I / O device 600. The first information processing unit 300, the second information processing unit 400, the RFID reader 500, and the I / O device 600 are connected, for example, to a device-level field network. That is, the first information processing unit 300, the second information processing unit 400, the RFID reader 500, and the I / O device 600 are connected to a network at the same hierarchical level. The second information processing unit 400 is connected to an even higher-level controller-level field network. The transmitter 100 and the first information processing unit 300 are connected, for example, by a wired connection. Alternatively, the transmitter 100 and the first information processing unit 300 may be connected, for example, wirelessly.

[0023] The first information processing device 300, the second information processing device 400, the RFID reader 500, and the I / O device 600 may be described as being connected on the same network. In this embodiment, "connected on the same network" means that multiple devices are in a state where they can communicate, whether wired or wireless. A state where communication is possible means that there is a means to transmit information, whether it is a direct connection without other devices or an indirect connection through other devices. Furthermore, the communication may be communication using a single protocol or communication using multiple protocols. In other words, in this embodiment, "connected on the same network" means that devices and equipment are connected to each other directly or indirectly, or in a one-way manner, via one or more networks.

[0024] For example, when devices such as the first information processing unit 300, the second information processing unit 400, the RFID reader 500, and the I / O device 600 are said to be "connected on the same network," it means that the first information processing unit 300 and the second information processing unit 400 are connected by EtherCAT, the second information processing unit 400 and the device are connected by IO-Link, and although the first information processing unit 300 and the device are not on the same protocol, they are in a state where they can communicate. The devices connected on the same network are not limited to the first information processing unit 300, the second information processing unit 400, the RFID reader 500, and the I / O device 600; the transmitter 100 may also be connected, or other devices may be connected.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an example where the WPT system 1 includes two transmitters 100, but the number of transmitters 100 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to two. The WPT system 1 may include one transmitter 100, or it may include three or more transmitters 100.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an example where the WPT system 1 includes one receiver 200, but the number of receivers 200 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to one. The WPT system 1 may include two or more receivers 200.

[0027] In this specification, transmitter 100 refers to a (power) transmitter 100 in the sense of transmitting power wirelessly, and similarly, receiver 200 refers to a (power) receiver 200 in the sense of receiving power wirelessly. Transmitter 100 may also be referred to as a power transmitter, and receiver 200 may be referred to as a power receiver. Receiver 200 may transmit, for example, information regarding the state of receiver 200, or information regarding measurement results from a sensor connected to receiver 200, as a data signal to transmitter 100, and transmitter 100 may receive such data signals. In this case, transmitter 100 functions as a receiver that receives data signals, and receiver 200 functions as a transmitter that transmits data signals.

[0028] Figure 1 shows an example where the WPT system 1 includes one first information processing device 300, but the number of first information processing devices 300 included in the WPT system 1 is not limited to one. The WPT system 1 may include two or more first information processing devices 300.

[0029] The transmitter 100 transmits, for example, a power supply signal or a data signal to the receiver 200. Based on control from the first information processing device 300, the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200, for example, using radio waves in the 920 MHz band. The transmitter 100 transmits a data signal to the receiver 200, for example, using radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band. The transmitter 100 may also transmit the data signal using radio waves in the 920 MHz band.

[0030] The feed signal transmitted from transmitter 100 may, for example, be a continuous wave (CW) with a predetermined power. The frequency bands that can be used for the feed signal are not limited to those mentioned above, and for example, radio waves in the 430MHz band (433.05MHz~434.79MHz), 860MHz band (865MHz~868MHz), 920MHz band (902MHz~928MHz (915MHz±13MHz)), 2.4GHz band (2.4GHz~2.5GHz), 5.7GHz band (5.725GHz~5.875GHz), and 24GHz band (24GHz~24.25GHz) can also be used. In this case, the laws of the country where the WPT system 1 is installed may impose restrictions on the intermittent transmission of the feed signal with a predetermined power. For example, if the feed signal from transmitter 100 falls under the provisions for radio stations as defined in Japan's Radio Law (regardless of whether a license is held), it may be necessary to set a certain pause period for the feed signal in accordance with the Radio Law. In this case, considering it over a certain time axis, the feed signal cannot be said to be a continuous wave. However, it is important to set a pause period, and since this pause period only needs to be short, the feed signal transmitted from transmitter 100 can be considered to be a nearly continuous wave. As mentioned above, the ratio of the feed signal duration to the pause period duration should be such that the feed signal transmitted from transmitter 100 can be considered to be a nearly continuous wave, but as an example, the pause period duration is about 1 / 50 to 1 / 100 of the feed signal duration.

[0031] The transmitter 100 may, for example, supply power to one receiver 200 or to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a data signal to one receiver 200 or to multiple receivers 200. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit the same data signal as other transmitters 100 or transmit a different data signal from other transmitters 100. The transmitter 100 may, for example, transmit a predetermined command signal as a data signal to the receiver 200, or transmit a pre-set 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 a data signal transmitted from one receiver 200, or it may receive data signals transmitted from multiple 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 regarding 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 power and stores the converted 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 power and drives the sensor with the converted power.

[0034] The receiver 200 transmits, for example, information regarding the status of the receiver 200 (such as the power reception level) or information regarding the measurement results from the sensor as a data signal to the first information processing device 300.

[0035] The first information processing device 300 is an information processing device that monitors the operation of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 housed in the WPT system 1. The first information processing device 300 is, for example, a gateway. The first information processing device 300 may also be referred to as Sumit (registered trademark). 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 status of the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 transmitted from the transmitter 100. If it determines 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 controls the operation of the transmitter 100 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 sets the power transmission conditions for the transmitter 100 and transmits a control signal based on the set power transmission conditions to the transmitter 100. The power transmission conditions are the conditions under which the transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal, and include, for example, transmission power, transmission frequency, hopping pattern, transmission timing, duty cycle, etc.

[0037] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 diagnoses the power supply status of the power supply space. For example, the first information processing device 300 diagnoses the power supply status of the power supply space based on the power transmission conditions set in the transmitter 100.

[0038] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 monitors signals from the RFID reader 500 or the I / O device 600. Based on the signals from the RFID reader 500 or the I / O device 600, the first information processing device 300 diagnoses the interference state in the power supply space.

[0039] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 stores information about the transmitter 100, receiver 200, RFID reader 500, and I / O device 600 housed in the WPT system 1. For example, the first information processing device 300 stores information transmitted from the transmitter 100 regarding the state of the transmitter 100, information regarding the state of the receiver 200, or a combination thereof, in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300. Also, for example, the first information processing device 300 stores the power transmission conditions of the transmitter 100 in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300. Also, for example, the first information processing device 300 stores notifications transmitted from the RFID reader 500 or notifications transmitted from the I / O device 600 in a storage unit provided in the first information processing device 300. Note that the information to be stored may be at least one of the above.

[0040] Furthermore, if a display device (not shown) is connected to the first information processing device 300, the first information processing device 300 will display the diagnostic result of the power supply status, the diagnostic result of the interference status, or a combination thereof on the display device.

[0041] Furthermore, the first information processing device 300 controls the operation of the second information processing device 400.

[0042] The second information processing device 400 is, for example, an information processing device operated by the administrator of the WPT system 1. The second information processing device 400 is, for example, a PLC. When the second information processing device 400 receives a message from the first information processing device 300 that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both thereof, which are housed in the WPT system 1, are in a predetermined state, it informs the user that the transmitter 100, the receiver 200, or both thereof are in a predetermined state.

[0043] Furthermore, the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the power supply status of the power supply space. For example, the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the power supply status of the power supply space based on the power transmission conditions set in the transmitter 100. Note that the diagnosis of the power supply status is performed, for example, by the first information processing device 300, the second information processing device 400, or both of them.

