Power reception device, method performed by power reception device, and program

Abstract

Disclosed is a power reception device for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmission device, the power reception device being characterized by comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the power transmission device; an authentication means for authenticating the power transmission device; and a storage processing means for storing the identification information in a storage unit on the basis of an attribute of the identification information after authentication by the authentication means.

Description

Power receiving device, method performed by the power receiving device, and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power receiving device, a method performed by the power receiving device, and a program.

[0002] In recent years, technological development of wireless power transmission systems has been widespread. One such technology is the Qi standard, established as a wireless charging standard by the standardization organization Wireless Power Consortium (WPC), as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2015-56959. In the Qi standard, power transmission and reception and the associated control communication are performed using magnetic induction. The Qi standard also discloses that authentication is performed between a power transmitting device and a power receiving device using this control communication. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-188547, if authentication is successful, the power receiving device stores the identification information of the power transmitting device. In this case, the power receiving device verifies the identification information of the power transmitting device during subsequent charging. If the verification results in the stored identification information, i.e., if authentication has been successful in the past, execution is omitted.

[0003] JP 2015-56959 A JP 2020-188547 A

[0004] JP 2020-188547 A does not disclose an appropriate authentication control method that takes into account the type of identification information. For example, there are various types of identification information, such as fixed identification information that remains the same each time and variable identification information that changes randomly each time. Therefore, if the stored identification information is not fixed, problems such as increased processing time due to the storage of unnecessary identification information may occur.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of at least one of the above-described problems, and an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism for efficiently storing identification information of a power transmitting device.

[0006] A power receiving device as one aspect of the present disclosure is characterized by having a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmitting device, an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the power transmitting device, an authentication means for authenticating the power transmitting device, and a storage processing means for storing the identification information in a storage unit based on attributes of the identification information after authentication by the authentication means.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a mechanism for efficiently storing identification information of a power transmitting device.

[0008] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a contactless charging system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power transmitting device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing performed by a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining authentication execution decision processing performed by a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining authentication and identification information storage processing performed by a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining a first processing example performed by a power transmitting device and a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining a second processing example performed by a power transmitting device and a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram for explaining a third processing example performed by a power transmitting device and a power receiving device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a communication sequence of authentication according to the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram for explaining a modified example performed by a power transmitting device and a power receiving device according to the present embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that not all of the features in the embodiments of the present disclosure are essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined as desired. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [System Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of a wireless power transmission system according to an embodiment. In one example, the wireless power transmission system includes a power receiving device 101 and a power transmitting device 102. Hereinafter, for simplicity, the power transmitting device 102 may be referred to as a TX, and the power receiving device 101 may be referred to as an RX. The RX is, for example, an electronic device that receives power from the TX and charges its built-in battery. The RX includes a WPC function compliant with the Qi standard established by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and also supports the authentication protocol of the standard. The TX is, for example, an electronic device that wirelessly transmits power to an RX placed on the TX. The TX wirelessly transmits power to the RX via a power transmitting coil. In the following description, a smartphone is used as an example of the RX, and a charger is used as an example of the TX, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The RX and TX may be configured to be built into other devices (cameras, smartphones, tablet PCs, laptops, cars, robots, medical equipment, printers) and to provide power to those devices.

[0011] This system performs wireless power transmission using an electromagnetic induction method for contactless charging based on the Qi standard. That is, the RX and TX perform wireless power transmission for contactless charging based on the Qi standard between the receiving coil of the RX and the transmitting coil of the TX. Note that the wireless power transmission method (contactless power transmission method) is not limited to the method specified by the Qi standard, and may be other methods such as electromagnetic induction, magnetic field resonance, electric field resonance, microwave, or laser. Furthermore, in this embodiment, wireless power transmission is used for contactless charging, but wireless power transmission may also be performed for purposes other than contactless charging.

[0012] In the Qi standard, the amount of power guaranteed when an RX receives power from a TX is defined by a value called Guaranteed Load Power (hereinafter referred to as "GP"). GP indicates the power value guaranteed to be output to an RX load, such as a charging circuit, even if the positional relationship between the RX and TX fluctuates and the power transmission efficiency between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil decreases, i.e., the RX load power value (Load Power). GP may also be a load power level agreed upon through negotiation between the TX and RX. For example, if the GP is 15 watts, the TX transmits power by controlling so as to be able to output 15 watts to the load in the RX, even if the positional relationship between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil fluctuates and the power transmission efficiency decreases.

[0013] [Configuration of Power Receiving Device] Fig. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the RX according to this embodiment. The RX is configured with a control unit 201, an NFC communication unit 202, a WPC communication unit 203, a power receiving coil 204, a power receiving unit 205, a detection unit 206, a charging unit 207, a battery 208, a notification unit 209, an operation unit 210, a memory 211, and a timer 212. The control unit 201 controls the entire smartphone. An example of the control unit 201 is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processor Unit). The control unit 201 can also measure time using the timer 212. The control unit 201 performs control by executing a control program stored in the memory 211, for example. The control unit 201 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 201 may be configured with dedicated hardware for specific processing, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the control unit 201 may be configured with an array circuit, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), compiled to execute a predetermined process.

[0014] The control unit 201 stores information to be stored while various processes are being executed in the memory 211. Note that in this embodiment, the control unit 201 is illustrated as a single component, but this is not limiting. For example, a WPC control unit that controls processes related to power reception with a power transmission device in a power receiving device may be configured separately from the control unit 201. Alternatively, an NFC control unit that controls processes related to NFC (Near Field Communication) communication may be configured separately from the control unit 201. Alternatively, the WPC control unit and the NFC control unit may each be configured separately from the control unit 201. When the control unit 201 is configured as a plurality of separate units, the respective control units are connected to each other via communication interfaces, and data communication is possible.

[0015] The communication interface may be any interface that realizes data communication, such as I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) or GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output).

[0016] The NFC communication unit 202 is a hardware module that realizes NFC functions. Specifically, it realizes a card emulation mode that acts as a contactless IC card, a reader / writer mode for reading NFC tags, and a P2P mode for directly exchanging messages between NFC devices. For example, the card emulation mode can be used to enable electronic money payments.

