Patent Publication Number: US-2013235504-A1

Title: Power relay apparatus, power relay method, power supply control apparatus, power supply control method, and power supply control system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a power relay apparatus, power relay method, power supply control apparatus, power supply control method, and power supply control system, and particularly relates to a power relay apparatus, power relay method, power supply control apparatus, power supply control method, and power supply control system that enable ease of individual power consumption management. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Recently, particularly among young people, people who share a room have increased. In this case, multiple friends or the like rent and use one room together. Also, each person uses various types of equipment that operate with electric power, such as an electric lamp, air conditioner, and so forth. In the past in such a case, even if the amount of power consumed by the devices used by each person is different, the overall electric bill of the room thereof is often divided by the number of users, and each person pays the same amount of money. 
     An instrument is measuring installed on a power line that supplies power to the equipment, and the power supplied by the power line is measured by this measuring instrument thereof and displayed (for example, PTL 1). Now, there may be a situation where each person sharing the room measures the power of the equipment used by himself with such a measuring instrument, these are totaled, and each person pays the electric bill according to his/her own consumption. 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2010-17041 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, it is troublesome for each person to measure and record the power used. Also, equipment can be used even without measuring, so not necessarily will everyone perform the measurements. That is to say, it is difficult to accurately and easily manage individual power consumption. 
     The present invention is made with consideration for such a situation, and enables readily managing individual power consumption. 
     Solution to Problem 
     An aspect of the present invention is a power relay terminal which provides an input terminal in which power is input; an output terminal that relays the power supplied from the input terminal and outputs to an equipment which is connected and operates by power; and a storage device which, in order to receive authentication from a power supply control apparatus connected to the input terminal and receive a supply of the power from the power supply control terminal in the input terminal, outputs stored power information to the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal, by subjecting a high frequency signal that is input from the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal to load modulation. 
     The storage device may be an electronic tag. 
     A filter that causes the high frequency signal input via the input terminal to be input to the storage device, while inhibiting the power that is input via the input terminal from being input into the storage device, may also be provided. 
     A filter that supplies the power that is input from the input terminal to the output terminal, while inhibiting the high frequency signal that is input from the input terminal from being supplied to the output terminal, may also be provided. 
     A power generating unit that is connected in parallel to the storage device, and that supplies, to the storage device, the voltage generated by the high frequency signal which is input from the input terminal, may also be provided. 
     The voltage generating unit may be made up of a coil or a transformer. 
     The power information stored in the storage device may include at least one of identifying information and history information. 
     The power information stored in the storage device may further include specification information or history information. 
     An aspect of the present invention is a power relay method which is a power relay method of a power relay terminal providing an input terminal and an output terminal and a storage device, wherein the input terminal inputs power; the output terminal that relays the power supplied from the input terminal and outputs to an equipment which is connected and operates by power; and the storage device outputs, in order to receive authentication from a power supply control apparatus connected to the input terminal and receive a supply of the power from the power supply control terminal in the input terminal, stored power information to the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal, by subjecting a high frequency signal that is input from the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal to load modulation. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a power supply control apparatus including an output terminal that outputs output power; a switch that switches when outputting and when blocking the output power from the output terminal; a communication unit that outputs a high frequency signal via the output terminal and communicates with a power relay terminal that further relays and outputs the output power supplied from the output terminal to the equipment operated by power, thereby reading out power information of the power relay terminal; and a control unit which switches the switch so that, upon authenticating from the power information read out by the communication unit that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power supplied from the output terminal, the output power is output from the output terminal, while the output power supplied to the power relay terminal is measured, and when authentication is not made that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal, the output of the output power from the output terminal is blocked. 
     The control unit may store the results of the output power measurement in the power relay terminal as history information. 
     The control unit may read out the history information from the power relay terminal for billing processing. 
     The control unit may further read out the billing information from the power relay terminal for billing processing. 
     The control unit may read out a credit card number or electronic money information or user information as the billing information. 
     A voltage switching unit that switches AC power that is input externally to the output power of a predetermined voltage, according to specification information stored in the storage device provided to the connected power relay terminal or the equipment, and outputs to the output terminal, may also be provided. 
