Wireless charging system and wireless charging control method

Abstract

To appropriately control wireless charge to a portable terminal (40).SOLUTION: A wireless charge control system (1000) is provided in a vehicle (50) and comprises: a wireless charge unit (38) including a pedestal part (381) and performing wireless charge to a portable terminal (40) mounted on the pedestal part (381); an imaging function activation section (412) which activates an imaging function of the portable terminal (40) in a case where the vehicle (50) and the portable terminal (40) are connected in communication; foreign substance detection sections 414 and 515) for detecting whether or not a foreign substance exists in the pedestal part (381) based on a picked-up image obtained by the imaging function activated by the imaging function activation section (412); and a wireless charge control section (513) which controls the wireless charge unit (38) based on detection results of the foreign substance detection sections (414 and 515).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless charging system , and and a wireless charging control method.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in order to enable more people to access convenient, reliable, sustainable, and advanced energy, research and development have been carried out to contribute to energy efficiency. Conventionally, as a technology related to energy efficiency, a technology for controlling wireless charging for portable terminals is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for controlling a non-contact power supply mode from a charging device to a mobile phone based on a captured image captured by an imaging unit that includes the placement surface of the charging device within the imaging range.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since Patent Document 1 cannot photograph the placement surface of the charging device from above, there is a possibility that foreign objects present on the placement surface cannot be accurately detected, and there is a risk that the power supply to the mobile phone cannot be appropriately controlled. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to be able to appropriately control wireless charging for a portable terminal.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present invention includes a wireless charging unit provided on a vehicle and having a base, which wirelessly charges a mobile terminal placed on the base; a shooting function activation unit which activates the shooting function of the mobile terminal when the vehicle and the mobile terminal are in communication connection; a foreign object detection unit which detects whether or not a foreign object is present on the base based on the image captured by the shooting function activated by the shooting function activated by the shooting function; and a wireless charging control unit which controls the wireless charging unit based on the detection result of the foreign object detection unit. The system includes a presence detection unit that detects whether or not the mobile terminal is inside the vehicle, and the shooting function activation unit activates the shooting function when the presence detection unit detects that the mobile terminal is inside the vehicle. Wireless charging system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, wireless charging to a mobile device can be appropriately controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a WCU. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless charging system. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the detection method of the presence detection unit. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the interaction between a vehicle and a mobile device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing the interaction between a vehicle and a mobile device. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a wireless charging system. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing the interaction between a vehicle and a mobile device. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the interaction between a vehicle and a mobile device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 shows the vehicle control system 1. The control system 1 includes a central ECU 2 that performs overall vehicle control and information processing. The central ECU 2 performs OTA (Over The Air) management. OTA management includes control related to the process of downloading updates for the vehicle's onboard devices from an external server, and the process of applying the downloaded updates to the onboard devices.

[0009] A touch panel 15 is connected to the central ECU 2. The touch panel 15 includes a display 16 and a touch sensor 17.

[0010] The central ECU2 is connected to a door sensor 32 and a door lock mechanism 33. The door sensor 32 detects operation on the vehicle door. The door lock mechanism 33 locks and unlocks the vehicle door. The entry ECU 36 is connected to the central ECU2. The entry ECU 36 is connected to an LF / RF antenna 37 that communicates wirelessly with the vehicle's electronic key. The electronic key is an electronic device with wireless communication capabilities and is called a smart key or FOB key. The entry ECU 36 works in conjunction with other in-vehicle ECUs to process user access to the control system 1 from outside the vehicle and realizes the operation of so-called smart entry.

[0011] The WCU (Wireless Charger Unit) 38 is connected to the central ECU2. WCU38 corresponds to the “wireless charging unit” in this disclosure. Central ECU2 corresponds to the “external device” in this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 shows an example of WCU38. The WCU38 is a device that wirelessly charges a mobile terminal 40 placed on the mounting surface 382 of the base portion 381. The WCU38 has a housing 384 that houses a coil 383, and when power is supplied to the coil 383, it generates an electromagnetic field for wireless charging.

[0013] The mobile terminal 40 of the present embodiment includes a housing 402 incorporating a coil 401. When the mobile terminal 40 is placed on the WCU 38 to which power is supplied to the coil 383, an induced current is generated in the coil 401 of the mobile terminal 40 by the electromagnetic field generated from the WCU 38. The mobile terminal 40 performs charging by storing the induced current generated in the coil 401 in the battery.

[0014] Returning to the description of FIG. 1, a short-range wireless communication device 39 is connected to the entry ECU 36. The short-range wireless communication device 39 is a device that performs short-range wireless communication using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and UWB (Ultra Wide Band). Note that Bluetooth is a registered trademark. A BLE antenna 39a and UWB antennas 39b, 39c, 39d are connected to the short-range wireless communication device 39. In UWB communication, wireless communication is performed using a frequency band of 500 MHz to a dozen or so GHz (for example, around the 8 GHz band). The communication distance is short-range wireless of about 10 m.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the wireless charging system 1000. The wireless charging system 1000 includes a mobile terminal 40 and a vehicle 50 having the control system 1 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the main part configuration of the control system 1 is illustrated.

