Device, and method and program performed by device

Abstract

This device detects an object by using near field communication (NFC), and selects, on the basis of the detection result, either one of a mode for wirelessly receiving power and a mode for wirelessly transmitting power.

Description

Apparatus, method performed by the apparatus, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless power transfer.

[0002] In recent years, technological development of wireless power transmission systems has been widespread. Patent Document 1 discloses a power transmitting device and a power receiving device that comply with a standard (hereinafter referred to as the "WPC standard") established by the Wireless Power Consortium (hereinafter referred to as the "WPC"), a standardization organization for contactless charging standards. Recently, electronic devices that have both a power receiving mode for wirelessly receiving power from other devices and a power transmitting mode for wirelessly transmitting power to other devices have also been sold. Examples of such electronic devices include smartphones and tablets equipped with large-capacity batteries, portable chargers, and the like.

[0003] Patent document 2 discloses that in order to reduce the user operations required to set up wireless power transmission of a power transmitting and receiving device, a method is disclosed in which a power receiving device, which is the target of power transmission, is detected to have been placed on a power transmission target device, and the power transmitting and receiving device is notified of this via wireless communication.

[0004] JP 2015-56959 A JP 2017-85855 A

[0005] A technology for more appropriately transmitting wireless power is provided.

[0006] A device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power, a detection means for detecting an object using Near Field Communication (NFC), and a selection means for selecting either a mode in which the power receiving means operates or a mode in which the power transmitting means operates based on the detection result of the object.

[0007] This allows for more appropriate wireless power transmission.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power transmitting and receiving device; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power receiving device; FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an object detection process by NFC; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation mode switching operation; FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a power transmission mode process; FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a power receiving mode process; and FIG. 7 is a sequence of a wireless power transmission system.

[0009] Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments, wireless power transmission based on the WPC standard will be described as an example of a wireless power transmission system. Note that, hereinafter, a device that has both a power transmission mode in which power is transmitted to another device via wireless power transmission and a power receiving mode in which power is received from another device via wireless power transmission will be referred to as a power transmitting and receiving device. Typically, the power transmitting and receiving device is an electronic device such as a smartphone, tablet, or charger, but is not limited thereto. Also, a power receiving device refers to a device that receives power from another device via wireless power transmission. For example, the power receiving device is an imaging device, a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet PC, etc. Note that, hereinafter, the power receiving device may also refer to a power transmitting and receiving device operating in a power receiving mode. Also, a power transmitting device refers to a device that transmits power to another device via wireless power transmission. For example, the power transmitting device may be various chargers, including in-vehicle chargers, multifunction peripherals, etc. Note that, hereinafter, the power transmitting device may also refer to a power transmitting and receiving device operating in a power transmission mode. The power transmitting device can transmit power to a power receiving device or a power transmitting and receiving device via wireless power transmission. Furthermore, the power receiving device can receive power from the power transmitting device or the power transmitting and receiving device via wireless power transmission. When operating in the power receiving mode, the power transmitting and receiving device can receive power from the power transmitting device or another power transmitting and receiving device operating in the power transmitting mode. When operating in the power transmitting mode, the power transmitting and receiving device can transmit power to the power receiving device or another power transmitting and receiving device operating in the power receiving mode.

[0010] The following embodiments are merely examples for explaining the technical ideas of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the configurations and methods described in the embodiments. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the present disclosure, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] 2 is placed on the power transmitting and receiving device 100 in Fig. 1 , but a separate power receiving device may be placed on the power transmitting and receiving device. Furthermore, when the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits power to the power receiving device 200, the power receiving device 200 only needs to be located within a power transmission range of the power transmitting and receiving device 100, and does not have to be placed on the power transmitting and receiving device 100.

[0012] [Configuration of power transmitting and receiving device] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power transmitting and receiving device 100. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 has a control unit 101, a power supply unit 102, a power transmitting unit 103, a communication unit 104, an antenna (coil) 105, a detection unit 106, a memory 107, a power receiving unit 108, a charging unit 109, and a power transmission and reception switching unit 110. In Fig. 1, the control unit 101, the power supply unit 102, the power transmitting unit 103, the communication unit 104, the detection unit 106, the memory 107, the power receiving unit 108, the charging unit 109, and the power transmission and reception switching unit 110 are depicted as separate entities, but any two or more of these blocks may be implemented on the same chip.

[0013] The control unit 101 controls the entire power transmitting and receiving device 100 by executing a control program stored in the memory 107, for example. The control unit 101 controls the power transmitting unit 103 and the power receiving unit 108 in accordance with the WPC standard described below. The control unit 101 controls the charging unit 109 to charge a battery (not shown) of the power supply unit 102. The control unit 101 controls the power transmission and receiving switching unit 110 to switch the antenna 105 between a state in which the power transmitting unit 103 operates and a state in which the power receiving unit 108 operates. The control unit 101 also performs control related to power reception control and power transmission control, including communication for device authentication in the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The control unit 101 may also perform control to execute applications other than wireless power transmission.

[0014] The control unit 101 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The control unit 101 may be configured with hardware dedicated to a specific process, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit 101 may also include an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) array circuit compiled to execute a specific process. The control unit 101 stores information to be stored during execution of various processes in the memory 107. The control unit 101 may also measure time using a timer (not shown). In addition, when the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is operating in a state in which it can receive wireless power transmitted from a device capable of wireless power transmission via an antenna, the control unit 101 may be configured to start up using the received power.

[0015] The power supply unit 102 supplies power to each block. The power supply unit 102 is, for example, a commercial power supply or a battery. The battery stores power supplied from the commercial power supply or power supplied from a power transmission device capable of wireless power transmission.

[0016] The power transmitting unit 103 converts DC or AC power input from the power supply unit 102 into AC frequency power in a frequency band used for wireless power transmission, and inputs the AC frequency power to the antenna 105 to generate electromagnetic waves for the power receiving device 200 to receive power. For example, the power transmitting unit 103 converts the DC voltage supplied by the power supply unit 102 into AC voltage using a half-bridge or full-bridge switching circuit using field effect transistors (FETs). In this case, the power transmitting unit 103 includes a gate driver that controls the ON / OFF of the FETs. The power transmitting unit 103 controls the intensity of the electromagnetic waves to be output by adjusting the voltage (transmission voltage) or current (transmission current), or both, input to the antenna 105. Increasing the transmission voltage or transmission current increases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves, whereas decreasing the transmission voltage or transmission current decreases the intensity of the electromagnetic waves.