     The voltage switching unit may switch and output, as the output power, one of AC power or DC power of a predetermined voltage, according to specification information recorded in the storage device provided to the connected power relay terminal or the equipment. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is a power supply control method of a power supply control apparatus including an output terminal; a switch; a communication unit; and a control unit; wherein the output terminal outputs the output power; the switch switches, when outputting and when blocking the output power from the output terminal; the communication unit outputs a high frequency signal via the output terminal and communicates with a power relay terminal that further relays and outputs the output power supplied from the output terminal to the equipment operated by power, thereby reading out power information of the power relay terminal; and the control unit switches the switch so that, upon authenticating from the power information read out by the communication unit that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power supplied from the output terminal, the output power is output from the output terminal, while the output power supplied to the power relay terminal is measured, and when authentication is not made that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal, the output of the output power from the output terminal is blocked. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a power supply control system including a power supply control apparatus that outputs output power supplied to equipment that is operated by power; and a power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power input from the power supply control apparatus, wherein the power supply control apparatus includes an output terminal that outputs output power; a switch that switches when outputting and when blocking the output power from the output terminal; a communication unit outputs a high frequency signal via the output terminal and communicates with the power relay terminal which is connected to the output terminal, thereby reading out power information of the power relay terminal; and a control unit that switches the switch so that, upon authenticating from the power information read out by the communication unit that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power supplied from the output terminal, the output power is output from the output terminal, while the output power supplied to the power relay terminal is measured, and when authentication is not made that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal, the output of the output power from the output terminal is blocked; and wherein the power relay terminal includes an input terminal in which the output power is input; an output terminal configured to relay the output power supplied from the input terminal and outputs to the connected equipment; and a storage device which, in order to receive authentication from the power supply control apparatus connected to the input terminal and receive a supply of the output power from the power supply control terminal in the input terminal, outputs the stored power information to the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal, by subjecting a high frequency signal that is input from the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal to load modulation. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is a power supply control method of a power supply control system including a power supply control apparatus that outputs output power to be supplied to equipment operated by power; and a power relay terminal configured to relay and output, to the equipment, the output power input from the power supply control apparatus, wherein in the power supply control apparatus, the output terminal outputs the output power; the switch switches, when outputting and when blocking the output power from the output terminal; the communication unit outputs a high frequency signal via the output terminal and communicates with the power relay terminal that is connected to the output terminal, thereby reading out power information of the power relay terminal; and the control unit switches the switch so that, upon authenticating from the power information read out by the communication unit that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power supplied from the output terminal, the output power is output from the output terminal, while the output power supplied to the power relay terminal is measured, and when authentication is not made that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal, the output of the output power from the output terminal is blocked; and in the power relay terminal, the input terminal inputs the output power; the output terminal of the power relay terminal relays and output, to the connected equipment, the output power supplied from the input terminal; and the storage device outputs, in order to receive authentication from the power supply control apparatus connected to the input terminal and receive a supply of the output power from the power supply control apparatus in the input terminal, the stored power information to the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal, by subjecting a high frequency signal that is input from the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal to load modulation. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, the input terminal inputs power; the output terminal relays the power supplied from the input terminal and outputs to an equipment which is connected and operates by power; and the storage device, in order to receive authentication from a power supply control apparatus connected to the input terminal and receive a supply of the power from the power supply control terminal in the input terminal, outputs stored power information to the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal, by subjecting a high frequency signal that is input from the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal to load modulation. 
     According to an aspect of the present invention, the output terminal outputs output power; the switch switches when outputting and when blocking the output power from the output terminal; the communication unit outputs a high frequency signal via the output terminal and communicates with a power relay terminal that further relays and outputs the output power supplied from the output terminal to the equipment operated by power, thereby reading out power information of the power relay terminal; and the control unit switches the switch so that, upon authenticating from the power information read out by the communication unit that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power supplied from the output terminal, the output power is output from the output terminal, while the output power supplied to the power relay terminal is measured, and when authentication is not made that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal, the output of the output power from the output terminal is blocked. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present invention, with the power supply control apparatus, the output terminal outputs the output power; the switch switches when outputting and when blocking the output power from the output terminal; the communication unit outputs a high frequency signal via the output terminal and communicates with the power relay terminal that is connected to the output terminal, thereby reading out power information of the power relay terminal; and the control unit switches the switch so that, upon authenticating from the power information read out by the communication unit that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal that relays and outputs, to the equipment, the output power supplied from the output terminal, the output power is output from the output terminal, while the output power supplied to the power relay terminal is measured, and when authentication is not made that that which is connected to the output terminal is the power relay terminal, the output of the output power from the output terminal is blocked; and with the power relay terminal, the input terminal inputs the output power; the output terminal of the power relay terminal relays and output, to the connected equipment, the output power supplied from the input terminal; and the storage device outputs, in order to receive authentication from a power supply control apparatus connected to the input terminal and receive a supply of the output power from the power supply control apparatus in the input terminal, the stored power information to the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal, by subjecting a high frequency signal that is input from the power supply control apparatus via the input terminal to load modulation. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     As described above, according to aspects of the present invention, individual power consumption can be easily managed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a power supply control system according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a power gateway. 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a voltage switching unit. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a reader/writer. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a controller. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a power plug adapter. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of an IC chip. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of an embodiment of a voltage generating unit. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating yet another configuration of an embodiment of a voltage generating unit. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a home server. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart describing authentication processing of a power gateway. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart describing authentication processing of a power plug adapter. 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram describing processing based on the authentication. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a system in the case of storing power information. 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of reader/writer equipment. 
         FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a personal computer. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart describing storage processing of a personal computer. 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart describing storage processing of the reader/writer equipment. 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram illustrating another configuration of an embodiment of a power plug adapter. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     [Fundamental Configuration of Power Supply Control System] 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a power supply control system  1  according to the present invention. The power supply control system  1  herein is made up of an external power source  11 , power gateway  12 , power plug adapters  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , equipment  14 - 1  and  14 - 2 , and home server  15 . Note that hereinafter, in cases where the power plug adapters  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , equipment  14 - 1  and  14 - 2  do not have to be individually distinguished, these will simply be denoted as power plug adapter  13  or equipment  14 . The same will be true for other members also. 
     The external power source  11  outputs commercial AC power of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, for example, to the power gateway  12  via power lines  71  and  72 . It goes without saying that the frequencies are not limited to these. The external power source  11  may also be made up of a generator, battery, or the like. 
     The power gateway  12  generates output voltage of a predetermined voltage from AC power (let us say AC power in the case of this embodiment) supplied from the external power  11 , and outputs this from an output terminal  31  that forms an outlet. In the case of this embodiment, a total of two outlets are formed serving as the terminal  31 , one outlet made up of a pair of output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1 , and another outlet made up of a pair of output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11 . It goes without saying that the number of outlets may be one, or may be three or more. 
     A pair of input terminals  41 - 1  and  42 - 1  that make up a plug of the power plug adapter  13 - 1  is connected to the pair of output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1  of the power gateway  12 . Similarly, a pair of input terminals  41 - 11  and  42 - 11  that make up a plug of the power plug adapter  13 - 2  is connected to the other pair of output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11  of the power gateway  12 . 
     The power plug adapter  13 - 1  serving as the power relay terminal relays the output voltage supplied from the power gateway  12  without change, and outputs this from a pair of output terminals  51 - 1  and  52 - 1  that make up one outlet. Similarly, the power plug adapter  13 - 2  serving as another power relay terminal relays the output voltage supplied from the power gateway  12  without change, and outputs this from a pair of output terminals  51 - 11  and  52 - 11  that make up one outlet. 
     The power gateway  12  reads out information stored in the power plug adapters  13 - 1  and  13 - 2 , and stores information therein. Further, the power gateway  12  also may relay from the output plug adapter  13 - 1  and read out the output information stored in the equipment  14 - 1  which is connected to the output terminals  51 - 1  and  52 - 1 , and store information therein. Further, input terminals  61 - 1  and  62 - 1  of the equipment  14 - 1  may be connected to the output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1  of the power gateway  12 , and output information recorded in a storage device housed in the equipment  14 - 1  may be read out and stored therein. Similarly, the power gateway  12  may relay from the power plug adapter  13 - 2  and read out the output information stored in the equipment  14 - 2  that is connected to the output terminals  51 - 11  and  52 - 11 , and store information therein. Further, input terminals  61 - 11  and  62 - 11  of the equipment  14 - 2  may be connected to the output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11  of the power gateway  12 , and output information recorded in a storage device housed in the equipment  14 - 2  may be read out and stored therein. 
     The input terminals  61 - 1  and  62 - 1  that make up a plug of the equipment  14 - 1  are connected to the output terminals  51 - 1  and  52 - 1  of the power plug adapter  13 - 1 . Accordingly, the output power that has been relayed from the power plug adapter  13 - 1  is supplied to the equipment  14 - 1  via the power lines  81 - 1  and  82 - 1 . Similarly, the input terminals  61 - 11  and  62 - 11  that make up a plug of the equipment  14 - 2  are connected to the output terminals  51 - 11  and  52 - 11  of the power plug adapter  13 - 2 . Accordingly, the output power that has been relayed from the power plug adapter  13 - 2  is supplied to the equipment  14 - 2  via the power lines  81 - 11  and  82 - 11 . 
     The equipment  14 - 1  and  14 - 2  operated by the supplied power execute predetermined operations, based on the supplied output power. For example, if an electric lamp, lighting is performed, and if a personal computer, accessing various types of websites via the Internet and processing to create writings are performed. 
     The home server  15  communicates wirelessly with the power gateway  12  using a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like, holds accounting information, and performs accounting processing. It goes without saying that IEEE802.11, IEEE802.15, or another standard may be used, or communication by cable may be used. 
     [Configuration of Power Gateway] 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the power gateway  12 . The power gateway  12  in  FIG. 2  is made up of a power supply unit  103 , switches  104 - 1  and  104 - 2 , power measuring units  105 - 1  and  105 - 2 , voltage switching units  106 - 1  and  106 - 2 , low-pass filters  107 - 1  and  107 - 2 , high-pass filters  108 - 1  and  108 - 2 , reader/writer  109 , controller  110 , communication unit  111  which has an antenna  112 , and a display  113 . 
     The power lines  71  and  72  are connected to the terminals  101  and  102 , respectively, which are input terminals, and AC power from the external power source  11  is input. The power supply unit  103  outputs the AC power input from the terminals  101  and  102  at a later stage, and supplying power needed for various parts within the power gateway  12 . That is to say, the power supply unit  103  supplies power needed for the power measuring unit  105 , voltage switching unit  106 , reader/writer  109 , controller  110 , communication unit  111 , display  113 , and so forth. 