[0017] The WPC communication unit 203 performs wireless power transmission communication based on the Qi standard with the communication unit 306 of the TX. The WPC communication unit 203 demodulates the electromagnetic waves input from the power receiving coil 204 to acquire information transmitted from the TX, and performs load modulation of the electromagnetic waves to superimpose information to be transmitted to the TX onto the electromagnetic waves, thereby performing communication with the TX. In other words, the WPC communication unit 203 functions as at least a receiving means for receiving information.

[0018] The power receiving unit 205 receives AC power (AC voltage and AC current) generated by electromagnetic induction based on electromagnetic waves radiated from the power transmitting coil of the TX via the power receiving coil 204. The power receiving unit 205 converts the AC power into DC or AC power of a predetermined frequency and outputs it to the detection unit 206. The power receiving unit 205 functions as a power receiving means.

[0019] The detection unit 206 detects that the RX is placed on the TX based on the Qi standard. For example, the detection unit 206 detects at least one of the voltage value and the current value of the power receiving coil 204 when the power receiving unit 205 receives a Qi standard Digital Ping via the power receiving coil 204. For example, the detection unit 206 can determine that the RX is placed on the TX when the voltage value is below a predetermined voltage threshold or the current value exceeds a predetermined current threshold.

[0020] Charging unit 207 charges battery 208 with power supplied from power receiving unit 205. Charging unit 207 also starts or stops charging battery 208 based on the control of control unit 201, and further adjusts the power used to charge battery 208 based on the charge state of battery 208. When the power used by charging unit 207 changes, the power supplied from power receiving unit 205, i.e., the received power in RX, also changes accordingly. Charging unit 207 shown here is a load in RX.

[0021] The battery 208 supplies the entire RX with power required for control of each part of the RX by the control unit 201 and for power reception and communication. The battery 208 also stores the power received via the power receiving coil 204.

[0022] The notification unit 209 notifies the user of information by any method such as visually, audibly, or tactilely. The notification unit 209 notifies the user of, for example, the charging state of the RX or the state related to power transmission of the wireless power transmission system including the RX and TX as shown in Fig. 1. The notification unit 209 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), a speaker, a vibration generating circuit, or other notification devices.

[0023] The operation unit 210 has a function of receiving operations for the RX from the user. The operation unit 210 includes, for example, a voice input device such as a button, a keyboard, or a microphone, a motion detection device such as an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, or other input devices. Note that a device in which the notification unit 209 and the operation unit 210 are integrated, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

[0024] As described above, the memory 211 stores various information such as identification information and device configuration information, control programs, and the like. The memory 211 may store information obtained by a functional unit other than the control unit 201. The memory 211 may be configured with one or more memories, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and / or a RAM (Random Access Memory). In addition to memories such as ROM and RAM, the memory 211 may also use storage media such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk, or a magneto-optical disk. Storage media such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a CD-R (Recordable), a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) may also be used.

[0025] The timer 212 measures time using, for example, a count-up timer that measures the elapsed time from the time of activation, or a count-down timer that counts down from a set time.

[0026] The control unit 201 may control the RX in cooperation with a program stored in the memory 211 and an OS (Operating System).

[0027] 3 shows an example of the configuration of the TX according to this embodiment. The TX includes a control unit 301, a power supply unit 302, a power transmission unit 303, a detection unit 304, a power transmission coil 305, a communication unit 306, a notification unit 307, an operation unit 308, a memory 309, and a timer 310.

[0028] The control unit 301 controls the entire TX by executing a control program stored in the memory 309, for example. That is, the control unit 301 controls each functional unit shown in FIG. 3 . The control unit 301 also controls power transmission control in the TX. The control unit 301 also controls the NFC function in the TX. The control unit 301 may also control the execution of applications other than wireless power transmission. The control unit 301 includes one or more processors, such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 301 may be configured with a single processor, or, as described with reference to FIG. 2 , a main control unit that controls the entire TX and a sub-control unit that controls power transmission processing and NFC communication may each be implemented by separate processors. The control unit 301 may also include dedicated hardware for specific processing, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an array circuit, such as an FPGA, compiled to execute a predetermined process. The control unit 301 stores information to be stored during various processes in the memory 309. The control unit 301 can also measure time using a timer 310 .

[0029] The power supply unit 302 supplies the entire TX with power required for the control of the TX by the control unit 301 and for power transmission and communication. The power supply unit 302 is, for example, a commercial power supply or a battery. The battery stores power supplied from the commercial power supply.

[0030] The power transmitting unit 303 converts the DC or AC power input from the power supply unit 302 into AC frequency power in a frequency band used for wireless power transmission, and inputs the AC frequency power to the power transmitting coil 305 to generate electromagnetic waves for the RX to receive power. The frequency of the AC power generated by the power transmitting unit 303 is, for example, several hundred kHz (e.g., 110 kHz to 205 kHz). Based on instructions from the control unit 301, the power transmitting unit 303 inputs the AC frequency power to the power transmitting coil 305 so that the power transmitting coil 305 outputs electromagnetic waves for transmitting power to the RX. The power transmitting unit 303 also 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 power transmitting coil 305. 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. Furthermore, the power transmitting unit 303 controls the output of AC frequency power so as to start or stop power transmission from the power transmitting coil 305 based on instructions from the control unit 301. Furthermore, the power transmitting unit 303 notifies the control unit 301 of the current transmitted power, thereby enabling the control unit 301 to know the transmitted power at any timing. Note that the measurement of the transmitted power and the notification to the control unit 301 may be configured to be performed by a unit other than the power transmitting unit 303.

[0031] The detection unit 304 detects whether an object is placed on the TX based on the Qi standard. Specifically, the detection unit 304 detects whether an object is placed on the interface surface of the TX. For example, the detection unit 304 detects at least one of the voltage value and the current value of the power transmitting coil 305 when the power transmitting unit 303 transmits a Qi standard Analog Ping via the power transmitting coil 305. The detection unit 304 may also detect a change in impedance. The detection unit 304 may then determine that an object is placed on the TX when the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage value or the current value exceeds a predetermined current value. Whether the object is an RX or another foreign object is determined based on the presence or absence of a predetermined response to the Digital Ping subsequently transmitted by the communication unit 306. That is, if the TX receives a predetermined response, the object is determined to be an RX; otherwise, the object is determined to be an object other than an RX.

