Abstract:
The present invention provides a charging apparatus including a charging unit adapted to charge, in a non-contact manner, an apparatus to be charged placed in a charging region, a detector adapted to detect a charged state of the apparatus to be charged placed in the charging region, and a controller adapted to change a mode of the apparatus to be charged to a mode that inhibits vibration, according to the charged state detected by the detector.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a charging apparatus and a method for controlling a charging apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    With the digitization of electrical devices, various charging techniques and techniques for supplying power to these electrical devices have been proposed, and, in recent years, techniques have been attracting attention for non-contact charging using electromagnetic induction wherein when a current flows through a primary coil on one side, an electromotive force is generated in a secondary coil on the other side. In non-contact charging, the positional relationship between a shaft of the primary coil on the side of a charger and a shaft of the secondary coil on the side of a device to be charged affects electrical efficiency, and the electrical efficiency may be extremely low depending on the position or the orientation of the shafts of the coils. 
         [0003]    For example, in the case of electric toothbrushes, non-contact charging is applied using electromagnetic induction. A non-contact charger for an electric toothbrush typically has a socket into which the electric toothbrush is to be placed such that the positions of (the shafts of) the coils are not significantly displaced from each other (i.e., such that electrical efficiency is improved), and partially holds the electric toothbrush while charging. 
         [0004]    Furthermore, non-contact charging is also applied in the case of mobile phones, and a non-contact charger of a mobile phone also has a structure (a groove, etc.) that does not allow the mobile phone to move significantly. Here, a mobile phone has a vibration function, and, under particular settings such as silent mode (vibration mode), a user is notified of an incoming call by vibration instead of generation of a sound or light; thus, when there is an incoming call while charging, the mobile phone may move out of the charger due to the vibration. Thus, a technique is proposed whereby the vibration mode is forcibly cancelled during charging of a mobile phone, and the mode is returned to the vibration mode after charging of the mobile phone ends (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-197674). 
         [0005]    However, this conventional technology assumes only a situation in which one non-contact charger charges one device to be charged, and does not consider a situation wherein one charger simultaneously charges a plurality of devices to be charged. For example, in a case where a plurality of mobile phones are simultaneously charged, even when the vibration mode of one mobile phone is forcibly cancelled, if another mobile phone is in vibration mode, the entire charger may vibrate due to the vibration of given mobile phone. As a result, the positional relationship between the charger (primary coil) and each of the plurality of mobile phones (secondary coils) may be displaced, and, thus, efficient charging cannot be performed (i.e., the optimal positional relationship is lost, and charging efficiency is decreased). 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides a technique that enables charging to be efficiently performed in the case where a plurality of devices are charged in a non-contact manner. 
         [0007]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging apparatus comprising a charging unit adapted to charge, in a non-contact manner, an apparatus to be charged placed in a charging region, a detector adapted to detect a charged state of the apparatus to be charged placed in the charging region, and a controller adapted to change a mode of the apparatus to be charged to a mode that inhibits vibration, according to the charged state detected by the detector. 
         [0008]    According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique that enables charging to be efficiently performed in cases where a plurality of devices are charged in a non-contact manner. 
         [0009]    Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an external view of a charger as an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing an example of the charger shown in  FIG. 1  and a device to be charged (mobile phone). 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a circuit block diagram of an example of the charger and the mobile phone shown in  FIG. 2 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart for illustrating an example of a charging process on one mobile phone using the charger shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart for illustrating an example of the details of a process that determines whether or not a mobile phone is a legitimate device in step S 402  shown in  FIG. 4  (authentication process on a mobile phone). 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing an example of the charger shown in  FIG. 1  and two devices to be charged (mobile phones). 
           [0016]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are flowcharts for illustrating an example of a charging process on two mobile phones using the charger shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a circuit block diagram of a charger as an aspect of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are flowcharts for illustrating an example of a charging process on a mobile phone (device to be charged) using the charger shown in  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     First Embodiment 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an external view of a charger  100  as an aspect of the present invention. The charger  100  is a non-contact charger that can charge a plurality of devices in a non-contact manner using electromagnetic induction. In this embodiment, the charger  100  includes two coils (primary coils)  101  and  102  that charge, in a non-contact manner, devices placed in corresponding charging regions. 
         [0020]    Furthermore, the charger  100  has an authentication function that determines whether or not a device to be charged that is placed in a charging region is a legitimate device (i.e., performs an authentication process for the given device), and can communicate with the given device via an antenna  123 . The antenna  123  may be in any form as long as communication with the device is possible. Here, in this embodiment, the antenna  123  is exposed outside the charger  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 , but it may also be contained within the charger  100 . 