[0016] The mobile terminal 40 is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, and incorporates a coil 401 in the housing 402. The mobile terminal 40 includes a terminal control device 41, a camera 42, a touch panel 43, an acceleration sensor 44, and a wireless communication device 45. The camera 42 corresponds to the "imaging unit" of the present disclosure.

[0017] The terminal control device 41 includes a first processor 410 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a first memory 420, and an interface circuit to which devices and sensors are connected. The first memory 420 corresponds to the “storage unit” in this disclosure.

[0018] The first memory 420 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the first processor 410. The first memory 420 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM (Read Only Memory), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The first memory 420 may also include RAM (Random Access Memory) which constitutes the work area of ​​the first processor 410. The first memory 420 may also include non-volatile storage devices such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive). The first memory 420 stores data processed by the first processor 410, a wireless charging application 421 executed by the first processor 410, reference image data 422, etc.

[0019] The wireless charging application 421 is an application program related to wireless charging of the mobile terminal 40. The reference image data 422 will be described later.

[0020] The camera 42 is positioned on the side of the housing 402 opposite to the side where the touch panel 43 is located, in other words, on the side opposite to the side where the touch panel 43 is located. The camera 42 outputs captured image data, which represents the captured image, to the terminal control device 41 at a predetermined frame cycle.

[0021] The touch panel 43 has a configuration in which a display panel for displaying characters and images and a touch sensor for detecting contact with the display panel are superimposed.

[0022] The acceleration sensor 44 is a sensor that detects the acceleration of the mobile terminal 40. The acceleration sensor 44 outputs the detected value to the terminal control device 41 at a predetermined period.

[0023] The wireless communication device 45 is equipped with communication hardware that conforms to wireless communication standards, such as an antenna and a wireless communication circuit, and communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 50. In this embodiment, the wireless communication device 45 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 50 using BLE or UWB.

[0024] The first processor 410 functions as a terminal communication control unit 411, a shooting function activation unit 412, a shooting function termination unit 413, and a foreign object detection unit 414 by reading and executing the wireless charging application 421. The terminal communication control unit 411 corresponds to the "transmitting unit" in this disclosure.

[0025] The terminal communication control unit 411 communicates with the vehicle 50 via the wireless communication device 45. The terminal communication control unit 411 receives terminal presence data from the vehicle 50 indicating that the mobile terminal 40 is inside the vehicle 50. The terminal communication control unit 411 receives termination data from the vehicle 50 indicating that it is time to terminate the activated shooting function. The terminal communication control unit 411 transmits data corresponding to the detection result of the foreign object detection unit 414, which will be described later, to the vehicle 50.

[0026] The camera function activation unit 412 activates the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 when the terminal communication control unit 411 receives data from the terminal. When the terminal communication control unit 411 receives data from the terminal, the camera function activation unit 412 turns on the camera 42 and activates the camera 42. Turning on the camera 42 means supplying power to the camera 42 and turning on the power to the camera 42.

[0027] The shooting function termination unit 413 terminates the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 when the terminal communication control unit 411 receives termination data. When the terminal communication control unit 411 receives termination data, the shooting function termination unit 413 turns off the camera 42 and terminates the operation of the camera 42. Turning off the camera 42 means stopping the power supply to the camera 42 and turning off the power to the camera 42.

[0028] The foreign object detection unit 414 detects whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38. More specifically, the foreign object detection unit 414 detects whether or not a foreign object is present on the mounting surface 382 of the base portion 381. A coin is an example of a foreign object. The foreign object detection unit 414 detects whether or not a foreign object is present on the mounting surface 382 by comparing the reference image shown by the reference image data 422 stored in the first memory 420 with the captured image shown by the captured image data output by the camera 42. The reference image data 422 is an overhead view of the mounting surface 382 when no foreign object is present, and it shows the entire mounting surface 382. The reference image data 422 is downloaded to the mobile terminal 40 when the wireless charging application 421 is installed.

[0029] An example of the detection method of the foreign object detection unit 414 is given below. For example, the foreign object detection unit 414 extracts an image of the mounting surface 382 from the captured image data output by the camera 42 using image recognition such as pattern matching. The image to be extracted is an image of the entire mounting surface 382. Next, the foreign object detection unit 414 compares the extracted image of the mounting surface 382 with a reference image to determine the agreement rate. During this comparison, the foreign object detection unit 414 may perform gaze-shifting on the extracted image of the mounting surface 382 to match the reference image. If the agreement rate is less than a predetermined threshold, the foreign object detection unit 414 detects that a foreign object is present on the mounting surface 382, ​​and if the agreement rate is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, it detects that no foreign object is present on the mounting surface 382.

[0030] The detection method of the foreign object detection unit 414 is not limited to the example method described above. The foreign object detection unit 414 may also detect whether or not a foreign object is present on the mounting surface 382 based on the color difference, shape of the foreign object, etc., from the image of the mounting surface 382 captured in the image obtained by the camera 42. In addition, the foreign object detection unit 414 may detect the presence of a foreign object if an image of a foreign object (such as a coin, paper clip, gum or other luxury items, or a notepad made of paper) that has been stored in a predetermined memory area is present in the image of the mounting surface 382 captured in the image obtained by the camera 42.

