Power supply device, power supply system, and program

Abstract

To provide a power feeding device which can feed power to a power reception device without receiving information required for power feeding from the power reception device.SOLUTION: According to an embodiment, a power feeding device comprises a reception unit and a power transmission unit. The reception unit receives from a control device a first control signal including first information for specifying a first power reception device among a plurality of power reception devices. The power transmission unit transmits a radio power transmission signal for power supply to the first power reception device on the basis of the first information. The first control signal causes the first power reception device to perform specific operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power feeding device, a power feeding system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, development of a power feeding device that wirelessly supplies power using electromagnetic waves (e.g., microwaves) has been underway.

[0003] The power feeding device acquires information (position information) indicating the position of the power receiving device from, for example, the power receiving device to be powered. Based on the acquired position information, the power feeding device can supply power to the power receiving device by radiating electromagnetic waves having directivity to the power receiving device to be powered.

[0004] In such a case, the power receiving device is provided with a communication unit for transmitting the position information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a power feeding device, a power feeding system, and a program that can supply power to a power receiving device without receiving information necessary for power feeding from the power receiving device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to an embodiment, the power feeding device includes a receiving unit and a transmitting unit , the transmitting unit andThe system includes the following: The receiving unit receives a first control signal from the control device, which includes first information specifying a first power receiving device among a plurality of power receiving devices. The transmitting unit transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information. The transmitting unit transmits a signal to the control device for controlling the timing of retransmitting the first control signal. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example configuration of a power supply information table used in the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A sequence diagram showing a first example of control operation in a power supply system including a power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A sequence diagram showing a second example of control operation in a power supply system including a power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram showing a third example of control operation in a power supply system including a power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] A block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing a first example of the configuration of a power receiving device supplied with power by the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing a second example of the configuration of a power receiving device supplied with power by the power supply device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] A block diagram showing an example configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A block diagram showing an example configuration of a power supply system including a power supply device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (First Embodiment) First, with reference to Figure 1, the configuration of the power supply system including the power supply device according to the first embodiment will be described. The power supply system 1A is a system for wirelessly supplying power to, for example, equipment that is installed in a fixed location, and for causing it to perform a specific operation. Equipment installed in a fixed location is, for example, a sensing device, an electronic shelf label, or a pickup display.

[0011] A sensing device is a device that detects physical or chemical information at its installation location and generates data (hereinafter also referred to as sensor data) based on the detected physical or chemical quantity.

[0012] An electronic shelf label is a display device installed in the location where an item is placed (e.g., on a shelf) that electronically displays information about that item. This information may include, for example, its name and price.

[0013] A pickup indicator is a display and input device installed at the location where an item is placed, to prompt the worker to pick up the item. The pickup indicator indicates whether or not an item needs to be picked up, for example, by turning an LED on or off. For example, if the LED on the pickup indicator lights up when the corresponding item needs to be picked up, it will then accept an operation (external input) from the worker indicating that the item has been picked up, and then turn off the LED.

[0014] The power supply system 1A includes, for example, a control device 11, a power supply device 12, and N power receiving devices 13, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The N power receiving devices 13 include the first power receiving device 13-1, the second power receiving device 13-2, ..., the nth power receiving device 13-N. Hereafter, one of the N power receiving devices 13 that is not specifically identified may be referred to as power receiving device 13.

[0015] The control device 11 is a device (i.e., the master unit) that controls the operation of the power supply device 12 and the operations of each of the N power receiving devices 13. The control device 11 is driven, for example, by the power supplied from an external power source. Specifically, the control device 11 notifies the power receiving device 13 to be powered and controls the operation of that power receiving device 13 and the operation of the power supply device 12. The control device 11 notifies the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 of the power receiving device 13 to be powered and the operation target by transmitting a control signal 21. The control signal 21 is a wireless signal including information specifying one of the N power receiving devices 13. The information specifying one of the N power receiving devices 13 is, for example, an identification code (hereinafter also referred to as the power receiving device ID) assigned to that one power receiving device 13. The power receiving device ID is information that can uniquely identify the corresponding power receiving device 13. Further, the control signal 21 is a signal that causes the specified power receiving device 13 to perform, for example, a specific operation and transmit a communication signal 22. The communication signal 22 is a wireless signal including information regarding the specific operation.

[0016] The power supply device 12 is a device that receives the control signal 21 and transmits a power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 to be powered based on the control signal 21. The power supply device 12 is also referred to as a wireless power transmission device or a transmitter. The power transmission signal 31 is a wireless signal that supplies power to the power receiving device 13 to be powered. The power supply device 12 is driven, for example, by the power supplied from an external power source. A power supply information table 124A is stored in the power supply device 12. The power supply information table 124A is data including the position information of each of the N power receiving devices 13. The power supply device 12 identifies the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 (i.e., the power receiving device 13 to be powered). The power supply device 12 acquires the position information of the identified power receiving device 13 from the power supply information table 124A. The power supply device 12 transmits a power transmission signal 31 having high directivity to the power receiving device 13 to be powered based on the acquired position information. The specific configuration of the power supply information table 124A will be described later with reference to FIG. 2.

[0017] The power receiving device 13 is a device that is driven using the power of the power transmission signal 31 transmitted from the power feeding device 12 and performs a specific operation based on the control signal 21 transmitted from the control device 11. The power receiving device 13 corresponds to the equipment with a fixed installation location described above. The power receiving device 13 can transmit a communication signal 22 in a specific operation.

[0018] In FIG. 1, the case where the power receiving device 13 to be powered is the second power receiving device 13-2 is illustrated. In this case, the control device 11 transmits a control signal 21 including information specifying the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0019] The power feeding device 12 receives the control signal 21 from the control device 11 and acquires the position information of the second power receiving device 13-2 from the power feeding information table 124A. Then, based on the acquired position information, the power feeding device 12 transmits a power transmission signal 31 having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0020] The second power receiving device 13-2 receives the power transmission signal 31 having high directivity to the second power receiving device 13-2. Then, the second power receiving device 13-2 is driven by the power of the received power transmission signal 31. Also, the second power receiving device 13-2 receives the control signal 21 from the control device 11 and performs a specific operation. Then, the second power receiving device 13-2 transmits a communication signal 22 including information regarding the specific operation.

[0021] With the above configuration, the power feeding device 12 can perform power feeding to the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 without receiving the information necessary for power feeding from the power receiving device 13, using the control signal 21 transmitted from the control device 11 and the power feeding information table 124A stored in the power feeding device 12. Therefore, there is no need to provide the control device 11 and the power feeding device 12 with a function for detecting the position of the power receiving device 13.

[0022] Also, for example, if the power receiving device 13 has position information and the power receiving device 13 transmits the position information to the power feeding device 12, the power receiving device 13 needs to be provided with a storage battery for driving the communication unit that transmits the position information before power feeding by the power feeding device 12.