[0044] Furthermore, the second information processing device 400 monitors signals from the RFID reader 500 or the I / O device 600. Based on the signals from the RFID reader 500 or the I / O device 600, the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the interference state in the power supply space. The diagnosis of the interference state is performed, for example, by the first information processing device 300, the second information processing device 400, or both of them.

[0045] If a display unit 700 is connected to the second information processing device 400, the second information processing device 400 will display the diagnostic results of the power supply status, the diagnostic results of the interference status, or a combination thereof on the display unit 700. The display unit 700 is, for example, a display that displays a predetermined image. If a display unit 700 is connected to the second information processing device 400, the second information processing device 400 may also display the diagnostic results of the power supply status, the diagnostic results of the interference status, or a combination thereof, diagnosed by the first information processing device 300, on the display unit 700.

[0046] Furthermore, the second information processing device 400 analyzes the information regarding the status 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 transmitter 100 • Information regarding the placement of receiver 200 • Information regarding power consumption • Information regarding the amount of electricity

[0047] The RFID reader 500 is a device that wirelessly reads information stored in an RFID tag 501 placed in a power supply space. Multiple RFID readers 500 may be installed in the WPT system 1. In this embodiment, for example, the RFID reader 500 is an example of a means for transmitting interference notifications. If the interference conditions are not good, the RFID reader 500 cannot read information from the RFID tag 501 properly. The RFID reader 500 detects, for example, that communication with the RFID tag 501 is not functioning properly. Upon detecting that communication with the RFID tag 501 is not functioning properly, the RFID reader 500 transmits a notification indicating that communication is not functioning properly to the first information processing device 300, the second information processing device 400, or both.

[0048] The I / O device 600, also known as an I / O module, is a device for connecting multiple devices 601, including sensors, actuators, or combinations thereof, to a control device such as a second information processing device 400. Multiple I / O devices 600 may be installed in the WPT system 1. For example, the I / O device 600 transmits sensing data from a temperature sensor to the second information processing device 400. The I / O device 600 also transmits motor control signals for the actuators, transmitted from the second information processing device 400, to the actuators. The I / O device 600 may connect multiple devices, including sensors, actuators, or combinations thereof, to the first information processing device 300. By using the I / O device 600, a large number of devices can be centrally managed, enabling efficient automation within the factory.

[0049] The I / O device 600 is, for example, an example of a means for transmitting interference notifications in this embodiment. The I / O device 600 communicates with connected sensors or actuators using, for example, a master-slave system, a multi-master system, a polling system, a token passing system, a producer-consumer system, an on-the-fly system, etc. If the interference conditions are not good, the I / O device 600 will experience an abnormality in communication with the connected equipment. If the I / O device 600's communication with the connected equipment deviates from normal operation, it will send a notification to the first information processing device 300, the second information processing device 400, or both, indicating that communication is not functioning properly. The I / O device 600 may also determine that it is not operating normally even if it does not receive a signal from the connected equipment. For example, if the I / O device 600 outputs an arbitrary signal and expects a reply, but does not receive a reply from the connected equipment, the I / O device 600 will determine that it is in an abnormal state. The I / O device 600 sends a notification to the first information processing device 300, the second information processing device 400, or both, indicating that communication is not functioning properly.

[0050] <2. Transmitter and Receiver Configuration> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance, for example. For example, the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 are installed at a distance of several meters from each other. Specifically, for example, the transmitter 100 is fixed and installed at a predetermined high position indoors, for example, on the ceiling or wall. The receiver 200 is installed in a predetermined device indoors or placed near a device that requires power supply. The receiver 200 may also be carried by the user. The transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal to the receiver 200 using radio waves at a predetermined frequency, for example, a frequency in the guard band band of a frequency channel used in other wireless communications. The receiver 200 converts the power supply signal transmitted from the transmitter 100 into power and either charges the receiver with the converted power or supplies the converted power to a predetermined device.

[0051] The transmitter 100 includes, for example, an oscillator 101, a transmitting antenna 102, a microcontroller (control unit) 103, a data transceiver 104, and a data transceiver antenna 105. The oscillator 101, microcontroller 103, data transceiver 104, data transceiver antenna 105, or at least a combination of these, may be mounted on a PCB (printed circuit board), for example.

[0052] The oscillator 101 generates a signal in a frequency band corresponding to the control of the microcontroller 103. The oscillating signal may be amplified as needed to remove unwanted frequency components. In other words, the microcontroller 103 generates a power supply signal using the oscillator 101.

[0053] The transmitting antenna 102 is configured to efficiently transmit, for example, radio waves in the frequency band oscillated by the oscillator 101. The transmitting antenna 102 radiates the signal oscillated by the oscillator 101 as a feed signal.

[0054] The microcontroller 103 controls the operation of the transmitter 100. The microcontroller 103 is implemented, for example, by a semiconductor element equipped with an ARM processor. The microcontroller 103 controls, for example, the transmission of radio waves by the transmitting antenna 102. Specifically, the microcontroller 103 determines the transmission power, frequency, hopping pattern, etc. of the power supply signal based on the control signal received from the first information processing device 300 via the data transceiver 104, and controls the oscillator 101.

[0055] The data transceiver 104 performs processing such as converting digital data to analog and modulating analog data. The data transceiver 104 also performs processing such as demodulating the data signal received by the data transmission 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 transmission antenna 105, converts it to digital data, and transmits it to the microcontroller 103.

[0056] The data transmission antenna 105 is configured to efficiently transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4GHz band, for example. The data transmission antenna 105 radiates data signals supplied from the data transceiver 104. The data transmission antenna 105 also receives data signals transmitted from the receiver 200.

[0057] 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 microcontroller 205, a data transceiver 206, and a data transceiver antenna 207. The receiving antenna 201, the rectifier circuit 202, the power management unit 203, the power storage unit 204, the microcontroller 205, the data transceiver 206, the data transceiver antenna 207, or at least a combination of these, may be mounted on, for example, a PCB or FPC (flexible printed circuit board).

[0058] The receiving antenna 201 is configured to efficiently receive, for example, radio waves transmitted from the transmitter 100. The receiving antenna 201 receives the feed signal radiated from the transmitting antenna 102. The receiving antenna 201 may also have a mechanism that allows switching the mode of receiving the feed signal. Specifically, for example, the receiving antenna 201 may be configured to have multiple switchable paths. The receiving antenna 201 changes its antenna length and thus its receiving frequency by switching paths in response to instructions from, for example, the microcontroller 205. The paths can be switched, for example, by controlling the on / off state of a switching circuit provided in the receiving antenna 201.

[0059] The rectifier circuit 202 rectifies the radio waves received as a power supply signal and converts them into a DC voltage.

[0060] The power management unit 203 manages the DC voltage. For example, the power management unit 203 controls the charging voltage based on the DC voltage. By controlling the charging voltage, the power management unit 203 charges the energy storage unit 204. Also, for example, when the energy storage unit 204 has stored more than a predetermined capacity of power, the power management unit 203 supplies the DC voltage to the connected components.

[0061] Furthermore, the power management unit 203 releases the power stored in the energy storage unit 204 in response to control from the microcontroller 205.

[0062] The energy storage unit 204 stores power in response to instructions from the power management unit 203. The energy storage unit 204 is implemented, for example, by a battery or a capacitor. The energy storage unit 204 also releases the stored power in response to instructions from the power management unit 203.

[0063] The microcontroller 205 controls the operation of the receiver 200. The microcontroller 205 is driven by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power stored in the energy storage unit 204. The microcontroller 205 controls the power management unit 203 to release the power stored in the energy storage unit 204.

[0064] Various sensors 208 can be connected to the receiver 200. For example, a heat sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, humidity sensor, vibration sensor, magnetic sensor, etc. can be connected to the receiver 200. Force sensors, proximity sensors, gas sensors, acceleration sensors, human presence sensors, infrared sensors, illuminance sensors, flow sensors, current sensors, pressure sensors, etc. may also be connected to the receiver 200. Sensors connected to the receiver 200 are driven, for example, by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or by power released from the energy storage unit 204.