[0031] The foreign object detection unit 414 outputs the detection result to the terminal communication control unit 411. If the terminal communication control unit 411 receives a detection result from the foreign object detection unit 414 indicating the presence of a foreign object on the base unit 381, it transmits stop instruction data to the vehicle 50. The stop instruction data is data that instructs the vehicle to stop wireless charging. On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 receives a detection result from the foreign object detection unit 414 indicating that no foreign object is present on the base unit 381, it transmits execute instruction data to the vehicle 50. The execute instruction data is data that instructs the vehicle to execute wireless charging.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the central ECU2 includes a second processor 510 such as a CPU or MPU, a second memory 520, and interface circuits to which devices such as equipment and sensors are connected.

[0033] The second memory 520 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the second processor 510. The second memory 520 is composed of a magnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage element such as flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The second memory 520 may also include RAM which constitutes the work area of ​​the second processor 510. The second memory 520 may also include a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The second memory 520 stores data processed by the second processor 510 and control programs 521 executed by the second processor 510.

[0034] The second processor 510 functions as a vehicle communication control unit 511, a presence detection unit 512, a wireless charging control unit 513, and a notification unit 514 by reading and executing the control program 521 stored in the second memory 520.

[0035] The vehicle communication control unit 511 communicates with the mobile terminal 40 via the short-range wireless communication device 39.

[0036] The presence detection unit 512 detects whether or not the mobile terminal 40 is inside the vehicle 50. When BLE communication is established between the mobile terminal 40 and the vehicle 50, the presence detection unit 512 uses the short-range wireless communication device 39 to detect whether or not the mobile terminal 40 is inside the vehicle 50.

[0037] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the detection method of the presence detection unit 512. As described above, the short-range wireless communication device 39 is connected to a BLE antenna 39a and UWB antennas 39b, 39c, and 39d. The BLE antenna 39a is located in the center of the vehicle 50. The UWB antenna 39b is located in the center of the vehicle 50. The UWB antenna 39c is located at the front of the vehicle 50. The UWB antenna 39d is located at the rear of the vehicle.

[0038] The presence detection unit 512 calculates the distance X between the UWB antenna 39c and the mobile terminal 40 based on ToF (Time of Flight). The presence detection unit 512 also calculates the distance Y between the UWB antenna 39b and the mobile terminal 40 based on ToF. The presence detection unit 512 also calculates the distance Z between the UWB antenna 39d and the mobile terminal 40 based on ToF. Next, the presence detection unit 512 measures the relative position Pe of the mobile terminal 40 with respect to the vehicle 50 using the calculated distances X, Y, and Z. Here, the positions Pc of the UWB antenna 39c, Pb of the UWB antenna 39b, and Pd of the UWB antenna 39d on the vehicle 50 are known. Therefore, the presence detection unit 512 can measure the relative position Pe by triangulation using the calculated distances X, Y, and Z.

[0039] The presence detection unit 512 measures the vehicle terminal distance M, which is the distance between the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40, using the measured relative position Pe. The vehicle terminal distance M is the distance from the relative position Pe to the intersection point Pf. The intersection point Pf is the point where a virtual line connecting the position Pc of the UWB antenna 39c and the position Pb of the UWB antenna 39b, or a virtual line connecting the position Pc of the UWB antenna 39c and the position Pd of the UWB antenna 39d, intersects with a perpendicular line from the relative position Pe to the said virtual line. As described above, the positions Pc of the UWB antenna 39c, Pb of the UWB antenna 39b, and Pd of the UWB antenna 39d on the vehicle 50 are known. Therefore, the presence detection unit 512 can measure the vehicle terminal distance M by triangulation using the measured relative position Pe and the calculated distances X, Y, and Z.

[0040] The presence detection unit 512 detects that the mobile terminal 40 is present in the vehicle 50 if the measured vehicle terminal distance M is less than a predetermined value, and detects that the mobile terminal 40 is not present in the vehicle 50 if the measured vehicle terminal distance M is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The presence detection unit 512 outputs the detection result to the vehicle communication control unit 511.

[0041] Returning to the explanation of Figure 3, the wireless charging control unit 513 controls wireless charging by the WCU38. Specifically, the wireless charging control unit 513 controls the execution and cessation of wireless charging by the WCU38 by switching the power supply to the coil 383 on and off.

[0042] The notification unit 514 notifies the occupants of the vehicle 50 of various information by displaying the information on the touch panel 15. The touch panel 15 is located, for example, on the dashboard of the vehicle 50. Therefore, the notification unit 514 can notify the occupants of the vehicle 50 of various information by displaying the information on the touch panel 15.

[0043] Next, the operation of each part of the wireless charging system 1000 will be explained. Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40. In Figure 5, flowchart FA shows the operation of the vehicle 50, and flowchart FB shows the operation of the mobile terminal 40.

[0044] At the start of each flowchart shown in Figure 5, the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 is not activated, and the WCU 38 is not performing wireless charging.

[0045] As shown in flowchart FA, the vehicle communication control unit 511 of the central ECU2 determines whether or not BLE communication has been established between the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40 (step SA1).

[0046] If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that communication via BLE has not been established (step SA1: NO), it performs the determination in step SA1 again.

[0047] On the other hand, if the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that communication via BLE has been established (step SA1: YES), the presence detection unit 512 detects whether or not the mobile terminal 40 is inside the vehicle 50 (step SA2).