[0023] In contrast, the power supply device 12 of this embodiment identifies the power receiving device 13 to be powered based on the control signal 21 transmitted by the control device 11, and obtains the location information of the identified power receiving device 13 from the power supply information table 124A. Therefore, the power receiving device 13 does not need to transmit location information. Furthermore, the power receiving device 13 does not need to be equipped with a battery to drive the communication unit that transmits location information before power is supplied by the power supply device 12. Consequently, the power receiving device 13 in the power supply system 1A can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0024] Next, the power supply information table 124A stored in the power supply device 12 will be described. Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the power supply information table 124A. The power supply information table 124A includes, for example, multiple entries corresponding to multiple power receiving devices 13. Each entry includes a power receiving device ID field and a location information field.

[0025] In an entry corresponding to a power receiving device 13, the power receiving device ID field indicates the identification code (power receiving device ID) assigned to that power receiving device 13.

[0026] The location information field indicates the location information corresponding to the power receiving device 13. The location information is, for example, information indicating the relative relationship between the location where the power supply device 12 is installed and the location where the power receiving device 13 is installed. The information indicating the relative relationship between the location where the power supply device 12 is installed and the location where the power receiving device 13 is installed is, for example, information regarding the coordinates indicating the locations of the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13, or the angle from the power supply device 12 to the power receiving device 13 (e.g., elevation angle and rotation angle).

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 2, the power receiving device ID "1" assigned to the first power receiving device 13-1 is associated with location information p1. The power receiving device ID "2" assigned to the second power receiving device 13-2 is associated with location information p2. In addition, the power receiving device ID "N" assigned to the nth power receiving device 13-N is associated with location information pN.

[0028] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 5, some examples of control operations performed in the power supply system 1A will be described. A control operation is an operation to supply power to a power receiving device 13 and to cause the power receiving device 13 to perform a specific operation. A control operation is performed when at least one of the multiple power receiving devices 13 should be operated.

[0029] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing a first example of control operations performed in the power supply system 1A. Here, we illustrate the case where the power receiving device 13 to be operated is the second power receiving device 13-2, and the second power receiving device 13-2 is not equipped with a battery.

[0030] First, the control device 11 transmits a control signal 21 containing information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2, and the power supply device 12 receives this control signal 21 (A101). However, the second power receiving device 13-2 does not receive the control signal 21 because it is not being driven and power is not being supplied to it from the power supply device 12.

[0031] Based on the received control signal 21, the power supply device 12 identifies the second power receiving device 13-2 as the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power (A102). Specifically, the power supply device 12 obtains location information corresponding to the second power receiving device 13-2 based on the information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2 included in the control signal 21. For example, the power supply device 12 obtains location information associated with the power receiving device ID of the second power receiving device 13-2 from the power supply information table 124A.

[0032] Then, the power supply device 12 starts transmitting a power transmission signal 31 to the identified second power receiving device 13-2 (i.e., supplying power) (A103). Specifically, the power supply device 12 uses, for example, the acquired location information of the second power receiving device 13-2 to transmit a power transmission signal 31 that has directionality (e.g., maximum directionality) toward the second power receiving device 13-2. The second power receiving device 13-2 is driven in response to receiving the power transmission signal 31.

[0033] Next, since the control device 11 has not received a response to the control signal 21 from the second power receiving device 13-2, it retransmits the control signal 21 (A104). The timing of the control device 11's retransmission of the control signal 21 may be controlled by the power supply device 12. In that case, for example, after receiving the control signal 21 at A101, the power supply device 12 sends a signal (hereinafter also referred to as a standby signal) to the control device 11 to wait for the retransmission of the control signal 21 until it starts supplying power to the second power receiving device 13-2 at A103. Alternatively, the power supply device 12, instead of the control device 11, may transmit the control signal 21 to the second power receiving device 13-2. In other words, the power supply device 12 may transmit the control signal 21 received at A101 to the second power receiving device 13-2 after it has started supplying power to the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0034] The second power receiving device 13-2, driven by the power transmission signal 31, receives the retransmitted control signal 21 and performs a specific operation based on the control signal 21 (A105). The specific operation is, for example, a predetermined operation. Alternatively, the specific operation may be an operation specified by information contained in the control signal 21. Specifically, the specific operation is, for example, at least one of a sensing operation, a display operation, and an operation that generates information based on an external input (for example, operation by a user). If a display operation is performed, the control signal 21 may further include information about the content to be displayed. The second power receiving device 13-2 transmits a communication signal 22 containing information about the specific operation performed (A106). The information about the specific operation is, for example, sensor data obtained by sensing, or information generated based on an external input.

[0035] The control device 11 receives a communication signal 22 from the second power receiving device 13-2 and performs processing using the information contained in the communication signal 22 (A107). Specifically, the control device 11 uses the information contained in the communication signal 22 to perform processes such as saving sensor data and confirming that an appropriate external input has been obtained.

[0036] Furthermore, the power supply device 12 receives the communication signal 22 from the second power receiving device 13-2 and terminates the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 to the second power receiving device 13-2 (A108). In other words, the power supply device 12 terminates the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 triggered by the communication signal 22 corresponding to the control signal 21. This terminates the operation of the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0037] Through the above control operations, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the second power receiving device 13-2 with high antenna gain without receiving the information necessary for power supply from the second power receiving device 13-2. The information necessary for power supply is, for example, the position information of the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0038] If the second power receiving device 13-2 transmits location information to the power supply device 12, then the second power receiving device 13-2 needs to be equipped with a battery to power the communication unit that transmits the location information before it is powered by the power supply device 12.

[0039] In contrast, the power supply device 12 of this embodiment identifies the second power receiving device 13-2 to be powered based on the control signal 21 transmitted by the control device 11, and obtains the location information of the second power receiving device 13-2 from the power supply information table 124A. Therefore, the second power receiving device 13-2 does not need to transmit location information. Furthermore, the second power receiving device 13-2 does not need to be equipped with a battery to drive the communication unit that transmits location information before power is supplied by the power supply device 12. Consequently, the second power receiving device 13-2 in the power supply system 1A can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0040] In the example described above, the case where the powered and operated receiving device 13 is the second powered receiving device 13-2 was explained. However, the same control operation is performed when the powered and operated receiving device 13 is another powered receiving device 13 (for example, the first powered receiving device 13-1, or the nth powered receiving device 13-N). Therefore, similarly for other powered receiving devices 13, the powered receiving device 12 can supply power to the powered receiving device 13 with high antenna gain without receiving the information necessary for power supply from the powered receiving device 13. Furthermore, the other powered receiving devices 13 do not need to be equipped with batteries, allowing for miniaturization and cost reduction.

[0041] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram showing a second example of control operations performed in the power supply system 1A. Here, we illustrate the case where the second power receiving device 13-2 is operated first, followed by the operation of the nth power receiving device 13-N. It is assumed that neither the second power receiving device 13-2 nor the nth power receiving device 13-N are equipped with batteries.