[0032] The communication unit 306 performs control communication with the RX based on the Qi standard as described above. The communication unit 306 modulates the electromagnetic waves output from the power transmitting coil 305 and transmits information to the RX to perform communication. The communication unit 306 also demodulates the electromagnetic waves output from the power transmitting coil 305 and modulated by the RX to acquire information transmitted by the RX. That is, the communication performed by the communication unit 306 is superimposed on the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the power transmitting coil 305. The communication unit 306 functions as a transmitting unit that transmits at least power information (described later). The communication unit 306 also performs NFC communication and detects the NFC tag of the device transmitting power. In this case, the communication unit 306 functions as a detecting unit. Note that the communication unit 306 may be realized by a single piece of hardware, with a module that performs control communication based on the Qi standard and a module that performs NFC communication, or each may be realized by separate pieces of hardware.

[0033] The notification unit 307 notifies the user of information by any method such as visually, audibly, or tactilely. The notification unit 307 notifies the user of, for example, the charging state of the TX or information indicating the state of power transmission in the wireless power transmission system including the TX and the RX as shown in Fig. 1. The notification unit 307 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal display, an LED, a speaker, a vibration generating circuit, or other notification devices.

[0034] The operation unit 308 has a reception function for receiving operations for TX from the user. The operation unit 308 is configured to include, for example, a voice input device such as a button, keyboard, or microphone, a motion detection device such as an acceleration sensor or gyro sensor, or other input device. Note that a device in which the notification unit 307 and the operation unit 308 are integrated, such as a touch panel, may also be used.

[0035] The memory 309 stores various information such as identification information and capability information, as well as control programs. The capability information includes information indicating whether or not the device has high-precision foreign object detection processing capability. The memory 309 may also store information obtained by a functional unit other than the control unit 301. The timer 310 measures time using, for example, a count-up timer that measures the elapsed time from the time of activation, or a count-down timer that counts down from a set time.

[0036] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the RX. This processing can be realized by, for example, the control unit 201 of the RX executing a program read from the memory 211.

[0037] At least a part of the following steps may be implemented by hardware. In this case, the hardware can be implemented by, for example, using a predetermined compiler to automatically generate a dedicated circuit using a gate array circuit such as an FPGA from a program for implementing each processing step. The same applies to the processes shown in Figures 5 to 10, which will be described later.

[0038] This process may be executed in response to a command to start the contactless charging application input by the user of the RX in response to the RX being powered on and the RX being started up by power supplied from the battery 208 or the TX. Alternatively, this process may be started by some other trigger.

[0039] In S401, after starting processing, the RX executes processing defined as the Ping phase of the Qi standard and waits for its own device to be placed on the TX. The RX detects that it has been placed on the TX, for example, by detecting a Digital Ping from the TX. When the RX detects that its own device has been placed on the TX, in S402 it transmits its identification information and capability information to the TX through communication in the Configuration phase defined in the Qi standard. Here, the RX identification information includes a Manufacturer Code and a Basic Device ID. The RX capability information includes the following information: Information that can identify the version of the Qi standard that is supported. Maximum Power Value (or Reference Power), which is a value that identifies the maximum power that the RX can supply to the load. Information that indicates whether or not the device has a Qi standard negotiation function.

[0040] However, these pieces of information are merely examples, and the identification information and capability information of the RX may be replaced by other information or may include other information. For example, the identification information may be any other identification information capable of identifying an individual RX, such as a Wireless Power ID. The RX may also transmit the identification information and capability information by a method other than communication in the configuration phase of the Qi standard. After transmitting the identification information and capability information, the RX starts communication in the negotiation phase defined by the Qi standard. After starting communication in the negotiation phase, the RX acquires identification information from the TX in S403.

[0041] Here, the identification information of the TX can be acquired by transmitting an acquisition request to the TX using a Qi-standard General Request (GRQ) data packet and receiving the information as a response to the acquisition request, but this is not limited to this. For example, the acquisition request can be transmitted using a Qi-standard Specific Request (SRQ) data packet and received as a response, or the information can be acquired using any packet that the TX can transmit. The identification information of the TX is an ID that can identify the TX, and can be, for example, a unique (device-specific) ID associated with the individual TX, or a temporary ID generated by the TX at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing can be, but is not limited to, when the power transmission process starts, when the identification information is transmitted, when a predetermined number of power transmission attempts is reached, after a predetermined time has elapsed, when a user issues a generation (or update) command, etc. Furthermore, the identification information of the TX can include information indicating the type of the identification information. For example, a flag indicating whether the ID is device-specific (or a flag indicating whether the ID is temporary). In the case of a flag, the value of the flag may be stored in a field separate from the identification information and transmitted together with the identification information. Alternatively, the identification information may be assigned according to a predetermined rule, and whether it is an ID unique to the device or not may be determined from the identification information itself. Furthermore, the ID may include an expiration date of the ID, identification information indicating the manufacturer of the TX, etc.

[0042] The temporary ID generated by the TX at a predetermined timing is the same as the unique (device-specific) ID linked to the individual TX in that it is an ID that can identify the TX. However, the temporary ID generated by the TX at a predetermined timing is different from the unique (device-specific) ID linked to the individual TX in that it is a variable type that changes at each predetermined timing (for example, a response to an acquisition request). The unique (device-specific) ID linked to the individual TX is, in principle, fixed and does not change. An ID with a relatively long expiration date may be treated as a fixed type for the period until the expiration date.

[0043] After acquiring the identification information of the TX, the RX executes an authentication execution determination process in S404, which will be described later.

[0044] In S405, the RX transmits the requested power value (requested value of transmission power) determined in S404 to the TX, and determines the value of GP between the RX and the TX.

[0045] Once the RX has determined the GP, in S406 it transmits to the TX, through communication in the calibration phase defined by the Qi standard, information on a predetermined received power value so that the TX can derive the relationship between the transmitted power and the received power in a state where there is no foreign object.

[0046] Here, the information on the predetermined received power value includes the received power value in a light load state / Light Load and the received power value in a maximum load / Connected Load state. After transmitting the information on the received power value, the RX starts receiving power through communication in the Power Transfer phase defined by the Qi standard in S407. After starting power reception, the RX executes authentication and identification information storage processing in S408. The authentication and identification information storage processing will be described later.