         [0021]    Furthermore, the charger  100  includes an LCD panel  113  for notifying a user of a charging error, a change in a charged state, charging completion, or the like (i.e., for displaying a message), and LEDs  114  and  115  respectively corresponding to the coils  101  and  102 . The LED  114  and the LED  115  flash to notify a user of information relating to devices to be charged that are placed on the coils  101  and  102 . 
         [0022]    As is described later, the charger  100  includes a plurality of magnetic sensors such as Hall elements, and a plurality of temperature sensors such as thermistors. Here, it is assumed that each of the sensors is not exposed outside the charger  100 . Here, the charger  100  is not provided with an internal battery, and has a power supply from a commercial power source via an AC adapter or the like. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view showing an example of the charger  100  and a mobile phone  200 , which is a device to be charged. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the mobile phone  200  as a device to be charged is placed in a charging region of the charger  100 ; more specifically, it is placed on the coil  101 . The mobile phone  200  is provided with a rechargeable battery, and supports non-contact charging using electromagnetic induction by the charger  100 . The charger  100  communicates with the mobile phone  200  placed on the coil  101  via the antenna  123 , and performs an authentication process on the mobile phone  200 . In the case where it is determined that the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device (i.e., the mobile phone  200  is authenticated), the charger  100  causes a current to flow through the coil  101 , thereby generating a magnetic flux. Accordingly, a voltage is generated on a coil (secondary coil) on the side of the mobile phone  200 , and the rechargeable battery included in the mobile phone  200  is charged. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  is a circuit block diagram of an example of the charger  100  and the mobile phone  200 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the charger  100  includes the coils  101  and  102 , a rectifying and commutating unit  104 , a DC-DC converter  105 , a charging control unit  106 , and a charging request-sending unit  107 . Furthermore, the charger  100  includes a detecting unit  108 , a sensor unit  109 , power transmission coil-exciting units  110  and  111 , a display control unit  112 , the LCD panel  113 , the LEDs  114  and  115 , and an IC tag authentication unit  120 . Here, the IC tag authentication unit  120  includes an IC tag control unit  121 , an IC tag reader  122 , and the antenna  123 . 
         [0025]    The rectifying and commutating unit  104  rectifies and smoothes an alternating voltage from a commercial power source input via an AC adapter or the like, and supplies the direct voltage to the DC-DC converter  105 . The DC-DC converter  105  converts the direct voltage from the rectifying and commutating unit  104  into a predetermined voltage, and supplies this voltage to the charging control unit  106 . 
         [0026]    The charging control unit  106  includes a CPU and a memory, and controls whether or not to output the direct voltage from the DC-DC converter  105 , to the power transmission coil-exciting units  110  and/or  111 . When outputting the direct voltage, the charging control unit  106  turns on a switch for controlling the power transmission coil-exciting unit  110  or  111 , thereby outputting the direct voltage. 
         [0027]    The power transmission coil-exciting units  110  and  111  excite the coils  101  and  102  using the direct voltage supplied from the DC-DC converter  105  via the charging control unit  106 , thereby generating a magnetic flux. 
         [0028]    The charging request-sending unit  107  sends a charging request to the charging control unit  106  at a set timer interval (for example, 2 seconds) based on timer information set by the charging control unit  106 . In response to the instruction from the charging request-sending unit  107 , the charging control unit  106  outputs a direct voltage to the power transmission coil-exciting units  110  and/or  111  at a set timer interval. 
         [0029]    The detecting unit  108  detects a power transmission coil voltage and a power transmission coil current of the coil  101  and the coil  102 . Furthermore, the detecting unit  108  obtains sensor information (results of the detection performed by the sensor unit  109 ) from the sensor unit  109 , and transmits this information to the charging control unit  106 . The sensor unit  109  is configured by arranging magnetic sensors for detecting the intensity of a magnetic field, as appropriate at respective parts of the charger  100 , and detects the intensity of a magnetic field of the respective parts, thereby detecting the number and the position of devices to be charged placed in charging regions of the charger  100 . Furthermore, the sensor unit  109  is also configured by arranging temperature sensors as appropriate at respective parts of the charger  100 , and monitors a temperature of the respective parts, thereby preventing the temperature from abnormally increasing or the like, and ensuring the temperature of the charger  100 . 
         [0030]    Depending upon the information input from the charging control unit  106 , the display control unit  112 , for example, may output a message or an image to the LCD panel  113 , or may cause the LED  114  or the LED  115  to flash. 
