Power reception apparatus, power transmission apparatus, control method, and storage medium

In a case where a power reception apparatus 101 is capable of communicating with a power transmission apparatus 102 using a second communication unit 207 configured to perform communication faster than communication performed by a first communication unit 206, the power reception apparatus 101 performs authentication on the power transmission apparatus 102 using the second communication unit 207. In a case where the power reception apparatus 101 is incapable of communicating with the power transmission apparatus 102 using the second communication unit 207, the power reception apparatus 101 performs the authentication on the power transmission apparatus 102 using a communication unit configured to perform communication slower than the communication performed by the second communication unit 207.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to a power reception apparatus, a power transmission apparatus, a control method, and a storage medium.

Background Art

In recent years, a technique for a wireless power transmission system such as a contactless charging system is widely developed. Patent literature 1 discusses a power transmission apparatus and a power reception apparatus compliant with a standard formulated by a contactless charging standards body called the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) (hereinafter referred to as the “WPC standard”). Patent literature 2 discusses a technique in which, before power transmission is performed, device authentication is performed between a power transmission apparatus and a power reception apparatus that perform contactless charging. According to patent literature 2, the power transmission apparatus transmits challenge data to the power reception apparatus via a power transmission coil, and the power reception apparatus transmits response data generated by performing authentication calculation on the challenge data to the power transmission apparatus via a power reception coil. Then, if the power transmission apparatus receives the response data transmitted from the power reception apparatus, the power transmission apparatus executes device authentication by a verification process using verification data and transmits power based on the result of the device authentication.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

However, in a case where device authentication is performed via a power transmission coil and a power reception coil, and power transmission is started based on the result of the device authentication, the start of the power transmission may be delayed, and convenience for a user may be impaired. That is, if a power transmission apparatus and a power reception apparatus each have the function of performing high-speed communication, but perform device authentication through low-speed communication, convenience for a user is impaired.

SUMMARY

In view of the above issue, the present disclosure is directed to performing device authentication using appropriate communication.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a power reception apparatus includes a power reception unit configured to wirelessly receive power from a power transmission apparatus, a plurality of communication units including at least a first communication unit configured to communicate with the power transmission apparatus, and a second communication unit configured to perform communication faster than the communication performed by the first communication unit, an authentication unit configured to perform authentication on the power transmission apparatus; and a selection unit configured to, in a case where the power reception apparatus is capable of communicating with the power transmission apparatus using the second communication unit, select the second communication unit as a communication unit to be used for the authentication unit to perform the authentication, and in a case where the power reception apparatus is incapable of communicating with the power transmission apparatus using the second communication unit, select a communication unit configured to perform communication slower than the communication performed by the second communication unit as the communication unit to be used for the authentication unit to perform the authentication, wherein the power reception unit receives power based on a result of the authentication performed using the communication unit selected by the selection unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. The following exemplary embodiments are merely examples for describing the technical idea of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the invention to configurations and methods described in the exemplary embodiments.

First Exemplary Embodiment

FIG. 1illustrates an example of the configuration of a contactless charging system (a wireless power transmission system) according to the present exemplary embodiment. This system includes a power reception apparatus101and a power transmission apparatus102. Hereinafter, a power reception apparatus will occasionally be referred to as an “RX”, and a power transmission apparatus will occasionally be referred to as a “TX”. The TX102is an electronic device that wirelessly transmits power to the RX101placed on a charging stand103. The RX101is an electronic device that receives power wirelessly transmitted from the TX102and charges a built-in battery. A description is given below using as an example a case where the RX101is placed on the charging stand103. The RX101, however, may not need to be placed on the charging stand103so long as the RX101is present within a power transmittable range104of the TX102when the TX102transmits power to the RX101.

Each of the RX101and the TX102can have the function of executing an application other than a contactless charging application. An example of the RX101is a smartphone, and an example of the TX102is an accessory device for charging the smartphone. Each of the RX101and the TX102may be a storage device such as a hard disk device or a memory device, or may be an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer (PC). Each of the RX101and the TX102may be an image input apparatus such as an imaging apparatus (a camera or a video camera) or a scanner, or may be an image output apparatus such as a printer, a copying machine, or a projector.

Although a single RX101and a single TX102are illustrated in the present exemplary embodiment, the present exemplary embodiment can also be applied to a configuration in which a single TX102or different TXs102transmit power to a plurality of RXs101.

In this system, based on the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) standard, wireless power transmission using an electromagnetic induction method for contactless charging is performed. That is, the RX101and the TX102perform wireless power transmission for contactless charging based on the WPC standard between a power reception coil of the RX101and a power transmission coil of the TX102. A wireless power transmission method (a contactless power transmission method) applied to this system is not limited to a method defined by the WPC standard, and may be another electromagnetic induction method, a magnetic field resonance method, an electric field resonance method, a microwave method, or a method using a laser. Although the wireless power transmission is used for contactless charging in the present exemplary embodiment, the wireless power transmission may be performed for use other than contactless charging.

The WPC standard defines the magnitude of power guaranteed when the RX101receives power from the TX102, as a value termed guaranteed power (hereinafter referred to as “GP”). For example, the GP indicates the power value of power guaranteed to be output to a load (e.g., a circuit for charging) in the RX101even if the positional relationship between the RX101and the TX102changes and the power transmission efficiency between the power reception coil and the power transmission coil decreases. For example, in a case where the GP is 5 watts, and even if the positional relationship between the power reception coil and the power transmission coil changes and the power transmission efficiency decreases, the TX102transmits power by performing control so that 5 watts can be output to the load in the RX101.

The RX101and the TX102according to the present exemplary embodiment perform communication for power transmission/reception control based on the WPC standard and communication for device authentication. First, the communication for power transmission/reception control based on the WPC standard is described. The WPC standard defines a plurality of phases including the power transfer phase where power is transmitted, and phases before the power is actually transmitted, and communication for power transmission/reception control required in each phase is performed. The phases before the power is transmitted include the selection phase, the ping phase, the identification and configuration phase, the negotiation phase, and the calibration phase. Hereinafter, the identification and configuration phase will be referred to as the “I & C phase”.

In the selection phase, the TX102intermittently transmits an analog ping and detects that an object is placed on the charging stand103(e.g., the RX101or a conductor piece is placed on the charging stand103). The TX102detects at least either one of the voltage value and the current value of the power transmission coil when power with the analog ping is transmitted. If the voltage value falls below a certain threshold, or if the current value exceeds a certain threshold, the TX102determines that an object is present. Then, the TX102transitions to the ping phase.

In the ping phase, the TX102transmits a digital ping having power greater than that of the analog ping. The magnitude of the digital ping is sufficient power for a control unit of the RX101placed on the charging stand103to start. The RX101notifies the TX102of the magnitude of a power reception voltage. As described above, the TX102receives a response from the RX101having received the digital ping, thereby recognizing that the object detected in the selection phase is the RX101. If the TX102receives the notification of the power reception voltage value, the TX102transitions to the I & C phase.