     When switches  104 - 1  and  104 - 2 , of which switching is controlled by the controller  110 , are turned on, the AC power output from the power supply unit  103  outputs the power measuring units  105 - 1  and  105 - 2  of the power lines corresponding thereto, and blocks power from being supplied when turned off. The power measuring units  105 - 1  and  105 - 2  measure the power supplied to the corresponding power lines, and output the measurement results to the controller  110 . 
     The voltage switching units  106 - 1  and  106 - 2  generate AC power or DC power of a predetermined voltage from the AC power input via the respective power measuring units  105 - 1  and  105 - 2 , and output this as output power. 
     The low-pass filter  107 - 1  outputs the output power input from the voltage switching unit  106 - 1  of the power line thereof to the output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1 . Similarly, the low-pass filter  107 - 2  outputs the output power input from the voltage switching unit  106 - 2  of the power line thereof to the output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11 . The low-pass filter  107  outputs low frequency output power, which is output from the voltage switching unit  107 , to the output terminals  31  and  32 , while preventing the high frequency signal having a frequency higher than the output power, which is output from the reader/writer  109 , from being input into the voltage switching unit  106  and the voltage switching unit  106  malfunctioning. 
     In the case of this embodiment, the low-pass filter  107 - 1  is made up of a coil  131 - 11  that is inserted into one of the power lines, a coil  132 - 11  that is inserted into the other power line, and a capacitor  133 - 11  that connects a pair of power lines. Similarly, the low-pass filter  107 - 2  is made up of a coil  131 - 21  that is inserted into one of the power lines, a coil  132 - 21  that is inserted into the other power line, and a capacitor  133 - 21  that connects a pair of power lines. The configuration of the low-pass filter  107  may be a configuration other than this. 
     The output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1  are connected to the reader/writer  109  via the high-pass filter  108 - 1 . Similarly, the output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11  are connected to the reader/writer  109  via the high-pass filter  108 - 2 . The high-pass filter  108  outputs the high frequency signal output from the reader/writer  109  to the output terminals  31  and  32 , while preventing a low frequency output voltage that is output from the voltage switching unit  106  from being input into the reader/writer  109 , and the reader/writer  109  malfunctioning. 
     In the case of this embodiment, the high-pass filter  108 - 1  is made up of a capacitor  151 - 11  that is inserted between the reader/writer  109  and one of the power lines, and a capacitor  152 - 11  that is inserted between the reader/writer  109  and the other power line. Similarly, the high-pass filter  108 - 2  is made up of a capacitor  151 - 21  that is inserted between the reader/writer  109  and one of the power lines, and a capacitor  152 - 21  that is inserted between the reader/writer  109  and the other power line. It goes without saying that the configuration of the high-pass filter  108  is not limited to these. 
     The reader/writer  109  communicates with the power plug adapter  13 . Various types of information are displayed on the display  113  by way of the controller  110 . The controller  110  controls the reader/writer  109 . The communication unit  111  communicates wirelessly with the home server  15  via the antenna  112 . The reader/writer  109  internally has a switching switch which is not shown in the diagram, performs connections with the high-pass filters  108 - 1  and  108 - 2  alternately in a time-series manner, and can identify which of the output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1  or output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11  are connected to the power plug adapter  13 , depending on at which timing the information of the power plug adapter  13  has been read. Alternatively, which of the output terminals  31 - 1  and  32 - 1  or output terminals  31 - 11  and  32 - 11  are connected to the power plug adapter  13  may be identified using a method other than switching connections in a time-series manner. 
     [Voltage Switching Unit] 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the voltage switching unit  106 . 
     The voltage switching unit  106  has a switch  203 , voltage converters  204 - 1  through  204 - 4 , and an output unit  205 . AC power from the power measuring unit  105  is input into terminals  231  and  232  of the switch  203  via the terminals  201  and  202 . The terminal  231  is switched to one of contact points  241 - 1  through  241 - 4 . Similarly, the terminal  232  is switched to one of contact points  241 - 1  through  241 - 4 . The switching of terminals  231  and  232  are simultaneously performed by the controller  110 . With the switching herein, AC power is selectively input into one of the voltage converters  204 - 1  through  204 - 4 . 
     The voltage converter  204 - 1  converts the input AC power (or DC power may be used. The same applies below.) to 100 V AC power, and outputs this. The voltage converter  204 - 2  converts the input AC power to 200 V AC power, and outputs this. The voltage converter  204 - 3  converts the input AC power to 12 V DC power, and outputs this. The voltage converter  204 - 4  converts the input AC power to 5 V DC power, and outputs this. Note that the voltages to be converted and the numbers thereof are not limited to this example. The output unit  205  outputs the AC power or DC power input from the voltage converters  204 - 1  through  204 - 4  to the low-pass filter  107  from the output terminals  206  and  207  as output power. The switching of voltage is controlled by the controller  110 . 