         [0031]    The IC tag authentication unit  120  determines whether or not the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device, by performing a predetermined communication with a non-contact IC tag  210  of the mobile phone  200 . The IC tag control unit  121  obtains authentication data from the non-contact IC tag  210 , and performs control to perform an authentication process on the mobile phone  200 . The IC tag reader  122  operates under the control of the IC tag control unit  121 , and reads the authentication data from the non-contact IC tag  210 . The antenna  123  is an antenna that is connected to the IC tag reader  122 , and that is used for communicating with the non-contact IC tag  210  of the mobile phone  200 . Here, any non-contact IC tag techniques that are well known in the art may be applied to the authentication function in the IC tag authentication unit  120 . Furthermore, the antenna  123  can receive not only authentication data but also setting information or the like relating to device settings of a device to be charged. 
         [0032]    Meanwhile, the mobile phone  200  includes a coil  201 , a rectifying and commutating unit  202 , a power source control unit  203 , a rechargeable battery  204 , and the non-contact IC tag  210 . Furthermore, the mobile phone  200  includes a control unit  220 , an operating unit  221 , a notifying unit  222 , a display unit  223 , a vibrating unit  224 , and a non-volatile memory (EEPROM)  225 . Here, the non-contact IC tag  210  includes an antenna  211 , a communicating unit  212 , a data-processing unit  213 , a memory  214 , a rectifying circuit  215 , and a stabilizing circuit  216 . 
         [0033]    In the coil  201 , a magnetic flux generated by the coil  101  or  102  of the charger  100  generates an electromotive force, and a current flows. Since the electromotive force generated in the coil  201  (a voltage supplied to the coil  201 ) is not stable, the rectifying and commutating unit  202  rectifies and smoothes the voltage, and supplies the direct voltage via the power source control unit  203  to the rechargeable battery  204 . Accordingly, the rechargeable battery  204  is charged. Here, the rechargeable battery  204  is, for example, a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-hydrogen battery. 
         [0034]    The power source control unit  203  detects the charged state of the rechargeable battery  204  based on, for example, the voltage or the charging time of the rechargeable battery  204 , and controls a power supply to the rechargeable battery  204  and a power supply to the non-contact IC tag  210 . 
         [0035]    The non-contact IC tag  210  is used for an authentication process on the mobile phone  200  performed between the non-contact IC tag and the charger  100 , by performing a predetermined communication with the IC tag authentication unit  120  of the charger  100 . The communicating unit  212  performs a communication via the antenna  211  with the charger  100  (the IC tag authentication unit  120 ). The data-processing unit  213  performs a predetermined process on data that is transmitted and received by the communicating unit  212 . The memory  214  is a memory from and to which the data-processing unit  213  reads and writes data. The rectifying circuit  215  rectifies a signal received by the antenna  211 . The stabilizing circuit  216  stabilizes output of the rectifying circuit  215 . Furthermore, the antenna  211  can transmit not only authentication data but also setting information or the like relating to device settings of a device to be charged. 
         [0036]    The control unit  220  performs an overall control of the entire mobile phone  200 . The control unit  220  controls, for example, a control of the rechargeable battery  204  by the power source control unit  203 , and a communication by the non-contact IC tag  210 . Furthermore, the control unit  220 , for example, receives input information input to the operating unit  221  (operation on the mobile phone  200 ), or instructs the notifying unit  222  to give notice of a change in the device settings made through an operation of a user. Furthermore, the control unit  220 , for example, gives notice of display contents to the display unit  223  for displaying device settings, input information, or the like, and notifies the vibrating unit  224  of the start or stop of the operation in the case where a silent mode or the like is set. Here, the setting information or the like relating to the device settings of the mobile phone  200  is saved in the EEPROM  225 . Accordingly, even in a state where the rechargeable battery  204  is empty, the setting information or the like relating to the device settings of the mobile phone  200  can be saved without being lost. 
         [0037]    Next, referring to  FIG. 4 , a charging process on the mobile phone  200  using the charger  100  will be described. Here, as shown in  FIG. 2 , it is assumed that the mobile phone  200  is placed on the coil  101  of the charger  100 . 
         [0038]    In step S 402 , the IC tag authentication unit  120  performs an authentication process on the mobile phone  200  placed on the coil  101 , and determines whether or not the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device. Here, the IC tag authentication unit  120  notifies the charging control unit  106  of results of the authentication process performed on the mobile phone  200  (i.e., whether the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device, or an illegitimate device). 
         [0039]    Here, referring to  FIG. 5 , the details of a process that determines whether or not the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device in step S 402  (authentication process on the mobile phone  200 ) will be described. 
         [0040]    In step S 502 , the charging control unit  106  confirms via the detecting unit  108  whether or not the sensor unit  109  has detected that a device to be charged has been placed in a charging region. In the case where it is not detected that a device to be charged has been placed in said charging region, such confirmation (step S 502 ) is repeated. In the case where it is detected that a device to be charged has been placed in said charging region, the procedure proceeds to step S 504 . 