In the I & C phase, the TX102identifies the RX101and acquires device configuration information (capability information) from the RX101. To this end, the RX101transmits an identification (ID) packet and a configuration packet to the TX102. The ID packet includes identification information regarding the RX101, and the configuration packet includes device configuration information (capability information) regarding the RX101. Receiving the ID packet and the configuration packet, the TX102responds with an acknowledgement (ACK). Then, the I & C phase ends.

In the negotiation phase, based on the value of the GP requested by the RX101and the power transmission capability of the TX102, the value of the GP is determined.

In the calibration phase, based on the WPC standard, the RX101notifies the TX102of the value of received power, and the TX102makes an adjustment for efficiently transmitting power.

In the power transfer phase, control for starting and continuing the transmission of power, and stopping the transmission of power due to an error or full charge is performed.

The TX102and the RX101perform this communication for power transmission/reception control through communication (hereinafter referred to as “first communication”) for superimposing a signal on transmission power based on the WPC standard and using an antenna (coil) that is the same as that in the wireless power transmission. The range where the TX102and the RX101can perform the first communication based on the WPC standard with each other is almost similar to the power transmittable range of the TX102. InFIG. 1, the power transmittable range104indicates the range where the wireless power transmission and the first communication can be performed between the power transmission coil of the TX102and the power reception coil of the RX101.

Prior to the determination of the GP, the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment performs challenge-response communication using an electronic certificate with the TX102, thereby performing device authentication on the TX102. That is, the RX101performs the communication for device authentication. In the present exemplary embodiment, based on the result of the device authentication, the RX101determines the GP that the RX101is to request from the TX102in the negotiation phase. To this end, the device authentication needs to be completed before the negotiation phase.

The RX101requests the TX102that is successful in the device authentication to set the GP to 15 watts, and requests the TX102that is not successful in the device authentication to set the GP to 5 watts. The GP is not limited to the combination of 15 watts and 5 watts, and may be the combination of any values so long as the GP of the TX102that is successful in the device authentication is greater than the GP of the TX102that is not successful in the device authentication. That is, the RX101requests only the TX102that is successful in the device authentication to transmit power to be received by the RX101with large GP. By thus determining the GP based on the result of the device authentication, the RX101can receive power with large GP from only the TX102that passes a predetermined test determined by the WPC standard and is recognized as capable of transmitting power with large GP. Examples of a case where the TX102is not successful in the device authentication include a case where the TX102does not have the function of performing the device authentication, and a case where the TX102has the function of performing the device authentication, but fails in the device authentication.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the RX101and the TX102perform the communication for device authentication through the first communication using an antenna that is the same as that in the wireless power transmission, or through communication (hereinafter referred to as “second communication”) using an antenna and a frequency different from those in the wireless power transmission. In the second communication, communication faster than that in the first communication can be performed. Specifically, the frequency band of an electromagnetic wave used in the second communication is higher than that of an electromagnetic wave used in the first communication. In the present exemplary embodiment, if the TX102is capable of performing the second communication, the RX101performs device authentication using the second communication. If the TX102is incapable of performing the second communication, the RX101performs the device authentication using the first communication. This processing will be described below.

As an example, in the present exemplary embodiment, the second communication is performed using a communication method compliant with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as “BLE”) standard. The TX102operates as a peripheral role in BLE, and the RX101operates as a central role in BLE, but these roles in BLE may be reversed. The second communication may be performed using another communication method such as a wireless local area network (LAN) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard series (e.g., Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), ZigBee, or near-field communication (NFC). When the TX102is capable of performing the second communication, and the RX101is present within the power transmittable range104, the RX101and the TX102can exchange information through the second communication.

Next, the configurations of the power reception apparatus101(the RX101) and the power transmission apparatus102(the TX102) according to the present exemplary embodiment are described. The configurations described below are merely examples, and part (or all in some cases) of the described configurations may be replaced with another configuration that serves another similar function, or may be omitted, and a further configuration may be added to the described configurations. Further, a single block illustrated in the following description may be divided into a plurality of blocks, or a plurality of blocks may be integrated into a single block.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment. The RX101includes a control unit201, a battery202, a power reception unit203, a detection unit204, a power reception coil205, a first communication unit206, a second communication unit207, a notification unit208, an operation unit209, a memory210, a timer211, a charging unit212, and a communication antenna213. Further, the RX101includes an authentication unit214, a selection unit215, and a determination unit216.

For example, the control unit201executes a control program stored in the memory210, thereby controlling the entirety of the RX101. That is, the control unit201controls the function units illustrated inFIG. 2. The control unit201performs control regarding power reception control including the communication for device authentication in the RX101. Further, the control unit201may perform control for executing an application other than a wireless power transmission application. The control unit201includes one or more processors such as a central processing unit (CPU) and a micro processing unit (MPU). The control unit201may include hardware dedicated to a specific process, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control unit201may include an array circuit such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) compiled to execute a predetermined process. The control unit201stores, in the memory210, information that is to be stored during the execution of various processes. The control unit201can measure time using the timer211. The control unit201may have the function of a determination unit that determines whether the RX101is capable of communicating with the TX102via the second communication unit207.

The battery202supplies power required for control of the RX101by the control unit201, power reception, and communication to the entirety of the RX101. The battery202stores power received via the power reception coil205.

In the power reception coil205, an induced electromotive force is generated by an electromagnetic wave emitted from a power transmission coil305of the TX102, and the power reception unit203acquires power generated in the power reception coil205. The power reception unit203acquires alternating current power generated by electromagnetic induction in the power reception coil205. Then, the power reception unit203converts the alternating current power into direct current power or alternating current power of a predetermined frequency and outputs the power to the charging unit212that performs a process for charging the battery202. That is, the power reception unit203supplies the power to a load in the RX101. The above GP is the amount of power guaranteed to be output from the power reception unit203.

Based on the WPC standard, the detection unit204detects that the RX101is placed on the charging stand103. For example, the detection unit204detects at least either one of the voltage value and the current value of the power reception coil205when the power reception unit203receives power with a digital ping in the WPC standard via the power reception coil205. For example, if the voltage value falls below a predetermined voltage threshold, or if the current value exceeds a predetermined current threshold, the detection unit204can determine that the RX101is placed on the charging stand103.

The first communication unit206performs the above control communication based on the WPC standard with the TX102. The first communication unit206demodulates an electromagnetic wave input from the power reception coil205, thereby acquiring information transmitted from the TX102. Then, the first communication unit206performs load modulation on the electromagnetic wave, thereby superimposing information that is to be transmitted to the TX102on the electromagnetic wave. Consequently, the first communication unit206performs the first communication with the TX102. That is, the first communication performed by the first communication unit206is performed so as to be superimposed on an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the power transmission coil of the TX102.