[0017] Furthermore, the power transmitting unit 103 controls the output of AC frequency power so as to start or stop power transmission from the antenna 105 based on instructions from the control unit 101. Furthermore, the power transmitting unit 103 is assumed to have the capacity to supply enough power to output 15 watts of power to a charging unit 206 (shown in FIG. 3 ) of the power receiving device 200 that complies with the WPC standard.

[0018] The communication unit 104 performs communication for power transmission control based on the WPC standard with the power receiving device 200. The communication unit 104 modulates electromagnetic waves output from the antenna 105 and transmits information to the power receiving device 200. The communication unit 104 also demodulates the electromagnetic waves output from the antenna 105 and modulated by the power receiving device 200 to acquire information transmitted by the power receiving device 200. That is, communication performed by the communication unit 104 is performed by superimposing a signal on the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the antenna 105.

[0019] Furthermore, the communication unit 104 performs communication for power reception control based on the WPC standard with, for example, another device (power transmission device not shown) capable of wireless power transmission. In this case, the communication unit 104 acquires information received from the power transmission device (not shown) by demodulating electromagnetic waves modulated by the power transmission device (not shown) and input to the antenna 105. The communication unit 104 also transmits information to the power transmission device. That is, communication performed by the communication unit 104 is performed by superimposing a signal on the electromagnetic waves received by the antenna 105. Note that the power transmission device may be a power transmitting and receiving device operating in a power transmission mode.

[0020] Furthermore, the communication unit 104 may communicate with the power receiving device 200 or another device (not shown) capable of wireless power transmission by using an antenna (not shown) and communication using a frequency other than the antenna 105. Alternatively, the communication unit 104 may selectively use the antenna 105 or another antenna (not shown) to communicate with the power receiving device 200 or another device (not shown) capable of wireless power transmission. For example, the communication unit 104 may communicate with the power receiving device 200 via the antenna 105 and with a power transmitting device (not shown) via an antenna (not shown). In other words, the antenna for receiving electromagnetic waves and the antenna for transmitting electromagnetic waves may be separate antennas.

[0021] The detection unit 106 detects an object in proximity to the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The detection unit 106 may detect the object using long-distance wireless communication. The detection unit 106 is, for example, an NFC unit (NFC unit, NFC transceiver) that communicates with other NFC functions using a Near Field Communication (NFC) function. The detection unit 106 operates in, for example, a mode compliant with standards established by the NFC Forum. These modes include a card emulation mode that functions as a contactless IC card, a reader / writer mode for reading NFC tags, and a P2P (Peer to Peer) mode in which messages are directly exchanged between NFC devices. For example, the card emulation mode enables electronic money payments, and the P2P mode allows an unspecified number of devices (such as smartphones and tablets) to exchange information directly with each other without going through a server.

[0022] The detection unit 106 has an antenna (not shown) different from the antenna 105. The detection unit 106 is controlled by the control unit 101, but may be configured to be controlled by a control unit of another device (not shown) that incorporates the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The detection unit 106 can detect an object having an NFC function by polling in NFC and checking whether or not there is a response.

[0023] Furthermore, there are multiple types of NFC, specifically NFC-A, NFC-B, NFC-F, and NFC-V. The polling performed by the detection unit 106 may be for some or all of the multiple types. Furthermore, when performing multiple types of polling, the detection unit 106 may perform the polling in order, and after completing all types of polling, perform the multiple types of polling again in a different order. In contrast, the power receiving device 200 responds to two or more types of polling. On the other hand, an NFC tag responds to only one type of polling. This allows the detection unit 106 to identify whether the placed object is the power receiving device 200 or an NFC tag. Furthermore, the detection unit 106 can also identify whether the placed object is the power receiving device 200 or an NFC tag based on information included in the response to the polling.

[0024] The detection unit 106 may detect an object using a magnetic sensor, or may detect an object through Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication. In the latter case, the detection unit 106 may be a Bluetooth unit (Bluetooth Unit, Bluetooth Transceiver). In particular, Bluetooth communication may be performed using Bluetooth Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as "BLE"). The detection unit 106 can identify the other party through terminal-to-terminal pairing. Terminal-to-terminal pairing here refers to mutual authentication between terminals in a wireless connection between terminals using a communication function such as Bluetooth. Authentication between terminals is performed using a PIN or the like, and the terminals can then be set to automatically connect when the device is within communication range. The detection unit 106 may be configured with an NFC unit, a magnetic sensor, and a Bluetooth unit as a single block, or may be configured with any combination of multiple blocks.

[0025] The memory 107 stores the control program, as well as the status of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200, or other devices (not shown) capable of wireless power transmission.

[0026] The power receiving unit 108 acquires, at the antenna 105, AC power (AC voltage and AC current) generated by electromagnetic induction caused by electromagnetic waves radiated from another device (not shown) capable of wireless power transmission. The power receiving unit 108 then converts the AC power into DC or AC power of a predetermined frequency, and outputs the power to the charging unit 109, which performs processing to charge a battery (not shown) of the power supply unit 102. In other words, the power receiving unit 108 supplies power to a load in the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The power receiving unit 108 supplies power for the charging unit 109 to charge the battery (not shown) of the power supply unit 102, and is capable of supplying enough power to output 15 watts of power to the charging unit 109.

[0027] The power transmission / reception switching unit 110 switches between connecting the power transmission unit 103 and connecting the power receiving unit 108 to the antenna 105 based on the object detection result by the detection unit 106. This causes the power transmission / reception switching unit 110 to select either a mode (or state) in which the power transmission unit 103 operates or a mode (or state) in which the power receiving unit 108 operates. Hereinafter, the mode in which the power transmission unit 103 operates will be referred to as the power transmission mode, and the mode in which the power receiving unit 108 operates will be referred to as the power receiving mode. The power transmission mode is a mode in which power can be wirelessly transmitted to another device (a power receiving device or another power transmitting / receiving device) via the power transmission unit 103 and the antenna 105. The power receiving mode is a mode in which power can be wirelessly received from another device (a power transmission device or another power transmitting / receiving device) via the power receiving unit 108 and the antenna 105 to charge the battery. Although the power transmission and reception switching unit 110 is configured to switch the connection, the power transmission and reception switching unit 110 may be included in the control unit 101, and the control unit 101 may control which of the power transmission unit 103 and the power receiving unit 108 to operate, thereby achieving the same function. Furthermore, the operation modes of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may include other modes in addition to the power transmission mode and the power receiving mode. The power transmission and reception switching unit 110 may select one of the operation modes. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 may also be in a state where no mode is selected. This means that the power transmission and reception switching unit 110 has not selected any operation mode. For example, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may first be in a state where no mode is selected, and then the detection unit 106 performs an object detection process, and the operation mode of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may be selected based on the detection result. In other words, the power transmission mode may be selected when the detection unit 106 detects an object, and the power receiving mode may be selected when the detection unit 106 does not detect an object.