         [0041]    In step S 504 , the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines whether or not communication is possible with the device to be charged detected in step S 502 . More specifically, under the control of the IC tag control unit  121 , the IC tag reader  122  gives, via the antenna  123 , the device to be charged a request to transmit authentication data. Then, the IC tag control unit  121  confirms whether or not the authentication data is received from the device to be charged within a given time (i.e., whether or not the authentication data has been transmitted from the device to be charged). In the case where the authentication data is not received, the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that communication with the device to be charged is not possible, the procedure proceeds to step S 512 , and it is determined that this device to be charged is an illegitimate device. On the other hand, in the case where the authentication data is received, the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that a communication with the device to be charged is possible, and the procedure proceeds to step S 506 . 
         [0042]    In step S 506 , the IC tag reader  122  reads the authentication data received from the device to be charged. Here, the read authentication data is output to the IC tag control unit  121 . 
         [0043]    In step S 508 , the IC tag control unit  121  determines whether or not the authentication data read by the IC tag reader  122  is legitimate. In the case where the authentication data is legitimate, the procedure proceeds to step S 510 , and the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that the device to be charged is a legitimate device. On the other hand, in the case where the authentication data is not legitimate, the procedure proceeds to step S 512 , and the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that the device to be charged is an illegitimate device. 
         [0044]    In the case where it is determined in step S 402  that the mobile phone  200  is an illegitimate device in this manner, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the procedure proceeds to step S 404 . On the other hand, in the case where it is determined in step S 402  that the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the procedure proceeds to step S 406 . 
         [0045]    In step S 404 , the charging control unit  106  notifies a user that the mobile phone  200  placed on the coil  101  is an illegitimate device (that the mobile phone  200  cannot be authenticated). More specifically, the charging control unit  106  notifies the display control unit  112  that the mobile phone  200  is an illegitimate device, and where the mobile phone  200  has been placed. Then, the display control unit  112  turns on the LED  114  corresponding to the coil  101  at the position where the mobile phone  200  is placed, and displays, on the LCD panel  113 , a message to the effect that the mobile phone  200  is an illegitimate device. 
         [0046]    In step S 406 , the charging control unit  106  obtains, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), device information relating to device settings of the mobile phone  200 . Here, in the mobile phone  200 , current device settings are managed by the control unit  220 , and can be transmitted as device information via the non-contact IC tag  210  (the antenna  211 ) in response to a request from the charger  100 . Here, the device information relating to device settings of the mobile phone  200  includes information indicating the mode set in the mobile phone  200  (for example, a mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200 , a mode that inhibits vibration of the mobile phone  200 , etc.), information indicating the charged state of the rechargeable battery  204 , and the like. 
         [0047]    In step S 408 , the charging control unit  106  determines based on the device information obtained in step S 406  whether or not a mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200  is set. More specifically, the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not the device information obtained in step S 406  contains setting information indicating a mode that permits vibration. In the case where a mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200  is set, the procedure proceeds to step S 410 . On the other hand, in the case where a mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200  is not set, the procedure proceeds to step S 412 . 
         [0048]    In step S 410 , the charging control unit  106  gives, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), an instruction to cancel the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200 . More specifically, the charging control unit  106  transmits an instruction to change the mode that permits vibration set in the mobile phone  200  to a mode that inhibits vibration, to the mobile phone  200 . Accordingly, the mode that permits vibration set in the mobile phone  200  is changed to a mode that inhibits vibration. In the mobile phone  200 , the mode is changed to a mode that inhibits vibration, by the control unit  220  notifying the vibrating unit  224  of inhibition of vibration. 
         [0049]    In step S 412 , the charging control unit  106  charges the mobile phone  200  (the rechargeable battery  204 ) based on the device information obtained in step S 406 . Since the device information obtained in step S 406  contains information indicating the charged state of the rechargeable battery  204 , the charging control unit  106  causes a current according to the charging capacity of the rechargeable battery  204  to flow through the coil  101  via the power transmission coil-exciting unit  110 , thereby generating a magnetic flux. Accordingly, an electromotive force is generated in the coil  201  of the mobile phone  200 , and the rechargeable battery  204  is charged. 
         [0050]    In step S 414 , the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not charging of the mobile phone  200  is completed. In the case where charging of the mobile phone  200  is not completed, the procedure proceeds to step S 412 , and charging of the mobile phone  200  is continued. On the other hand, in the case where charging of the mobile phone  200  is completed, the procedure proceeds to step S 416 . 