The second communication unit207performs the second communication using the communication antenna213different from the power reception coil205. As described above, the second communication is communication faster than the first communication. Specifically, the frequency band of an electromagnetic wave used in the second communication is higher than that of an electromagnetic wave used in the first communication. The second communication unit207performs the communication for device authentication with the TX102. In addition to this, the second communication unit207may perform communication other than the communication for device authentication. For example, the second communication unit207includes a modulation/demodulation circuit and a communication protocol processing function that are required to perform communication compliant with the BLE standard. Instead of the first communication unit206, the second communication unit207may perform communication regarding power reception control other than the communication for device authentication.

The notification unit208notifies a user of information by any technique such as a visual, auditory, or tactile technique. For example, the notification unit208notifies the user of the charging state of the RX101or the state regarding the power transmission of the wireless power transmission system including the TX102and the RX101inFIG. 1. For example, the notification unit208includes a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode (LED), a loudspeaker, a vibration generation circuit, and another notification device.

The operation unit209has a reception function of receiving an operation of the user on the RX101. For example, the operation unit209includes a button, a keyboard, a voice input device such as a microphone, a motion detection device such as an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and another input device. Alternatively, a device obtained by integrating the notification unit208and the operation unit209as in a touch panel may be used.

As described above, the memory210stores various pieces of information such as identification information and device configuration information, and a control program. The memory210may store information obtained by a function unit different from the control unit201. The timer211measures time using, for example, a count up timer that measures the time elapsed from the clock time when the count up timer is started, or a count down timer that counts down from a set time.

The authentication unit214performs device authentication on the TX102through communication via the first communication unit206or the second communication unit207. In the present exemplary embodiment, the “device authentication” refers to authentication using information regarding the above electronic certificate. The selection unit215selects either one of the first communication unit206and the second communication unit207as a communication unit for use in the device authentication to be performed by the authentication unit214. Based on the result of this selection by the selection unit215, the control unit201controls the communication unit for use in the device authentication.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the TX102according to the present exemplary embodiment. As an example, the TX102includes a control unit301, a power supply unit302, a power transmission unit303, a detection unit304, a power transmission coil305, a first communication unit306, a second communication unit307, a notification unit308, an operation unit309, a memory310, a timer311, and a communication antenna312. The TX102also includes an authentication unit313and a selection unit314.

For example, the control unit301executes a control program stored in the memory310, thereby controlling the entirety of the TX102. That is, the control unit301controls the function units illustrated inFIG. 3. The control unit301performs control regarding power transmission control including the communication for device authentication in the TX102. Further, the control unit301may perform control for executing an application other than the wireless power transmission application. The control unit301includes one or more processors such as a CPU and an MPU. The control unit301may include hardware dedicated to a specific process, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or an array circuit such as an FPGA compiled to execute a predetermined process. The control unit301stores, in the memory310, information that is to be stored during the execution of various processes. The control unit301can measure time using the timer311. The control unit301may have the function of a determination unit that determines whether the TX102is capable of communicating with the RX101via the second communication unit307.

The power supply unit302supplies power required for control of the TX102by the control unit301, power transmission, and communication to the entirety of the TX102. The power supply unit302is, for example, a commercial power supply or a battery. The battery stores power supplied from a commercial power supply.

The power transmission unit303converts direct current power or alternating current power input from the power supply unit302into alternating current frequency power in a frequency band for use in the wireless power transmission and inputs the alternating current frequency power to the power transmission coil305, thereby generating an electromagnetic wave with which to cause the RX101to receive power. The frequency of the alternating current power generated by the power transmission unit303is, for example, about several hundreds of kilohertz (e.g., 110 kHz to 205 kHz) and is different from, for example, the communication frequency (2.4 GHz) of BLE used in the second communication. Based on an instruction from the control unit301, the power transmission unit303inputs alternating current frequency power to the power transmission coil305to cause the power transmission coil305to output an electromagnetic wave with which to transmit power to the RX101. The power transmission unit303adjusts one or both of a voltage (a power transmission voltage) or a current (a power transmission current) to be input to the power transmission coil305, thereby controlling the intensity of the electromagnetic wave to be output. If the power transmission voltage or the power transmission current is increased, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave strengthens. If the power transmission voltage or the power transmission current is decreased, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave weakens. Based on an instruction from the control unit301, the power transmission unit303controls the output of the alternating current frequency power so that the transmission of power from the power transmission coil305is started or stopped.

Based on the WPC standard, the detection unit304detects whether an object is placed on the charging stand103. Specifically, the detection unit304detects whether an object is placed on an interface surface of the charging stand103. For example, the detection unit304detects at least one of the voltage value and the current value of the power transmission coil305when the power transmission unit303transmits power with an analog ping in the WPC standard via the power transmission coil305. The detection unit304may detect a change in the impedance of the power transmission coil305. Then, if the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage value, or if the current value exceeds a predetermined current value, the detection unit304can determine that an object is placed on the charging stand103. The determination of whether this object is the power reception apparatus or a foreign substance other than the power reception apparatus is made based on the presence or absence of a predetermined response to a digital ping subsequently transmitted from the first communication unit306through the first communication. That is, if the TX102receives the predetermined response, it is determined that this object is the power reception apparatus. If not, it is determined that this object is an object other than the power reception apparatus.

The first communication unit306performs the above control communication based on the WPC standard with the RX101. The first communication unit306modulates an electromagnetic wave output from the power transmission coil305and transmits information to the RX101, thereby performing the first communication. The first communication unit306demodulates an electromagnetic wave output from the power transmission coil305and modulated by the RX101, thereby acquiring information transmitted from the RX101. That is, the first communication performed by the first communication unit306is perform so as to be superimposed on an electromagnetic wave transmitted from the power transmission coil305.

The second communication unit307performs the second communication using the communication antenna312different from the power transmission coil305. As described above, the second communication is communication faster than the first communication. Specifically, the frequency band of an electromagnetic wave used in the second communication is higher than that of an electromagnetic wave used in the first communication. The second communication unit307performs the communication for device authentication with the RX101. In addition to this, the second communication unit307may perform communication other than the communication for device authentication. For example, the second communication unit307includes a modulation/demodulation circuit and a communication protocol processing function that are required to perform communication compliant with the BLE standard. Instead of the first communication unit306, the second communication unit307may perform communication regarding power transmission control other than the communication for device authentication.

The notification unit308notifies a user of information by any technique such as a visual, auditory, or tactile technique. For example, the notification unit308notifies the user of information indicating the charging state of the TX102or the state regarding the power transmission of the wireless power transmission system including the TX102and the RX101inFIG. 1. For example, the notification unit308includes a liquid crystal display, an LED, a loudspeaker, a vibration generation circuit, and another notification device.

The operation unit309has a reception function of receiving an operation of the user on the TX102. For example, the operation unit309includes a button, a keyboard, a voice input device such as a microphone, a motion detection device such as an acceleration sensor or a gyro sensor, and another input device. Alternatively, a device obtained by integrating the notification unit308and the operation unit309as in a touch panel may be used.