[0065] The microcontroller 205 continuously or intermittently monitors the voltage value at a predetermined location on the receiver 200, the status of the sensor 208 connected to the receiver 200, and the information detected by the sensor 208. The microcontroller 205 transmits the voltage value at the predetermined location on the receiver 200, the status of the sensor 208 connected to the receiver 200, and the information detected by the sensor 208 as digital data to the data transceiver 206. The sensor 208 may be built into the receiver 200.

[0066] Furthermore, the microcontroller 205 drives a switching circuit to, for example, open one of the paths formed in the receiving antenna 201 at a predetermined timing. The switching circuit is, for example, an example of a switching unit that opens a ring path, and is attached to each ring path formed in the receiving antenna 201, and switches between connecting (opening) and disconnecting the ring path.

[0067] The data transceiver 206 performs processing such as converting digital data supplied from the microcontroller 205 to analog and modulating analog data. The data transceiver 206 also performs processing such as demodulating the data signal received by the data transceiver antenna 207 and digitizing the demodulated data. The data transceiver 206 is driven, for example, by a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power emitted from the energy storage unit 204.

[0068] The data transmission antenna 207 is configured to efficiently transmit and receive radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example. The data transmission antenna 207 radiates data signals supplied from the data transceiver 206. The data transmission antenna 207 also receives data signals transmitted from the transmitter 100. For example, the data transmission antenna 207 is driven by, for example, a DC voltage supplied from the power management unit 203 or power emitted from the energy storage unit 204.

[0069] <3 Functional Configuration of the First Information Processing Unit> Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the first information processing device 300. As shown in Figure 3, the first information processing device 300 functions as a communication unit 301, a storage unit 302, a control unit 303, an IF unit, and a power supply unit 305.

[0070] The communication unit 301 performs processing to enable the first information processing device 300 to communicate with external devices (for example, the second information processing device 400, the RFID reader 500, the I / O device 600, etc.).

[0071] The storage unit 302 is implemented, for example, by memory and storage, and stores data and programs used by the first information processing device 300. The storage unit 302 includes, for example, a transmitter table 3021 and a log table 3022. However, the tables stored in the storage unit 302 are not limited to these.

[0072] The transmitter table 3021 is, for example, a table that stores information regarding the power transmission conditions for transmitter 100. Transmitter table 3021 is, for example, a table that has columns such as installation location, model number, installation date, and power transmission conditions, with transmitter ID as the key. The columns that transmitter table 3021 has are not limited to these. Log table 3022 stores information transmitted from transmitter 100, receiver 200, RFID reader 500, and I / O device 600 housed in WPT system 1.

[0073] The control unit 303 is realized when the processor reads a program stored in the memory unit 302 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 303 controls the operation of the first information processing device 300. By operating according to the program, the control unit 303 performs functions as a receive control module 3031, a transmit control module 3032, a transmitter control module 3033, and a diagnostic module 3034.

[0074] The reception control module 3031 controls the process by which the first information processing device 300 receives signals from external devices (e.g., the second information processing device 400, RFID reader 500, I / O device 600, etc.) in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0075] The transmission control module 3032 controls the process by which the first information processing device 300 transmits signals to external devices (for example, the second information processing device 400, RFID reader 500, I / O device 600, etc.) in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0076] The transmitter control module 3033 controls the operation of the transmitter 100. Specifically, the transmitter control module 3033 sets power transmission conditions for the connected transmitter 100 in accordance with predetermined rules. The transmitter control module 3033 may set power transmission conditions for each transmitter 100, or it may set power transmission conditions for multiple transmitters 100 at once. The transmitter control module 3033 transmits information based on the power transmission conditions to the transmitter 100 via the IF unit 304. For example, when setting power transmission conditions, the transmitter control module 3033 updates the transmitter table 3021. The transmitter control module 3033 transmits predetermined instructions to the transmitter 100 via the IF unit 304. For example, the transmitter control module 3033 receives information transmitted from the transmitter 100 via the IF unit 304.

[0077] The diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses the interference state and the power supply state in the power supply space. In this embodiment, for example, determining whether the interference state is good or bad, determining the degree of interference, or determining both of these is referred to as diagnosing the interference state. Also in this embodiment, for example, determining whether power is being supplied properly, determining the degree of power supply, or determining both of these is referred to as diagnosing the power supply state.

[0078] The diagnostic module 3034 determines whether the interference state is good or bad based on notifications from devices such as an RFID reader 500 or an I / O device 600 connected on the same network. The diagnostic module 3034 can diagnose the interference state using various methods. For example, the diagnostic module 3034 may use a rule-based method in which rules such as "interference exists if there are more than 10 abnormal notifications per minute" are pre-set. Alternatively, the diagnostic module 3034 may use a trained model that has been trained on past operational data to determine whether the interference state is good or bad based on notifications from devices such as an RFID reader 500 or an I / O device 600. Furthermore, the diagnostic module 3034 may use a generative AI to determine whether the interference state is good or bad based on notifications from devices such as an RFID reader 500 or an I / O device 600. The diagnostic module 3034 may also use a generative AI to output an estimate of the cause of the interference and a proposal for countermeasures.

[0079] The diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses the power supply status based on, for example, the power transmission conditions set for the transmitter 100. The diagnostic module 3034 can diagnose the power supply status using various methods. For example, the diagnostic module 3034 may use a rule-based method in which rules such as "if the power transmission conditions are set to XX, then there is insufficient power supply" are set in advance. Alternatively, the diagnostic module 3034 may diagnose the power supply status using a trained model that has been trained on past power transmission conditions and power reception results data. Furthermore, the diagnostic module 3034 may diagnose the power supply status using generative AI. The diagnostic module 3034 may also use generative AI to propose optimal power transmission conditions along with the diagnosis results of the power supply status.

[0080] The IF unit 304 is an interface through which the first information processing device 300 connects to the transmitter 100.

[0081] The power supply unit 305 includes, for example, a converter that converts AC voltage to DC voltage and supplies DC voltage to the connected transmitter 100. The power supplied from the power supply unit 305 may be preset, may vary depending on the number of connected transmitters, or may vary according to user operation. Furthermore, the power supplied from the power supply unit 305 may vary according to the control of the control unit 303. Note that if DC voltage is supplied to the first information processing device 300, the power supply unit 305 does not need to include a converter function.

[0082] If a display is connected to the first information processing device 300, the control unit 303 may function as a display control module. The display control module controls the process of displaying, for example, the results of interference status diagnosis, the results of power supply status diagnosis, or a combination thereof, on the display unit.

[0083] <4 Functional configuration of the second information processing unit> Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the second information processing device 400. As shown in Figure 4, the second information processing device 400 functions as a communication unit 401, a storage unit 402, and a control unit 403.

[0084] The communication unit 401 performs processing to enable the second information processing device 400 to communicate with external devices (for example, the first information processing device 300, the RFID reader 500, the I / O device 600, etc.).

[0085] The memory unit 402 is implemented, for example, by memory and storage, and stores data and programs used by the second information processing device 400.

[0086] The control unit 403 is realized when the processor reads a program stored in the memory unit 402 and executes instructions contained in the program. The control unit 403 controls the operation of the second information processing device 400. By operating according to the program, the control unit 403 performs functions as a receive control module 4031, a transmit control module 4032, and a diagnostic module 4033.

[0087] The reception control module 4031 controls the process by which the second information processing device 400 receives signals from external devices (e.g., the first information processing device 300, RFID reader 500, I / O device 600, etc.) in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0088] The transmission control module 4032 controls the process by which the second information processing device 400 transmits signals to external devices (e.g., the first information processing device 300, RFID reader 500, I / O device 600, etc.) in accordance with a communication protocol.