[0028] The control unit 101 may also have a WPC processing unit that performs control communication of wireless power transmission based on the WPC standard via the communication unit 104, and an NFC processing unit that performs communication based on the NFC standard. The WPC processing unit controls the power transmitting unit 103 to control power transmission to the power receiving device 200, and controls the power receiving unit 108 to control charging of the battery of the power supply unit 102. The NFC processing unit controls the detection unit 106. The NFC processing unit may be included in the detection unit 106. The WPC processing unit and the NFC processing unit can operate in parallel as independent programs.

[0029] [Configuration of power receiving device] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example configuration of the power receiving device 200. The power receiving device 200 has a control unit 201, a detected unit 202, a power receiving unit 203, a communication unit 204, a power receiving antenna (coil) 205, a charging unit 206, a battery 207, and a memory 208. Note that in Fig. 3, the control unit 201, the detected unit 202, the power receiving unit 203, the communication unit 204, the charging unit 206, the battery 207, and the memory 208 are depicted as separate entities, but any two or more of these blocks may be implemented on the same chip.

[0030] The control unit 201 controls the entire power receiving device 200 by executing a control program stored in the memory 208, for example. That is, the control unit 201 controls each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 . Furthermore, the control unit 201 may perform control for executing applications other than wireless power transmission. An example of the control unit 201 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU or an MPU. Note that the entire power receiving device 200 may be controlled in cooperation with an operating system (OS) executed by the control unit 201. The control unit 201 may also be configured with hardware dedicated to a specific process, such as an ASIC. The control unit 201 may also be configured with an FPGA array circuit compiled to execute a predetermined process. The control unit 201 stores information to be stored during execution of various processes in the memory 208. The control unit 201 may also measure time using a timer (not shown).

[0031] The detected unit 202 communicates with other NFC devices using, for example, an NFC function, and operates in a mode that complies with the standards established by the NFC Forum.

[0032] The detected unit 202 has an antenna (not shown) different from the power receiving antenna 205 in order to perform communication based on the NFC standard. The detected unit 202 is controlled by the control unit 201, but may be configured to be controlled by a control unit of another device (not shown) that incorporates the power receiving device 200. The detected unit 202 may be a Bluetooth unit that uses a communication function such as Bluetooth or BLE to communicate with other Bluetooth or BLE functions.

[0033] The power receiving unit 203 acquires, at the power receiving antenna 205, AC power (AC voltage and AC current) generated by electromagnetic induction caused by electromagnetic waves radiated from the antenna 105 of the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The power receiving unit 203 then converts the AC power into DC or AC power of a predetermined frequency, and outputs the power to the charging unit 206, which performs processing to charge the battery 207. In other words, the power receiving unit 203 supplies power to a load in the power receiving device 200.

[0034] The power receiving unit 203 supplies power for the charging unit 206 to charge the battery 207, and is assumed to have the capacity to supply enough power to output 15 watts of power to the charging unit 206.

[0035] The communication unit 204 communicates with the communication unit 104 included in the power transmitting and receiving device 100 for power reception control based on the WPC standard as described above. The communication unit 204 demodulates electromagnetic waves input from the power receiving antenna 205 to acquire information transmitted from the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The communication unit 204 then performs load modulation on the input electromagnetic waves to superimpose a signal related to information to be transmitted to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 on the electromagnetic waves, thereby communicating with the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The communication unit 204 may also communicate with the power transmitting and receiving device 100 using an antenna (not shown) other than the power receiving antenna 205 and communication using a frequency, or may communicate with the power transmitting and receiving device 100 selectively using the power receiving antenna 205 or another antenna (not shown).

[0036] The memory 208 stores the control program, as well as the states of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 .

[0037] [Object Detection Processing Using NFC] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing operation by the control unit 101 (NFC processing unit).

[0038] This process is continuously and repeatedly executed while the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is activated. When the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is activated, the detection unit 106 starts an NFC polling process (S401). The polling process is a process in which the power transmitting and receiving device 100 detects nearby NFC tags or NFC devices that are attempting to communicate in reader / writer mode or P2P mode. As a result, the detection unit 106 transmits polling and detects the approach of other NFC devices based on the presence or absence of a response to the polling.

[0039] The NFC processing unit determines whether or not an error has occurred as a result of the polling process (S402). The error here means a failure of communication related to the NFC standard, and does not include the absence of a response to polling, i.e., the absence of an NFC device as a communication partner.

[0040] An example of an error is a so-called collision error, which occurs when multiple other NFC devices within the communication range of NFC-compliant communications respond at the same time and the response data cannot be received correctly. If an error exists (YES in S402), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that an error exists (S403). If no error exists (NO in S402), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that there is no error (S404).

[0041] Next, the NFC processing unit determines whether or not there is a response to the transmitted polling (S405). The response may include a response indicating that the device supports the P2P mode. A device supporting the P2P mode refers to a case where the NFC device is capable of operating in the P2P mode. If the device supports the P2P mode, the response data to the polling request includes information indicating that the P2P mode is supported. Therefore, the NFC processing unit can determine whether or not the detected NFC device supports the P2P mode based on the response data.

[0042] If there is no response (NO in S405), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that there is no NFC device (S406). On the other hand, if there is a response (YES in S405), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that there is an NFC device (S407).