[0042] The operations from B101 to B107 are the same as the operations from A101 to A107 of the control operations described above, with reference to Figure 3. In other words, between the control device 11, the power supply device 12, and the second power receiving device 13-2, operations are performed to supply power to the second power receiving device 13-2 and to cause the second power receiving device 13-2 to perform a specific operation. In the example shown in Figure 4, the control signal 21 containing information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2 (i.e., the control signal 21 transmitted in B101 and B104) is referred to as the first control signal 21.

[0043] Next, the control device 11, having completed its operation with respect to the second power receiving device 13-2, transmits a second control signal 21 containing information indicating the nth power receiving device 13-N, and the power supply device 12 receives this second control signal 21 (B108). However, the nth power receiving device 13-N does not receive the second control signal 21 because it is not being driven and power is not being supplied to it from the power supply device 12. Furthermore, the second power receiving device 13-2 ignores (discards) the second control signal 21 even if it receives it, because the second control signal 21 specifies the nth power receiving device 13-N.

[0044] Based on the second control signal 21 received from the control device 11, the power supply device 12 identifies the Nth power receiving device 13-N as the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power (B109). Specifically, the power supply device 12 acquires location information corresponding to the Nth power receiving device 13-N based on the information indicating the Nth power receiving device 13-N included in the second control signal 21. The power supply device 12 also terminates the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 to the second power receiving device 13-2 based on the second control signal 21 (B110). Specifically, the power supply device 12 terminates the transmission of the power transmission signal 31 to the second power receiving device 13-2, for example, based on the fact that the second control signal 21 specifies a Nth power receiving device 13-N that is different from the second power receiving device 13-2. As a result, the operation of the second power receiving device 13-2 is terminated.

[0045] Then, the power supply device 12 starts transmitting a power transmission signal 31 to the identified Nth power receiving device 13-N (B111). Specifically, the power supply device 12 uses, for example, the acquired position information of the Nth power receiving device 13-N to transmit a power transmission signal 31 that is directional to the Nth power receiving device 13-N. The Nth power receiving device 13-N is driven in response to receiving the power transmission signal 31. The subsequent operations are the same as those from B104 to B107, with the second power receiving device 13-2 being replaced by the Nth power receiving device 13-N.

[0046] Thus, the power supply device 12 may terminate the power supply to the second power receiving device 13-2 not by the communication signal 22 from the second power receiving device 13-2, but by the second control signal 21 from the control device 11.

[0047] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing a third example of control operations performed in the power supply system 1A. Here, we illustrate the case where the power receiving device 13 to be operated is the second power receiving device 13-2, and the second power receiving device 13-2 is equipped with a battery.

[0048] First, the control device 11 transmits a control signal 21 containing information indicating the second power receiving device 13-2, and the power supply device 12 and the second power receiving device 13-2 receive this control signal 21 (C101). The second power receiving device 13-2 is powered by electricity supplied from the battery, so it receives the control signal 21.

[0049] Based on the received control signal 21, the power supply device 12 identifies the second power receiving device 13-2 as the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power (C102). Then, the power supply device 12 starts transmitting a power transmission signal 31 to the identified second power receiving device 13-2 (C103).

[0050] The subsequent operations from C104 to C107 are the same as the operations from A105 to A108 of the control operation described above, referring to Figure 3. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 5, since the second power receiving device 13-2 receives the control signal 21 at C101, the control device 11 does not need to retransmit the control signal 21 after the power supply device 12 starts supplying power to the second power receiving device 13-2.

[0051] Furthermore, the power supply device 12 may terminate the power supply to the second power receiving device 13-2 in response to receiving a control signal 21 from the control device 11 that specifies a power receiving device 13 other than the second power receiving device 13-2, rather than a communication signal 22 transmitted from the second power receiving device 13-2, as in the example shown in Figure 4.

[0052] Next, an example of the configuration of the power supply device 12 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0053] Figure 6 shows a first example of the configuration of the power supply device 12. In this first example, the power supply device 12 transmits the power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 by directional control using beamforming.

[0054] The power supply device 12 comprises a communication unit 121, a communication antenna 122, a control unit 123, a memory 124, a power transmission unit 125, and a plurality of power transmission antennas (antenna elements) 126. The communication unit 121, the control unit 123, the memory 124, and the power transmission unit 125 are interconnected, for example, via a bus 120. The memory 124 is a storage area and stores, for example, a power supply information table 124A.

[0055] The communication unit 121 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals for communication via a communication antenna 122. The communication unit 121 includes a receiving unit 121R and a transmitting unit 121T.

[0056] The receiving unit 121R is a circuit capable of receiving signals transmitted by the control device 11 and the power receiving device 13 via the communication antenna 122. The signal transmitted by the control device 11 is, for example, a control signal 21. The signal transmitted by the power receiving device 13 is, for example, a communication signal 22. The receiving unit 121R can send the received signals to various parts of the power supply device 12 (for example, the control unit 123). The receiving unit 121R receives signals, for example, in response to instructions from the control unit 123.

[0057] The transmitting unit 121T is a circuit capable of transmitting signals to the control device 11 and the power receiving device 13 via the communication antenna 122. The signal transmitted to the control device 11 is, for example, a standby signal. The signal transmitted to the power receiving device 13 is, for example, a control signal 21. The transmitting unit 121T transmits signals, for example, in response to instructions from the control unit 123.

[0058] The control unit 123 is a circuit that controls the operation of each part within the power supply device 12. The control unit 123 is implemented, for example, as a processor. The control unit 123 controls the power supply by the power transmission unit 125 based on the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 121 (more specifically, the receiving unit 121R).

[0059] Specifically, the control unit 123 identifies the power receiving device 13 to be powered based on the control signal 21. The control unit 123 identifies the power receiving device 13 to be powered by, for example, obtaining the power receiving device ID from the control signal 21.

[0060] The control unit 123 then obtains location information associated with the power receiving device 13 to be powered from the power supply information table 124A (i.e., location information associated with the acquired power receiving device ID). The location information indicates, for example, the relative positional relationship between the power supply unit 12 and the power receiving device 13 to be powered. Based on the acquired location information, the control unit 123 determines the angle (or direction) at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the multiple power transmitting antennas 126 should be controlled. In other words, based on the acquired location information, the control unit 123 determines the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves should be controlled so that electromagnetic waves with high directivity are radiated from the multiple power transmitting antennas 126 to the power receiving device 13 to be powered. The control unit 123 sends the determined angle to the power transmission unit 125.