The memory310stores various pieces of information such as information indicating that the TX102is capable of performing the second communication, and a control program. The memory310may store information obtained by a function unit different from the control unit301. The timer311measures time using, for example, a count up timer that measures the time elapsed from the clock time when the count up timer is started, or a count down timer that counts down from a set time.

The authentication unit313functions to be subjected to device authentication by the RX101through communication via the first communication unit306or the second communication unit307. The authentication unit313may have the function of be subjected to device authentication by the RX101. The selection unit314selects either one of the first communication unit306and the second communication unit307as a communication unit for use in the device authentication to be performed by the authentication unit313. Based on the result of this selection by the selection unit314, the control unit301controls the communication unit for use in the device authentication.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a TX402, which is another TX according to the present exemplary embodiment. The TX402is different from the TX102illustrated inFIG. 3in that the TX402does not include a second communication unit and a selection unit. Since the TX402does not include a second communication unit, the TX402performs device authentication with the RX101through the first communication via the power transmission coil305. The other components are similar to those of the TX102described with reference toFIG. 3.

Next, an example of the flow of processing executed by the RX101and the TX102is described.

[Processing by Power Reception Apparatus]

FIG. 5is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by the RX101. This processing can be achieved by, for example, the control unit201of the RX101executing a program read from the memory210. At least a part of the following procedure may be achieved by hardware. The hardware in this case can be achieved by, for example, using a predetermined compiler to automatically generate a dedicated circuit that uses a gate array circuit such as an FPGA according to a program for achieving processing steps. This processing can be executed according to the fact that the RX101is powered on, according to the fact that the RX101starts by the feeding of power from the battery202or the TX102, or according to the fact that the user of the RX101inputs an instruction to start the contactless charging application. Alternatively, this processing may be started using another trigger.

After processing regarding power transmission and reception is started, then in step S501, the RX101executes processing defined as the selection phase and the ping phase in the WPC standard and waits to be placed on the TX102. Then, for example, the RX101detects a digital ping from the TX102, thereby detecting that the RX101is placed on the charging stand103of the TX102. Then, if the RX101detects the digital ping, the RX101transmits a signal strength packet (a power reception voltage value) to the TX102.

If the RX101detects that the RX101is placed on the charging stand103of the TX102, then in step S502, the RX101executes processing defined as the I & C phase in the WPC standard and transmits identification information and device configuration information (capability information) to the TX102through the first communication.

FIG. 10Aillustrates the flow of communication in the I & C phase. In the I & C phase, in step F1011, the RX101transmits an identification packet (an ID packet) to the TX102. The ID packet stores a manufacturer code and a basic device ID, which are identification information regarding each individuality of the RX101, and also an information element that allows the specifying of a version of the WPC standard with which the RX101is compatible, as capability information regarding the RX101.

In step F1012, the RX101further transmits a configuration packet to the TX102. The configuration packet includes the following information as capability information regarding the RX101. That is, the capability information is a maximum power value that is a value for specifying the maximum power that the RX101can supply to a load, and information indicating whether the RX101has the negotiation function in the WPC standard. At this time, the RX101transmits the capability information by including information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication. The information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication is transmitted by being included in the ID packet, the configuration packet, or another packet. The communication method for the second communication is not limited to BLE, and may be another method. In the present exemplary embodiment, a description is given using BLE as an example. In the I & C phase, the RX101can also notify the TX102that the RX101has the function of performing device authentication. For example, the RX101can transmit the ID packet, the configuration packet, or another packet by including information indicating that the RX101has the function of performing device authentication.

If the TX102receives these packets, then in step F1013, the TX102transmits ACK, and the I & C phase ends. Alternatively, the RX101may notify the TX102of the identification information and the device configuration information (the capability information) regarding the RX101using a method other than the communication in the I & C phase in the WPC standard. Alternatively, the identification information regarding each individuality of the RX101may be a wireless power ID or a Bluetooth address (hereinafter referred to as “BD_ADDR”) specific to the second communication unit207of the RX101. The identification information regarding each individuality of the RX101may be any other identification information that allows the identification of the individuality of the RX101. As the capability information, information other than the above may be included.

Next, referring back toFIG. 5, in step S503, the RX101starts measuring time using the timer. During a predetermined time, the RX101waits for an advertising packet in BLE including the identification information regarding the RX101transmitted in step S502(NO in step S504and NO in step S511). At this time, the TX102transmits an advertising packet by including the identification information regarding the RX101transmitted from the RX101through the first communication in step S502. For example, it is defined that the AD type of an advertising packet in BLE is set to a predetermined value, thereby indicating that this packet includes the identification information regarding the RX101. That is, it is defined in advance that if the AD type is the predetermined value, AD data includes the identification information regarding the RX101. Then, this definition is shared between the TX102and the RX101, whereby the RX101can wait for an advertising packet including the identification information regarding the RX101.

If the RX101receives an advertising packet including the identification information regarding the RX101(YES in step S504), then in step S505, the RX101transmits CONNECT_REQ, which is a connection request for a BLE connection, to BD_ADDR included in a header portion of the advertising packet. Then, the RX101and the TX102establish a BLE connection with each other. That is, by the processes of steps S504and S505, the RX101can establish a BLE connection with the TX102on which the RX101is placed. Consequently, the RX101and the TX102can perform the second communication via the communication antenna213and the communication antenna312. Alternatively, the advertising packet may include another piece of information instead of the identification information regarding the RX101, and based on this information, the RX101may be able to recognize that the TX102on which the RX101is placed transmits the advertising packet. In this case, the control unit201determines that the TX102is capable of performing the second communication with the second communication unit207. Then, the selection unit215selects the second communication unit207as a communication unit for performing device authentication. That the TX102is capable of performing the second communication means that the TX102is in the state where the TX102is capable of performing the second communication. On the other hand, that the TX102is incapable of performing the second communication means that the TX102does not have the function of performing the second communication, or that the TX102has the function of performing the second communication, but is in the state where the function is off.

Next, in step S506, the authentication unit214of the RX101performs device authentication with the TX102through the second communication using the BLE connection established above. With reference toFIG. 10B, the content of the communication for device authentication performed between the RX101and the TX102is described. The device authentication according to the present exemplary embodiment is challenge-response device authentication using an electronic certificate, and the RX101authenticates the TX102. Alternatively, the TX102may authenticate the RX101, or both the TX102and the RX101may authenticate each other.

The RX101operates as an initiator that transmits a challenge text to the TX102, and the TX102operates as a responder that encrypts the challenge text received from the RX101and transmits the encrypted challenge text to the RX101. First, in step F1001, the RX101as the initiator transmits a GET_DIGESTS message to the TX102as the responder. The GET_DIGESTS is a message that requests information regarding an electronic certificate owned by a device that receives the GET_DIGESTS (the TX102). In step F1002, in response to the GET_DIGESTS, the TX102transmits DIGESTS to the RX101. The DIGESTS is information regarding an electronic certificate owned by a device that transmits the DIGESTS (the TX102).