[0043] If there is a response, the NFC processing unit acquires NFC device identifier information (hereinafter referred to as "NFC identifier information") included in the received response data (S408). The NFC processing unit can detect the presence of an NFC device nearby based on the presence or absence of a response. The NFC identifier information here refers to identifier information that can uniquely identify other NFC devices present within the NFC communication range. This identifier information is, for example, device identifier information. The identifier information may also include information identifying a power receiving device, a power transmitting device, a power transmitting and receiving device, a state in which the power transmitting unit is operating, a state in which the power receiving unit is operating, etc. Alternatively, the identifier information may also include information indicating whether the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200, or the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and another device (not shown) capable of wireless power transmission are paired via Bluetooth or BLE. The NFC processing unit may also acquire a number of pieces of identification information corresponding to the number of responses to polling. That is, if there are multiple responses, the NFC processor may obtain multiple pieces of identification information.

[0044] The NFC processing unit determines whether acquisition of the NFC identifier information was successful or failed (S409). If acquisition of the NFC identifier information failed (NO in S409), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that acquisition of the NFC identifier information failed (S410). If acquisition of the NFC identifier information was successful (YES in S409), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit of the acquired NFC identifier information (S411).

[0045] After notifying the identifier information, the NFC processing unit compares the NFC identifier information acquired in the previous NFC process with the NFC identifier information acquired in the current NFC process (S412). As a result, it determines whether there is any NFC identifier information among the previously acquired NFC identifier information that could not be acquired this time (S413). If there is any NFC identifier information that could not be acquired this time (YES in S413), the NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that there is no more NFC identifier information and that NFC identifier information (S414).

[0046] 4 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the control unit 101 (WPC processing unit). This processing is also repeatedly executed continuously while the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is activated.

[0047] Assume that the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is first operating in a power receiving mode (S501). The power receiving mode here refers to a state in which power can be extracted from a power signal from another device (e.g., a power transmitting device). When starting the power transmitting and receiving device 100 in the power transmitting mode (YES in S502), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 switches from the power receiving mode to the power transmitting mode (S503). The determination to start the power transmitting mode is made, for example, when the WPC processing unit receives a notification from the NFC processing unit that an NFC device is present, i.e., when an object is detected in proximity to the power transmitting and receiving device 100. The WPC processing unit then executes a power transmitting mode process (S504). The power transmitting mode process here refers to a state in which a power signal can be generated, i.e., the execution of a charging sequence based on the WPC standard. Specifically, the power transmitting mode process starts by applying an analog ping. The analog ping is a power signal applied for the purpose of detecting an object. The power transmission mode process will be described in detail later.

[0048] On the other hand, if the power transmitting and receiving device 100 does not start the power transmission mode (NO in S502), it continues the power receiving mode (S507). The power transmitting and receiving device 100 does not start the power transmission mode when, for example, the WPC processing unit receives a notification from the NFC processing unit that an NFC device has not been detected, that is, when an object close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 has not been detected. When the Digital Ping is received, a series of processes for the power receiving mode are performed (S408). Details of the processes for the power receiving mode will be described later.

[0049] The WPC processor determines whether the power transmission mode processing has ended (S505). If the power transmission mode processing has ended (YES in S505), the WPC processor switches from the power transmission mode to the power receiving mode (S506). If the power transmission mode has not ended (NO in S505), the WPC processor repeats the power transmission mode processing. The end of the power transmission mode processing may be determined based on the stopping of power transmission. For example, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may stop power transmission when it receives a request to stop power transmission from the power receiving device 200 or when the remaining battery charge of the power supply unit 102 falls below a predetermined threshold. Note that the threshold here may be, for example, 50% of the battery capacity, but is not limited thereto. This allows the power transmitting and receiving device 100 to end the power transmission mode and switch to the power receiving mode when the remaining battery charge of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is low, thereby preventing the battery from running out. Note that although multiple examples have been given here for determining whether to end the power transmission mode, the determination may be made based on a single example or on any combination of multiple examples.

[0050] As described above, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 automatically selects an operation mode based on the object detection result of the detection unit 106. When the power transmitting and receiving device 100 starts the power transmission mode, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 automatically switches from the power receiving mode to the power transmission mode, and also automatically switches from the power transmission mode to the power receiving mode when the power transmission mode ends. This makes it possible to switch modes without requiring user operation. Furthermore, because the detection unit 106 included in the power transmitting and receiving device 100 detects an object, it is possible to automatically switch from the power receiving mode to the power transmission mode with a simple configuration.

[0051] [Power Transmission Mode Processing] Next, the power transmission mode processing will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . In the Selection phase, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 applies an Analog Ping via the power transmitting unit 103 and the antenna 105 (S510). The power transmitting and receiving device 100 determines whether an object has been detected (S511). Specifically, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 detects at least one of the voltage value and the current value of the antenna 105 when the Analog Ping is applied. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 determines that an object is present near the antenna 105 when the voltage is below a certain threshold or the current value exceeds a certain threshold (YES in S511). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the Ping Phase (S512). If it is determined that no object is present (NO in S511), the selection phase continues, and analog pings are applied intermittently. In this case, for example, the number of times that analog pings are applied is counted and stored in the memory 107. If the number of times that analog pings are applied is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may reset the ping transmission count and terminate the power transmission mode process (not shown). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may switch to the power receiving mode. The predetermined number is, for example, three or five times, but is not limited thereto. Here, the reason that no object is present may be, for example, that the object detected by the detection unit 106 is in the power transmitting and receiving device 100's analog ping application area. When the number of times that Analog Pings have been applied reaches a predetermined number, unnecessary transmission of Analog Pings can be suppressed and power can be saved by switching from the power transmission mode to the power reception mode. Note that the threshold value here refers to the voltage value and current value of the antenna 105 when Analog Pings are applied in a state where no object is present around the antenna 105. In other words, the threshold value refers to the voltage value and current value of the antenna 105 when Analog Pings are applied in a state where no object is present in an area that would cause a change in the voltage value and current value of the antenna 105 when Analog Pings are applied.

[0052] Furthermore, when the detection unit 106 detects an object close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100, the WPC processing unit may skip the Selection Phase and transition to the Ping Phase (not shown) when the power transmitting and receiving device 100 switches from the power receiving mode to the power transmitting mode. Specifically, a Digital Ping may be transmitted without applying an Analog Ping. This configuration is possible because, although the object detected by NFC and the object detected by Analog Ping may not be the same, there is not much difference between the communication range of NFC and the area in which an object can be detected by Analog Ping.

[0053] In the Ping Phase, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 applies a Digital Ping (S513). The Digital Ping is a power signal that activates the control unit 201 of the power receiving device 200 that is present at least near the antenna 105. Next, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 determines whether a response to a received voltage notification that notifies the magnitude of the received voltage has been received from the power receiving device 200 (S514). If a response has been received (YES in S514), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the I&C Phase (S515). By receiving the response to the Digital Ping via the communication unit 104, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 can recognize that the detected object is a device that can be charged based on the WPC standard.