[0089] The diagnostic module 4033 diagnoses the interference state and the power supply state in the power supply space. The diagnostic module 4033 determines whether the interference state is good or bad based on notifications from devices such as an RFID reader 500 or an I / O device 600 connected to a device-level field network. The diagnostic module 4033 obtains, for example, the power transmission conditions set for the transmitter 100 from the first information processing device 300 and diagnoses the power supply state based on the obtained power transmission conditions.

[0090] When the display unit 700 is connected to the second information processing device 400, the control unit 403 may function as a display control module. The display control module controls the process of displaying, for example, the results of interference status diagnosis, the results of power supply status diagnosis, or a combination thereof, on the display unit 700.

[0091] <5 Operations> Next, the operation of the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 will be described. In the following description, the operation of the first information processing device 300 will be explained as an example, but the second information processing device 400 can perform similar operations. (Diagnosis of interference and power supply conditions) The first information processing device 300 diagnoses the interference state and the power supply state.

[0092] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit 303 according to this embodiment when diagnosing interference conditions and power supply conditions.

[0093] In step S11, the control unit 303 diagnoses the interference state. Specifically, the diagnostic module 3034 determines whether the interference state is good or bad based on notifications from devices such as the RFID reader 500 or the I / O device 600 connected on the same network. For example, if the RFID reader 500 fails to read the RFID tag 501, it sends a notification to the first information processing device 300 indicating that it is not operating normally. Similarly, if the I / O device 600 experiences an abnormality in IO-Link communication with connected equipment, it sends a notification to the first information processing device 300 indicating that it is not operating normally. When the diagnostic module 3034 receives a notification from the RFID reader 500 or the I / O device 600, it determines that there is a high probability that interference is occurring due to the WPT system 1.

[0094] The diagnostic module 3034 may diagnose the interference state each time it receives a notification from the device. Alternatively, if the diagnostic module 3034 receives a notification from the device at a predetermined time, it may diagnose the interference state based on the received notification.

[0095] The interference condition can be diagnosed more accurately, for example, by comparing the operating states of these devices before and after the operation of the WPT system 1. For example, the transmitter control module 3033 stops the transmission of the power supply signal from the transmitter 100 at a predetermined timing. The diagnostic module 3034 receives notifications transmitted from the devices while the transmission of the power supply signal from the transmitter 100 is stopped. Subsequently, the transmitter control module 3033 resumes the transmission of the power supply signal by the transmitter 100. The diagnostic module 3034 receives notifications transmitted from the devices after the transmission of the power supply signal from the transmitter 100 has resumed. Based on the notifications received while the transmission of the power supply signal was stopped and the notifications received after the transmission of the power supply signal was resumed, the diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses the interference condition.

[0096] In step S12, the control unit 303 diagnoses the power supply status. Specifically, the diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses the power supply status based on, for example, the power transmission conditions set for the transmitter 100. More specifically, for example, the diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses the power supply status based on the power transmission conditions set for the multiple transmitters 100 housed in the first information processing device 300. For example, the diagnostic module 3034 determines that the power supply status of the power supply space is good if the power transmission conditions of the multiple transmitters 100 meet predetermined requirements. For example, if there are a predetermined number or more transmitters 100 with a predetermined transmission power intensity set, the diagnostic module 3034 determines that the power supply status of the power supply space is good. Also, for example, if the hopping pattern and transmission timing of the transmitters 100 are according to predetermined specifications, the diagnostic module 3034 determines that the power supply status of the power supply space is good.

[0097] The diagnostic module 3034 may diagnose the power supply status in synchronization with the diagnosis of interference status. Alternatively, the diagnostic module 3034 may diagnose the power supply status at a predetermined timing. Although Figure 5 illustrates the case where the power supply status is diagnosed after the interference status diagnosis, the interference status may be diagnosed after the power supply status diagnosis.

[0098] In step S13, the control unit 303 outputs the diagnostic result. Specifically, if the display control module determines that there is a high probability of interference occurring, it displays "×" on the display unit to indicate the interference status, and if it determines that there is no high probability of interference occurring, it displays "〇" on the display unit to indicate the interference status. In addition, if the display control module determines that the power supply status is not good (insufficient power supply), it displays "×" on the display unit to indicate the power supply status, and if it determines that the power supply status is good (sufficient power supply), it displays "〇" on the display unit to indicate the power supply status. The display control module displays the interference status, power supply status, or a combination thereof on the display unit. The control unit 303 may transmit the diagnostic result to the second information processing device 400, and the display control module of the second information processing device 400 may cause the diagnostic result to be displayed on the display unit 700.

[0099] (comprehensive evaluation) The first information processing device 300 may comprehensively evaluate the state of the power supply space based on the diagnosis results of the interference state and the diagnosis results of the power supply state.

[0100] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control unit 303 according to this embodiment when it comprehensively evaluates the power supply space. Steps S11 and S12 shown in Figure 6 are the same processes as steps S11 and S12 shown in Figure 5.

[0101] In step S21, the control unit 303 comprehensively evaluates the power supply space. Specifically, for example, the diagnostic module 3034 comprehensively evaluates the state of the power supply space based on the diagnosis results of the interference state and the power supply state. More specifically, for example, the diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses the interference state as either "×" indicating a possibility of interference or "〇" indicating no possibility of interference, and diagnoses the power supply state as either "×" indicating insufficient power supply or "〇" indicating sufficient power supply. Based on the diagnosis results of the interference state and the power supply state, the diagnostic module 3034 evaluates whether the power supply space is generally problematic "×" or generally good "〇". In principle, the diagnostic module 3034 assigns an overall evaluation of "〇" when both the interference state and the power supply state are "〇".

[0102] Figure 7 is a table showing an example of the rules used by the diagnostic module 3034 when performing an overall evaluation.

[0103] In step S22, the control unit 303 outputs the diagnostic results and evaluation results. Specifically, the display control module displays, for example, "○" or "×" on the display for the interference status, "○" or "×" for the power supply status, and "○" or "×" for the overall evaluation.

[0104] (Degree of interference and degree of power supply) The first information processing device 300 may determine whether the interference state is good or bad based on the degree of interference. The first information processing device 300 may also determine whether the power supply is good or bad based on the degree of power supply.

[0105] Specifically, for example, in step S11, the diagnostic module 3034 calculates a parameter value representing the degree of interference based on notifications from devices such as an RFID reader 500 or an I / O device 600 connected on the same network. For example, the diagnostic module 3034 calculates the number of tag reading failure notifications received from the RFID reader 500 within a certain period of time, the ratio of failures to the total number of attempts (error rate), the total number of attempts within a certain period of time, or a combination thereof, as parameter values. The diagnostic module 3034 also calculates the frequency of communication timeouts, data anomalies, or a combination thereof, received from the I / O device 600, as parameter values. Based on the calculated parameter values, the diagnostic module 3034 stores in advance the requirements for determining whether the interference state is good or bad. Based on whether the calculated parameter values ​​meet the requirements, the diagnostic module 3034 determines whether the interference state is good or bad. Specifically, for example, the diagnostic module 3034 stores in advance the threshold for determining whether the interference state is good or bad. The diagnostic module 3034 determines that the interference condition is not good if the calculated parameter value exceeds the threshold. Conversely, the diagnostic module 3034 determines that the interference condition is good if the calculated parameter value falls below the threshold.