[0048] The vehicle communication control unit 511 determines whether the presence detection unit 512 has detected that the mobile terminal 40 is present in the vehicle 50, or whether the presence detection unit 512 has detected that the mobile terminal 40 is not present in the vehicle 50 (step SA3). If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that the presence detection unit 512 has detected that the mobile terminal 40 is not present in the vehicle 50 (step SA3: not present), the second processor 510 performs the process of step SA2 again.

[0049] Meanwhile, if the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that the presence detection unit 512 has detected that the mobile terminal 40 is present inside the vehicle 50 (step SA3: present), it transmits terminal presence data to the mobile terminal 40 (step SA4).

[0050] As shown in the flowchart FB, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether or not it has received terminal data (step SB1). If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has not received terminal data (step SB1: NO), it performs the determination in step SB1 again.

[0051] On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has received a terminal signal (step SB1: YES), the camera function activation unit 412 activates the camera function (step SB2).

[0052] Next, the foreign object detection unit 414 starts detecting whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 (step SB3).

[0053] Next, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether the foreign object detection unit 414 has detected that a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38, or whether the foreign object detection unit 414 has detected that there is no foreign object on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 (step SB4).

[0054] If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that the foreign object detection unit 414 has detected that a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 (step SB4: present), it transmits stop instruction data to the vehicle 50 (step SB5). On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that the foreign object detection unit 414 has detected that no foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 (step SB4: not present), it transmits execute instruction data to the vehicle 50 (step SB5).

[0055] As shown in flowchart FA, the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines whether it has received stop instruction data or execute instruction data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SA5).

[0056] When the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that it has received execution instruction data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SA5: execution instruction data), the wireless charging control unit 513 instructs the WCU 38 to perform wireless charging (step SA6). After step SA6, the second processor 510 performs the processing in step SA11.

[0057] Returning to the explanation of step SA5, if the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that it has received stop instruction data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SA5: stop instruction data), the wireless charging control unit 513 prevents the WCU 38 from performing wireless charging (step SA7). Next, the notification unit 514 notifies that there is a foreign object on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 (step SA8).

[0058] Next, the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines whether or not the vehicle 50 has started moving (step SA9). The vehicle communication control unit 511 makes the determination in step SA9 based on the detected values ​​from the GNSS sensor and a vehicle speed sensor (not shown). If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that the vehicle 50 has started moving (step SA9: NO), it returns to step SA5 and makes the determination in step SA5 again.

[0059] On the other hand, if the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that the vehicle 50 has started moving (step SA9: YES), it determines whether a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed since the vehicle 50 started moving (step SA10).

[0060] If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the vehicle 50 started moving (step SA10: NO), it returns to step SA5 and performs the determination in step SA5 again.

[0061] If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that a predetermined period has elapsed since the vehicle 50 started moving (step SA10: YES), it transmits completion data to the mobile terminal 40 (step SA11).

[0062] As shown in the flowchart FB, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether or not it has received termination data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SB7).

[0063] If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has not received termination data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SB7: NO), the first processor 410 returns to step SB4.

[0064] On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has received termination data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SB7: YES), the shooting function termination unit 413 terminates the shooting function (step SB8).

[0065] Next, we will explain the operation of each part of the wireless charging system 1000 when the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 is activated and then terminated. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40. In Figure 6, flowchart FC shows the operation of the vehicle 50, and flowchart FD shows the operation of the mobile terminal 40.

[0066] In the explanation of Figure 6, it is assumed that communication via BLE is established between the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40, and that the mobile terminal 40 is located inside the vehicle 50.

[0067] In the flowchart of Figure 6, steps identical to those in Figure 5 are given the same step number, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0068] As shown in flowchart FD, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether or not the detected value of the acceleration sensor 44 has changed (step SD1). If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that the detected value of the acceleration sensor 44 has not changed (step SD1: NO), it performs the determination in step SD1 again.

[0069] On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that the value detected by the acceleration sensor 44 has changed (step SD1: YES), it transmits change data to the vehicle 50 (step SD2). The change data is data indicating that the value detected by the acceleration sensor 44 has changed.

[0070] As shown in flowchart FC, the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines whether or not it has received change data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SC1). If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that it has not received change data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SC1: NO), it performs the determination in step SC1 again.

[0071] On the other hand, if the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that it has received change data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SC1: YES), the wireless charging control unit 513 determines whether or not the WCU 38 is performing wireless charging (step SC2).

[0072] If the wireless charging control unit 513 determines that wireless charging is in progress (step SC2: YES), the second processor 510 terminates this process.

[0073] On the other hand, if the wireless charging control unit 513 determines that wireless charging is not currently in progress (step SC2: NO), the vehicle communication control unit 511 transmits terminal data to the mobile terminal 40 (step SC3). From step SC3 onward, the second processor 510 performs the processing from step SA5 onward.

[0074] As shown in flowchart FD, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether or not it has received terminal data from the vehicle 50 (step SD3). If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has not received terminal data from the vehicle 50 (step SD3: NO), it performs the process in step SD1 again.