[0061] The power transmission unit 125 is a circuit that transmits a power transmission signal 31 via a plurality of power transmission antennas 126 based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves received from the control unit 123 should be controlled. Specifically, the power transmission unit 125 generates a plurality of power transmission signals 31 that are supplied to each of the plurality of power transmission antennas 126 based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves should be controlled. Based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves should be controlled, the power transmission unit 125 determines, for example, the phase θ and amplitude A of each of the plurality of power transmission signals 31 and generates a power transmission signal 31 with the determined phase θ and amplitude A. Then, the power transmission unit 125 sends the generated plurality of power transmission signals 31 to each of the plurality of power transmission antennas 126. In this way, the power transmission unit 125 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 by performing beamforming using the plurality of power transmission antennas 126 based on the positional relationship between the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. The phase θ and amplitude A may be determined (calculated) by the control unit 123, or a pre-calculated phase θ and amplitude A may be obtained from the power supply information table 124A. In this case, the power transmission unit 125 receives the phase θ and amplitude A from the control unit 123, rather than the angle.

[0062] Each of the multiple power transmission antennas 126 radiates a power transmission signal 31 received from the power transmission unit 125. The multiple power transmission antennas 126 radiate multiple power transmission signals 31 that provide the maximum gain to the power receiving device 13 that is to be supplied with power.

[0063] The power receiving device 13 receives multiple power transmission signals 31 via the power receiving antenna 134. Therefore, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 with high antenna gain based on the control signal 21 received from the control device 11.

[0064] Figure 6 shows, as an example, the case where the multiple power transmission antennas 126 are three power transmission antennas 126-1, 126-2, and 126-3. In this case, the power transmission unit 125 determines the phase and amplitude θ1·A1, θ2·A2, and θ3·A3 corresponding to the three power transmission signals 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3, respectively, based on the angle at which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic wave should be controlled. The power transmission unit 125 generates power transmission signals 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 having the determined phase and amplitude θ1·A1, θ2·A2, and θ3·A3, respectively. The power transmission unit 125 then transmits the three generated power transmission signals 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 to the three power transmission antennas 126-1, 126-2, and 126-3, respectively.

[0065] The power supply device 12 is equipped with two or any number of power transmission antennas 126. Note that a common antenna may be used for both the communication antenna 122 and the power transmission antennas 126.

[0066] Furthermore, the control unit 123 may instruct the power transmission unit 125 to terminate power supply based on a communication signal 22 received from the communication unit 121 while power is being supplied by the power transmission unit 125. Alternatively, the control unit 123 may instruct the power transmission unit 125 to terminate power supply based on a new control signal 21 received from the communication unit 121 while power is being supplied by the power transmission unit 125. Or, it may instruct the power transmission unit to terminate or stop power supply when an impact occurs on other radio equipment or the human body. This new control signal 21 is a control signal that designates a power receiving device 13 other than the power receiving device 13 currently being supplied by the power transmission unit 125 as the target of power supply. In response to the instruction from the control unit 123 to terminate power supply, the power transmission unit 125 terminates power supply (i.e., transmission of the power transmission signal 31).

[0067] Furthermore, after receiving the control signal 21 from the communication unit 121, the control unit 123 may instruct the communication unit 121 (more specifically, the transmission unit 121T) to send a signal (standby signal) to wait for the retransmission of the control signal 21 until power supply by the power transmission unit 125 begins. The communication unit 121 then transmits the standby signal to the control device 11 in response to this instruction. Alternatively, after receiving the control signal 21 from the communication unit 121, the control unit 123 may instruct the communication unit 121 to transmit the control signal 21 in response to the commencement of power supply by the power transmission unit 125. The communication unit 121 then transmits the control signal 21 to the power receiving device 13 to be powered.

[0068] With the above configuration, the power supply device 12 controls the directivity of the beamforming transmission signal 31 (i.e., electromagnetic waves) based on the control signal 21 received from the control device 11. As a result, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 with high antenna gain.

[0069] Figure 7 shows a second example of the configuration of the power supply device 12. In this second example, the power supply device 12 transmits the power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13 by mechanical control of the power transmission antenna 126. The configuration of the power supply device 12 shown in Figure 7 is the same as the configuration of the power supply device 12 shown in Figure 6, except for the configuration of the power transmission unit 125 and the power transmission antenna 126. The following will mainly describe the differences from the configuration of the power supply device 12 shown in Figure 6.

[0070] The power supply device 12 shown in Figure 7 is equipped with, for example, one power transmission antenna 126. This power transmission antenna 126 is configured so that its direction (e.g., elevation angle and rotation angle) can be mechanically controlled. For mechanical control, for example, a stepping motor or a servo motor connected to the power transmission antenna 126 can be used.

[0071] The power transmission unit 125 receives from the control unit 123 the direction in which the maximum directivity of the electromagnetic waves radiated from the power transmission antenna 126 should be controlled. Based on the received direction, the power transmission unit 125 calculates the elevation angle and rotation angle of the power transmission antenna 126. The power transmission unit 125 then mechanically controls the power transmission antenna 126 so that it is set to the calculated elevation angle and rotation angle. The power transmission unit 125 also generates a power transmission signal 31 to be supplied to the power transmission antenna 126 and sends the generated power transmission signal 31 to the power transmission antenna 126. In this way, the power transmission unit 125 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 by mechanically controlling the angle of one power transmission antenna 126 based on the positional relationship between the power supply device 12 and the power receiving device 13 to be supplied with power. The elevation angle and rotation angle of the power transmission antenna 126 may be determined by the control unit 123, or the elevation angle and rotation angle may be calculated in advance and obtained from the power supply information table 124A. In this case, the power transmission unit 125 receives the elevation angle and rotation angle from the control unit 123, rather than the direction.

[0072] The power transmission antenna 126, after its elevation and rotation angles are mechanically controlled, radiates the power transmission signal 31 received from the power transmission unit 125. In other words, the power transmission antenna 126 radiates the power transmission signal 31 that provides the maximum gain to the power receiving device 13 that is to be fed.

[0073] The power receiving device 13 receives the power transmission signal 31 via the power receiving antenna 134. Therefore, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 with high antenna gain.

[0074] With the above configuration, the power supply device 12 controls the directivity of the power transmission signal 31 by mechanically controlling the power transmission antenna 126 based on the control signal 21 received from the control device 11. As a result, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the power receiving device 13 with high antenna gain.

[0075] The operation of the power supply device 12 described above may be implemented as hardware such as a circuit, or as a program (i.e., software) executed by at least one processor. For example, the control unit 123 may execute a program stored in memory 124 or the like to control the communication unit 121 and the power transmission unit 125 and realize the operation of the power supply device 12 described above. The control unit 123 executing the program may, for example, cause the communication unit 121 to receive a control signal 21 from the control device 11, and based on the information specifying the power receiving device 13 included in the control signal 21, cause the power transmission unit 125 to transmit a power transmission signal 31 to the power receiving device 13. In this way, the power supply device 12 may have the function of a computer that executes a program.