Next, in step F1003, the RX101transmits to the TX102a GET_CERTIFICATE message that requests detailed information regarding the electronic certificate. In step F1004, in response to the GET_CERTIFICATE from the RX101, the TX102transmits CERTIFICATE to the RX101. Then, in step F1005, the RX101transmits a CHALLENGE message including a challenge text to the TX102. In step F1006, the TX102transmits RESPONSE obtained by encrypting the challenge text received from the RX101to the RX101. If the validity of the RESPONSE received from the TX102is confirmed, then in step F1007, the RX101transmits RESULT (success) to the TX102, and the device authentication ends. The RESULT (success) means that the validity of the RESPONSE is confirmed and the device authentication is successful. If the device authentication fails, RESULT (fail) is transmitted instead of the RESULT (success), and the device authentication process ends.

If the initiator (the RX101) receives a message indicating that the partner apparatus (the TX102) does not have the function of performing the device authentication, the initiator (the RX101) determines that the partner apparatus is incompatible with the device authentication. If the initiator (the RX101) does not receive a response in the middle of the communication, the initiator (the RX101) may preform retry by retransmitting a message for obtaining the response, or may determine that the partner apparatus is incompatible with the device authentication. The RX101may not perform the communication for device authentication with the TX102incompatible with the device authentication, and may not determine that the result of the device authentication is successful.

In GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) communication through the BLE connection, the above messages are transmitted and received by any of the characteristics, such as read, write, notify, and indicate, of a GATT service defined in advance. The GATT communication is performed by transmitting and receiving a packet standardized in BLE.

If the communication for device authentication is completed, the RX101transmits LL_TERMINATE_IND in BLE, thereby terminating the BLE connection. That is, the second communication via the second communication unit207ends. Alternatively, the TX102may terminate the BLE connection. In a case where the BLE connection is used by another application, the BLE connection may not be terminated even after the communication for device authentication ends. Prior to the communication for device authentication, based on the advertising packet in BLE or the GATT communication, the RX101can acquire information indicating whether the TX102is compatible with the device authentication. Then, if the TX102is not compatible with the device authentication, the RX101may determine that the TX102is incompatible with the device authentication, and may not execute the communication inFIG. 10B.

Referring back toFIG. 5, if, on the other hand, the RX101does not receive the above advertising packet even though the predetermined time elapses after step S503(NO in step S504and YES in step S511), the control unit201determines that the TX102on which the RX101is placed is incapable of performing BLE communication. Then, the selection unit215selects the first communication unit206as a communication unit to be used to perform the device authentication. In step S512, the authentication unit214performs the communication for device authentication described with reference toFIG. 10Bwith the TX102via the first communication unit206. At this time, messages to be exchanged in the communication for device authentication are transmitted and received as packets in the first communication to and from the TX102and the RX101.

After executing the device authentication using the second communication or the first communication, the RX101negotiates with the TX102based on the result of the device authentication. If the device authentication is successful (YES in step S507), then in step S508, the RX101performs the negotiation so that the GP is 15 watts. On the other hand, if not (NO in step S507), then in step S513, the RX101performs the negotiation so that the GP is 5 watts. The negotiation is performed through the first communication via the first communication unit206. If, however, the TX102is capable of performing the second communication, the RX101may also perform control communication for the negotiation and further, the following calibration and power reception through the second communication.

In this negotiation, communication in the negotiation phase in the WPC standard as illustrated inFIG. 10Cis performed. First, in step F1021, the RX101transmits a specific request to the TX102, thereby notifying the TX102of the value of the GP requested by the RX101. That is, if the device authentication is successful, the RX101notifies the TX102that the GP=15 watts. If not, the RX101notifies the TX102that the GP=5 watts. Based on the power transmission capability of the TX102, the TX102determines whether the TX102accepts the request. In step F1022, if the TX102accepts the request, the TX102transmits ACK (a positive response) to the RX101. If the TX102does not accept the request, the TX102transmits NACK (a negative response) to the RX101. InFIG. 10C, an example is illustrated where the TX102transmits ACK.

If the magnitude of the GP requested by the RX101is the magnitude of power that can be transmitted with the power transmission capability of the TX102, the TX102accepts the request from the RX101. At this time, the value of the GP is determined as a value that is the same as that requested by the RX101. If, on the other hand, the magnitude of the GP requested by the RX101is a magnitude that cannot be accomplished with the power transmission capability of the TX102, the TX102does not accept the request from the RX101. In this case, for example, a predetermined value defined in advance by the WPC standard can be determined as the value of the GP. Alternatively, another predetermined value may be determined as the value of the GP. As an example, these predetermined values are stored in advance in the memory210of the RX101and the memory310of the TX102.

If the TX102can simultaneously transmit power to a plurality of RXs101and is already transmitting power to another RX101, the TX102may determine the value of the GP based on the current power transmission margin of the TX102instead of the power transmission capability of the TX102.

Although the GP is determined by performing the negotiation in step S508or S513, the present disclosure is not limited to this. That is, not only through the communication in the negotiation phase in the WPC standard, but also based on the result of the device authentication between the TX102and the RX101, another procedure for determining the GP may be executed. Specifically, if the device authentication is not successful, the GP may be set to a predetermined value determined in advance. If the TX102acquires information indicating that the RX101is not compatible with the negotiation phase (e.g., in step S502), the TX102may not perform the negotiation, and may set the value of the GP to a predetermined value (e.g., defined in advance by the WPC standard).

After the GP is determined, then in step S509, the RX101performs calibration based on the determined GP. The “calibration” refers to a process in which, regarding power transmitted from the TX102to the RX101, the TX102adjusts the correlation between the value of the power measured inside the TX102and the value of the received power measured inside the RX101. The TX102performs this process by processing in the calibration phase in the WPC standard.

Then, in step S510, the RX101receives power. The power reception is performed by processing in the power transfer phase in the WPC standard. The power reception may be performed up to full charge, or may end at any timing. The calibration and the power reception in steps S509and S510can use known techniques, and therefore are not described in detail here. The calibration and the power reception may be performed using methods other than those based on the WPC standard.

If full charge is reached in the power transfer phase, the RX101transmits end power transfer in the WPC standard to the TX102. Consequently, the transmission of power from the TX102is stopped, and the series of processes for contactless charging ends. After that, the RX101may be automatically powered off, and if the RX101is powered on next time, the processing may return to step S501. Or the RX101may wait for another start trigger, for example, using as a trigger the fact that the remaining amount of the battery decreases to a predetermined amount or less, and then, the processing may return to step S501.