[0106] Furthermore, for example, in step S12, the diagnostic module 3034 calculates a parameter value representing the degree of power supply based on, for example, the power transmission conditions set for the transmitter 100. For example, the diagnostic module 3034 predicts the power of the power supply signal received by the receiver 200 based on the power transmission conditions set for the transmitter 100. The diagnostic module 3034 may calculate the predicted power value from, for example, statistical processing or using a theoretical formula. Based on the predicted power value, the diagnostic module 3034 calculates a parameter value representing the degree of power supply. The diagnostic module 3034 has pre-stored requirements for determining whether the power supply is good or bad based on the calculated parameter value. The diagnostic module 3034 determines whether the power supply is good or bad based on whether the calculated parameter value meets the requirements. Specifically, the diagnostic module 3034 has pre-stored thresholds for determining whether the power supply is good or bad. If the calculated parameter value exceeds the threshold, the diagnostic module 3034 determines that the power supply is sufficient. Furthermore, the diagnostic module 3034 determines that the power supply is insufficient if the calculated parameter value falls below a threshold. Note that the threshold is not limited to a predetermined value; it may be calculated using a predetermined theoretical formula or provided by other configurations.

[0107] Figure 8 is a table showing examples of rules for when the diagnostic module 3034 diagnoses interference and power supply conditions based on their severity. Note that Figure 8 also shows the rules for when the diagnostic module 3034 comprehensively evaluates the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results for the interference and power supply conditions. If the diagnostic module 3034 does not comprehensively evaluate the power supply space, the comprehensive evaluation item may be omitted.

[0108] As described above, in the above embodiment, the RFID reader 500 and the I / O device 600 are connected to the same network as the first information processing device 300 and the second information processing device 400, and transmit interference notifications. The first information processing device 300 controls the transmission of the power supply signal. The transmitter 100 transmits the power supply signal based on the control. The first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the power supply status of the power supply signal. The first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the interference status based on the interference notification. The first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 outputs the diagnosis result of the power supply status in the power supply space and the diagnosis result of the interference status. As a result, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 can diagnose the benefits of power supply (power supply status) and the associated disadvantages (interference status) in real time.

[0109] Therefore, in WPT system 1, a mechanism can be realized that can provide a sufficient amount of power while suppressing interference.

[0110] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 comprehensively evaluates the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the power supply state and the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space. The first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 outputs an evaluation of the state of the power supply space. This makes it possible for the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 to comprehensively evaluate the state of the power supply space based on the power supply state and the interference state.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 determines that the state of the power supply space is good if the interference state is good and the power supply state is good; determines that the state of the power supply space is not good if the interference state is good and the power supply state is not good; determines that the state of the power supply space is not good if the interference state is not good and the power supply state is good; and determines that the state of the power supply space is not good if the interference state is not good and the power supply state is not good. As a result, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 can comprehensively evaluate the state of the power supply space based on the power supply state and the interference state.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 calculates a quantitative value of the interference state and diagnoses the interference state based on whether or not this value exceeds a first threshold for the interference state. The first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 calculates a quantitative value of the power supply state and diagnoses the power supply state based on whether or not this value exceeds a second threshold for the power supply state. As a result, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 can maximize the amount of power supplied while suppressing interference in the power supply space. In addition, the user can intuitively grasp the balance between power supply and interference.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 comprehensively evaluates the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the power supply state and the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space. The first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 outputs an evaluation of the state of the power supply space. This makes it possible for the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 to comprehensively evaluate the state of the power supply space while suppressing interference in the power supply space and maximizing the amount of power supplied.

[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the power supply status based on control. That is, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 diagnoses the power supply status based on the power transmission conditions set in the transmitter 100. This makes it possible to diagnose the power supply status based on the control of the transmitter 100. For this reason, it is possible to diagnose the power supply status without measuring the power supplied by the receiver 200.

[0115] <6 Variations> A modified example of the WPT system 1 of this embodiment will be described. (Variations related to diagnosing the power supply status) In the above embodiment, a case was described in which the first information processing device 300 diagnoses the power supply status based on the power transmission conditions of the transmitter 100, but the method for diagnosing the power supply status is not limited to this. For example, the first information processing device 300 may diagnose the power reception status based on the power reception status of the receiver 200.

[0116] Figure 9 shows another example of the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment. In the WPT system 1 shown in Figure 9, the receiver 200 includes a measurement unit 209 that measures the received power. The measurement unit 209 measures the received power after it has been received by the receiving antenna 201 and converted by the rectifier circuit 202. The microcontroller 205 generates information indicating the power reception state based on the specific power reception value measured by the measurement unit 209. The receiver 200 transmits the generated information indicating the power reception state to the first information processing device 300, for example.

[0117] In step S12, the first information processing device 300 diagnoses the power supply status by determining, based on information indicating the power supply status, whether or not the receiver 200 meets the threshold power required for stable operation. The first information processing device 300 may also diagnose the power supply status by calculating the power received based on information indicating the power supply status and comparing the calculated power received with a preset threshold power.

[0118] (Variations on the display of power transmission status) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the first information processing device 300 and the second information processing device 400 centrally manage information and output diagnostic results on a display device 700, etc., but the invention is not limited to this. For example, each transmitter 100 may be configured to directly present its own power transmission status to the user.

[0119] Figure 10 shows another example of the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment. In the WPT system 1 shown in Figure 10, the transmitter 100 is equipped with a display 106. The display 106 is composed of, for example, an LED lamp, a small display, etc. The transmitter 100 determines its own power transmission status based on power reception status information transmitted from one or more receivers 200 that are to be powered, and displays the result on the display 106. This makes it possible for system administrators and field workers to directly and immediately check the operating status of the transmitter near it, improving convenience.

[0120] The transmitter 100 receives power reception status information from each of the multiple receivers 200 to which power is supplied. Based on the multiple pieces of information received, the transmitter 100 may determine the overall power transmission status and display it on the indicator 106. For example, the transmitter 100 may determine that the power transmission status is good only if the power reception level at all of the receivers 200 to which power is supplied is above a preset threshold, and light up the LED on the indicator 106 in green. On the other hand, if the power reception level at at least one of the multiple receivers 200 falls below the threshold, the transmitter 100 may determine that there is a problem with the power transmission, and light up the LED in red or make it blink to alert the user. This allows the user to grasp the health of the power transmission in their area at a glance without having to check the status of each individual receiver in detail.

[0121] In order for the transmitter 100 to correctly aggregate power reception status information from multiple receivers 200, it is necessary to associate which receiver is powered by which transmitter. This association can be achieved in various ways. One method is for each receiver 200 to transmit the power reception status information along with the identification information (receiver ID) of the group of receivers 200 that receive the power supply signal from the transmitter 100. In this case, when the transmitter 100 receives power reception status information from all receivers 200 that contain the identification information, it displays the power supply status on the display 106.

[0122] A second method involves the transmitter 100 pre-storing a list of receivers 200 to be powered (a list of receiver IDs). In this case, the transmitter 100 waits for responses from the receivers listed to determine the power transmission status. However, in environments such as factories, it is conceivable that some receivers may temporarily become unable to communicate. Therefore, instead of waiting for responses from all receivers on the pre-stored list, the transmitter 100 may implement a timeout process that sets a predetermined timeout period and determines the power transmission status based only on the information of receivers that responded within that period. This prevents the entire system from stopping even if some receivers do not respond.

[0123] (Variable example regarding the diagnosis of interference conditions) In the above embodiment, an example of diagnosing interference based on notifications from an RFID reader 500 and an I / O device 600 was described, but the method for diagnosing interference is not limited to this.

[0124] Figure 11 shows another example of the overall configuration of the WPT system 1 according to this embodiment, which includes a detector 800. As shown in Figure 11, a detector 800 for detecting surrounding radio wave conditions may be separately installed in the power supply space. There may be one or more detectors 800. The detector 800 detects the occurrence of interference by the WPT system 1 and transmits information regarding the detection result to the first information processing device 300. Specifically, the detector 800 is a device that detects radio waves and detects the occurrence of interference by comparing the received power of the radio waves with a predetermined value.

[0125] Information transmission from the detector 800 to the first information processing device 300 may be performed via a field network, or the detector 800 may be configured to communicate directly with the transmitter 100, receiver 200, or the first information processing device 300 via wireless communication. Based on the information received from the detector 800, the first information processing device 300 diagnoses the interference state in the power supply space. This makes it possible to distinguish between communication errors caused by factors other than the WPT system 1 and interference caused by the WPT system 1, thereby enabling a more accurate diagnosis of the interference state.