         [0051]    In step S 416 , the charging control unit  106  gives, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), an instruction to return the mode to the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200 . In other words, in step S 416 , the device settings after the change in step S 410  is changed to the device settings before the change in step S 410 . More specifically, the charging control unit  106  transmits an instruction to change the mode that inhibits vibration set in the mobile phone  200  to a mode that permits vibration, to the mobile phone  200 . Accordingly, the mode that inhibits vibration set in the mobile phone  200  is changed to a mode that permits vibration. In the mobile phone  200 , the mode is changed to a mode that permits vibration, by the control unit  220  notifying the vibrating unit  224  of permission of vibration. Here, in the case where step S 410  is not executed (i.e., in the case where it is determined in step S 408  that a mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200  is not set), the procedure proceeds to step S 418  without executing step S 416 . 
         [0052]    In step S 418 , the charging control unit  106  notifies the user that charging of the mobile phone  200  is completed. More specifically, under the control of the charging control unit  106 , the display control unit  112  turns on the LED  114  corresponding to the coil  101  at the position where the mobile phone  200  is placed, and displays, on the LCD panel  113 , a message to the effect that charging of the mobile phone  200  is completed. 
         [0053]    In the description above, the case is shown in which one device to be charged (the mobile phone  200 ) is placed on the charger  100 . Next, the case in which two devices to be charged are placed on the charger  100  as shown in  FIG. 6  will be described.  FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing an example of the charger  100  and two devices to be charged (mobile phones  200  and  300 ). In  FIG. 6 , a new mobile phone  300  is placed on the charger  100  in addition to the mobile phone  200 . Here, the mobile phone  300  has a similar configuration to that of the mobile phone  200 . That is to say, the mobile phone  300  is provided with a rechargeable battery, and supports non-contact charging using electromagnetic induction by the charger  100 . The charger  100  charges each of the mobile phones  200  and  300  via the coils  101  and  102 . Hereinafter, the case will be described in which the charger  100  charges two devices to be charged (the mobile phones  200  and  300 ), but the number of devices to be charged is not limited to two. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a charging process on the mobile phones  200  and  300  using the charger  100  will be described. Here, it is assumed that the mobile phone  200  placed on the coil  101  of the charger  100  is being charged, and that the mobile phone  300  is newly placed on the coil  102  of the charger  100 . Furthermore, it is assumed that an authentication process has been performed on the mobile phone  300 , and that the mobile phone  300  has been determined as a legitimate device. Here, in the case where the mobile phone  300  is not authenticated, charging of the mobile phone  200  is continued (i.e., only the mobile phone  200  is charged) according to the charging process shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0055]    In step S 702 , the charging control unit  106  obtains, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), device information relating to device settings of the mobile phone  300  newly placed on the coil  102 . Also in the mobile phone  300 , current device settings are managed, and device information relating to device settings of the mobile phone  300  can be transmitted in response to a request from the charger  100 , as in the case of the mobile phone  200 . 
         [0056]    In step S 704 , the charging control unit  106  determines based on the device information obtained in step S 702  whether or not the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  300  is set. 
         [0057]    In step S 704 , in the case where the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  300  is set, the procedure proceeds to step S 706 , and the charger  100  manages modes set in both of the mobile phone  200  that is being charged and the mobile phone  300  that is to be charged. 
         [0058]    In step S 706 , the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not the mode that permits vibration is cancelled in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged (i.e., whether or not the mode has been changed to a mode that inhibits vibration of the mobile phone  200  that is being charged). As described above (see  FIG. 4 ), the charger  100  may have given an instruction to cancel the mode that permits vibration, to the mobile phone  200  that is being charged. 
         [0059]    In the case where it is determined in step S 706  that the mode that permits vibration is cancelled in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged, the procedure proceeds to step S 708 . In step S 708 , the charging control unit  106  gives, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), an instruction to cancel the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phones  200  and  300 . More specifically, the charging control unit  106  transmits an instruction to change the mode that permits vibration set in the mobile phones  200  and  300  to a mode that inhibits vibration, to the mobile phones  200  and  300 . At that time, the charging control unit  106  specifies a time during which the change in the device settings of the mobile phones  200  and  300  (the change to a mode that inhibits vibration) is to be maintained. In other words, the charging control unit  106  gives an instruction to return the mode to a mode that permits vibration after a given time has elapsed, to the devices to be charged. This time is calculated based on the charging capacity of the devices to be charged and the amount of power supplied by the charger  100 , and determined based on the charging time of the devices to be charged and the charging interval of the charger  100  (the coil  101  or  102 ). More specifically, the charging control unit  106  specifies a time obtained by adding the longest charging time for the devices to be charged and the charging interval of a coil that charges the device to be charged corresponding to the longest charging time. For example, in the case where the longest charging time is 10 minutes, and the charging interval is 2 seconds, 10 minutes+2 seconds is specified. Accordingly, the mode that permits vibration set in the mobile phone  300  is changed to a mode that inhibits vibration during the time specified by the charging control unit  106 . Here, the mode of the mobile phone  200  that is being charged is already changed to a mode that inhibits vibration, and, thus, the setting is made such that the change into the mode that inhibits vibration is maintained during the time specified by the charging control unit  106 . 