[0075] On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has received terminal data from the vehicle 50 (step SD3: YES), the shooting function activation unit 412 activates the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 (step SB2). From step SB2 onward, the mobile terminal 40 performs the processing from step SB3 onward.

[0076] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, components that are the same as those of the wireless charging system 1000 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0077] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the wireless charging system 1000 in the second embodiment. The wireless charging system 1000 comprises a mobile terminal 40 and a vehicle 50 having the control system 1 shown in Figure 1. Similarly, Figure 3 and Figure 7 illustrate the main components of the control system 1.

[0078] As is clear from comparing Figure 7 with Figure 3, the first processor 410 in the second embodiment does not function as a foreign object detection unit 414. Furthermore, the first processor 410 in the second embodiment does not store reference image data 422.

[0079] Furthermore, as is clear from comparing Figure 7 and Figure 3, the second processor 510 of the second embodiment functions as a foreign object detection unit 515 in addition to the functional unit described in the first embodiment by reading and executing the control program 521 of the second memory 520. The second memory 520 also stores reference image data 422.

[0080] The foreign object detection unit 515 detects whether or not a foreign object is detected on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 based on the captured image obtained by the camera 42. The foreign object detection unit 515 detects whether or not a foreign object is detected on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 using the same detection method as the foreign object detection unit 414 in the first embodiment.

[0081] The operation of each part of the wireless charging system 1000 in the second embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40. In Figure 8, flowchart FE shows the operation of the vehicle 50, and flowchart FF shows the operation of the mobile terminal 40.

[0082] At the start of each flowchart shown in Figure 8, the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 is not activated, and the WCU 38 is not performing wireless charging.

[0083] In the flowchart of Figure 8, steps identical to those in Figure 5 are given the same step number, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0084] As shown in flowchart FF, when the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 is activated, the terminal communication control unit 411 starts transmitting the captured image data obtained by the camera 42 (step SF1). The terminal communication control unit 411 may transmit the captured image data to the vehicle 50 at the same frequency as the shooting cycle of the camera 42, or it may transmit the captured image data to the vehicle 50 at a longer frequency than the shooting cycle of the camera 42.

[0085] As shown in flowchart FE, when the vehicle 50 transmits terminal data to the mobile terminal 40, the foreign object detection unit 515 starts detecting whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 based on the captured image data transmitted from the mobile terminal 40 (step SE1).

[0086] Next, the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines whether the foreign object detection unit 515 has detected that a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38, or whether the foreign object detection unit 414 has detected that no foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU 38 (step SE2).

[0087] If the foreign object detection unit 515 determines that no foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU38 (step SE2: none present), the wireless charging control unit 513 instructs the WCU38 to perform wireless charging (step SA6).

[0088] Returning to the explanation of step SE2, if the foreign object detection unit 515 determines that a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 of the WCU38 (step SE2: present), the wireless charging control unit 513 prevents the WCU38 from performing wireless charging (step SA7).

[0089] Next, we will explain the operation of each part of the wireless charging system 1000 when the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 is activated and then terminated. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40. In Figure 9, flowchart FG shows the operation of the vehicle 50, and flowchart FH shows the operation of the mobile terminal 40.

[0090] In the explanation of Figure 9, it is assumed that communication via BLE is established between the vehicle 50 and the mobile terminal 40, and that the mobile terminal 40 is located inside the vehicle 50.

[0091] In the flowchart of Figure 9, steps identical to those in Figure 8 are given the same step number, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0092] As shown in flowchart FH, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether or not the detected value of the acceleration sensor 44 has changed (step SH1). If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that the detected value of the acceleration sensor 44 has not changed (step SH1: NO), it performs the determination in step SH1 again.

[0093] On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that the value detected by the acceleration sensor 44 has changed (step SH1: YES), it transmits change data to the vehicle 50 (step SH2).

[0094] As shown in flowchart FG, the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines whether or not it has received change data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SG1). If the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that it has not received change data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SG1: NO), it performs the determination in step SG1 again.

[0095] On the other hand, if the vehicle communication control unit 511 determines that it has received change data from the mobile terminal 40 (step SG1: YES), the wireless charging control unit 513 determines whether or not the WCU 38 is performing wireless charging (step SG2).

[0096] If the wireless charging control unit 513 determines that wireless charging is in progress (step SG2: YEs), the second processor 510 terminates this process.

[0097] On the other hand, if the wireless charging control unit 513 determines that wireless charging is not currently in progress (step SG2: NO), the vehicle communication control unit 511 transmits terminal data to the mobile terminal 40 (step SG3). From step SG3 onward, the second processor 510 performs the processing from step SE1 onward.

[0098] As shown in flowchart FH, the terminal communication control unit 411 determines whether or not it has received terminal data from the vehicle 50 (step SH3). If the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has not received terminal data from the vehicle 50 (step SH3: NO), it performs the process of step SH1 again.

[0099] On the other hand, if the terminal communication control unit 411 determines that it has received terminal data from the vehicle 50 (step SH3: YES), the shooting function activation unit 412 activates the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 (step SB2). From step SB2 onward, the mobile terminal 40 performs the processing from step SF1 onward.

[0100] Each of the embodiments described above is merely one example and can be modified and applied as desired.