[0054] On the other hand, if a response to the Digital Ping is not received (NO in S514), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 returns to the Selection Phase. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 also counts the number of times the Digital Ping has been applied and stores the count in the memory 107. If the number of times the Digital Ping has been applied is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may reset the transmission count and terminate the power transmission mode process (not shown). The power transmitting and receiving device 100 may then switch to the power receiving mode. The predetermined number may be, for example, three or five times, but is not limited to these. If a response to the Digital Ping is not received, this may be the case when an object close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is, for example, a power transmitting device or another power transmitting and receiving device operating in the power transmission mode. Alternatively, if no response to the Digital Ping is received, this may be because an electronic device that does not have a function for receiving power wirelessly in compliance with the WPC standard is mounted on the power transmitting and receiving device 100. For example, the electronic device may be a smartphone or a tablet.

[0055] In order to avoid applying an analog ping or a digital ping to such a device that is not a power transmission target, in S502 of FIG. 4 , it may be determined whether to start the power transmission mode based on identifier information of the nearby object. As described above, the response data to the NFC polling includes identifier information of the nearby object (S411). Then, when it is possible to identify the object that is close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 as a power transmission target device based on the identifier information of the object, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may start the power transmission mode. In this case, since an analog ping or a digital ping is not applied to a device that is not a power transmission target, it is possible to reduce power consumption. As another example, an NFC unit and a Bluetooth unit may be used as the detection unit 106. Then, when the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 are paired with each other in the Bluetooth section and an object is detected in the vicinity of the power transmitting and receiving device 100, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may determine to start the power transmission mode.

[0056] Furthermore, even if the device that is not the target of power transmission is a power transmission device (or another power transmission / reception device in power transmission mode) that can be charged based on the WPC standard, power consumption can be reduced using a similar method. Furthermore, in this case, the power reception mode continues without starting the power transmission mode, allowing wireless charging to start promptly. Furthermore, if there is no response to the Digital Ping (NO in S514), instead of returning to S510, the power transmission mode may be terminated (YES in S505 of FIG. 4 ) and the power transmission mode may be switched to the power reception mode (S506 of FIG. 3 ). In this case, the power transmitting / receiving device 100 quickly returns to the power reception mode, allowing wireless charging to start immediately through power reception mode processing. Furthermore, in S502, if the detection unit 106 detects an object and, in addition, no Digital Ping is received even after waiting for a predetermined time since the object was detected, the power transmitting / receiving device 100 may determine to start the power transmission mode. If a Digital Ping is received within the predetermined time, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may select the power receiving mode without selecting the power transmission mode (NO in S502 in FIG. 3 ). Even in this case, the detection unit 106 can detect an object and start the power transmission mode process after a predetermined waiting time, so the power receiving device 200 can be subjected to the power transmission mode process.

[0057] In the I&C Phase, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives an Identification Packet transmitted from the power receiving device 200 (S516). The Identification Packet includes information on a manufacturer code and a basic device identifier. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 also references an information bit (Ext bit) included in the Identification Packet to determine whether or not the power receiving device 200 should transmit additional identifier information (S517).

[0058] If the Ext bit is 1 (YES in S517), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 waits for an Extended Identification Packet transmitted from the power receiving device 200 and receives the packet (S518). The packet contains information about the extended device identifier (Extended Device Identifier) ​​of the power receiving device 200, which is up to 8 octets long. This additional identifier information (Extended Device Identifier Information) is different from the identifier information contained in the Identification Packet. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 stores this additional identifier information in the memory 107 for comparison with the NFC identifier information acquired in S411 of FIG. 3 (S519). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 proceeds to the Configuration Phase. Also, if the Ext bit is 0 (NO in S517), the process proceeds to the Configuration Phase.

[0059] Next, in the Configuration Phase, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives a Configuration Packet transmitted from the power receiving device 200 (S520). The Configuration Packet includes basic configuration data. The Configuration Packet also includes information (AI bit) indicating whether an authentication function is supported. The Configuration Packet also includes information (OB bit) indicating whether an out-of-band communications function is supported. The Configuration Packet also includes information (Neg bit) indicating whether an Extended Protocol is supported. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 refers to an information bit (Neg bit) included in this packet and determines whether to transition to the Negotiation Phase (S521). In the Negotiation Phase, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 negotiates with the power receiving device 200 to determine a Guaranteed Load Power (hereinafter referred to as GP). The GP is guaranteed load power, and is a load power level agreed upon between the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200.

[0060] If the Neg bit is 0 (NO in S521), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits an ACK packet to the power receiving device 200 (S522). In this case, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 does not transition to the Negotiation Phase, but transitions to the Power Transfer Phase (S523). However, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits power to the power receiving device 200 at low power. The low power here is 5 W. This low power may be, for example, an arbitrarily set value, or may be a value set based on at least one of the power, current, and voltage defined by the WPC standard or other standards.

[0061] If the Neg bit is 1 (YES in S521), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits an ACK packet to the power receiving device 200 (S524) and proceeds to the Negotiation Phase (S525). The power transmitting and receiving device 100 determines whether the NFC identifier information notified in S411 of FIG. 3 matches the additional identifier information stored in S519 (S526). YES in S526 means that the object detected by the detection unit 106 is the power receiving device 200. Therefore, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 sets the Negotiable Load Power used in negotiation with the power receiving device 200 based on normal operation (S527). For example, the Negotiable Load Power is usually set to the same level as the Potential Load Power. The Potential Load Power is the maximum guaranteed load power level that the power transmitting and receiving device 100 can negotiate. The Potential Load Power may be, for example, 15 W or 10 W. Note that the Negotiable Load Power does not have to be set to the same level as the Potential Load Power. For example, the Negotiable Load Power may be set to a level lower than the Potential Load Power depending on the operating temperature of the power transmitting and receiving device 100, etc. In such a case, if the potential load power is 15W, the negotiable load power may be set to 12W or 10W.