[0047] In S409, the RX determines whether or not it is necessary to redetermine the GP. Here, the determination of whether or not it is necessary to redetermine the GP can be made based on whether or not the required power value has been changed in S408.

[0048] If the RX needs to redetermine the GP (YES in S409), the process proceeds to S410. On the other hand, if the RX does not need to redetermine the GP (NO in S409), the process proceeds to S411. In S410, the RX transmits the required power value to the TX, and redetermines the GP value between the RX and the TX.

[0049] In S411, the RX determines whether or not to stop receiving power. If the RX determines to stop receiving power (YES in S411), it stops receiving power and ends this process. On the other hand, if the RX determines not to stop receiving power (NO in S411), i.e., to continue receiving power, it returns to S411.

[0050] Here, the determination of whether to stop power reception can be made based on whether an error has occurred, whether the battery has reached full charge, etc., but is not limited to these. Furthermore, when the RX stops power reception, it sends an End Power Transfer Data Packet of the Qi standard. This stops power transmission from the TX, and the series of processes for contactless charging ends.

[0051] Next, an example of the flow of the authentication execution decision process executed by the RX in S404 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In this process, the control unit 201 functions as a decision unit that decides whether or not to execute authentication.

[0052] In S501, the RX determines whether the identification information of the TX acquired in S403 is device-specific information. Here, the determination of whether the identification information of the TX is device-specific information can be made based on information indicating the type included in the identification information. If the identification information of the TX is device-specific information (YES in S501), the RX proceeds to S502. On the other hand, if the identification information of the TX is not device-specific information, i.e., is temporary information (NO in S501), the RX proceeds to S506.

[0053] In S502, the RX determines whether the identification information of the TX has been stored. Here, the determination of whether the identification information of the TX has been stored can be made by sequentially reading out the identification information stored in the memory 211 and comparing it to see if there is any identification information that matches the identification information of the TX acquired in S403. If the identification information of the TX has been stored (YES in S502), the RX proceeds to S503. On the other hand, if the identification information of the TX has not been stored (NO in S502), the RX proceeds to S506.

[0054] In S503, the RX determines whether authentication of the TX has been performed in the past. Here, the determination of whether authentication of the TX has been performed in the past can be made by referring to information related to authentication that is stored in memory 211 in association with the identification information of the TX. The information related to the authentication (an example of authentication-related information) can be, but is not limited to, the execution result (including at least one piece of information such as success / failure / not performed), information related to the execution result (number of successes, most recent authentication date and time), a combination of the execution time and the TX's certificate, etc.

[0055] The format of each piece of information may be stored as a numerical value, a character string, binary data, or the like, or may be stored using a bit flag, and is not limited to these.

[0056] For example, if a success is stored as the execution result, the RX may determine that authentication has been performed in the past. If the RX has already performed authentication of the TX (YES in S503), the RX proceeds to S504. On the other hand, if the RX has not already performed authentication of the TX (=failed or not performed) (NO in S503), the RX proceeds to S506.

[0057] In S504, RX determines whether previously performed authentication is still valid. Here, the determination of whether previously performed authentication is valid can be made by referring to information related to authentication stored in memory 211 in association with the identification information of the TX. For example, the previously performed authentication can be determined to be valid if the current time is within the expiration date of the TX's certificate or if the execution time is within a predetermined period. In addition, for example, if the RX's certificate (e.g., a root certificate or an intermediate certificate) has been updated since the time the authentication was performed, the previously performed authentication may be determined to be invalid (i.e., not valid). Alternatively, if the TX's certificate is included in the revocation list held by RX, the previously performed authentication may be determined to be invalid (i.e., not valid).

[0058] If the determination result in S504 is "YES", the process proceeds to step S502, otherwise the process proceeds to S506.

[0059] In S505, the RX determines that authentication is not required, sets the requested power value to a value greater than a predetermined value, and terminates this process. The predetermined value is a sufficiently small value that is unlikely to cause destruction of contaminants or heat generation even if the power transmission and reception process continues. It may be, for example, 5 watts or less, but is not limited to this. The value greater than the predetermined value may be the smaller of the RX's own receivable power value and the negotiable power value acquired from the TX. Meanwhile, in S506, the RX determines that authentication is required, sets the requested power value to a predetermined value, and terminates this process.

[0060] According to the operation described above, if the authentication of the TX has been performed and is valid before the start of power reception, the RX in this embodiment considers the TX to be a trusted device whose authenticity has been verified, skips the authentication process, and sets the requested power value to a value greater than a predetermined value. This makes it possible to immediately start power reception at a high power value even when the authentication process is not performed, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0061] Next, an example of the flow of the authentication and identification information storage process executed by the RX in S408 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. In this process, the control unit 201 functions as a storage processing unit that stores the identification information.

[0062] In S601, the RX determines whether or not authentication is required. Here, the determination of whether or not authentication is required is made based on whether or not it was determined in S404 that authentication is required. If authentication is required (YES in S601), the process proceeds to S602. On the other hand, if authentication is not required (NO in S601), the authentication and identification information storage process is terminated. In this case, after the process shown in FIG. 6 (authentication and identification information storage process) is terminated, the determination in S409 in FIG. 4 is affirmative, and the process proceeds to S410.

[0063] In S602, the RX performs authentication. Note that the term "authentication" used in this specification corresponds to Authentication defined in the Qi standard, but may also correspond to authentication processes of other methods.

[0064] The details of the authentication process performed between the RX and TX are shown in Fig. 10. In the Qi standard, authentication operates so that the RX authenticates the TX.

[0065] First, RX sends a GET_DIGESTS request to TX (F1001). The GET_DIGESTS request is used to obtain a certificate chain digest. When TX receives the GET_DIGESTS request, it sends a DIGESTS response to RX (F1002). The DIGESTS response is used to transmit the certificate chain digest and to report slots that contain valid certificate chain digests.

[0066] Next, RX sends a GET_CERTIFICATE request to TX (F1003). The GET_CERTIFICATE request is used to read a segment of the target certificate chain.

[0067] When TX receives GET_CERTIFICATE, it sends a CERTIFICATE response to RX (F1004). The CERTIFICATE response is used to send the requested segment of the certificate chain.

[0068] Then, RX sends a CHALLENGE request to TX to start authentication (F1005).

[0069] When the TX receives the CHALLENGE request from the RX, the TX transmits a CHALLENGE_AUTH response to the RX (F1006).