[0076] Next, an example configuration of the power receiving device 13 will be specifically described with reference to Figures 8 and 9.

[0077] Figure 8 shows a first example of the configuration of the power receiving device 13. Here, we show an example in which the power receiving device 13 is implemented as a sensing device.

[0078] The power receiving device 13 includes a power receiving unit 131, a power receiving antenna 134, a communication unit 133, a communication antenna 135, and a sensor unit 132.

[0079] The power receiving unit 131 is a circuit that receives the power transmission signal 31 via the power receiving antenna 134, converts the power from the received power transmission signal 31 into DC power, and supplies it to each part of the power receiving device 13. The supplied power drives, for example, the communication unit 133 and the sensor unit 132.

[0080] The communication unit 133 is a circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals for communication via a communication antenna 135. The communication unit 133 includes a receiving unit 133R and a transmitting unit 133T.

[0081] The receiving unit 133R is a circuit capable of receiving signals transmitted by the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 via the communication antenna 135. The signals transmitted by the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 are, for example, control signals 21. The receiving unit 133R can send the received signals to various parts within the power receiving device 13 (for example, the sensor unit 132).

[0082] The transmitting unit 133T is a circuit capable of transmitting signals to the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 via the communication antenna 135. The signals transmitted to the control device 11 and the power supply device 12 are, for example, communication signals 22. The transmitting unit 133T transmits signals, for example, in response to instructions from the sensor unit 132.

[0083] The sensor unit 132 performs a first operation based on a control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133 (more specifically, the receiving unit 133R). The first operation includes, for example, generating sensor data and instructing the communication unit 133 to transmit the generated or stored sensor data. The sensor unit 132 generates sensor data by detecting physical or chemical information at the installation location of the power receiving device 13. The sensor unit 132 may store (store) the generated sensor data in any memory area within the power receiving device 13. The sensor unit 132 performs the first operation, for example, when it is driven by power supplied from the power receiving unit 131 and the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133 includes information specifying this power receiving device 13.

[0084] When the sensor unit 132 instructs the communication unit 133 to transmit sensor data, the communication unit 133 (more specifically, the transmission unit 133T) transmits a communication signal 22 containing the sensor data via the communication antenna 135. A common antenna may be used for both the communication antenna 135 and the power receiving antenna 134.

[0085] The control device 11 receives the communication signal 22 transmitted from the power receiving device 13. Therefore, the control device 11 can cause the power receiving device 13, which is specified in the control signal 21, to perform the first operation and acquire the sensor data generated by that power receiving device 13.

[0086] The power supply device 12 may also receive a communication signal 22 transmitted from the power receiving device 13. In this case, the power supply device 12 may terminate the power supply to the power receiving device 13 based on the received communication signal 22.

[0087] Furthermore, the power receiving device 13 may be further equipped with a storage battery 136. In this case, the communication unit 133 and the sensor unit 132 can be driven by power supplied from the storage battery 136 when power is not being supplied by the power supply device 12. The driven sensor unit 132 may generate sensor data and store it in any storage area. The storage battery 136 can also be charged by power supplied by the power supply device 12 (i.e., the power of the power transmission signal 31 supplied from the power receiving unit 131).

[0088] Figure 9 shows a second example of the configuration of the power receiving device 13. Here, an example is shown in which the power receiving device 13 is implemented as a display / input device. The display / input device is, for example, a pickup display. The configuration of the power receiving device 13 shown in Figure 9 is the same as the configuration of the power receiving device 13 shown in Figure 8, except that the sensor unit 132 is replaced by the display / input unit 137. The following will mainly describe the differences from the configuration of the power receiving device 13 shown in Figure 8.

[0089] The power receiving unit 131 supplies power from the power transmission signal 31 received from the power supply device 12 to, for example, the communication unit 133 and the display / input unit 137.

[0090] The communication unit 133 sends the control signal 21 received from the control device 11 to the display / input unit 137.

[0091] The display / input unit 137 includes a display unit that displays (notifies) information to the user and an input unit that accepts external input. The display unit is a device that provides visual notifications to the user, such as a display or LED. The input unit is a device that has a user-operable interface, such as a button, and generates information in response to user operations. The user is, for example, an operator using the pickup display unit.

[0092] The display / input unit 137 performs a second operation based on the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133. The second operation includes, for example, displaying information and instructing the communication unit 133 to transmit information generated based on external input (user operation). If the control signal 21 contains information about the content to be displayed, the display / input unit 137 displays the content based on that information, for example, on the screen of the display. The display / input unit 137 performs the second operation if, for example, it is driven by power supplied from the power receiving unit 131 and the control signal 21 received from the communication unit 133 contains information specifying this power receiving device 13.

[0093] For example, consider a case where the display / input unit 137 consists of an LED, an LED control circuit, and an input information generation circuit having a button. The LED control circuit controls the turning the LED on and off. The input information generation circuit receives user operations and generates information based on the received operations. More specifically, the input information generation circuit generates information based on, for example, the user pressing down a button.

[0094] In this case, the display / input unit 137 lights up the LED in response to receiving the control signal 21. While the LED is lit, the display / input unit 137 generates specific information in response to the user pressing down a button. This specific information indicates, for example, that there has been a change in the external input, that the user has pressed down a button, or that the second operation has been performed correctly. The display / input unit 137 then instructs the communication unit 133 to transmit the generated specific information. The display / input unit 137 also turns off the LED in response to the user pressing down a button while the LED is lit.

[0095] When the display / input unit 137 instructs the communication unit 133 to transmit specific information, the communication unit 133 transmits a communication signal 22 containing the specific information via the communication antenna 135.

[0096] The control device 11 receives the communication signal 22 transmitted from the power receiving device 13. Therefore, the control device 11 can cause the power receiving device 13 specified in the control signal 21 to perform a second operation and obtain specific information generated by that power receiving device 13. Based on the obtained specific information, the control device 11 can confirm, for example, that the second operation has been performed by the specified power receiving device 13.

[0097] Thus, the power receiving device 13 can receive power from the power supply device 12 without transmitting the information necessary for power supply to the control device 11 or the power supply device 12. Therefore, the power receiving device 13 does not need to be equipped with a battery to drive the communication unit that transmits location information before power is supplied by the power supply device 12. Consequently, the power receiving device 13 in the power supply system 1A can be made smaller and less expensive. The power receiving device 13 may be equipped with either a display-related configuration (display unit) or an input-related configuration (input unit) of the display / input unit 137.

[0098] (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the power supply system 1A consists of a control device 11, a power supply device 12, and a plurality of power receiving devices 13. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the power supply system 1B consists of a power supply device 12B including a control device 11B and a plurality of power receiving devices 13.

[0099] The configuration of the power supply system 1B in the second embodiment is the same as that of the power supply system 1A in the first embodiment, except that the control device 11B is provided inside the power supply device 12B. The differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0100] Figure 10 shows an example configuration of a power supply system 1B including a power supply device 12A according to the second embodiment.