[0062] If the result in S526 is NO, this means that the object detected by the detection unit 106 is an NFC device other than the power receiving device 200, or that the object includes another NFC device in addition to the power receiving device 200. In other words, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 recognizes that at least an NFC device (NFC tag) other than the power receiving device 200 is placed. Therefore, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 limits the Negotiable Load Power (S528). For example, the Negotiable Load Power is limited to 5 W. However, as long as the Negotiable Load Power is limited, it is not limited to 5 W. Furthermore, the Negotiable Load Power limited in S528 may be the same as the Negotiable Load Power set in S527 based on the operating temperature of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 or the like.

[0063] Next, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 negotiates power with the power receiving device 200 (S529). For example, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 determines whether the power requested by the power receiving device 200 can be granted. That is, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 compares the Negotiable Load Power set in S527 or S528 with the power requested from the power receiving device 200, and grants the requested power if the requested power is equal to or less than the Negotiable Load Power. As a result, the power level requested by the power receiving device 200 becomes GP. In this case, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits an ACK packet to the power receiving device 200. On the other hand, if the requested power is greater than the Negotiable Load Power, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits a NAK packet to the power receiving device 200, determining that the requested power cannot be granted.

[0064] Thereafter, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 waits until a new requested power is received from the power receiving device 200. The power receiving device 200 may transmit information about the requested power using a Specific Request Packet.

[0065] Furthermore, in the negotiation, the power receiving device 200 may use a General Request Packet to request transmission of capability information from the power transmitting and receiving device 100. Specifically, the power receiving device 200 may use a GRQ / CAP packet, which is included in the General Request Packet, to request transmission of capability information from the power transmitting and receiving device 100. Upon receiving this packet, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits its own capability information using a Power Transmitter Capabilities Packet. This packet includes information on Negotiable Load Power. Therefore, the power receiving device 200 can know the Negotiable Load Power and may request power equal to or less than the Negotiable Load Power.

[0066] After the negotiation, the GP is determined, and the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives a packet requesting the end of the negotiation phase from the power receiving device 200, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the calibration phase (S530). In the calibration phase, parameters necessary for the foreign object detection process in the subsequent power transfer phase are determined. A foreign object is an object that is not part of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 or the power receiving device 200 and that may generate heat when exposed to a power signal.

[0067] After that, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the Power Transfer Phase (S531). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits power based on the determined GP (S532). The power transmitting and receiving device 100 continues the power transmission process until it receives an End Power Transfer Packet from the power receiving device 200.

[0068] When the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives the End Power Transfer Packet (YES in S533), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 stops power transmission (S534) and ends the power transmission mode process.

[0069] [Power Receiving Mode Processing] Next, the power receiving mode processing will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . However, the control unit 101 of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 does not start until it receives a Digital Ping. Therefore, it does not perform any processing until it receives the Digital Ping. Therefore, specific processing of the power receiving mode processing is performed after it receives the Digital Ping. When the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives the Digital Ping (S539), it responds to it. If this response is a packet including information on the signal strength value (YES in S540), it proceeds to the I&C phase (S541). On the other hand, if it does not transmit a Signal Strength Packet (NO in S540), it transmits an End Power Transfer Packet, which means that power transmission is stopped, as a response. The End Power Transfer Packet is transmitted, for example, when the battery of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is fully charged and power reception is not required. When the End Power Transfer Packet is transmitted, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 ends the power receiving mode process.

[0070] In the I&C Phase, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits an Identification Packet (S542). When transmitting additional identifier information, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 sets the information bit (Ext bit) included in the Identification Packet to 1. When not transmitting additional identifier information, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 sets the Ext bit to 0. When the Ext bit is 1 (YES in S543), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits an Extended Identification Packet (S544). The packet includes an Extended Device Identifier of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 of up to 8 octets. If the Ext bit is 0 (NO in S543), the Extended Identification Packet is not transmitted.

[0071] Next, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits a Configuration Packet (S545). The Configuration Packet includes an information bit (Neg bit). If the Neg bit is 0 (NO in S546) and an ACK Packet is received (S547), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the Power Transfer Phase (S548). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives power (S553). However, in this case, the power that can be received is limited to Low Power. For example, Low Power is 5 watts. This Low Power may be, for example, an arbitrarily set value, or may be a value set based on at least one of power, current, and voltage defined by the WPC standard or other standards.

[0072] On the other hand, if the Neg bit is 1 (YES in S546) and an ACK packet is received (S549), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the Negotiation Phase (S550). When the GP is determined through negotiation, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the Calibration Phase (S551). In the Calibration Phase, parameters necessary for the foreign object detection function are determined. Thereafter, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transitions to the Power Transfer Phase (S552). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 receives power via the antenna 105 (S553). Furthermore, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 supplies power to the charging unit 109. If the battery of the power supply unit 102 is fully charged (YES in S554), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 transmits an End Power Transfer Packet (S555). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 ends the power receiving mode process. On the other hand, if the battery of the power supply unit 102 is not fully charged (NO in S554), the power transmitting and receiving device 100 continues receiving power.

[0073] [Sequence of Wireless Power Transmission System] A sequence of a wireless power transmission system including the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows an example of a communication sequence between the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 when the power receiving device 200 is placed on the power transmitting and receiving device 100 but no NFC device other than the power receiving device 200 is placed on the power transmitting and receiving device 100. First, it is assumed that the power transmitting and receiving device 100 operates in a power receiving mode (S601), and the NFC unit of the power receiving device 200 operates in a P2P mode (S602).

[0074] The detection unit 106 of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 periodically transmits polling according to the NFC standard (S603). If the power receiving device 200 is within the NFC communication range, a response to the polling is transmitted (S604). The response includes NFC identifier information of the power receiving device 200. Upon receiving the response, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 detects an NFC device (S605). The NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit that an NFC device has been detected (S606). The NFC processing unit then acquires NFC device information from the polling response (S607). The NFC processing unit notifies the WPC processing unit (S608). The NFC device information includes status information indicating whether the NFC function of the power receiving device 200 is enabled or disabled, the NFC operation mode, and NFC identifier information. Here, it is assumed that "NFC function is enabled," "operation mode is P2P mode," and "NFC identifier information" are acquired.

[0075] After that, the WPC processing unit receives a notification that an NFC device has been detected and switches the power transmitting and receiving device 100 to the power transmission mode (S609). The WPC processing unit of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 periodically applies an Analog Ping (S610). If the WPC processing unit determines that an object is present near the antenna 105, it transmits a Digital Ping (S611).