     [Configuration of Reader/Writer  109 ] 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the reader/writer  109 . The reader/writer  109  serving as a communication unit has a driving unit  281  and coil  282 . The driving unit  281  has a function block of a generating unit  291 , modulating unit  292 , transmitting unit  293 , demodulating unit  294 , and receiving unit  295 . 
     The generating unit  291  generates a command. The modulating unit  292  modulates a carrier wave by a command, and outputs as a high frequency signal. A high frequency signal (also called RF signal) having a frequency of 13.56 MHz, for example, may be used as the carrier wave. Besides 13.56 MHz, optional frequencies such as 130 kHz to 135 kHz, 433 MHz, 900 MHz band, 2.45 GHz, can be used as the high frequency signal. The transmitting unit  293  outputs a high frequency signal and other signals. 
     The demodulating unit  294  demodulates the reflective wave of the high frequency signal by load modulation from the power plug adapter  13 . The receiving unit  295  receives various types of signals. 
     The coil  282  of the reader/writer  109  originally has been electromagnetically coupled with a coil  481  of the IC chip  325  which will be described later with reference to  FIG. 7 , the purpose of which has been to transfer high frequency signals between the reader/writer  109  and IC chip  325 . That is to say, the reader/writer  109  is provided to write in and read out information corresponding to the standard of the IC chip  325 . However, according to the present embodiment, the high frequency signal is transferred via the power lines, so the coil  282  can be omitted. Thus, there is less concern of the coil  282  radiating unnecessary electromagnetic waves in the periphery or picking up noise and performing erroneous operations. 
     [Configuration of Controller] 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the controller  110 . The controller  110  serving as a control unit that is made up of an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), CPU (Central Processing Unit), or the like, for example, has a function block of a transmitting unit  301 , receiving unit  302 , determining unit  303 , and processing unit  304 . 
     The transmitting unit  301  transmits a command to the reader/writer  109 . The receiving unit  302  receives a signal corresponding to the signal received from the power plug adapter  13 , which is transmitted by the reader/writer  109 . The determining unit  303  executes various types of determining processing. The processing unit  304  executes processing corresponding to the signal received from the power plug adapter  13  via the reader/writer  109 . 
     [Power Plug Adapter] 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the power plug adapter  13 . The power plug adapter  13  herein has input terminals  41  and  42 , low-pass filters  322  and  323 , a transformer  324 , IC chip  325 , and output terminals  51  and  52 . 
     According to the present embodiment, the input terminals  41  and  42  are formed so as to be integrated with the power plug adapter  13 , and with the tips thereof protruding. However, the input terminals  41  and  42  may also be formed so as to be integrated with the power line plug  321 , the power line plug  321  connected with the power plug adapter  13  via long power lines  326  and  327 , and the power line plug  321  separated from the power plug adapter  13 . 
     The output power from the power gateway  12  which is supplied from the input terminals  41  and  42  that are connected to the output terminals  31  and  32  of the power gateway  12  are output from the output terminals  51  and  52  via the low-pass filter  322 . That is to say, the power plug adapter  13  relays and outputs the output power from the power gateway  12  to the equipment  14 . A high-pass filter  323  is connected to the input terminals  41  and  42  via the power lines  326  and  327 , and the high-pass filter  323  is further connecting to one of the coils  391  of the transformer  324 . The other coil  392  of the transformer  324  is connected to the IC chip  325 . 
     In the case of the present embodiment, the low-pass filter  322  is made up of a coil  361  that is inserted in one of the power lines  326 , a coil  362  that is inserted in the other power line  327 , and a capacitor  363  that is between and connects the pair of power lines  326  and  327 . It goes without saying that the configuration of the low-pass filter  322  is not limited to this. 
     In the case of the present embodiment, the high-pass filter  323  is made up of a capacitor  371  that is connected to one of the power lines  326  and a capacitor  372  that is connected to the other power line  327 . It goes without saying that the configuration of the high-pass filter  323  is not limited to this. 
     The low-pass filter  322  outputs the output power of a low frequency input from the input terminals  41  and  42  to the output terminals  51  and  42 , while preventing the high frequency signal input from the input terminals  41  and  42  from being input into the output terminals  51  and  52 . However, in the case of connecting the equipment  14  in which a storage device is housed to the power plug adapter  13 , and the power gateway  12  reading and writing information in the storage device of the equipment  14 , with the power plug adapter  13  as a relay, the low-pass filter  322  is not installed so that the high frequency signals pass through the power plug adapter  13 . 
     The high-pass filter  323  supplies the high frequency signal input from the input terminals  41  and  42  to the IC chip  325  via the transformer  324 , while preventing the output power of the low frequency input from the input terminals  41  and  42  from being input into the IC chip  325  via the transformer  324 . 
     [IC Chip  325 ] 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the IC chip  325 . The transformer  324  connected to the IC chip  325  makes up a voltage generating unit  401 . 