[0101] In other embodiments, if the foreign object detection unit 414 fails to detect whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 in the configuration of the first embodiment, the notification unit 514 notifies the vehicle 50 that it was not possible to detect whether or not a foreign object is present. In this other embodiment, the foreign object detection unit 414 determines that it was not possible to detect whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381 if it fails to extract an image of the mounting surface 382 from the image captured by the camera 42. The terminal communication control unit 411 then transmits data to the vehicle 50 indicating that it was not possible to detect whether or not a foreign object is present. When the vehicle communication control unit 511 receives this data, the notification unit 514 notifies the vehicle 50 that it was not possible to detect whether or not a foreign object is present. During this notification, the wireless charging control unit 513 may either instruct the WCU 38 to stop wireless charging or to instruct the WCU 38 to continue wireless charging. If wireless charging is to be performed, the wireless charging control unit 513 detects whether or not foreign matter is present on the base 381 using existing technology (for example, a method for detecting temperature characteristics, etc.), and based on this result, instructs the WCU 38 to perform wireless charging.

[0102] In other embodiments, in the configuration of the second embodiment, if the foreign object detection unit 515 fails to detect whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381, the notification unit 514 notifies the vehicle 50 that it was unable to detect whether or not a foreign object is present. In this other embodiment, if the foreign object detection unit 515 fails to extract an image of the mounting surface 382 from the captured image obtained by the camera 42, it determines that it was unable to detect whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion 381. The notification unit 514 then notifies the vehicle 50 that it was unable to detect whether or not a foreign object is present. During this notification, the wireless charging control unit 513 may either instruct the WCU 38 to stop wireless charging or to instruct the WCU 38 to continue wireless charging. If wireless charging is to be performed, the wireless charging control unit 513 detects whether or not foreign matter is present on the base portion 381 using existing technology, and based on this result, instructs the WCU 38 to perform wireless charging.

[0103] Each of the embodiments described above is configured such that the mobile terminal 40 and the short-range wireless communication device 39 communicate to send and receive various data. In other embodiments, if the WCU 38 has a wireless communication function, the mobile terminal 40 and the WCU 38 may communicate to send and receive various data to each other.

[0104] In each of the embodiments described above, the notification unit 514 notifies the occupants of the vehicle 50 of various information by displaying various information on the touch panel 15. In other embodiments, the notification unit 514 may notify using a display device other than the touch panel 15 (for example, an instrument panel). Furthermore, the notification method of the notification unit 514 is not limited to display, but may also be other methods such as audio output.

[0105] Each of the embodiments described above is configured to terminate the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 after a predetermined period has elapsed since the vehicle 50 started moving. In other embodiments, the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 may be terminated when the mobile terminal 40 leaves the vehicle 50. In this configuration, the presence detection unit 512 detects whether or not the mobile terminal 40 has left the vehicle 50 based on the vehicle terminal distance M. When the presence detection unit 512 detects that the mobile terminal 40 has left the vehicle 50, the vehicle communication control unit 511 transmits termination data to the mobile terminal 40.

[0106] Each of the embodiments described above is configured to activate the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 when the mobile terminal 40 is found to be inside the vehicle 50. In other embodiments, the camera function of the mobile terminal 40 may be activated by other triggers, such as when the doors of the vehicle 50 are unlocked or when the ignition power of the vehicle 50 is turned on. In this configuration, the vehicle 50 does not need to be equipped with the UWB antennas 39b, 39c, and 39d.

[0107] In each of the embodiments described above, the first processor 410 functions as a shooting function activation unit 412 and a shooting function termination unit 413. In other embodiments, the second processor 510 may further function as a shooting function activation unit 412 and a shooting function termination unit 413. In this configuration, the shooting function activation unit 412 transmits activation instruction data to the mobile terminal 40 to activate the shooting function, and the shooting function termination unit 413 transmits termination instruction data to the mobile terminal 40 to terminate the shooting function. The mobile terminal 40 then activates or terminates the shooting function in accordance with the received instruction data.

[0108] Each of the embodiments described above is configured to start counting a predetermined period of time for terminating the shooting function of the mobile terminal 40 when the vehicle 50 starts moving. In other embodiments, the counting of the predetermined period may be started when other conditions are met. Examples of other conditions include the ignition power of the vehicle 50 being turned on.

[0109] The first processor 410 and the second processor 510 may consist of multiple processors or a single processor. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement the functional units described above. In this case, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0110] Furthermore, the configuration of each part of the wireless charging system 1000 shown in Figures 2 and 7 is merely an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually, and it is certainly possible to have a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented as software.

[0111] Furthermore, the operation step units shown in Figures 5, 6, 8, and 9 are divided according to the main processing content, and the present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or by their names. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Also, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. In addition, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the spirit of the present invention.

[0112] Furthermore, when the wireless charging control method by the wireless charging system 1000 described above is implemented using processors provided in each part of the wireless charging system 1000, the program to be executed by this processor can also be configured as a recording medium or a transmission medium for transmitting this program. That is, the wireless charging application 421 can also be implemented by recording the wireless charging application 421 on a portable information recording medium. Examples of information recording media include magnetic recording media such as hard disks, optical recording media such as CDs, and semiconductor storage devices such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and SSDs (Solid State Drives), but other recording media can also be used. The control program 521 can also be implemented by recording the control program 521 on a portable information recording medium, similar to the wireless charging application 421.