[0076] The power receiving device 200 is started up by receiving the Digital Ping and detects the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S612), and then transmits the received voltage of the Digital Ping to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 via a Signal Strength Packet (S613).

[0077] Next, the power receiving device 200 transmits an Identification Packet to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S614). Furthermore, the power receiving device 200 transmits an Extended Identification Packet to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S615). The Extended Identification Packet includes the NFC identifier information included in the response data to the NFC polling. Upon receiving the Extended Identification Packet, the WPC processing unit stores the additional identifier information included in this packet (S616).

[0078] Next, the power receiving device 200 transmits a configuration packet to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S617). This packet contains information in which the Neg bit is 1. Therefore, when the power transmitting and receiving device 100 responds with an ACK packet (S618), the process proceeds to the negotiation phase.

[0079] When the WPC processing unit transitions to the Negotiation Phase, it compares the NFC identifier information notified in S608 with the additional identifier information stored in S616 (S619). Here, it is assumed that the identifier information matches and that the Negotiable Load Power is set to 15 W. Meanwhile, the power receiving device 200 transmits a Specific Request Packet including information on the requested power to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S620). Here, it is assumed that the power receiving device 200 requests 15 W. Because the requested power is equal to or less than the Negotiable Load Power, the WPC processing unit transmits an ACK Packet to the power receiving device 200 (S621). In this way, the GP is agreed upon to be 15 W.

[0080] When the Negotiation Phase ends, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 transition to the Calibration Phase (S622), and then transition to the Power Transfer Phase (S623). Then, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 starts transmitting power to the power receiving device 200. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 performs power transmission processing at an output that allows the charging unit 206 of the power receiving device 200 to receive power at 15 W. When the battery 207 is fully charged, the power receiving device 200 transmits an End Power Transfer Packet to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S624). In response to this, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 stops the power transmission processing (S625).

[0081] When the NFC processing unit stops the power transmission process, it returns the operation mode of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 to the power receiving mode (S626). Then, when the power receiving device 200 is removed from the power transmitting and receiving device 100 (S627), there is no response to the polling (S628) by the detection unit 106. As a result, the NFC processing unit detects that the NFC device has left the communication range (S629).

[0082] Then, the WPC processing unit is notified to erase the NFC identifier information (S630). In response to this, the WPC processing unit erases the stored NFC identifier information.

[0083] In the example of the communication sequence described above, the power receiving device 200 operates the NFC function of the detected unit 202 in P2P mode, but this may also be in reader / writer mode. In this case, the NFC function of the power receiving device 200 may also be in card emulation mode. Specifically, the NFC function of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may be in reader / writer mode and acquire NFC identifier information of the power receiving device 200.

[0084] [Modifications Related to Identifier Information] The power transmitting and receiving device 100 may acquire the device information of the power receiving device 200 using other message packets defined by the WPC standard or extended messages not described in the WPC standard, instead of acquiring the device information of the power receiving device 200 from the above-described NFC standard communication or WPC standard packet. Furthermore, the device information of the power receiving device 200 may be acquired using communication means such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth (registered trademark), BLE, Zigbee (registered trademark), IrDA (Infrared Data Association), or Wireless USB.

[0085] <Other Embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, NFC has been described as an example of a method for detecting an object by the detection unit 106. However, this is not limiting and other configurations may be used. Specifically, a magnetic sensor, Bluetooth, BLE, or RFID (Radio Frequency ID) may be used. As an example, the detection unit 106 is an NFC unit and a magnetic sensor, the detected unit 202 of the power receiving device 200 is an NFC unit, and a magnet is attached to the power receiving antenna 205. The magnetic sensor mounted on the power transmitting and receiving device 100 can detect the proximity of the power receiving device 200 to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 by detecting the magnetism of the magnet attached to the power receiving antenna 205. When the magnetic sensor detects the proximity of another device, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may operate its NFC processing unit in P2P mode or reader / writer mode. Furthermore, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may switch from card emulation mode to P2P mode or reader / writer mode. Furthermore, if the magnetic sensor does not detect the approach of another device, the NFC processing unit may be stopped. This is equivalent to operating in card emulation mode. Alternatively, the device may switch from P2P mode or reader / writer mode to card emulation mode. Since P2P mode or reader / writer mode generates electromagnetic waves using charges stored in the device's own battery, operating in these modes consumes the device's own battery. On the other hand, card emulation mode operates using electromagnetic waves generated by other NFC devices, so the device does not consume the device's own battery. From the above, if the NFC processing unit is stopped when the magnetic sensor does not detect the approach of another device, power consumption can be reduced.

[0086] The magnetic sensor may be a coil type that monitors induced electromotive force or induced current, or a reed switch type that is composed of a pair of magnetic materials with a gap and conducts when exposed to a magnetic field. The magnetic sensor may also be a type (MR sensor) that applies the so-called magnetoresistance effect (MR effect), a phenomenon in which resistance changes when a magnetic field changes. The magnetic sensor may also be a type (Hall sensor) that applies the so-called Hall effect, a phenomenon in which a voltage is generated perpendicular to the direction of the current and magnetic field due to the Lorentz force. The magnetic sensor may also be a superconducting particle interference element type consisting of a Josephson junction and a ring-shaped superconductor. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor is not limited to these types and may be of other types.

[0087] When the detection unit 106 detects an object using only the magnetic sensor without using NFC, NFC identification information is not acquired. Therefore, the power transmission mode process is changed as follows. That is, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 does not perform S526 and S528 in FIG. 5, but sets Negotiable Load Power according to normal operation in S527.

[0088] Other examples of operation using a magnetic sensor include cooperation with communication functions such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and BLE. As an example, assume that the detection unit 106 of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is a magnetic sensor and a Bluetooth unit, the detected unit 202 of the power receiving device 200 is a Bluetooth unit, and a magnet is attached to the power receiving antenna 205. When using a magnetic sensor to detect an object close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100, it is not possible to acquire identifier information as with NFC. Specifically, it is not possible to identify whether the object detected by the magnetic sensor is, for example, a power receiving device, a power transmitting device, a power transmitting and receiving device, etc. The power transmitting and receiving device 100 can transmit a Digital Ping and, based on the response, identify whether the device is capable of charging based on the WPC standard. However, it is obviously not possible to identify the object before transmitting the Digital Ping. By using the Bluetooth unit, device information can be acquired before the object is detected by the magnetic sensor. The timing of acquisition is not limited to this, and the device information may be acquired after the object is detected by the magnetic sensor. However, since there is no guarantee that the object detected by the Bluetooth unit and the object detected by the magnetic sensor are the same, it is assumed that the object detected by the Bluetooth unit and the object detected by the magnetic sensor are the same.