[0101] The power supply device 12B has a configuration similar to the one described above, for example, with reference to Figure 6 or Figure 7, and further includes a control device 11B.

[0102] The control device 11B is connected to various parts of the power supply device 12B (for example, the control unit 123) via an internal bus, for example. The control device 11B transmits the control signal 21 to the power receiving device 13 and also sends it to the control unit 123 via the internal bus.

[0103] The control unit 123 receives a control signal 21 from the control device 11B. Using the received control signal 21, the control unit 123 can identify the power receiving device 13 to be powered and transmit a power transmission signal 31 to the identified power receiving device 13.

[0104] Other operations of the control device 11B and the power supply device 12B, as well as the operation of the power receiving device 13, are as described above in the first embodiment.

[0105] Thus, the control device 11B may be built into the power supply device 12B. By building the control device 11B into the power supply device 12B, the entire power supply system 1B can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0106] (Third embodiment) In the first embodiment, the power supply system 1A consists of a control device 11, a power supply device 12, and a plurality of power receiving devices 13. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a plurality of power supply areas are provided, and a power supply device 12 is provided for each power supply area.

[0107] The configuration of the power supply system 1C in the third embodiment is the same as that of the power supply system 1A in the first embodiment, except that a power supply device 12 is provided for each power supply area. The differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0108] Figure 11 shows an example configuration of a power supply system 1C including power supply devices 12C and 12D according to the third embodiment. Here, we illustrate a case where the power supply system 1C is configured for two power supply areas 15. The two power supply areas 15 are the first power supply area 15C and the second power supply area 15D. One power supply device 12C or 12D is provided for each of the two power supply areas 15. Note that the power supply system 1C may be configured for three or more power supply areas 15.

[0109] The power supply system 1C includes, for example, a first control device 11C, a first power supply device 12C, M power receiving devices 13C, a second control device 11D, a second power supply device 12D, and N power receiving devices 13D, where M is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0110] The first power supply area 15C has M power receiving devices 13C installed. The M power receiving devices 13C include power receiving devices 13C-1, 13C-2, ..., 13C-M. Hereafter, one of the M power receiving devices 13C that is not specifically identified may be referred to as power receiving device 13C.

[0111] The second power supply area 15D has N power receiving devices 13D installed. The N power receiving devices 13D include power receiving devices 13D-1, 13D-2, ..., 13D-N. Hereafter, one of the N power receiving devices 13D that is not specifically identified may be referred to as power receiving device 13D.

[0112] The first power supply area 15C and the second power supply area 15D are physically different areas. The number of power receiving devices 13C installed in the first power supply area 15C may be equal to or different from the number of power receiving devices 13D installed in the second power supply area 15D.

[0113] The first control device 11C and the first power supply device 12C are provided for the first power supply area 15C. More specifically, the first control device 11C and the first power supply device 12C are configured to control each of the M power receiving devices 13C within the first power supply area 15C, with power supply and operation being the target.

[0114] The first control device 11C is a device that controls the operation of the first power supply device 12C and the operation of each of the M power receiving devices 13C. Specifically, the first control device 11C notifies the power receiving device 13C to be powered and operated, and controls the operation of that power receiving device 13C and the operation of the first power supply device 12C. The first control device 11C notifies the first power supply device 12C and the power receiving devices 13C to be powered and operated by transmitting a control signal 21C. The control signal 21C is a radio signal containing information that specifies one of the M power receiving devices 13C.

[0115] The first power supply device 12C is a device that transmits a power transmission signal 31C to the power receiving device 13C to be powered, based on a control signal 21C. The power transmission signal 31C is a wireless signal that supplies power to the power receiving device 13C to be powered. The first power supply device 12C stores a power supply information table 124C. The power supply information table 124C is data that includes the location information of each of the M power receiving devices 13C. The first power supply device 12C obtains the location information of the power receiving device 13C specified in the control signal 21C (i.e., the power receiving device 13C to be powered) from the power supply information table 124C. Based on the obtained location information, the first power supply device 12C transmits a highly directional power transmission signal 31C to the power receiving device 13C to be powered.

[0116] The power receiving device 13C is a device that is driven using the power of the transmission signal 31C transmitted from the first power supply device 12C and performs specific operations based on the control signal 21C. The power receiving device 13C may transmit a communication signal 22C during a specific operation. The communication signal 22C is a radio signal containing information about the specific operation.

[0117] The second control device 11D and the second power supply device 12D are provided for the second power supply area 15D. More specifically, the second control device 11D and the second power supply device 12D are configured to control each of the N power receiving devices 13D within the second power supply area 15D, with power supply and operation being the target.

[0118] The second control device 11D is a device that controls the operation of the second power supply device 12D and the operation of each of the N power receiving devices 13D. Specifically, the second control device 11D notifies the power receiving device 13D to be powered and operated, and controls the operation of that power receiving device 13D and the operation of the second power supply device 12D. The second control device 11D notifies the second power supply device 12D and the power receiving devices 13D to be powered and operated by transmitting a control signal 21D. The control signal 21D is a radio signal containing information that specifies one of the N power receiving devices 13D.

[0119] The second power supply device 12D is a device that transmits a power transmission signal 31D to the power receiving device 13D to be powered, based on the control signal 21D. The power transmission signal 31D is a wireless signal that supplies power to the power receiving device 13D to be powered. The second power supply device 12D stores a power supply information table 124D. The power supply information table 124D is data that includes the location information of each of the N power receiving devices 13D. The second power supply device 12D obtains the location information of the power receiving device 13D specified in the control signal 21D (i.e., the power receiving device 13D to be powered) from the power supply information table 124D. Based on the obtained location information, the second power supply device 12D transmits a highly directional power transmission signal 31D to the power receiving device 13D to be powered.

[0120] The power receiving device 13D is a device that is driven using the power of the transmission signal 31D transmitted from the second power supply device 12D and performs specific operations based on the control signal 21D. The power receiving device 13D may transmit a communication signal 22D during a specific operation. The communication signal 22D is a radio signal containing information about the specific operation.

[0121] The first power supply device 12C may receive a control signal 21D transmitted by the second control device 11D. If the first power supply device 12C receives a control signal 21D that specifies a power receiving device 13D in a second power supply area 15D that is different from the corresponding first power supply area 15C, it will not supply power according to this control signal 21D. Specifically, for example, the first power supply device 12C will not supply power according to this control signal 21D because the power receiving device 13D (more specifically, the power receiving device ID) specified in the control signal 21D is not included in the power supply information table 124C. In other words, the first power supply device 12C is configured to supply power to the power receiving device 13C in the corresponding first power supply area 15C, but not to the power receiving device 13 in the other power supply area 15 (in this case, the power receiving device 13D in the second power supply area 15D).