[0126] (Processing based on diagnostic results) In the above embodiments and modifications, examples were described in which the power supply state and interference state are diagnosed and the results are output. However, the first information processing device 300 may also perform a process to autonomously optimize the power transmission conditions based on the diagnosis results.

[0127] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the first information processing device 300 when optimizing power transmission conditions. This process is triggered when the diagnostic module 3034 determines the possibility of interference occurring. In step S31, the diagnostic module 3034 determines whether interference may be occurring based on information from the RFID reader 500, I / O device 600, or detector 800, etc.

[0128] In step S32, the transmitter control module 3033 initializes a variable N, which is the sequential number of the countermeasure, and a variable N_best, which holds the number of the countermeasure deemed optimal. In the following step S33, the transmitter control module 3033 selects and executes one of several pre-prepared interference countermeasures. Examples of interference countermeasures include changing the transmission conditions, such as changing the transmission frequency of the power supply signal, changing the frequency hopping pattern, reducing the transmission power, or adjusting the transmission timing.

[0129] In step S34, the diagnostic module 3034 performs a power supply state diagnosis and an interference state diagnosis with the countermeasure N implemented. This is to evaluate two indicators that have a trade-off relationship: power supply amount and interference amount. In the following step S35, the diagnostic module 3034 calculates a diagnostic value indicating the effectiveness of the current countermeasure from both diagnostic results. The diagnostic value includes, for example, a parameter value representing the degree of interference (interference parameter value) and a parameter value representing the degree of power supply (power supply parameter value).

[0130] In step S36, the transmitter control module 3033 compares the diagnostic value calculated this time with the best diagnostic value recorded up to that point. If the current diagnostic value is better, in step S37, the transmitter control module 3033 determines that the current countermeasure is better than previous countermeasures and updates the optimal countermeasure number N_best with the current countermeasure number N. A good diagnostic value means, for example, a low interference parameter value and a high feed parameter value. More specifically, if the interference parameter value does not exceed a predetermined threshold, a higher feed parameter value is considered better.

[0131] In step S38, the transmitter control module 3033 determines whether all countermeasures (N_max) have been tried, and if there are any countermeasures that have not yet been tried, it returns to step S33. Once all countermeasures have been tried, the countermeasure recorded as N_best at that point is determined to be the optimal power transmission condition within the range of trials, and the process ends. This enables the WPT system 1 to autonomously find and apply power transmission conditions that maximize power supply efficiency while suppressing interference within an acceptable range. This allows the distance between the transmitter 100 and the receiver 200 to be increased, or the reliability of the WPT system 1 to be improved.

[0132] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, a WPT system 1 was described in which a transmitter 100 transmits a power supply signal by radio waves, a receiver 200 receives the power supply signal, and power is generated based on the received power supply signal. However, the receiver 200 in this embodiment is not limited to being used in the WPT system 1. The receiver 200 in this embodiment may be a device related to an RFID tag. That is, for example, a radio signal may be transmitted from the transmitter 100, and the receiver 200 may receive the radio signal transmitted from the transmitter 100.

[0133] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described an example in which the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 diagnoses interference conditions and power supply conditions, the configuration of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the transmitter 100 may have the functions of the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400. In this case, the first information processing device 300 or the second information processing device 400 and the transmitter having the functions of said device can coexist.

[0134] For example, when the transmitter 100 diagnoses interference conditions, power supply conditions, or both, the microcontroller 103 or a more powerful processor mounted on the transmitter 100 executes a program that implements the functions of, for example, a diagnostic module 3034 that diagnoses interference conditions, power supply conditions, or both in the power supply space, and a transmitter control module 3033 that optimizes power transmission conditions based on the diagnostic results. The transmitter 100 in this configuration may be directly connected to the field network without going through the first information processing device 300. It then directly receives notifications regarding interference from an RFID reader 500 or I / O device 600 on the same network and diagnoses the interference conditions. The transmitter 100 also diagnoses the power supply conditions based on power transmission conditions or information on the power reception status from the receiver 200. Furthermore, the transmitter 100 autonomously adjusts and optimizes its own power transmission conditions (transmission power, frequency, hopping pattern, transmission timing, etc.) based on these diagnostic results.

[0135] By adopting this configuration, the overall system can be simplified, space-saving, and cost-reduced. Furthermore, because it is a distributed system where each transmitter operates autonomously, the risk of the entire system shutting down even if some equipment fails is reduced, and improvements in system robustness and scalability can also be expected.

[0136] Furthermore, the system according to the above embodiment is compliant with 3GPP (3rd generation partnership project) (registered trademark), IEEE, WPT Alliance, AirPlug (registered trademark) Alliance, Airfuel Alliance, WPC (Wireless Power Consortium), A4WP (Alliance for Wireless Power), PMA (Power Matters Alliance), ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses), ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute), CISPR (International Special Committee on Radio Interference), ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), etc. Within 3GPP, it is compliant with RAN (Radio Area Network) 1, RAN2, RAN3, RAN4, and RAN5, and within IEEE, it is compliant with 802.11bp, but is not limited to these.

[0137] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 may have user-accessible interfaces. The user accesses the transmitter 100 and receiver 200 via the interface. The interface includes, for example, buttons, LEDs, or a combination thereof connected to the microcontrollers 103 and 205. If interference may occur in the actual operating environment, the transmitter 100 may be able to accept changes to its settings. The transmitter 100 may accept input, for example, via buttons. The transmitter 100 may also be able to display externally what settings have been made, for example, by the way the LEDs light up. Furthermore, if interference may occur in the actual operating environment, the receiver 200 may be able to accept changes to its settings. The receiver 200 may accept input, for example, via buttons. The receiver 200 may also be able to display externally what settings have been made, for example, by the way the LEDs light up.

[0138] Furthermore, while the embodiments described above described the application to a so-called WPT system 1 in which transmission power consisting of AC signals is transmitted wirelessly from the transmitter 100 to the receiver 200, it is naturally possible to apply the system to systems that provide power to the receiver 200 by other methods. Since such systems are already known, a detailed explanation will be omitted, but examples include a system that sends power generated by solar power generation to the receiver 200, whether wired or wireless, and a system that sends power to the receiver 200, whether wired or wireless, using laser light. In addition, it is also applicable to configurations in which vibration or sound is applied to the receiver 200, and the receiver 200 converts the power of vibration, etc., into electricity. Moreover, it is naturally applicable to systems that use known contactless power supply technologies other than receiving transmission power consisting of AC signals wirelessly, for example, contactless power supply technology using magnetic field coupling.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which the receiving antenna 201 has an annular shape was described as an example. However, the shape of the receiving antenna 201 is not limited to those shown above. For example, the receiving antenna 201 can be configured in various ways, such as a dipole antenna, monopole antenna, slot antenna, tip antenna, patch antenna, or the like. In any antenna, there is a mechanism that can switch the mode of receiving the feed signal. The receiving antenna 201 can change the antenna length and thus the receiving frequency by controlling the mechanism, for example, by a microcontroller 205.

[0140] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the transmitter 100 has a power supply signal transmission function and a data signal transmission and reception function. However, the transmitter 100 may have only one of these functions. Even if the power supply signal transmission function and the data signal transmission and reception function are not integrated, they may be implemented by separate devices as long as both functions are included in the WPT system 1. Also, although the receiver 200 basically has a power supply signal reception function and a data signal transmission and reception function integrated, each function may be implemented by separate devices.

[0141] In this embodiment, "connection" refers to a relationship in which information, power, signals, or electric / magnetic fields influence each other, regardless of whether there is physical contact, and includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections through other elements or materials.