[0113] The above embodiment supports the following configuration.

[0114] (Composition 1) A wireless charging system comprising: a wireless charging unit provided on a vehicle and having a base portion, which wirelessly charges a mobile terminal placed on the base portion; a shooting function activation unit that activates the shooting function of the mobile terminal when the vehicle and the mobile terminal are in communication connection; a foreign object detection unit that detects whether or not a foreign object is present on the base portion based on the captured image obtained by the shooting function activated by the shooting function activated by the shooting function unit; and a wireless charging control unit that controls the wireless charging unit based on the detection result of the foreign object detection unit. According to the wireless charging system of Configuration 1, when a mobile device is placed on the base, the mobile device can take an overhead image of the base. Therefore, foreign object detection can be performed based on the overhead image of the base, enabling accurate detection of whether or not a foreign object is present on the base. Thus, wireless charging to the mobile device can be appropriately controlled. Furthermore, since the wireless charging unit does not need to have an imaging function, the wireless charging system can suppress cost increases for the wireless charging unit.

[0115] (Configuration 2) The wireless charging system according to Configuration 1, wherein the wireless charging control unit prevents the wireless charging unit from performing wireless charging when the foreign object detection unit detects that a foreign object is present in the base. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 2, it is possible to prevent heat generation from foreign objects and a decrease in charging effectiveness due to foreign objects, thereby enabling more appropriate control of wireless charging to mobile devices.

[0116] (Composition 3) A wireless charging system according to configuration 1 or configuration 2, comprising a presence detection unit that detects whether or not the mobile terminal is inside the vehicle, and the shooting function activation unit that activates the shooting function when the presence detection unit detects that the mobile terminal is inside the vehicle. According to the wireless charging system of Configuration 3, the camera function of the mobile device can be activated from the moment the user boards the vehicle, thus suppressing an increase in the power consumption of the mobile device while appropriately controlling wireless charging to the mobile device.

[0117] (Composition 4) A wireless charging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, further comprising a shooting function termination unit that terminates the shooting function if the communication connection between the vehicle and the mobile terminal is terminated after the shooting function has been activated. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 4, the camera function of the mobile device is terminated at the time when it can be determined that the user of the mobile device has stopped using the vehicle. This allows for appropriate control of wireless charging to the mobile device while suppressing an increase in the power consumption of the mobile device.

[0118] (Composition 5) A wireless charging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, comprising a shooting function termination unit that terminates the shooting function after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the shooting function was activated. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 5, the camera function of the mobile device is terminated at the moment when the mobile device can be considered to be placed on the base of the wireless charging unit. This allows for appropriate control of wireless charging to the mobile device while suppressing an increase in the power consumption of the mobile device.

[0119] (Composition 6) The wireless charging system according to configuration 5, wherein the mobile terminal is equipped with an acceleration sensor, and the shooting function activation unit, when the wireless charging control unit is not causing the wireless charging unit to perform wireless charging and the shooting function has finished, reactivates the shooting function based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 6, the camera function of the mobile device can be reactivated depending on the usage status of the mobile device, thereby suppressing an increase in the power consumption of the mobile device while properly detecting foreign objects.

[0120] (Composition 7) A wireless charging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the vehicle if the foreign object detection unit fails to detect whether or not a foreign object is present in the base portion. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 7, the user of the mobile device will be able to recognize whether foreign object detection has been performed successfully. Therefore, the opportunities for foreign object detection can be increased, and wireless charging to the mobile device can be controlled more appropriately.

[0121] (Composition 8) The wireless charging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a foreign object detection unit and a transmission unit that transmits the detection result of the foreign object detection unit to the vehicle, and the vehicle comprises a receiving unit that receives the detection result of the foreign object detection unit and a wireless charging control unit that controls the wireless charging unit based on the detection result of the foreign object detection unit received by the receiving unit. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 8, in a configuration in which the mobile terminal performs foreign object detection, wireless charging to the mobile terminal can be controlled more appropriately.

[0122] (Composition 9) The wireless charging system according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the mobile terminal includes a transmitting unit that transmits image data of the captured image to the vehicle, the vehicle includes a receiving unit that receives image data of the captured image, a foreign object detection unit that detects whether or not a foreign object is present in the base based on the captured image shown by the image data received by the receiving unit, and a wireless charging control unit. According to the wireless charging system of configuration 9, in a configuration in which the vehicle performs foreign object detection, wireless charging to a mobile device can be controlled more appropriately.

[0123] (Composition 10) A portable terminal capable of wireless charging, comprising: an imaging unit; a storage unit for storing image data of a reference image; a foreign object detection unit for detecting whether or not a foreign object is present on the base of a wireless charging unit capable of wirelessly charging the portable terminal, based on an image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit and a reference image indicated by the image data stored in the storage unit; and a transmission unit for transmitting stop instruction data to an external device that controls the wireless charging unit, instructing it to stop wireless charging when the foreign object detection unit detects the foreign object. According to the mobile device in configuration 10, it produces the same effect as the wireless charging system in configuration 1.