[0122] Similarly, the second power supply device 12D may receive a control signal 21C transmitted by the first control device 11C. If the second power supply device 12D receives a control signal 21C that specifies a power receiving device 13C in the first power supply area 15C, which is different from the corresponding second power supply area 15D, it will not supply power according to this control signal 21C. Specifically, for example, the second power supply device 12D will not supply power according to this control signal 21C because the power receiving device 13C specified in the control signal 21C is not included in the power supply information table 124D. In other words, the second power supply device 12D is configured to supply power to the power receiving device 13D in the corresponding second power supply area 15D, but not to the power receiving device 13 in the other power supply area 15 (in this case, the power receiving device 13C in the first power supply area 15C).

[0123] Figure 11 illustrates a case where the powered receiving device 13C in the first power supply area 15C is the second powered receiving device 13C-2, and the powered receiving device 13D in the second power supply area 15D is the second powered receiving device 13D-2. In this case, the first control device 11C transmits a control signal 21C containing information specifying the second powered receiving device 13C-2, and the second control device 11D transmits a control signal 21D containing information specifying the second powered receiving device 13D-2.

[0124] The first power supply device 12C receives a control signal 21C from the first control device 11C and obtains the position information of the second power receiving device 13C-2 from the power supply information table 124C. Then, based on the obtained position information, the first power supply device 12C transmits a highly directional power transmission signal 31C to the second power receiving device 13C-2. Furthermore, even if the first power supply device 12C receives a control signal 21D from the second control device 11D, it does not perform any power supply-related operations.

[0125] The second power receiving device 13C-2 receives a highly directional power transmission signal 31C. The second power receiving device 13C-2 is then driven by the power of the received power transmission signal 31C. The second power receiving device 13C-2 also receives a control signal 21C from the first control device 11C and performs a specific operation. The second power receiving device 13C-2 then transmits a communication signal 22C containing information related to the specific operation.

[0126] The second power supply unit 12D receives a control signal 21D from the second control device 11D and obtains the position information of the second power receiving unit 13D-2 from the power supply information table 124D. Then, based on the obtained position information, the second power supply unit 12D transmits a highly directional power transmission signal 31D to the second power receiving unit 13D-2. Furthermore, even if the second power supply unit 12D receives a control signal 21C from the first control device 11C, it does not perform any operations related to power supply.

[0127] The second power receiving device 13D-2 receives a highly directional power transmission signal 31D to the second power receiving device 13D-2. The second power receiving device 13D-2 is then driven by the power of the received power transmission signal 31D. The second power receiving device 13D-2 also receives a control signal 21D from the second control device 11D and performs a specific operation. The second power receiving device 13D-2 then transmits a communication signal 22D containing information related to the specific operation.

[0128] With the above configuration, the first power supply device 12C can supply power to the power receiving device 13C specified by the control signal 21C with high antenna gain, without receiving the necessary information for power supply from the power receiving device 13C, by using the control signal 21C transmitted from the first control device 11C and the power supply information table 124C stored in the first power supply device 12C. Similarly, the second power supply device 12D can supply power to the power receiving device 13D specified by the control signal 21D with high antenna gain, without receiving the necessary information for power supply from the power receiving device 13D, by using the control signal 21D transmitted from the second control device 11D and the power supply information table 124D stored in the second power supply device 12D.

[0129] Furthermore, in the power supply system 1C, when there are multiple power supply areas 15, power supply devices 12C and 12D can avoid supplying power to power receiving devices 13 in other power supply areas 15 where the received power is low. As a result, the power supply system 1C can also reduce the impact on other wireless signals caused by the generation of directional strength in unexpected directions.

[0130] Alternatively, instead of having two control devices 11C and 11D in the power supply system 1C, one control device 11 may be provided. In this case, the control device 11 controls the operation of the first power supply device 12C, the operation of each of the M power receiving devices 13C, the operation of the second power supply device 12D, and the operation of each of the N power receiving devices 13D. The control device 11 is capable of transmitting control signals 21C and 21D.

[0131] Specifically, the control device 11 notifies the powered receiving device 13C to be powered and operated, and controls the operation of the powered receiving device 13C and the operation of the first power supply device 12C. The control device 11 notifies the first power supply device 12C and the powered receiving device 13C to be powered and operated by transmitting a control signal 21C.

[0132] Furthermore, the control device 11 notifies the powered receiving device 13D to be powered and operated, and controls the operation of the powered receiving device 13D and the operation of the second power supply device 12D. The control device 11 notifies the second power supply device 12D and the powered receiving device 13D to be powered and operated by transmitting a control signal 21D.

[0133] Similarly, even when one control device 11 is provided in the power supply system 1C, the power supply devices 12C and 12D can avoid supplying power to power receiving devices 13 in other power supply areas 15 where the received power is low.

[0134] As described above, according to the first to third embodiments, power can be supplied to the power receiving device 13 without receiving the information necessary for power supply from the power receiving device 13. The receiving unit 121R of the power supply device 12 receives a first control signal 21 from the control device 11, which includes first information that designates the first power receiving device 13 among the plurality of power receiving devices 13. The power transmission unit 125 transmits a wireless power transmission signal 31 for power supply to the first power receiving device 13 based on the first information. The first control signal 21 is a signal that causes the first power receiving device 13 to perform a specific operation.

[0135] As a result, the power supply device 12 can supply power to the first power receiving device 13 without receiving information necessary for power supply from the first power receiving device 13 (for example, location information of the first power receiving device 13).

[0136] Furthermore, the configurations of power supply systems 1A, 1B, and 1C can also be applied to cases where beamforming or mechanical control is used for high-speed communications requiring a large signal-to-noise ratio (S / N ratio). In this case, it is advantageous in improving the S / N ratio because high-power signals can be sent to a specific power receiving target (power receiving device).

[0137] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made 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 of the invention and its equivalents.