     That is to say, up the high frequency signal from the power plug adapter  13  being input into the coil  391 , voltage is induced in the electromagnetically coupled coil  392 , and is supplied to voltage supply points  483  and  484 . That is to say, in the case of the present embodiment, voltage is generated by the voltage generating unit  401  (both the resonator  471  and voltage generating unit  401 , in the case of not omitting the resonator  471 ), whereby voltage can be reliably generated. 
     The IC chip  325  serving as a storage device may be made up of an IC chip, electronic tag such as a tag, or the like based on various types of standards. For example, it goes without saying that standards such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Mifare, FeliCa, NFC (Near Field Communication) (each of these are registered trademarks), and so forth may be prepared, and also electronic tags of a unique configuration not based on these standards may also be prepared. The storage device has at least a function to read out and output the information stored within by high-frequency signals, and further it is preferable to have a function to store supplied information. Either a passive type or active type may be used. 
     The IC chip  325  in  FIG. 7  is made up of a resonator  471 , detector  472 , load modulating unit  473 , voltage regulator  474 , power source unit  475 , data receiving unit  476 , clock generating unit  477 , and signal processing unit  478 . 
     The resonator  471  is made up of a coil  481  of which the inductance function as an antenna is L 11 , and a capacitor  482  of which the capacity is C 11 , with a parallel resonating circuit. One of the connecting points of the coil  481  and capacitor  482  is a positive voltage supply point  483 , and the other connecting point is a negative voltage supply point  484 . The values of the inductance L 11  and capacity C 11  are set so that the resonance frequency is 13.56 MHz. That is to say, the resonator  471  having the coil  481  has originally had a function to receive the high frequency signal of 13.56 MHz from the coil  282  function as the antenna of the reader/writer  109  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , and generate AC induced voltage from electromagnetic induction. 
     However, in the case of the present embodiment, the high frequency signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz is not supplied from the coil  282  of the reader/writer  109 , and is supplied from the power gateway  12  via the power lines  326  and  327 , high-pass filter  323 , and transformer  324 . Now, it is favorable to omit the resonator  471 , or at least the coil  481  thereof. Thus, erroneous operations from the influence of metal in the vicinity or the like are suppressed. In this case the high frequency signal is directly input into the detector  72 . In the case of not omitting the resonator  471 , the resonator  471  resonates accordingly when the high frequency signal having a frequency of 13.56 MHz is input, and generates voltage from the voltage supply points  483  and  484 . 
     In the case of the present embodiment, the detector  472  is made up of a diode  491 . An anode of the diode  491  is connected to a positive voltage supply point  483 , and the cathode thereof is connected to one end of a resistor  411  of the load modulating unit  473 . The diode  491  rectifies the high frequency signal from the voltage supply points  483  and  484  to a DC voltage, and demodulates the signal which includes the high frequency signal transmitted from the reader/writer  109  (the carrier wave). One end of an FET (Field Effect Transistor)  412  which makes up the load modulating unit  473  together with the resistor  411 , is connected to the other end of the resistor  411 , and the other end of the FET  412  is grounded. Note that the FET  412  serving as a switching device may be p-channel or n-channel. Also, a bipolar transistor can be used. The resistor  411  may be another impedance device. 
     The voltage regulator  474  smoothes the voltage that has been rectified by the diode  491 , causes this to be a constant voltage, and supplies this to the power source unit  475 . The power source unit  475  generates voltage to drive the IC chip  325 , and supplies this to the data receiving unit  476 , clock generating unit  477 , signal processing unit  478 , and so forth. 
     The data receiving unit  476  extracts low frequency components from half-wave rectified voltage that is output from the diode  491  (amplitude demodulation), amplifies this, generates a data signal binarized at a high level and low level, and supplies this to the signal processing unit  478 . The clock generating unit  477  generates a rectangular clock signal from the high frequency signal supplied from the voltage supply point  483  of the resonator  471 , and supplies this to the signal processing unit  478 . 
     The signal processing unit  478  reads the data signal so as to be synchronized with the clock signal. The signal processing unit  478  then generates a response signal binarized at a high level and low level, based on the power information stored in the built-in storage unit  431 , and outputs this to the gate of the FET  412 . The FET  412  is turned on or off according to the response signal. Thus, load modulation is performed to change the impedance as seen from the voltage supply points  483  and  484 . Note that at least identifying information is included in the power information, but as described later, specification information, history information, billing information, user information, and the like can also be included. Each user has one dedicated power plug adapter  13  for himself/herself. Accordingly, the power information stored in the IC chip  325  of the power plug adapter  13  is information unique to each user. 
     [Voltage Generating Unit  401  ( 1 )] 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of another voltage generating unit  501 . In the case of this embodiment, the voltage generating unit  401  is made up of a coil  501  having an inductance of L 21 . Upon a high frequency signal being input from the power plug adapter  13 , the coil  501  generates voltage, and supplies this to the voltage supply points  483  and  484 . 