         [0060]    On the other hand, in the case where a mode that permits vibration is not set in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged, it is determined that the mode that permits vibration has not been cancelled, and, thus, the procedure proceeds to step S 710 . In step S 710 , the charging control unit  106  gives, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), an instruction to cancel the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  300 . More specifically, the charging control unit  106  transmits an instruction to change the mode that permits vibration set in the mobile phone  300  to a mode that inhibits vibration, to the mobile phone  300 . At that time, the charging control unit  106  specifies a time during which the change in the device settings of the mobile phone  300  (the change to a mode that inhibits vibration) is maintained. Accordingly, the mode that permits vibration set in the mobile phone  300  is changed to a mode that inhibits vibration during the time specified by the charging control unit  106 . 
         [0061]    In step S 712 , the charging control unit  106  charges the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300 . At that time, the mobile phone  200  is being charged, and, thus, charging of the mobile phone  200  is continued. 
         [0062]    In step S 714 , the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300  that are being charged (all devices that are being charged) have been charged by a given amount. The given amount can be freely set, and is set to, for example, 90% of the completely charged state. 
         [0063]    In the case where it is determined in step S 714  that the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300  that are being charged have not been charged by a given amount, the procedure proceeds to step S 716 . In step S 716 , the charging control unit  106  specifies again, for the mobile phones  200  and/or  300 , a time during which the cancellation of the mode that permits vibration (the change in the device settings) is maintained, and the procedure proceeds to step S 712 . At that time, the charging control unit  106  determines a time during which the change in the device settings is maintained, based on the currently charged amount of the mobile phones  200  and/or  300 . 
         [0064]    In the case where it is determined in step S 714  that the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300  that are being charged have been charged by a given amount, the procedure proceeds to step S 718 . In step S 718 , the charging control unit  106  gives, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), an instruction to return the mode to the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phones  200  and/or  300 . In other words, in step S 718 , the device settings after the change in step S 708  or S 710  is changed to the device settings before the change in step S 708  or S 710 . 
         [0065]    On the other hand, in the case where the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  300  is not set, the procedure proceeds to step S 720 , and the charger  100  manages a mode set in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged. 
         [0066]    In step S 720 , the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not the mode that permits vibration is cancelled in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged (i.e., whether or not the mode has been changed to a mode that inhibits vibration of the mobile phone  200  that is being charged), as in step S 706 . 
         [0067]    In the case where a mode that permits vibration is not set in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged, it is determined that the mode that permits vibration has not been cancelled, and, thus, the procedure proceeds to step S 732 . On the other hand, in the case where the mode that permits vibration is cancelled in the mobile phone  200  that is being charged, the procedure proceeds to step S 722 . 
         [0068]    In step S 722 , the charging control unit  106  specifies, for the mobile phone  200  that is being charged, a time during which the cancellation of the mode that permits vibration (the change in the device settings) is maintained. 
         [0069]    In step S 724 , the charging control unit  106  charges the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300 , as in step S 712 . At that time, the mobile phone  200  is being charged, and, thus, charging of the mobile phone  200  is continued. 
         [0070]    In step S 726 , the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300  that are being charged (all devices that are being charged) have been charged by a given amount, as in step S 714 . 
         [0071]    In the case where it is determined in step S 726  that the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300  that are being charged have not been charged by the given amount, the procedure proceeds to step S 728 . In step S 728 , the charging control unit  106  specifies again, for the mobile phone  200 , a time during which the cancellation of the mode that permits vibration (the change in the device settings) is maintained, and the procedure proceeds to step S 724 . At that time, the charging control unit  106  determines a time during which the change in the device settings is maintained, based on the currently charged amount of the mobile phones  200  and/or  300 . 
         [0072]    In the case where it is determined in step S 726  that the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300  that are being charged have been charged by the given amount, the procedure proceeds to step S 730 . In step S 730 , the charging control unit  106  gives, via the IC tag authentication unit  120  (the antenna  123 ), an instruction to return the mode to the mode that permits vibration of the mobile phone  200 . 
         [0073]    In step S 732 , the charging control unit  106  charges the mobile phone  200  and the mobile phone  300 . At that time, the mobile phone  200  is being charged, and, thus, charging of the mobile phone  200  is continued. Furthermore, in the case where step S 712  is executed, the mobile phone  300  is also being charged, and, thus, charging of the mobile phone  300  is continued. 