[0070] If the validity of the response received from the TX is confirmed, the RX determines that the authentication has been successful, and if not, determines that the authentication has failed and ends the process.

[0071] When the authentication is completed, the RX determines in S603 whether the authentication is successful. If the authentication is successful (YES in S603), the RX proceeds to S604. On the other hand, if the authentication is not successful (NO in S603), the RX ends the authentication and identification information storage process. In this case, after the process shown in FIG. 6 is completed, S409 and S410 in FIG. 4 may be skipped and a negative determination may be made in S411. That is, the RX may stop receiving power.

[0072] In S604, the RX determines whether to change the requested power value. Here, the determination of whether to change the requested power value can be made based on whether the requested power value determined in S404 is a predetermined value, that is, whether the RX determined that authentication was necessary in a state where the authenticity of the TX had not been proven and limited the requested power value to a predetermined value. If the RX determines that the requested power value should be changed (YES in S604), the RX proceeds to S605. On the other hand, if the RX does not determine that the requested power value should be changed (NO in S604), the RX proceeds to S606.

[0073] In S605, the RX determines that the TX is a legitimate (trusted) device and that charging at a higher power level is possible based on the successful authentication, and changes the required power level to a value greater than the predetermined value. In this case, after the processing shown in Fig. 6 is completed, the determination in S409 in Fig. 4 is affirmative, and the process proceeds to S410.

[0074] In S606, the RX determines whether the identification information of the TX is device-specific information. Note that this determination may be omitted in a mode in which the determination result in S501 above is used.

[0075] If the identification information of the TX is device-specific information (YES in S606), the RX proceeds to S607. On the other hand, if the identification information of the TX is not device-specific information, i.e., is temporary information (NO in S606), the RX ends the authentication and identification information storage process.

[0076] In S607, the RX stores the identification information of the TX in the memory 211, and ends the authentication and identification information storage process. Note that in addition to the identification information of the TX, information related to authentication linked to the identification information may also be stored. Note that in this case, the identification information of the TX is stored in a non-volatile storage unit. In other words, if the memory 211 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, the identification information of the TX is stored in the non-volatile memory.

[0077] According to the operation described above, the RX in this embodiment controls whether to store the identification information of the TX depending on the type of the identification information (whether the identification information is device-specific or not). This makes it possible to determine whether authentication using the identification information is necessary, i.e., whether authentication can be omitted, when retrying charging with the TX. Furthermore, it is possible to avoid matching with unnecessary identification information that does not match the device-specific identification information, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0078] [Processing of the Overall System] Next, an example of processing executed in this embodiment will be described. Several examples of operation sequences when the above processing is executed will be shown.

[0079] In the initial state, the RX is not placed on the TX. The TX has sufficient power transmission capability to transmit power at the GP requested by the RX. In this embodiment, the predetermined value is 5 watts, and the value greater than the predetermined value is 15 watts.

[0080] [First Processing Example] In this processing example, the identification information of the TX is device-specific information, and the RX does not have the identification information of the TX stored. First, when the RX detects that it has been placed on the TX, it exchanges identification information and capability information, then starts communication in the negotiation phase and acquires the TX's identification information. The RX checks whether the acquired identification information is stored, and since matching identification information is not stored, it determines that authentication is required and sets the requested power value to a predetermined value (5 watts). After that, the RX determines a GP with the TX and starts receiving power, and then performs authentication. At this time, since authentication is successful, the RX stores the identification information of the TX, changes the requested power value to a value greater than the predetermined value (15 watts), and again determines a GP with the TX.

[0081] 7 shows the operation sequence in the first processing example. When the RX is placed on the TX in F701, the TX and the RX perform communication in the Ping phase of the Qi standard, and the RX detects that it has been placed on the TX (F702, S401).

[0082] Next, in F703, the RX transmits identification information and capability information to the TX through communication in the configuration phase of the Qi standard (S402).

[0083] Next, the TX and RX start communication in the negotiation phase of the Qi standard, and at F704, the RX transmits a Qi standard FOD Status data packet to the TX.

[0084] When the TX receives the FOD Status data packet, it determines that no foreign object is present in this embodiment and transmits an ACK in F705.

[0085] Next, in F706, the RX uses a General Request (GRQ) data packet of the Qi standard to send a capability information (CAP) notification request to the TX.

[0086] When the TX receives the capability information notification request, it transmits a Qi-standard CAP data packet to the RX in step F707. The CAP data packet may include a negotiable power value, i.e., Negotiable Load Power. When the RX receives the CAP data packet, the WPC communication unit 203 and the control unit 201 function as an acquisition unit for acquiring the negotiable power value.

[0087] Next, in F708, the RX transmits a notification request of the identification information to the TX. The notification request of the identification information can be transmitted using a data packet defined in the Qi standard.

[0088] When the TX receives the request for notification of the identification information, it transmits the identification information to the RX in F709. Note that the response (identification information) to the request for notification of the identification information can be transmitted using a data packet defined in the Qi standard. The identification information can also include information such as the ID of the TX and whether the ID is a device-specific ID. Hereinafter, in this processing example, the description will be given assuming that the identification information of the TX is a device-specific ID.

[0089] When the RX acquires the identification information of the TX, it starts the authentication execution decision process (S404), and since the identification information is unique to the device (YES in S501), it checks the identification information in F710. As a result of the check, the RX determines that no matching identification information is stored (NO in S502), so it determines in F711 that authentication is required and determines the required power value to be 5 watts (S506).

[0090] Next, in F712, the RX stores the requested power value of the GP in a Specific Request (SRQ) data packet of the Qi standard and transmits it to the TX.

[0091] When the TX receives the SRQ data packet that is a request from the GP, the requested power value is equal to or less than its own negotiable power value, so the TX accepts the requested power value and stores it as the value of the GP in F713.

[0092] Next, in F714, the TX transmits an ACK to the RX as a response of acceptance.

[0093] When the RX receives the ACK, it assumes that the requested power value transmitted in F712 has been accepted, and stores the requested power value as the value of GP in F715 (S405).

[0094] Next, in F716, the RX transmits a notification of the end of the negotiation phase to the TX using an SRQ data packet of the Qi standard.