[0138] With regard to the embodiments described above, the following additional information is disclosed. <1> A receiving unit receives a first control signal from a control device, which includes first information specifying the first power receiving device among multiple power receiving devices. The system includes a power transmission unit that transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information, The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. Power supply device. <2> The first information includes an identification code that can identify the first power receiving device, <1> The power supply device described above. <3> The power transmission unit controls the directivity of the wireless power transmission signal by beamforming using multiple antennas or by mechanically controlling the angle of one antenna, based on the positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device. <1> or <2> The power supply device described above. <4> The aforementioned power transmission unit is Based on the first information, positional information relating to the relative positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device is obtained. Based on the positional information, the directivity of the wireless power transmission signal is controlled by beamforming using the multiple antennas or by mechanically controlling the angle of one antenna. <3> The power supply device described above. <5> The control device mentioned above is built into, <1> ~ <4> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <6> When multiple power receiving devices are installed in each of the multiple power supply areas, the power supply devices are provided for each of the multiple power supply areas. <1> ~ <5> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <7> The system further comprises a transmitting unit that transmits a signal to the control device for controlling the timing of retransmitting the first control signal. <1> ~ <6> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <8> The system further comprises a transmitting unit that transmits the first control signal to the first power receiving device after the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal has started. <1> ~ <6> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <9> After receiving the first control signal, the receiving unit receives a second control signal from the control device, which includes second information specifying the second power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices. The power transmission unit terminates the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received second control signal. <1> ~ <8> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <10> The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal containing second information relating to the specific operation after it has performed the specific operation. The receiving unit receives the communication signal from the first power receiving device, The power transmission unit terminates the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received communication signal. <1> ~ <8> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <11> A power supply system including a control device, a power supply device, and a plurality of power receiving devices, The control device transmits a control signal that includes first information specifying the first power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices. The power supply device is Upon receiving the aforementioned control signal, Based on the first information contained in the received control signal, a wireless power transmission signal for power supply is transmitted to the first power receiving device. The first power receiving device, Upon receiving the aforementioned wireless power transmission signal, Upon receiving the aforementioned control signal, Based on the received control signal, perform a specific action. Power supply system. <12> The first power receiving device, Including sensors, Based on the received control signal, the specific operation is performed, and a communication signal including the second information acquired by the sensor is transmitted. <11> The power supply system described above. <13> The first power receiving device includes a display unit, The control signal further includes third information relating to the content to be displayed on the display unit, The first power receiving device causes the content based on the third information to be displayed on the display unit. <11> The power supply system described above. <14> The first power receiving device, Including the input section, Based on the received control signal, the system performs the specific operation and transmits a communication signal including second information generated by the input unit in response to user operation. <11> The power supply system described above. <15> A program executed by a computer, wherein the program is executed by the computer, A procedure for receiving a first control signal from a control device, which includes first information specifying the first power receiving device among multiple power receiving devices, Based on the first information, the procedure is performed to transmit a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation. program. <16> The first power receiving device is a sensing device, and the specific operation is an operation that detects physical or chemical information at the installation location. <1> ~ <10> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <17> The first power receiving device is a display device, and the specific operation is an operation to display information or to light up. <1> ~ <10> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. <18> The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal containing second information relating to the specific operation after it has performed the specific operation. <1> ~ <10> A power supply device as described in any one of the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0139] 1A...Power supply system, 11...Control device, 12...Power supply device, 13...Power receiving device, 121...Communication unit, 121R...Receiver unit, 121T...Transmitter unit, 122...Communication antenna, 123...Control unit, 124...Memory, 124A...Power supply information table, 125...Power transmission unit, 126...Power transmission antenna, 131...Power receiving unit, 134...Power receiving antenna, 133...Communication unit, 133R...Receiver unit, 133T...Transmitter unit, 135...Communication antenna, 132...Sensor unit, 136...Battery, 137...Display / input unit, 21...Control signal, 22...Communication signal, 31...Power transmission signal.

Claims

1. A receiving unit receives a first control signal from a control device, which includes first information specifying the first power receiving device among multiple power receiving devices. A power transmission unit transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information, The system includes a transmitting unit that transmits a signal to the control device for controlling the timing of retransmitting the first control signal, The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation, and the power supply device.

2. A receiving unit that receives a first control signal from a control device, which includes first information specifying a first power receiving device among a plurality of power receiving devices, A power transmission unit transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device based on the first information, The system includes a transmitting unit that transmits the first control signal to the first power receiving device after starting to transmit the wireless power transmission signal, The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation, and the power supply device.

3. A receiving unit that receives a first control signal from a control device, which includes first information specifying a first power receiving device among a plurality of power receiving devices, The system includes a power transmission unit that transmits a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to a first power receiving device based on the first information, The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation and then transmit a communication signal containing second information relating to that specific operation. The receiving unit receives the communication signal from the first power receiving device, The power transmission unit is a power supply device that terminates the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received communication signal.

4. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first information includes an identification code that can identify the first power receiving device.

5. The power transmission unit controls the directivity of the wireless power transmission signal by beamforming using multiple antennas or by mechanically controlling the angle of one antenna, based on the positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device, according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The aforementioned power transmission unit is Based on the first information, positional information relating to the relative positional relationship between the power supply device and the first power receiving device is acquired. The power supply device according to claim 5, which controls the directivity of the wireless power transmission signal by beamforming using the plurality of antennas or by mechanically controlling the angle of one antenna based on the position information.

7. A power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which incorporates the control device.

8. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, when multiple power receiving devices are installed in each of the multiple power supply areas, the power supply device is provided for each of the multiple power supply areas.

9. After receiving the first control signal, the receiving unit receives a second control signal from the control device, which includes second information specifying the second power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power transmission unit terminates the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received second control signal.

10. A power supply system including a control device, a power supply device, and a plurality of power receiving devices, The control device transmits a control signal that includes first information specifying the first power receiving device among the plurality of power receiving devices. The power supply device is Upon receiving the aforementioned control signal, Based on the first information contained in the received control signal, a wireless power transmission signal for power supply is transmitted to the first power receiving device. The first power receiving device is Upon receiving the aforementioned wireless power transmission signal, Upon receiving the aforementioned control signal, Based on the received control signal, a specific operation is performed, and a communication signal containing second information relating to the specific operation is transmitted. The power supply device is The communication signal is received from the first power receiving device. Based on the received communication signal, the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal is terminated. Power supply system.

11. The first power receiving device is Including sensors, The power supply system according to claim 10, which performs the specific operation based on the received control signal and transmits the communication signal including the second information acquired by the sensor.

12. The first power receiving device includes a display unit, The control signal further includes third information relating to the content to be displayed on the display unit, The power supply system according to claim 10, wherein the first power receiving device causes the display unit to display content based on the third information.

13. The first power receiving device is Including the input section, The power supply system according to claim 10, which performs the specific operation based on the received control signal and transmits the communication signal including the second information generated by the input unit in response to user operation.

14. A program executed by a computer, wherein the program is executed by the computer, A procedure for receiving a first control signal from a control device, which includes first information specifying a first power receiving device among multiple power receiving devices, Based on the first information, the procedure is performed to transmit a wireless power transmission signal for power supply to the first power receiving device. The first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to perform a specific operation and then transmit a communication signal containing second information relating to that specific operation. The program is sent to the computer, A procedure for receiving the communication signal from the first power receiving device, A program that performs a procedure to terminate the transmission of the wireless power transmission signal based on the received communication signal.

15. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first power receiving device is a sensing device, and the specific operation is an operation that detects physical or chemical information at the installation location.

16. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first power receiving device is a display device, and the specific operation is an operation to display information or to light up.

17. The power supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first control signal is a signal that causes the first power receiving device to transmit a communication signal containing second information relating to the specific operation after it has performed the specific operation.

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