     The configuration is otherwise similar to the case in  FIG. 7 , and the description thereof will be a repeat so will be omitted. That is to say, in the case of this embodiment also, voltage is generated by the voltage generating unit  401  (both the resonator  471  and voltage generating unit  401  in the case of not omitting the resonator  471 ), whereby voltage can be reliably generated. 
     [Voltage Generating Unit  401  ( 2 )] 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating yet another configuration of an embodiment of a voltage generating unit  401 . According to this embodiment, the voltage generating unit  401  is omitted. Accordingly, according to this embodiment, the high frequency signal from the voltage supply points  483  and  484  are directly input into the detector  472 . The configuration is otherwise similar to the case in  FIG. 7 , and the description thereof will be a repeat so will be omitted. 
     [Home Server  15 ] 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a home server  15 . According to this embodiment, the home server  15  is made up of a managing unit  501  and a communication unit  502  which has an antenna  503 . 
     The managing unit  501  stores and manages power information. The communication unit  502  communicates with the communication unit  111  of the power gateway  12  via the antenna  503 . 
     [Authentication Processing of Power Supply Control System] 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart describing the authentication processing of the power gateway  12 , and  FIG. 12  is a flowchart describing the authentication processing of the power plug adapter  13  corresponding thereto. Next, the authentication processing performed with the power supply control system  1  in  FIG. 1  will be described with reference to the flowcharts in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  herein. The authentication processing herein is executed when the power plug adapter  13  is attached to the power gateway  12  or when a user commands the processing to be started. 
     In step S 11  in  FIG. 11 , processing is executed for an ID readout command to be generated by the power gateway  12 . That is to say, as described above, an ID (Identifier) serving as identification to identify oneself is stored in the storage unit  431  of the signal processing unit  478  which the IC chip  325  of the power plug adapter  13  has. The transmitting unit  301  of the controller  110  of the power gateway  12  generates a command to read out the identification information herein and transmit this to the reader/writer  109 . 
     In step S 12 , the reader/writer  109  modulates the high frequency signal serving as a high frequency signal, corresponding to the command from the controller  110 . That is to say, the receiving unit  295  of the reader/writer  109  receives the command from the controller  110 . The generating unit  291  generates a command as to the IC chip  325  corresponding to the command from the controller  110 . The modulating unit  292  subjects the carrier wave having a frequency of 13.56 MHz serving as the high frequency signal to amplitude modulation, corresponding to the generated command. Alternatively, ASK modulation or FSK modulation may be used. In step S 13  the transmission unit  293  outputs the high frequency signal. 
     The high frequency signal output from the reader/writer  109  passes through the high-pass filter  108 , is transmitted to the power line, and output from the output terminal  31 . At this time, the low-pass filter  107  blocks the high frequency signal, so the high frequency signal is not input into the voltage switching unit  106 . Accordingly, the voltage switching unit  106  which operates with AC power of a low frequency from the power supply unit  103  is prevented from failing. The low-pass filter  107  also has a function to prevent high frequency noise from leaking out. In the case that AC of a low frequency that is output from the voltage switching unit  106  is flowing to the power line, the high frequency signal is superimposed on the AC. 
     The high frequency signal output from the output terminal  31  of the power gateway  12  is input into the power plug adapter  13  from the input terminal  41  which is connected to the output terminal  31 , and is transmitted to the power lines  326  and  327 . Further, the high frequency signal herein is input into the transformer  324  via the high-pass filter  323 . The transformer  324  inputs the input high frequency signal into the IC chip  325 . 
     In step S 41  in  FIG. 12  the IC chip  325  receives the high frequency signal. That is to say, the induced voltage that is generated by the voltage generating unit  401  is supplied to the voltage supply points  483  and  484 . In the case that a resonator  471  exists, the frequency of the carrier wave of the high frequency signal matches the resonance frequency of the resonator  471 , whereby the resonator  471  resonates to the high frequency signal, and a resonance voltage is induced at the voltage supply points  483  and  484 . 
     In step S 42  the diode  491  detects the input high frequency voltage. That is to say, the AC high frequency voltage is rectified, and DC (more accurately, pulsating current) voltage is generated. In step S 43  the voltage regulator  474  smoothes the rectified voltage and causes a constant voltage. In step S 44  the power source unit  475  generates driving voltage from the voltage that has become constant voltage. The generated driving voltage is supplied to the data receiving unit  476 , clock generating unit  477 , signal processing unit  478 , and so forth. 
     In step S 45  the clock generating unit  477  generates a rectangular clock signal from the input high frequency voltage. The clock signal is supplied to the signal processing unit  478 . In step S 46  the data receiving unit  476  generated data. That is to say, signal components (i.e. amplitude components) included in the high frequency voltage (i.e. carrier wave) are extracted from the signal that has been rectified by the diode  491 , and are amplified. Thus, data signal that is binarized at a high level and low level is generated, and supplied to the signal processing unit  478 . 