[0089] For example, the distance to the object detected by Bluetooth is estimated from the signal strength of the Bluetooth unit. If the signal strength is strong, it can be said that the distance to the detected object is close. If the signal strength is weak, it can be said that the distance to the detected object is far. If it is determined that the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 are close to each other, it is determined that the object detected by the Bluetooth unit and the object detected by the magnetic sensor are the same. If the object close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is, for example, a power receiving device based on the device information obtained by the Bluetooth unit, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 switches from the power receiving mode to the power transmitting mode. If the object close to the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is, for example, a power transmitting device, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 switches from the power transmitting mode to the power receiving mode. Note that information on whether the power transmitting and receiving device 100 and the power receiving device 200 are in terminal pairing, which can be known from the Bluetooth unit, may be acquired and referenced. This provides the same effects as the above-described NFC embodiment. Note that, if the detection unit 106 of the power transmitting and receiving device 100 is a magnetic sensor and a Bluetooth unit, the power transmission mode process may be modified as follows. That is, the power transmitting and receiving device 100 may use Bluetooth identifier information (e.g., address information) instead of NFC identifier information in S526 of FIG. 5 . This restricts Negotiable Load Power when an NFC device other than the power receiving device 200 is placed, thereby restricting GP.

[0090] The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for realizing one or more functions of the embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program, or by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0091] <Others> The disclosure of the above-described embodiment includes the following configurations, methods, and programs.

[0092] (Item 1) A device having: a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power; a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power; a detection means for detecting an object using Near Field Communication (NFC); ​​and a selection means for selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the NFC.

[0093] (Item 2) The device according to item 1, wherein the detection means obtains identifier information from the detected object.

[0094] (Item 3) The device according to item 2, further comprising: a communication unit that communicates with a device that is a target of power transmission; wherein the communication unit acquires identifier information from the device that is a target of power transmission in a mode in which the power transmission unit operates.

[0095] (Item 4) The device according to item 3, wherein the communication unit negotiates with the device to which power is to be transmitted based on a comparison between identifier information acquired by the detection unit and identifier information acquired by the communication unit.

[0096] (Item 5) The device according to item 4, wherein the communication unit limits Negotiable Load Power when the identifier information acquired by the detection unit differs from the identifier information acquired by the communication unit.

[0097] (Item 6) The device according to item 1, wherein the selection means selects a mode in which the power receiving means operates when an object is detected using the NFC.

[0098] (Item 7) The device according to item 6, wherein when a mode in which the power receiving means operates is selected, the power receiving means wirelessly receives power from another device.

[0099] (Item 8) The device according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein when a mode in which the power transmitting means operates is selected, the power transmitting means applies a power signal that detects an object.

[0100] (Item 9) The device according to item 8, wherein the selection means switches to a mode in which the power receiving means operates when an object is not detected by the power signal applied a predetermined number of times or more.

[0101] (Item 10) The device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein when a mode in which the power transmitting means operates is selected, the power transmitting means applies a power signal that activates a power receiving device.

[0102] (Item 11) The device according to item 10, wherein the selection means switches to a mode in which the power receiving means operates when there is no response to any of the power signals that have been applied a predetermined number of times or more.

[0103] (Item 12) The device according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the power transmitting means applies a power signal for detecting an object or a power signal for activating a power receiving device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the object was detected by the detecting means.

[0104] (Item 13) The device according to Item 12, wherein if a power signal that activates a power receiving device is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection means detected the object, the selection means selects a mode in which the power receiving means operates without selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates.

[0105] (Item 14) A device having a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power, a detection means for detecting an object using a magnetic sensor, and a selection means for selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the magnetic sensor.

[0106] (Item 15) A device having a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power, a detection means for detecting an object using Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and a selection means for selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the Bluetooth communication.

[0107] (Item 16) A method comprising: a detection step of detecting an object using Near Field Communication (NFC); ​​and a selection step of selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when the object is detected using the NFC.

[0108] (Item 17) A program that causes a computer to execute the method according to item 16.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the present invention.

[0110] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-085797, filed May 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A device having a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power, a detection means for detecting an object using Near Field Communication (NFC), and a selection means for selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the NFC.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said detecting means obtains identifier information from said detected object.

3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising a communication means for communicating with a device to which power is to be transmitted, said communication means acquiring identifier information from said device to which power is to be transmitted in a mode in which said power transmission means operates.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein said communication means negotiates with said device to which power is to be transmitted based on a comparison between the identifier information acquired by said detection means and the identifier information acquired by said communication means.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said communication means limits Negotiable Load Power when the identifier information acquired by said detection means differs from the identifier information acquired by said communication means.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the selection means selects a mode in which the power receiving means operates if an object is detected using the NFC.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein when a mode in which said power receiving means operates is selected, said power receiving means receives power wirelessly from another device.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein when a mode in which said power transmitting means operates is selected, said power transmitting means applies a power signal that detects an object.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said selection means switches to a mode in which said power receiving means operates when no object is detected by said power signal applied a predetermined number of times or more.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein when a mode in which the power transmitting means operates is selected, the power transmitting means applies a power signal that activates a power receiving device.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein said selection means switches to a mode in which said power receiving means operates when there is no response to any of said power signals applied a predetermined number of times or more.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the power transmitting means applies a power signal for detecting an object or a power signal for activating a power receiving device after a predetermined time has elapsed since the object was detected by the detecting means.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, if a power signal for activating a power receiving device is detected before a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection means detected the object, the selection means selects a mode in which the power receiving means operates without selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates.

14. A device having a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power, a detection means for detecting an object using a magnetic sensor, and a selection means for selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the magnetic sensor.

15. A device having a power transmitting means for wirelessly transmitting power, a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power, a detection means for detecting an object using Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, and a selection means for selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the Bluetooth communication.

16. A method comprising: a detection step of detecting an object using Near Field Communication (NFC); ​​and a selection step of selecting a mode in which the power transmitting means operates when an object is detected using the NFC.

17. A program for causing a computer to carry out the method of claim 16.

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