If the second communication unit207cannot be used in the device authentication with the TX102for a reason such as the use of the second communication unit207by another application, the RX101may perform the device authentication with the TX102using the first communication unit206. In step S502, the RX101may transmit the configuration packet to the TX102by including, in addition to the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication, information indicating whether the BLE communication can be used in the device authentication.

[Processing by Power Transmission Apparatus inFIG. 3]

Next, with reference toFIG. 6, an example of the flow of processing executed by the TX102is described. This processing can be achieved by, for example, the control unit301of the TX102executing a program read from the memory310. At least a part of the following procedure may be achieved by hardware. The hardware in this case can be achieved by, for example, using a predetermined compiler to automatically generate a dedicated circuit that uses a gate array circuit such as an FPGA according to a program for achieving processing steps. This processing can be executed according to the fact that the TX102is powered on, according to the fact that the user of the TX102inputs an instruction to start the contactless charging application, or according to the fact that the TX102is connected to commercial power supply and receives the supply of power. Alternatively, this processing may be started using another trigger.

In processing regarding power transmission and reception, first, in step S601, the TX102executes processing defined as the selection phase and the ping phase in the WPC standard and waits for the RX101to be placed. Specifically, the TX102repeatedly and intermittently transmits an analog ping in the WPC standard and detects the presence or absence of an object placed on the charging stand103. Then, if the TX102detects that an object is placed on the charging stand103, the TX102transmits a digital ping. Then, if a predetermined response (a signal strength packet) to the digital ping is received, the TX102determines that the detected object is the RX101and the RX101is placed on the charging stand103.

If the TX102detects that the RX101is placed, then in step S602, the TX102executes the above communication in the I & C phase using the first communication unit306and acquires identification information and device configuration information (capability information) from the RX101. Next, in step S603, the control unit301determines whether the acquired device configuration information (capability information) includes information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication. If the device configuration information (the capability information) includes the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication (YES in step S603), then in step S604, the TX102transmits an advertising packet in BLE including the identification information regarding the RX101. Then, the TX102establishes a connection in BLE with the RX101placed on the TX102. The advertising packet transmitted from the TX102may not include the identification information regarding the RX101, and may only need to be information that enables the RX101to recognize that the advertising packet is transmitted from the TX102on which the RX101is placed. Next, in step S605, using the BLE connection established above, the TX102performs the communication for device authentication with the RX101that is described with reference toFIG. 10B. That is, the selection unit314selects the second communication unit307as a communication unit for performing device authentication.

If, on the other hand, the device configuration information (the capability information) regarding the RX101does not include the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication (NO in step S603), the TX102does not transmit an advertising packet. Then, in step S609, using the first communication, the TX102performs the communication for device authentication described with reference toFIG. 10B. In the case of having the function of performing the second communication using BLE, but in the state where it is impossible to perform the second communication, the TX102may not transmit an advertising packet, and may perform the communication for device authentication using the first communication. In these cases, the selection unit314selects the first communication unit306as a communication unit for performing the device authentication.

Then, in step S606, the TX102performs the negotiation illustrated inFIG. 10Cwith the RX101via the first communication unit306and determines the GP. After the GP is determined, then in step S607, the TX102performs calibration based on the determined GP. Then, in step S608, the TX102transmits power to the RX101.

If the TX102receives end power transfer in the WPC standard from the RX101, the TX102ends the processing in any processing phase according to the WPC standard and returns to the selection phase in step S601. Also if full charge is reached, end power transfer is transmitted from the RX101, and therefore, the TX102returns to the selection phase in step S601. If the second communication unit307can be used in the communication for the negotiation, the calibration, and the power transmission, the communication may be performed using the second communication unit307.

[Processing by Power Transmission Apparatus inFIG. 4]

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of processing executed by the TX402inFIG. 4. The differences from the flowchart (FIG. 6) of the processing executed by the TX102inFIG. 3are described. InFIG. 7, processes similar to the processes inFIG. 6are designated by the same signs. In steps S601and S602, processing similar to that of the TX102inFIG. 3is executed.

Next, since the TX402inFIG. 4does not have a second communication unit for performing BLE communication, then in step S701, the TX402always performs the communication for device authentication using the first communication unit306, regardless of the presence or absence of information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication, which is acquired in step S602. Then, in step S702, based on the GP requested by the power reception apparatus based on the result of device authentication, the TX102determines the GP. The subsequent processing is similar to the processing described with reference toFIG. 6.

With reference toFIG. 8, a description is given of the operation sequence of the RX101and the TX102inFIG. 3that is described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 6. The TX102is the TX102including the second communication unit307and capable of performing the second communication using BLE. InFIG. 8, time elapses in the direction from top to bottom. The TX102is a device to be successful in device authentication by the RX101and further has a sufficient power transmission capability to transmit power corresponding to the GP requested by the RX101. In an initial state, the RX101is not placed on the TX102.

First, based on an analog ping, the TX102waits for an object to be placed (step S601, step F801). If the RX101is placed (step F802), the analog ping changes (step F803), and the TX102detects that an object is placed (step F804). Based on a subsequent digital ping, the RX101detects that the RX101is placed on the TX102(step F805, step F806). Based on a response to the digital ping, the TX102detects that the placed object is the RX101. Next, through communication in the I & C phase, the RX101notifies the TX102of information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication (step F807, step S502, step S602). In response, the TX102transmits an advertising packet in BLE (step F808). Then, the RX101transmits CONNECT_REQ (step F809), and a BLE connection is established (step S505, step S604).

Next, device authentication is performed through the second communication using BLE, and the device authentication is successful (step F810, step S506, step605). Since the device authentication is successful, then based on negotiation, it is determined that the GP=15 watts (step F811, step S508, step S606). Then, calibration (step F812, step S509, step S607) and power transmission and reception (step F813, step S510, step S608) are performed. If full charge is reached, the RX101transmits end power transfer, and the processing ends (step F814). According to the above operation, if the RX101is placed on the TX102capable of performing the second communication using BLE, the RX101performs the communication for device authentication using BLE and succeeds in receiving power based on the result of the communication.

Next, with reference toFIG. 9, a description is given of the operation sequence of the RX101and the TX402inFIG. 4that is described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 7. The TX402does not include a second communication unit and is incapable of performing the second communication using BLE. The TX402is also a device to be successful in device authentication performed by the RX101. The differences fromFIG. 8are mainly described below.

InFIG. 9, communication in the selection phase and the I & C phase in steps F801to F807is similar to that inFIG. 8. After the I & C phase, the TX402does not transmit an advertising packet, and therefore, the RX101times out (step F901, YES in step S511), and device authentication is performed through the first communication and is successful (step F902, step S512, step S701). The subsequent operation is similar to that inFIG. 8. According to the above operation, if the RX101is placed on the TX402incapable of performing the second communication using BLE, the RX101can perform device authentication through the first communication and receive power based on the result of the device authentication.