[0095] When TX receives the notification of the end of the negotiation phase, it transmits an ACK, which is an acceptance response, to RX in F717.

[0096] Thereafter, the RX and TX calculate a reference value for power loss for the purpose of detecting a foreign object based on the determined GP value (F718, S406), and start power transmission and reception processing (F719, S407).

[0097] When the RX starts receiving power, it executes authentication and identification information storage processing (S408), and because authentication is required (YES in S601), it starts authentication processing in F720 (S602).

[0098] In the following processing example, the explanation will be given assuming that authentication is successful. Since the authentication is successful (YES in S603) and the current requested power value is 5 watts, the RX changes the negotiable power value of the TX to a larger power value of 15 watts (YES in S604, S605).

[0099] Next, since the identification information of the TX is information unique to the device (YES in S606), the RX stores the identification information in F721 (S607).

[0100] Next, the TX and RX start communication in the negotiation phase of the Qi standard and re-determine the GP.

[0101] Hereafter, since F722 to F733 are similar to F704 to F707 and F712 to F719, respectively, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] As described above, in the first processing example, since the authentication of the TX is successful and the identification information is unique to the device, the RX stores the identification information, assuming that the TX is a legitimate (trusted) device. This makes it possible to determine whether or not authentication using the identification information is necessary, i.e., whether or not authentication can be omitted, when retrying charging with the TX, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0103] [Second Processing Example] In this processing example, the identification information of the TX is device-specific information, and the RX has already stored the identification information of the TX. In other words, this is a processing example in which the RX is placed on the same TX again after the first processing example is performed.

[0104] First, when the RX detects that it has been placed on the TX, it transmits its identification information and capability information to the TX, then starts communication in the negotiation phase and acquires the TX's identification information. The RX checks whether the acquired identification information has already been stored, and since matching identification information is stored and the previously successful authentication is still valid, it determines that authentication is not necessary and sets the requested power value to a value greater than a predetermined value, at the TX's negotiable power value of 15 watts. After that, the RX determines a GP with the TX and starts power reception, and continues power reception without performing authentication or re-determining a GP.

[0105] Fig. 8 shows the operation sequence in the second processing example. Since F801 to F809 are the same as F701 to F709 in Fig. 7, their explanation will be omitted and only the differences will be explained.

[0106] When the RX acquires the identification information of the TX, it starts the authentication execution decision process (S404), and because the identification information is unique to the device (YES in S501), it verifies the identification information in F810. As a result of the verification, the RX determines that the identification information is stored (YES in S502), and authentication has been executed and is valid (YES in S503, YES in S504), so that no authentication is required in F811 and the required power value is determined to be 15 watts (S505).

[0107] Since F812 to F819 are the same as F712 to F719 in FIG. 7, respectively, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0108] As described above, in the second processing example, the RX has stored the identification information of the TX, and the authentication has been executed and is in a valid state, so the RX sets the requested power value to a value greater than the predetermined value and continues the processing. This makes it possible to immediately start receiving power at a power value greater than the predetermined value even if the authentication processing is not executed, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0109] [Third Processing Example] In this processing example, the identification information of the TX is assumed to be temporary information. First, when the RX detects that it has been placed on the TX, it transmits its identification information and capability information to the TX, and then starts communication in the negotiation phase to acquire the TX's identification information. Because the acquired identification information is not device-specific, the RX does not check whether the identification information is stored, but determines that authentication is required and sets the requested power value to a predetermined value (5 watts). After that, the RX determines a GP with the TX and starts receiving power, and then performs authentication. At this time, although the authentication is successful, because the identification information of the TX is not device-specific, it is not stored, and the requested power value is changed to a value greater than the predetermined value (15 watts), and GP is again determined with the TX.

[0110] FIG. 9 shows the operational sequence in the third processing example. Since F901 to F908, F911 to F919, and F920 to F931 are similar to F701 to F708, F712 to F720, and F722 to F733 in FIG. 7, respectively, their description will be omitted and only the differences will be described. Upon receiving a request for notification of identification information, the TX transmits the identification information to the RX in F909. In this processing example, the TX's identification information will be described as a temporary ID. Upon acquiring the TX's identification information, the RX initiates authentication execution determination processing (S404). Since the identification information is not unique to the device (NO in S501), the RX does not verify the identification information, but determines in F910 that authentication is required and determines the required power value to be 5 watts (S506). The RX then initiates authentication processing in F919 (S602). In the following processing example, the authentication will be described as successful. Since the authentication is successful (YES in S603) and the current requested power value is 5 watts, the RX changes the negotiable power value of the TX to 15 watts as a larger power value (YES in S604, S605). However, since the identification information of the TX is not device-specific information (NO in S606), the identification information is not stored.