         [0074]    In step S 734 , the charging control unit  106  determines whether or not charging of the mobile phones  200  and  300  is completed. In the case where charging of the mobile phones  200  and  300  is not completed, the procedure proceeds to step S 732 , and charging of the mobile phones  200  and  300  is continued. On the other hand, in the case where charging of the mobile phones  200  and  300  is completed, the procedure proceeds to step S 736 . 
         [0075]    In step S 736 , the charging control unit  106  notifies the user that charging of the mobile phones  200  and  300  is completed. More specifically, under the control of the charging control unit  106 , the display control unit  112  turns on the LED  114  corresponding to the coil  101  at the position where the mobile phone  200  is placed and the LED  115  corresponding to the coil  102  at the position where the mobile phone  300  is placed. Furthermore, the display control unit  112  displays, on the LCD panel  113 , a message to the effect that charging of the mobile phones  200  and  300  is completed. 
         [0076]    In this manner, in this embodiment, in the case where a plurality of devices to be charged are charged in a non-contact manner, the mode that permits vibration set in the devices to be charged is cancelled (i.e., the device settings are changed) until all devices that are being charged are charged by a given amount. This sort of change in the device settings is made for all devices to be charged in which the mode that permits vibration is set, and, as described above, is made when an increase in the number of devices to be charged is detected (when a new device to be charged is placed on the charger). Accordingly, the position of a device to be charged that is being charged can be prevented from being displaced by vibration of another device to be charged, and the optimal positional relationship between the charger and the devices to be charged can be maintained. Thus, according to this embodiment, even in the case where a plurality of devices to be charged are charged in a non-contact manner, efficient charging can be performed. 
         [0077]    Here, the optimal positional relationship between the charger and the devices to be charged may be lost not only when a device to be charged vibrates but also when the charger vibrates and inclined. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 8 , it is preferable that the charger  100  further has an inclination-detecting unit  181  that detects inclination of the charger  100 , and a memory  182  that stores the charged state of a device to be charged that is being charged when inclination of the charger  100  is detected.  FIG. 8  is a circuit block diagram of the charger  100  as an aspect of the present invention. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a charging process on the mobile phone  200  using the charger  100  shown in  FIG. 8  will be described. Here, it is assumed that the mobile phone  200  placed on the coil  101  of the charger  100  is being charged. Hereinafter, only a charging process performed when inclination of the charger  100  is detected will be described, but the charging process shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  and the charging process shown in  FIG. 4  may be combined. 
         [0079]    In step S 902 , the charging control unit  106  confirms via the detecting unit  108  whether or not inclination of the charger  100  is detected by the inclination-detecting unit  181 . In the case where inclination of the charger  100  is not detected, such confirmation (step S 902 ) is repeated. In the case where inclination of the charger  100  is detected, the procedure proceeds to step S 904 . 
         [0080]    In step S 904 , the charging control unit  106  stops charging of the mobile phone  200 , and stores, in the memory  182 , the charged state of the mobile phone  200  when inclination of the charger  100  is detected (i.e., current state). Here, the charged state includes, for example, elapsed time after charging of the device to be charged is started, the charging capacity of the device to be charged, and the like. 
         [0081]    In step S 906 , the charger  100  is returned to the initial state. In the case where the charger  100  is inclined, the position or the angle of the device to be charged may be changed, and, thus, the charger  100  has to be returned to the initial state (e.g., to a state where the charger  100  is not inclined). 
         [0082]    In step S 908 , the charging control unit  106  confirms, via the detecting unit  108 , whether or not the sensor unit  109  detects that the mobile phone  200  (device to be charged) has been placed in a charging region. 
         [0083]    In the case where it is not detected in step S 908  that the mobile phone  200  has been placed, the procedure proceeds to step S 910 . In step S 910 , the charging control unit  106  confirms whether or not a given time has elapsed. In the case where a given time has not elapsed, the procedure proceeds to step S 908 , and confirmation of whether or not it is detected that the mobile phone  200  (device to be charged) has been placed is repeated until the given time has elapsed. In the case where a given time has elapsed, the procedure proceeds to step S 912 , and the charging control unit  106  erases the charged state of the mobile phone  200  stored in the memory  182  in step  5904 . 
         [0084]    On the other hand, in the case where it is detected in step S 908  that the mobile phone  200  has been placed, the procedure proceeds to step S 914 . In step S 914 , the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines whether or not a communication with the mobile phone  200  (device to be charged) detected in step S 908  is possible. More specifically, under the control of the IC tag control unit  121 , the IC tag reader  122  gives, via the antenna  123 , the mobile phone  200  a request to transmit authentication data. Then, the IC tag control unit  121  confirms whether or not the authentication data is received from the mobile phone  200  within a given time (i.e., whether or not the authentication data is transmitted from the mobile phone  200 ). In the case where the authentication data is not received, the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that a communication with the mobile phone  200  is not possible, the procedure proceeds to step S 916 , and it is determined that the mobile phone  200  is an illegitimate device. On the other hand, in the case where the authentication data is received, the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that a communication with the mobile phone  200  is possible, and the procedure proceeds to step S 918 . 