That is, based on the descriptions with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment can perform device authentication through the second communication with the TX102capable of performing the second communication, and can perform the device authentication through the first communication with the TX402incapable of performing the second communication. In the second communication, communication can be performed faster than in the first communication. Thus, the time required for the device authentication is shorter in a case where the second communication is used. Thus, depending on the power transmission apparatus, it is possible to shorten the time from the placement of the RX101to the start of charging.

The RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment is always capable of performing BLE communication. Alternatively, for example, in a case where the BLE communication function is being used in another process, or in a case where the remaining amount of the battery202is small, the RX101may not transmit the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication in step S502. Consequently, during the period when the RX101cannot temporarily use BLE communication for device authentication, the RX101may perform the device authentication through the first communication.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a description has been given on the assumption that a single type of communication method, namely BLE, is used as the second communication. The RX101, however, may have the function of performing communication using a plurality of communication methods and use any of the plurality of communication methods as the second communication. In this case, the device configuration information (the capability information) transmitted in step S502inFIG. 5may include information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing communication using another communication method, in addition to the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication. Then, in this case, in step S504, the RX101may wait for a packet based on another communication method. A configuration may be employed in which, if the RX101receives packets based on a plurality of communication methods in step S504, the RX101executes device authentication using the communication method for the packet received first. Consequently, for example, whichever of the TX102capable of performing BLE communication and the TX102capable of performing Wi-Fi communication (which is faster than BLE, but has a larger battery consumption) the RX101is placed on, the RX101can execute device authentication in a short time using the second communication faster than the first communication.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, based on whether the TX102transmits an advertising packet, the RX101can determine whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. Thus, the selection unit215can select either of the first communication unit206and the second communication unit207as a communication unit for performing device authentication.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a description has been given using as an example a case where each of the RX and the TX includes two communication units. The present disclosure, however, is not limited to this. Alternatively, each of the RX and the TX may include three or more communication units. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the RX includes three or more communication units. Then, a configuration may be employed in which the three or more communication units include a first communication unit, a second communication unit that performs communication faster than that performed by the first communication unit, and a third communication unit that performs communication faster than that performed by the first communication unit and slower than that performed by the second communication unit. In this case, if the RX cannot communicate with the TX via the second communication unit, but the third communication unit and the TX can communicate with each other, the selection unit may select the third communication unit. The same applies to a configuration in which the TX includes three or more communication units.

In a case where the RX includes two or more communication units that perform communication faster than that performed by a first communication unit, a second communication unit may be selected, for example, according to the remaining amount of the battery. Specifically, if the remaining amount of the battery is smaller than a threshold, among communication units capable of operating with power received by the power reception unit not via the battery and also capable of performing communication faster than that performed by a first communication unit, a communication unit capable of performing the fastest communication is selected as a second communication unit. Then, the RX determines whether the RX can communicate with the TX using the second communication unit. If, on the other hand, the remaining amount of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold, among the communication units capable of performing communication faster than that performed by the first communication unit, the RX determines whether the RX can communicate with the TX using a communication unit capable of performing the fastest communication as the second communication unit, regardless of whether the communication units operate with the battery. The threshold is set according to power that enables the operation of the communication unit capable of performing the fastest communication among the communication units capable of performing communication faster than that performed by the first communication unit, regardless of whether the communication units operate with the battery.

In a case where there is a communication unit capable of performing communication faster than that performed by a second communication unit, but the battery consumption of this communication unit is larger than that of the second communication unit, and if the remaining amount of the battery is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the second communication unit may be selected. As described above, according to a predetermined condition (also including a condition other than the remaining amount of the battery), a communication unit having the fastest communication speed may not be selected, and a communication unit that performs communication as fast as possible may be selected. Specifically, in a configuration in which the RX includes a first communication unit, a second communication unit that performs communication faster than that performed by the first communication unit, and a third communication unit that performs communication faster than that performed by the first communication unit and the second communication unit, an authentication process may be performed using not the third communication unit but the second communication unit according to a predetermined condition. As a criterion for selecting a communication unit, the communication speed, the remaining amount of the battery, or the combination of these can be used. Alternatively, a communication unit compatible with a communication method determined by the WPC standard or a standard regarding another type of wireless power transmission may be preferentially used.

Second Exemplary Embodiment

As the present exemplary embodiment, a form is described in which the communication for device authentication is executed with only the TX102capable of performing BLE communication. BLE is merely an example, and the same applies to a case where another communication method is used as the second communication.FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment. The differences from the first exemplary embodiment are described below.

After step S503, if the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment does not receive an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102within the predetermined time (NO in step S504and YES in step S511), then in step S1101, the RX101negotiates with the TX102so that the GP=5 watts. That is, in the first exemplary embodiment, if it is determined that the TX102is incapable of performing the second communication, the RX101performs device authentication through the first communication. In the present exemplary embodiment, however, this device authentication through the first communication is omitted. Consequently, with the TX102capable of performing the second communication faster than the first communication, the RX101can start receiving power based on the device authentication in a short time. With the TX102incapable of performing the second communication, the RX101can omit the device authentication, thereby starting receiving power in a short time. The GP may be not only 5 watts but also any other value smaller than that in a case where the device authentication is successful. The GP in a case where the device authentication is omitted may have a value that is the same as or a value different from that in a case where the device authentication fails.

Processes other than that of step S1101are similar to those in the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 5, and therefore are not described.

Third Exemplary Embodiment

There is a case where the TX102compliant with the WPC standard or another standard but incapable of performing BLE communication performs control for processing a packet including information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication, as an undefined or improper packet and refusing further communication or power transmission. The present exemplary embodiment addresses this issue.

In the present exemplary embodiment, a form is described in which the RX101performs control not to transmit information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication to the TX102incapable of performing BLE communication in the I & C phase. BLE is merely an example, and the same applies to a case where another communication method is used as the second communication.FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment. The differences from the first exemplary embodiment are described below.

After step S503, if the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment does not receive an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102within the predetermined time (NO in step S504and YES in step S511), the RX101performs the following processing. That is, in step S1201, the RX101transmits end power transfer to the TX102using the first communication. Consequently, the TX102returns to the selection phase (step S601). In step S1202, the RX101also returns to the selection phase. If the RX101is still placed on the TX102at this stage, both the RX101and the TX102immediately detect the placement.

In step S1203, in communication in the subsequent I & C phase, the RX101transmits the device configuration information (the capability information) by not including the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication. Then, in step S1204, the RX101executes device authentication through the first communication with the TX102. That is, if it is determined that the TX102does not have the function of performing BLE communication, the RX101changes back the sequence based on the WPC standard to the initial state once and then performs control not to notify the TX102of the information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication.

The processing inFIG. 12is performed, thereby preventing an undefined packet from being transmitted to the TX102as described above. Thus, the RX101can normally receive power.

Processes other than those of steps S1201to S1204are similar to those in the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 5, and therefore are not described.