[0124] (Composition 11) A wireless charging control method for controlling a wireless charging unit provided in a vehicle and having a base, which wirelessly charges a mobile terminal placed on the base, wherein when the vehicle and the mobile terminal are in a communication connection, the camera function of the mobile terminal is activated, the presence or absence of a foreign object on the base is detected based on the image captured by the activated camera function, and the wireless charging unit is controlled based on the detection result of whether or not a foreign object is present on the base. The wireless charging control method of configuration 11 produces the same effect as the wireless charging system of configuration 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1...Control system, 2...Central ECU (external device), 38...WCU (wireless charging unit), 40...Mobile terminal, 41...Terminal control device, 42...Camera (shooting unit), 43...Touch panel, 44...Accelerometer, 45...Wireless communication device, 50...Vehicle, 381...Base unit, 382...Mounting surface, 410...First processor, 411...Terminal communication control unit (transmitter unit), 412...Shooting function activation unit, 413...Shooting function termination unit, 414...Foreign object detection unit, 420...First memory (storage unit), 421...Wireless charging application, 422...Reference image data, 510...Second processor, 511...Vehicle communication control unit, 512...Presence detection unit, 513...Wireless charging control unit, 514...Notification unit, 515...Foreign object detection unit, 520...Second memory, 521...Control program, 1000...Wireless charging system.

Claims

1. A wireless charging unit is provided on the vehicle, has a base, and wirelessly charges a mobile device placed on the base. A camera function activation unit that activates the camera function of the mobile terminal when the vehicle and the mobile terminal are connected in communication, A foreign object detection unit detects whether or not a foreign object is present in the base based on the captured image obtained by the shooting function activated by the shooting function activation unit, Based on the detection result of the foreign object detection unit, a wireless charging control unit controls the wireless charging unit, A presence detection unit that detects whether or not the aforementioned mobile terminal is present inside the vehicle, Equipped with, The aforementioned shooting function activation unit activates the shooting function when the presence detection unit detects that the mobile terminal is inside the vehicle. Wireless charging system.

2. The wireless charging control unit, If the foreign object detection unit detects that the aforementioned foreign object is present in the base portion, the wireless charging unit will not perform wireless charging. The wireless charging system according to claim 1.

3. The system includes a shooting function termination unit that terminates the shooting function if the communication connection between the vehicle and the mobile terminal is lost after the shooting function has been activated. The wireless charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes a shooting function termination unit that terminates the shooting function after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the shooting function was activated. The wireless charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned mobile terminal is equipped with an accelerometer, The shooting function activation unit, if the wireless charging control unit is not instructing the wireless charging unit to perform wireless charging and the shooting function has finished, will reactivate the shooting function based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor. The wireless charging system according to claim 4.

6. If the foreign object detection unit fails to detect whether or not a foreign object is present in the base portion, the vehicle is equipped with a notification unit that notifies the vehicle accordingly. The wireless charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The aforementioned mobile terminal comprises a foreign object detection unit and a transmission unit that transmits the detection result of the foreign object detection unit to the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a receiving unit that receives the detection result of the foreign object detection unit, and a wireless charging control unit that controls the wireless charging unit based on the detection result of the foreign object detection unit received by the receiving unit. The wireless charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The aforementioned mobile terminal includes a transmission unit that transmits the image data of the captured image to the vehicle. The vehicle comprises a receiving unit that receives image data of the captured image, a foreign object detection unit that detects whether or not a foreign object is present in the base based on the captured image shown by the image data received by the receiving unit, and a wireless charging control unit. The wireless charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A wireless charging control method for controlling a wireless charging unit installed in a vehicle, having a base, and performing wireless charging for a mobile terminal placed on the base, When the vehicle and the mobile terminal are in communication connection, the camera function of the mobile terminal is activated. Based on the captured image obtained by the activated shooting function, it is detected whether or not a foreign object is present in the base. Based on the detection result of whether or not foreign matter is present in the base portion, the wireless charging unit is controlled. The system detects whether the mobile device is inside the vehicle, and if it detects that the mobile device is inside the vehicle, it activates the camera function. Wireless charging control method.

10. A wireless charging control method for controlling a wireless charging unit installed in a vehicle, having a base, and performing wireless charging for a mobile terminal placed on the base, When the vehicle and the mobile terminal are in communication connection, the camera function of the mobile terminal is activated. Based on the captured image obtained by the activated shooting function, it is detected whether or not a foreign object is present in the base. Based on the detection result of whether or not foreign matter is present in the base portion, the wireless charging unit is controlled. If the communication connection between the vehicle and the mobile terminal is lost after the aforementioned shooting function has been activated, the shooting function will be terminated. Wireless charging control method.

11. A wireless charging control method for controlling a wireless charging unit installed in a vehicle, having a base, and performing wireless charging for a mobile terminal placed on the base, When the vehicle and the mobile terminal are in communication connection, the camera function of the mobile terminal is activated. Based on the captured image obtained by the activated shooting function, it is detected whether or not a foreign object is present in the base. Based on the detection result of whether or not foreign matter is present in the base portion, the wireless charging unit is controlled. The aforementioned mobile terminal is equipped with an accelerometer, If wireless charging is not being performed by the wireless charging unit and the shooting function has ended, the shooting function is restarted based on the detection result of the acceleration sensor. Wireless charging control method.

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