         [0085]    In step S 918 , the IC tag reader  122  reads the authentication data received from the mobile phone  200 . Here, the read authentication data is output to the IC tag control unit  121 . 
         [0086]    In step S 920 , the IC tag control unit  121  determines whether or not the authentication data read by the IC tag reader  122  is legitimate. In the case where the authentication data is not legitimate, the procedure proceeds to step S 916 , and the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that the mobile phone  200  is an illegitimate device. On the other hand, in the case where the authentication data is legitimate, the procedure proceeds to step S 922 , and the IC tag authentication unit  120  determines that the mobile phone  200  is a legitimate device. 
         [0087]    In step S 924 , the charging control unit  106  obtains the charged state from the mobile phone  200  (device to be charged) detected in step S 908 , and determines whether or not this charged state is the same as the charged state stored in the memory  182 . 
         [0088]    In the case where the charged state obtained from the mobile phone  200  is different from the charged state stored in the memory  182 , it is believed that a device to be charged that is charged after inclination of the charger  100  is detected is different from a device to be charged before inclination of the charger  100  is detected. Thus, in step S 926 , the charging control unit  106  newly charges the mobile phone  200 . 
         [0089]    On the other hand, in the case where the charged state obtained from the mobile phone  200  is the same as the charged state stored in the memory  182 , it is believed that a device that is charged after inclination of the charger  100  is detected is the same as a device before inclination of the charger  100  is detected. Thus, in step S 928 , the charging control unit  106  continues charging of the mobile phone  200  based on the charged state stored in the memory  182 . 
         [0090]    In step S 930 , the charging control unit  106  notifies the user of the state of the charger  100 . For example, in the case where step S 926  or S 928  is executed, under the control of the charging control unit  106 , the display control unit  112  displays, on the LCD panel  113 , a message to the effect that charging of the mobile phone  200  is completed. Furthermore, in the case where step S 916  is executed, under the control of the charging control unit  106 , the display control unit  112  displays, on the LCD panel  113 , a message to the effect that the mobile phone  200  is an illegitimate device. 
         [0091]    In this manner, in this embodiment, in the case where it is detected that the charger is inclined, charging of the device to be charged is stopped, and the charged state of the device to be charged when inclination of the charger is detected is stored. Then, in the case where a device to be charged that is charged after inclination of the charger is detected is the same as the device to be charged before inclination of the charger is detected, charging of the device to be charged is continued based on the stored charged state. Furthermore, in the case where a device to be charged that is charged after inclination of the charger is detected is different from the device to be charged before inclination of the charger is detected, charging of the device to be charged is newly performed. Here, in the case where inclination of the charger is detected, the charger is returned to the initial state, and, thus, the optimal positional relationship between the charger and the devices to be charged can be maintained, and efficient charging can be performed. 
         [0092]    Here, in this embodiment, an example is described in which a device to be charged is a mobile phone, but the device to be charged may be any device that can be charged in a non-contact manner. Furthermore, in this embodiment, IC tag authentication is used as authentication of a device to be charged, but authentication data may be made redundant on a coil that generates a magnetic flux, or a wireless device such as a wireless LAN or a Bluetooth may be used. 
         [0093]    Here, the description of the foregoing embodiments is merely an example, and there is no limitation to this. Changes are possible as appropriate in the configuration and the operation of the foregoing embodiments. 
         [0094]    It is to be understood that the present invention may also be accomplished by supplying a system or an apparatus with a storage medium in which a program code of software, which realizes the functions of each of the above described embodiments, is stored, and causing a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus to read out and execute the program code stored in the storage medium. 
         [0095]    In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of each of the above described embodiments, and therefore the program code and the storage medium in which the program code is stored constitute the present invention. 
         [0096]    Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magnetic-optical disk, optical disks, such as a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, a DVD-RW, and a DVD+RW, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, and a ROM. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded via a network. 
         [0097]    Further, it is to be understood that the functions of each of the above described embodiments may be accomplished not only by executing the program code read out by a computer, but also by causing an OS (operating system) or the like which operates on the computer to perform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions of the program code. 
         [0098]    Further, it is to be understood that the functions of each of the above described embodiments may be accomplished by writing a program code read out from the storage medium into a memory provided on an expansion board inserted into a computer or a memory provided in an expansion unit connected to the computer and then causing a CPU or the like provided in the expansion board or the expansion unit to perform a part or all of the actual operations based on instructions of the program code. 
         [0099]    While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures and functions. 
         [0100]    This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-118036, filed May 14, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.