Fourth Exemplary Embodiment

As the present exemplary embodiment, a form is described in which the RX101acquires, from the TX102via the first communication unit206, information indicating whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. BLE is merely an example, and the same applies to a case where another communication method is used as the second communication.FIG. 13is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment. The differences from the first exemplary embodiment are described below.

After step S502, then in step S1301, the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment acquires capability information from the TX102through the first communication. The capability information regarding the TX102may be acquired using, for example, a power transmitter capability packet in the WPC standard, or may be acquired using another packet. The transmission of the capability information regarding the TX102may be performed using as a trigger the fact that the RX101requests through the first communication the TX102to transmit the capability information, or may be performed using a signal other than this request as a trigger.

Next, in step S1302, the RX101determines whether the capability information acquired from the TX102includes information indicating that the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. If the acquired capability information includes the information indicating that the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication (YES in step S1302), then in step S1303, the RX101receives an advertising packet from the TX102and transmits CONNECT_REQ to BD_ADDR of the transmission source of the advertising packet. Then, the RX101and the TX102establish a BLE connection with each other. In step S1301, the RX101may acquire BD_ADDR from the TX102through the first communication, directly transmit CONNECT_REQ to the above BD_ADDR without waiting for an advertising packet, and establish a BLE connection with the TX102.

If the capability information acquired from the TX102does not include the information indicating that the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication (NO in step S1302), then in step S1304, the RX101performs device authentication through the first communication. Processes other than those of steps S1301to S1304are similar to those in the flowchart illustrated inFIG. 5, and therefore are not described.

The above control is performed, whereby without waiting the predetermined time in step S511inFIG. 5, the RX101can determine whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. Thus, the RX101can start device authentication in a shorter time. This can shorten the time from the placement of the RX101to the start of power reception.

However, in a case where the TX102is using the second communication in another application, or in a case where the function of performing the second communication is off, the RX101may perform the device authentication through the first communication. For example, inFIG. 13, if an advertising packet is not received or the establishment of a BLE connection fails in step S1303, the processing may proceed to step S1304.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, based on information acquired from the TX102and indicating whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication, the RX101can determine whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. According to this determination result, the selection unit215can select a communication unit to be used to perform device authentication.

Fifth Exemplary Embodiment

In the fourth exemplary embodiment, a form has been described in which the RX101acquires, from the TX102through the first communication, information indicating whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication, then transmits CONNECT_REQ to the TX102, and establishes a BLE connection with the TX102. In the present exemplary embodiment, a form is described in which without acquiring, from the TX102, information indicating that the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication, the RX101receives an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102, then transmits CONNECT_REQ to the TX102, and establishes a BLE connection with the TX102. BLE is merely an example, and the same applies to a case where another communication method is used as the second communication.FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment. The differences from the fourth exemplary embodiment are described below.

In the present exemplary embodiment, if the RX101detects that the RX101is placed on the charging stand103of the TX102, then in step S1401, the RX101transmits identification information and device configuration information (capability information) to the TX102through the first communication. At this time, the RX101may or may not include, in the device configuration information (the capability information), information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication.

Then, if the RX101receives an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102(YES in step S1402), then in step S1303, the RX101transmits CONNECT_REQ to the TX102through the second communication and establishes a BLE connection with the TX102. Then, in step S506, the RX101performs device authentication on the TX102the second communication using BLE.

If, on the other hand, the RX101does not receive an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102(NO in step S1402), then in step S1304, the RX101performs the device authentication on the TX102through the first communication. The subsequent processing is similar to that inFIG. 13, and therefore is not described.

The determination of whether the RX101receives an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102in step S1402may only need to be made before the device authentication through the first communication is performed. That is, in the present exemplary embodiment, on the premise that the device authentication through the first communication is performed, but if an advertising packet is received from the TX102before the device authentication through the first communication is performed, the device authentication through the second communication may be performed. To this end, the determination of whether the RX101receives an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102may be made between steps S501and S1401. In this case, regardless of whether the RX101receives an advertising packet in BLE from the TX102, the process of step S1401may be executed first, and then, according toFIG. 14, the device authentication may be performed using either one of the first communication and the second communication.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, based on whether the TX102transmits an advertising packet, the RX101can determine whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. According to this determination result, the selection unit215can select either of the first communication unit206and the second communication unit207as a communication unit to be used to perform device authentication.

Sixth Exemplary Embodiment

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, a description has been given of processing in a configuration in which the TX102operates as a peripheral role in BLE, and the RX101operates as a central role in BLE. In the present exemplary embodiment, a description is given of an example of processing of power reception control in a case where these roles are reversed. BLE is merely an example, and the same applies to a case where another communication method is used as the second communication.FIG. 15is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processing by the RX101according to the present exemplary embodiment. The differences from the fifth exemplary embodiment are described below.

In the present exemplary embodiment, if the RX101detects that the RX101is placed on the charging stand103of the TX102, then in step S1401, the RX101transmits identification information and device configuration information (capability information) to the TX102through the first communication. At this time, the RX101may or may not include, in the device configuration information (the capability information), information indicating that the RX101is capable of performing BLE communication.

Next, in step S1501, the RX101transmits an advertising packet through the second communication using BLE. The advertising packet includes information for identifying the RX101. The information may be, for example, identification information regarding the RX101.

Then, in step S1502, the RX101determines whether CONNECT_REQ in response to the advertising packet is received from the TX102. If the RX101receives CONNECT_REQ from the TX102(YES in step S1502), then in step S1503, the RX101establishes a BLE connection with the TX102. Then, in step S506, the RX101performs device authentication on the TX102through the second communication using BLE.

If, on the other hand, the RX101does not receive CONNECT_REQ from the TX102(NO in step S1502), then in step S1304, the RX101performs the device authentication on the TX102through the first communication. The subsequent processing is similar to that inFIG. 14, and therefore is not described.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, based on the presence or absence of a connection request from the TX102in response to an advertising packet transmitted from the RX101, the RX101can determine whether the TX102is capable of performing BLE communication. According to this determination result, the selection unit215can select a communication unit to be used to perform device authentication.

Other Exemplary Embodiments

The present disclosure can also be achieved by the process of supplying a program for achieving one or more functions of the above exemplary embodiments to a system or an apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and of causing one or more processors of a computer of the system or the apparatus to read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be achieved by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) for achieving the one or more functions.

At least a part of the flowcharts inFIGS. 5 to 7 and 11 to 15may be achieved by hardware. In a case where a part of the flowcharts is achieved by hardware, for example, a dedicated circuit may be automatically generated on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) using a predetermined compiler according to a program for achieving the steps. Alternatively, a gate array circuit may be formed similarly to the FPGA and achieved as hardware.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and various changes and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, to apprise the public of the scope of the present disclosure, the following claims are made.

Other Embodiments

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform device authentication using appropriate communication.