[0142] For example, if circuit element A and circuit element C are connected, and circuit element B is inserted between them, then A and C are considered connected if electrical signal transmission, current flow, or influence via electric and magnetic fields is maintained between A and C. In this embodiment, "connection" includes the following forms: (1) Communicable Connection A connection is considered to exist when the first connection point and the anode of a diode are electrically connected, and electrical conduction is maintained under certain conditions even if a resistor, capacitor, inductor, switch, or other element is inserted between them. (2) Network Connection A connection is defined as a relationship where a first connection point and the anode of a diode belong to the same circuit network, and even if an element is inserted between them, they have an electrical influence on each other. For example, this applies to circuit nodes where the potential is affected, or to circuit paths where impedance matching is considered. (3) Connection as an electrical path ("Electrical Pathway") A connection is defined as a connection between the first connection point and the anode of a diode, where an electrical path is formed, regardless of the presence or absence of an intervening element. Examples include connections via switching elements in a power supply circuit and path formation within a bridge circuit.

[0143] Furthermore, the definition of a connection may differ depending on the type of semiconductor circuit and its operating principle. For example, the concept of connection is applied as follows in bulk CMOS, SOI CMOS, compound semiconductor circuits, and wide-bandgap semiconductor circuits. (1) Connections in CMOS circuits In bulk CMOS, electrical conduction through metal wiring or diffusion regions directly formed on the silicon substrate is defined as connection. On the other hand, in SOI CMOS, since the silicon layer and the substrate are separated by an embedded oxide layer, coupling due to 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, it is necessary to consider connections via vertical current paths and electron transfer through barrier layers in order to accommodate high voltage and high frequency operation. (3) Connections in high-frequency circuits High-frequency circuits may involve not only physical wire connections but also coupling via parasitic inductance and capacitance, signal transmission by electromagnetic induction, and the effects of resonant circuits. For example, millimeter-wave circuits may also include connections via waveguides and antennas.

[0144] In this embodiment, the definition of "connection" is applied according to the circuit configuration and operating conditions, and is not limited to mere physical conductivity. In a broad sense, coupling via electric and magnetic fields, optical coupling, and electromagnetic coupling can also be included as connections. On the other hand, when defined as a connection in a narrow sense, it can refer only to direct conductivity or specific physical contact. This should be appropriately interpreted according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] <7 Basic Computer Hardware Configuration> Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 90. Computer 90 comprises at least a processor 901, main memory 902, auxiliary memory 903, and a communication interface IF991. These are electrically connected to each other by a communication bus 921.

[0146] The processor 901 is hardware for executing the instruction set written in a program. The processor 901 consists of an arithmetic unit, registers, peripheral circuits, etc.

[0147] Main memory 902 is used to temporarily store programs and data processed by programs, etc. For example, it is a volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0148] Auxiliary storage device 903 refers to a storage device for saving data and programs. Examples include flash memory, HDD (Hard Disc Drive), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and semiconductor memory.

[0149] The IF991 communication interface is an interface for inputting and outputting signals for communication with other computers via a network using wired or wireless communication standards. A network consists of various mobile communication systems, such as the internet, LANs, and wireless base stations. For example, a network includes 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile communication systems, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and wireless networks that can connect to the internet via designated access points (e.g., Wi-Fi®). When connecting wirelessly, communication protocols include, for example, Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, and Bluetooth®. When connecting via a wired connection, the network also includes connections made directly via USB (Universal Serial Bus) cables, etc.

[0150] Furthermore, by distributing all or part of each hardware configuration across multiple computers 90 and connecting them to each other via a network, a computer 90 can be virtually realized. Thus, the concept of computer 90 includes not only a computer 90 housed in a single enclosure or case, but also a virtualized computer system.

[0151] <8. Basic Functional Configuration of Computer 90> The functional configuration of the computer realized by the basic hardware configuration of computer 90 (Figure 13) is described below. The computer comprises at least one functional unit: a control unit, a memory unit, and a communication unit.

[0152] Furthermore, the functional units of computer 90 can also be realized by distributing all or part of each functional unit across multiple computers 90 interconnected via a network. The concept of computer 90 includes not only a single computer 90 but also a virtualized computer system.

[0153] The control unit is realized when the processor 901 reads various programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 903, loads them into the main memory device 902, and executes processing according to those programs. The control unit can realize various functional units that perform information processing depending on the type of program. In this way, the computer is realized as an information processing device that performs information processing.

[0154] The memory unit is implemented by the main memory 902 and the auxiliary memory 903. The memory unit stores data, various programs, and various databases. The processor 901 can also reserve memory areas corresponding to the memory unit in the main memory 902 or the auxiliary memory 903 according to the program. The control unit can also cause the processor 901 to perform operations such as adding, updating, and deleting data stored in the memory unit according to the various programs.

[0155] A database, specifically a relational database, is used to manage and link together tabular data sets called masters, which are structurally defined by rows and columns. In a database, tables are called tables, masters are called masters, the columns of tables are called columns, and the rows of tables are called records. In a relational database, relationships can be established and linked between tables and masters. Typically, each table and master has a primary key column to uniquely identify records, but setting a primary key column is not mandatory. The control unit can instruct the processor 901 to add, delete, or update records in specific tables and masters stored in the memory unit, according to various programs. Furthermore, by storing data, various programs, and various databases in the memory unit, the information processing device and information processing system related to this disclosure can be considered to have been manufactured.

[0156] Furthermore, the databases and masters in this disclosure may include any data structures (lists, dictionaries, associative arrays, objects, etc.) in which information is structurally defined. Data structures also include data that can be considered as data structures by combining data with functions, classes, methods, etc., written in any programming language.

[0157] The communication unit is implemented by the communication IF991. The communication unit provides the functionality to communicate with other computers 90 via the network. The communication unit can receive information transmitted from other computers 90 and input it to the control unit. The control unit can cause the processor 901 to perform information processing on the received information according to various programs. The communication unit can also transmit information output from the control unit to other computers 90.

[0158] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc., may be implemented in hardware, either partially or entirely, by designing them as integrated circuits, for example. The present invention can also be implemented by software program code that realizes the functions of the embodiment. In this case, a storage medium on which the program code is recorded is provided to a computer, and the processor of that computer reads the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code read from the storage medium itself realizes the functions of the embodiment described above, and the program code itself and the storage medium on which it is stored constitute the present invention. Examples of storage media used to supply such program code include flexible disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard disks, SSDs, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-Rs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, and the like.

[0159] Furthermore, the program code that implements the functions described in this embodiment can be implemented in a wide range of programming or scripting languages, such as assembler, C / C++, Perl, Shell, PHP, and Java (registered trademark).

[0160] Furthermore, the program code for the software that implements the functions of the embodiment 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 computer's processor may read and execute the program code stored in the storage means or storage medium.

[0161] The functions realized by the components described herein may be implemented in a circuit or processing circuitry, including general-purpose processors, application-specific processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), CPUs (a Central Processing Unit), conventional circuits, and / or combinations thereof, programmed to realize the functions described herein. A processor is considered to be a circuit or processing circuitry, including transistors and other circuits. A processor may be a programmed processor that executes a program stored in memory. In this specification, circuitry, unit, and means are hardware programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. Such hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein, or any hardware known to be programmed to perform or execute the functions described herein. If the hardware is a processor that is considered to be a type of circuitry, then the circuitry, means, or unit is a combination of hardware and software used to constitute the hardware and / or processor.

[0162] While several embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications are permitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents.

[0163] (Note) The details described in each of the above embodiments are noted below.