[0111] As described above, in the third processing example, even if authentication is successful, the RX does not store the identification information of the TX because the identification information is not device-specific information. This makes it possible to avoid matching with identification information that does not match device-specific identification information, i.e., to avoid matching with unnecessary identification information, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0112] [Other Processing Examples] In the above embodiment, the RX stores information related to authentication along with the identification information of the TX. However, it is also possible to store only the identification information. In this case, it is possible to control the RX to store the identification information only if the identification information of the TX is unique to the device, and not to store the identification information if the identification information is not unique to the device. Furthermore, it is also possible to omit the determination of whether authentication has been performed (S503) and the determination of whether the performed authentication is valid (S504). This makes it possible to determine whether authentication is required based on whether power has been received from the TX in the past, while reducing the amount of data to be stored and the processing load, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0113] In the above embodiment, if the authentication is not successful in the RX, the identification information is not stored. However, the identification information may be stored. In this case, the execution result of the information related to the authentication may be stored as not successful (i.e., failed or not executed) together with the identification information. Furthermore, if the identification information is already stored, it may be deleted, or the execution result of the information related to the authentication stored in association with the identification information may be changed to not successful, i.e., invalidated. This makes it possible to reliably execute authentication for the TX that is not successful in authentication, thereby realizing a safer and more efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0114] In the above embodiment, if the identification information of the TX is not unique to the device, the RX does not store the identification information. However, the RX may store the identification information. In this case, the RX may store the fact that the identification information is temporary information along with the identification information. Furthermore, the execution result of the authentication information may be stored as not successful (i.e., failed or not executed), but this is not limiting. This makes it possible to reliably perform authentication even when identification information that is not unique to the device, i.e., that is difficult to determine as a legitimate (trustworthy) device, is stored, thereby realizing a safer and more efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the RX determines whether to store the identification information of the TX based on the type of the identification information. However, the RX may request a user via the notification unit 209 to instruct whether to allow storage. At this time, the notification unit 209 may display information or a message that allows the user to identify whether the TX is a legitimate (trusted) device, depending on whether the identification information is device-specific or whether authentication was successful or not. Alternatively, the user may be requested to instruct only when the identification information of the TX is not device-specific or when authentication failed. Furthermore, even if the user instructs not to allow storage, the identification information may be stored along with information indicating that the user did not allow it. This makes it possible to notify the user whether the TX is a legitimate (trusted) device based on the type of identification information and the authentication result. Furthermore, it is possible to omit authentication for TXs that the user has allowed to be stored (registered) and to reliably perform authentication for TXs that the user has not allowed, thereby realizing a safe and highly efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0116] In the above embodiment, when the RX determines that authentication is not required, the authentication process executed during the power transfer phase is not performed. However, it may be performed. That is, the authentication process is performed after starting power reception from the TX that has stored its identification information at a power value greater than a predetermined value. This allows the RX to start receiving the desired power early, and in the unlikely event that the TX is masquerading as an unauthorized device, the received power can be limited or stopped. Furthermore, some of the authentication process may be omitted. For example, steps F1003 to F1004 may be omitted by using authentication-related information (e.g., the TX's certificate) stored in association with the TX's identification information. This significantly reduces the processing time required for authentication and enables reliable confirmation that the TX is a legitimate device, thereby realizing a safer and more efficient wireless power transmission system. Furthermore, for example, when the identification information of the TX has been stored but authentication has not been performed or the authentication is not valid, the authentication process may be performed in a simplified manner, but this is not a limitation. In the above embodiment, when the RX determines to perform authentication, the requested power value is set to a predetermined value. However, this does not have to be a predetermined value. For example, when the identification information has been stored but authentication has not been performed or the authentication is not valid, the requested power value may be set to a value greater than a predetermined value to determine the GP, and the received power value may be controlled to fall within the predetermined value until the authentication process is completed. This makes it possible to confirm whether the TX is a legitimate device by performing authentication, and also reduces the processing time required to re-determine the GP, thereby realizing a safer and more efficient wireless power transmission system.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the RX stores authentication information in association with the TX's identification information. However, the RX may store other information related to power transmission and reception (an example of power transmission-related information), such as a GP or a Power Profile. In this case, for example, when the RX determines that authentication is not required, the RX may set the required power value to the stored GP value. This reduces the need to repeat the processing sequence for determining the GP, thereby achieving a safer and more efficient wireless power transmission system. FIG. 11 illustrates an example of such a modification. FIG. 11 differs from the processing flow illustrated in FIG. 8 in that F806 and F807 are omitted and F810A and F811A are added. In this case, capability information may also be stored as part of the power transmission and reception information (an example of power-related information). In the example illustrated in FIG. 11, omitting F806 and F807 reduces the processing load. Furthermore, even if F806 is omitted, the required power value can be set to a relatively high value such as 15 W in F812 by using the information on power transmission and reception read out in F810A.

[0118] In the above embodiment, the WPC communication unit 203, i.e., wireless power transmission communication based on the Qi standard, is used as a method for notifying the RX of the identification information of the TX. However, other general wireless communication may also be used. For example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, etc. may be used instead.

[0119] In the above embodiment, the RX determines whether or not authentication is required based on the identification information of the TX, but the determination may also be made based on the state of wireless communication established with the TX. For example, a state in which Bluetooth pairing with the TX is complete can be considered to be a state in which the identification information of the TX is stored, and a state in which a Bluetooth link with the TX is established can be considered to be a state in which authentication has been performed and is valid.

[0120] In the above embodiment, an example in which the RX authenticates the TX has been described. However, the TX may operate to authenticate the RX, or both may perform authentication. In this case, the TX may determine whether or not authentication is required based on the type of identification information of the RX, the status of authentication execution, etc., and may determine the negotiable load power depending on whether or not authentication is required. For example, if it is determined that authentication is required, the TX may determine a predetermined value, and if it is determined that authentication is not required, the TX may determine a value greater than the predetermined value. In addition, other determinations and processes performed by the RX described in the above embodiment may also be applied to the TX in the same way.

[0121] In the above embodiment, a specific processing order is illustrated in the processing flow charts (flowcharts) shown in Figures 4 to 6, but this is not limiting. That is, the processing order of each step may be changed as long as the relationship between the input and output of each step is not impaired. This also applies to the diagrams shown in Figures 7 to 9. For example, in the example shown in Figure 6, the processing of S604 and S605 may be changed to the processing of S606 and S607.

[0122] The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described 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. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC or an FPGA) that realizes one or more functions.

[0123] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, it is not limited to a specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the claims. It is also possible to combine all or a plurality of components of the above-described embodiments.

[0124] For example, in the above-described embodiment, two values ​​are exemplified as the required power value: a predetermined value (5 watts) and a value greater than the predetermined value (15 watts), but any of three or more values ​​may be selectively used, such as 20 watts or more.

[0125] In addition, the following supplementary notes are disclosed regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0126] [Supplementary Note 1] A power receiving device characterized by comprising: a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmitting device; an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the power transmitting device; an authentication means for authenticating the power transmitting device; and a storage processing means for storing the identification information in a storage unit based on attributes of the identification information after authentication by the authentication means.

[0127] [Supplementary Note 2] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that an attribute of the identification information includes a fixed type in which the identification information is fixed, and the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit when the attribute of the identification information is a fixed type.

[0128] [Supplementary Note 3] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, characterized in that the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit when an attribute of the identification information is fixed and authentication by the authentication means is successful.

[0129] [Appendix 4] The power receiving device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, characterized in that the attribute of the identification information includes a variable type in which the identification information changes, and the storage processing means does not store the identification information in the storage unit when the attribute of the identification information is a variable type.

[0130] [Supplementary Note 5] The power receiving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the identification information includes attribute information indicating the attribute, or is acquired by the acquisition means together with the attribute information.