[0164] (Note 1) A system comprising means for transmitting notifications regarding interference, means for controlling the transmission of power supply signals, means for transmitting power supply signals based on the control, means for diagnosing the power supply status of power supply signals, means for diagnosing the interference status based on notifications regarding interference, and means for outputting the diagnosis results of the power supply status in the power supply space and the diagnosis results of the interference status, wherein the means for transmitting notifications and the means for controlling are connected on the same network. (Note 2) The system described in (Appendix 1) includes means for comprehensively evaluating the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the power supply state and the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space, and the output means outputs the evaluation of the state of the power supply space. (Note 3) The evaluation method is the system described in Appendix 2, in which, if the interference state is good and the power supply state is good, the state of the power supply space is judged to be good; if the interference state is good and the power supply state is not good, the state of the power supply space is judged to be not good; if the interference state is not good and the power supply state is good, the state of the power supply space is judged to be not good; and if the interference state is not good and the power supply state is not good, the state of the power supply space is judged to be not good. (Note 4) The system is as described in any of the appendices (1) to (3), wherein the means for diagnosing the interference state calculates a value that quantifies the interference state and diagnoses the interference state based on whether or not the value exceeds a first threshold for the interference state, and the means for diagnosing the power supply state calculates a value that quantifies the power supply state and diagnoses the power supply state based on whether or not the value exceeds a second threshold for the power supply state. (Note 5) The system described in (Appendix 4) includes means for comprehensively evaluating the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the power supply state and the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space, and the output means outputs the evaluation of the state of the power supply space. (Note 6) The means for controlling the transmission of the power supply signal is, based on the results of the interference diagnosis, suppressing interference to an acceptable range, and based on the results of the power supply diagnosis, controlling the means for transmitting the power supply signal so as to optimize the power supply efficiency, as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 5). (Note 7) A system as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 6), wherein means for controlling the transmission of a power supply signal changes the power transmission conditions of the means for transmitting a power supply signal, means for diagnosing the power supply state diagnoses the power supply state of the power supply signal each time the power transmission conditions are changed, and means for diagnosing interference states diagnoses interference states each time the power transmission conditions are changed. (Note 8) The means for controlling the transmission of the power supply signal is the system described in (Appendix 7) which sets the power transmission conditions that result in the best power supply state and interference state in the power supply space. (Note 9) The means for diagnosing the power supply status is a system described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8) that diagnoses the power supply status based on control. (Note 10) In a diagnostic means, if multiple control patterns are implemented, the power supply status is diagnosed for each control (as described in Appendix 9). (Note 11) The means for diagnosing the power supply status is a system described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 8), which diagnoses the power supply status based on the power supply measured in the means for receiving the power supply signal. (Note 12) The means of outputting the information is the system described in (Appendix 11) which displays the diagnostic results of the power supply status on a display unit. (Note 13) A spatial transmission type wireless power supply system, as described in any of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 12). (Note 14) An information processing device comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs the steps of: receiving a notification regarding interference transmitted from a device connected on the same network; transmitting a control signal to a transmitter that transmits a power supply signal; diagnosing the interference state based on the notification from the device; diagnosing the power supply state of the power supply signal; and outputting the results of the interference state diagnosis and the results of the power supply state diagnosis. (Note 15) A program for execution on a computer having a processor and memory, the program causing the processor to perform the steps of: receiving a notification of interference transmitted from a device connected on the same network; transmitting a control signal to a transmitter that transmits a power supply signal; diagnosing the interference state based on the notification from the device; diagnosing the power supply state of the power supply signal; and outputting the results of the interference state diagnosis and the results of the power supply state diagnosis. (Note 16) A method performed by a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the processor performs the steps of: receiving a notification of interference transmitted from a device connected on the same network; transmitting a control signal to a transmitter that transmits a power supply signal; diagnosing the interference condition based on the notification from the device; diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signal; and outputting the results of the interference condition diagnosis and the results of the power supply status diagnosis. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 1…WPT System 100... Transmitter 101...Oscillator 102... Transmitting antenna 103... Microcontroller 104...Data Transmitter / Receiver 105...Data transmission antenna 200... Receiver 201... Receiving antenna 202... Rectifier circuit 203…Power management department 204... Energy storage unit 205... Microcontroller 206...Data Transmitter / Receiver 207...Data transmission antenna 300...First Information Processing Device 400...Second Information Processing Device

Claims

1. Means for sending notifications regarding interference, Means for controlling the transmission of power supply signals, means for transmitting a power supply signal based on the control, Means for diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signal, A means for diagnosing the interference state based on the aforementioned notification regarding the interference, A means for comprehensively evaluating the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the power supply state and the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space, means for outputting the diagnostic results of the power supply state in the power supply space, the diagnostic results of the interference state, and an evaluation of the state of the power supply space. Equipped with, The means for transmitting the notification and the means for controlling it are systems connected on the same network.

2. The means of evaluation described above is, If the interference condition is good and the power supply condition is good, the condition of the power supply space is judged to be good. If the interference condition is good and the power supply condition is not good, then the condition of the power supply space is judged to be not good. If the interference condition is not good and the power supply condition is good, then the condition of the power supply space is judged to be not good. The system according to claim 1, wherein if the interference state is not good and the power supply state is not good, the state of the power supply space is determined to be not good.

3. The means for diagnosing the interference state calculates a value that quantifies the interference state, and diagnoses the interference state based on whether or not the value exceeds a first threshold for the interference state. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for diagnosing the power supply state calculates a value that quantifies the power supply state and diagnoses the power supply state based on whether or not the value exceeds a second threshold for the power supply state.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for controlling the transmission of the power supply signal controls the means for transmitting the power supply signal so as to suppress interference to an acceptable range based on the diagnosis result of the interference state, and so as to optimize the power supply efficiency based on the diagnosis result of the power supply state.

5. The means for controlling the transmission of the power supply signal changes the power transmission conditions of the means for transmitting the power supply signal, The means for diagnosing the power supply state diagnoses the power supply state of the power supply signal each time the power transmission conditions are changed, The means for diagnosing the interference state is the system according to claim 1, wherein the interference state is diagnosed each time the power transmission conditions are changed.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the means for controlling the transmission of the power supply signal sets the power transmission conditions such that the power supply state and interference state of the power supply space are optimal.

7. The means for diagnosing the power supply state is the system according to claim 1, which diagnoses the power supply state based on the control.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, in the means for performing the diagnosis, if the control is performed in multiple patterns, the power supply state is diagnosed for each control.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the means for diagnosing the power supply state diagnoses the power supply state based on the power supply measured by the means for receiving the power supply signal.

10. The output means is the system according to claim 9, which displays the diagnostic result of the power supply state on a display.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is a spatial transmission type wireless power supply system.

12. An information processing device comprising a processor and memory, The aforementioned processor, The steps include receiving notifications about interference transmitted from devices connected on the same network, The steps include sending a control signal to a transmitter that sends a power supply signal, A step of diagnosing the interference state based on a notification from the aforementioned device, A step of diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signal, A step of comprehensively evaluating the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space and the diagnostic results of the power supply state, A step of outputting the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space, the diagnostic results of the power supply state, and an evaluation of the state of the power supply space. An information processing device that performs the following actions.

13. A program to be executed on a computer having a processor and memory, wherein the program is to be executed on the processor, The steps include receiving notifications about interference transmitted from devices connected on the same network, The steps include sending a control signal to a transmitter that sends a power supply signal, A step of diagnosing the interference state based on a notification from the aforementioned device, A step of diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signal, A step of comprehensively evaluating the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space and the diagnostic results of the power supply state, A step of outputting the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space, the diagnostic results of the power supply state, and an evaluation of the state of the power supply space. A program that executes the command.

14. A method performed by a computer having a processor and memory, The aforementioned processor, The steps include receiving notifications about interference transmitted from devices connected on the same network, The steps include sending a control signal to a transmitter that sends a power supply signal, A step of diagnosing the interference state based on a notification from the aforementioned device, A step of diagnosing the power supply status of the power supply signal, A step of comprehensively evaluating the state of the power supply space based on the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space and the diagnostic results of the power supply state, A step of outputting the diagnostic results of the interference state in the power supply space, the diagnostic results of the power supply state, and an evaluation of the state of the power supply space. How to do it.

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