[0131] [Supplementary Note 6] The power receiving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, further comprising: a determination means for determining whether the identification information is stored in the storage unit; and an authentication control means for performing authentication by the authentication means when the determination means determines that the identification information is not stored, and not performing or simplifying authentication by the authentication means when the determination means determines that the identification information is stored.

[0132] [Supplementary Note 7] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the determination means makes the determination based on an attribute of the identification information.

[0133] [Supplementary Note 8] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 6 or 7, characterized in that the attribute of the identification information includes a fixed type in which the identification information is fixed, and the determination means performs the determination when the attribute of the identification information is a fixed type.

[0134] [Supplementary Note 9] The power receiving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 6 to 8, characterized in that the attribute of the identification information includes a variable type in which the identification information changes, and the determination means does not perform the determination when the attribute of the identification information is a variable type.

[0135] [Supplementary Note 10] The power receiving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, characterized in that when the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit, the storage processing means associates authentication-related information regarding authentication by the authentication means with the identification information and stores the authentication-related information in the storage unit.

[0136] [Supplementary Note 11] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 10, characterized in that the authentication-related information includes a result of authentication performed by the authentication means, or a time of execution and a certificate of the power transmitting device obtained during authentication by the authentication means.

[0137] [Supplementary Note 12] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the execution result of the authentication includes at least one of success, failure, and not executed.

[0138] [Supplementary Note 13] The power receiving device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 10 to 12, further comprising an authentication control means for omitting or simplifying authentication by the authentication means based on the authentication-related information stored in the memory unit.

[0139] [Supplementary Note 14] The power receiving device described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, further comprising a power receiving control means that starts wirelessly receiving power from the power transmitting device at a first power value before authentication by the authentication means, and the power receiving control means, when authentication by the authentication means is successful, wirelessly receiving power from the power transmitting device at a second power value higher than the first power value.

[0140] [Supplementary Note 15] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 14, characterized in that when the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit, it stores power transmission-related information relating to the power transmission function of the power transmitting device in the storage unit in association with the identification information.

[0141] [Supplementary Note 16] The power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the power receiving control means controls wireless power reception from the power transmitting device based on the power transmission related information stored in the storage unit.

[0142] [Appendix 17] The power receiving device described in Appendix 16, characterized in that when the determination means determines that the identification information is stored and the power transmission-related information indicates that wireless power reception from the power transmitting device can be performed at the second power value, the power receiving control means starts wireless power reception from the power transmitting device at the second power value before authentication by the authentication means.

[0143] [Supplementary Note 18] A method performed by a power receiving device that wirelessly receives power from a power transmitting device, the method comprising: a step of acquiring identification information of the power transmitting device; an authentication step of authenticating the power transmitting device; and a step of storing the identification information in a memory unit based on attributes of the identification information after authentication by the authentication step.

[0144] [Supplementary Note 19] A program for causing a computer to function as the control method for a power receiving device according to Supplementary Note 18.

[0145] 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.

[0146] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-125680, filed August 1, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A power receiving device characterized by having: a power receiving means for wirelessly receiving power from a power transmitting device; an acquisition means for acquiring identification information of the power transmitting device; an authentication means for authenticating the power transmitting device; and a storage processing means for storing the identification information in a storage unit based on attributes of the identification information after authentication by the authentication means.

2. The power receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the attributes of the identification information include a fixed type in which the identification information is fixed, and the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit when the attributes of the identification information are fixed.

3. The power receiving device according to claim 2, wherein the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit when the attribute of the identification information is fixed and authentication by the authentication means is successful.

4. The power receiving device described in claim 1, characterized in that the attributes of the identification information include a variable type in which the identification information changes, and the storage processing means does not store the identification information in the storage unit when the attributes of the identification information are variable.

5. The power receiving device according to claim 1, wherein the identification information includes attribute information indicating the attribute, or is acquired by the acquisition means together with the attribute information.

6. The power receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination means for determining whether the identification information is stored in the memory unit; and an authentication control means for performing authentication by the authentication means when the determination means determines that the identification information is not stored, and not performing or simplifying authentication by the authentication means when the determination means determines that the identification information is stored.

7. The power receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the determination means makes the determination based on an attribute of the identification information.

8. The power receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the attribute of the identification information includes a fixed type in which the identification information is fixed, and the determination means performs the determination when the attribute of the identification information is a fixed type.

9. The power receiving device according to claim 6, wherein the attribute of the identification information includes a variable type in which the identification information changes, and the determination means does not perform the determination when the attribute of the identification information is a variable type.

10. The power receiving device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the storage processing means stores the identification information in the storage unit, it links authentication-related information regarding authentication by the authentication means to the identification information and stores it in the storage unit.

11. The power receiving device according to claim 10, wherein the authentication-related information includes the result of authentication performed by the authentication means, or the time of execution and a certificate of the power transmitting device obtained during authentication by the authentication means.

12. The power receiving device according to claim 11, wherein the execution result of the authentication includes at least one of success, failure, and not executed.

13. The power receiving device according to claim 10, further comprising authentication control means for omitting or simplifying authentication by said authentication means based on said authentication-related information stored in said storage unit.

14. The power receiving device according to claim 1, further comprising a power receiving control means that starts wireless power reception from the power transmitting device at a first power value before authentication by the authentication means, and wherein the power receiving control means, when authentication by the authentication means is successful, wirelessly receives power from the power transmitting device at a second power value higher than the first power value.

15. The power receiving device described in claim 14, characterized in that when the storage processing means stores the identification information in the memory unit, it links power transmission-related information regarding the power transmission function of the power transmitting device to the identification information and stores it in the memory unit.

16. The power receiving device according to claim 15, wherein the power receiving control means controls wireless power reception from the power transmitting device based on the power transmission related information stored in the memory unit.

17. The power receiving device described in claim 16, characterized in that when the determination means determines that the identification information is stored and the power transmission related information indicates that wireless power reception from the power transmitting device can be performed at the second power value, the power receiving control means starts wireless power reception from the power transmitting device at the second power value before authentication by the authentication means.

18. A method performed by a power receiving device that wirelessly receives power from a power transmitting device, comprising: a step of acquiring identification information of the power transmitting device; an authentication step of authenticating the power transmitting device; and a step of storing the identification information in a memory unit based on attributes of the identification information after authentication by the authentication step.

19. A program for causing a computer to function as the method of claim 18.

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