     In step S 47  the signal processing unit  478  executes a command. That is to say, the signal processing unit  478  reads the command from the data signal so as to be synchronized with the clock signal, and executes processing corresponding to the read command. In the present case, an ID stored in the storage unit  431  is read out, and response data is generated. The response data herein is also binarized. 
     In step S 48  the signal processing unit  478  performs load modulation corresponding to the response data. That is to say, the FET  412  is turns on or off, corresponding to the response data generated by the processing in step S 47 . In the state of the FET  412  being turned on, and in the state of being turned off, the impedance as seen from the voltage supply points  483  and  484  differs. The change in impedance herein is reflected in a reflective wave of the high frequency signal, and is transmitted to the power gateway  12  via the transformer  324 , high-pass filter  323 , power lines  326  and  327 , and input terminals  41  and  42 . 
     The reflective wave input in the power gateway  12  from the output terminal  31  is input into the reader/writer  109  via the high-pass filter  108 . In step S 14  in  FIG. 11 , the receiving unit  295  of the reader/writer  109  receives the signal of the reflective wave generated by the load modulation of the high frequency signal. The demodulator  294  then demodulates the received high frequency signal. Thus, the ID of the power plug adapter  13  is read out. The transmitting unit  293  transmits the received and modulated ID to the controller  110 . The receiving unit  302  of the controller  110  receives the ID from the reader/writer  109 . 
     In step S 15  the determining unit  303  of the controller  110  determines whether or not the ID read out is the registered ID. That is to say, a predetermined ID is assigned to the power plug adapter  13  beforehand, and the determining unit  303  stores the assigned ID herein. Whether or not the ID read out matches the registered ID is determined. 
     In the case that the ID read out matches the registered ID, i.e. upon the power plug adapter  13  being authenticated, in step S 16  the processing unit  304  performs processing as a normal power plug adapter. In the case of this embodiment, for example the processing unit  304  turns on the power line switch  104  of the power plug adapter  13  that is connected to the output terminal  31  that has read the ID. Also, in the case that specification information is stored in the IC chip  325  of the power plug adapter  13  as power information, the specification information is read out. The processing unit  304  switches the switch  203  of the voltage switching unit  106 , based on the specification information herein, so that the output power within a permitted range is output to the power plug adapter  13 . For example, in the case that the power plug adapter  13  permits an output of 100 V AC voltage, the switch  203  is switched so that the voltage converter  204 - 1  of the voltage switching unit  106  is selected. Note that the specification information can also be stored in the storage device of the equipment  14 . 
     Thus, in the case that an electric lamp for lighting, serving as the equipment  14 , is connected to the output terminals  51  and  52  of the power plug adapter  13 , 100 V AC power is supplied thereto, whereby the user can use the electric lamp. 
     That is to say, with the power gateway  12 , the power supply unit  103  supplies the AC power input from the external power source  11  to the switch  104 , power measuring unit  105 , and voltage switching unit  106 . The 100 V output power generated by the voltage converter  204 - 1  of the voltage switching unit  106  is output from the output terminal  31  via the low-pass filter  107 . 
     With the power plug adapter  13 , the output power input from the input terminals  41  and  42  is relayed to the output terminal  51  via the power lines  326  and  327  and the low-pass filter  322 . The electric lamp is connected to the output terminals  51  and  52 , whereby the output power is supplied to the electric lamp. 
     In the case of the user using the electric lamp, power is consumed at that point. The power measuring unit  105  of the power line connected to the electric lamp measures the power consumption, and transmits the measurement results to the controller  110 . Upon the receiving unit  302  of the controller  110  receiving the measurement results herein, the measurement results are correlated with date and time information, and history information is generated. The history information is transmitted to the IC chip  325 , and stored as power information in the storage unit  431 . Billing processing is executed based on the history information herein. Details of the billing processing will be described later. 
     Conversely, in step S 15 , in the case that the ID read out is not determined to match the registered ID, in step S 17  the processing unit  304  performs processing as an invalid power plug adapter. In the case that which is connected to the power gateway  12  is electronic equipment other than the power plug adapter  13 , even if that which is connected is the power plug adapter  13 , in the case that billing information needed for billing processing has not be stored, and in the case of a power plug adapter  13  of a user that has delayed payment for a fixed amount of time or longer, processing is performed as an invalid power plug adapter. 
     As processing as an invalid power plug adapter, for example the processing unit  304  turns off the switch  104  and inhibits the supply of power to the power plug adapter  13 . Further, the processing unit  304  displays a predetermined warning message on the display  113 . This message may be a message such as “The device connected is not a power plug adapter. Please exchange with a power plug adapter” or “Information needed for billing processing is not stored”. In accordance with the message, the user may exchange the connected device for a power plug adapter  13 , or as described later, may store the information needed for billing in the power plug adapter  13  held by the user. 
       FIG. 13  is a diagram describing processing that is based on authentication. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , when desiring to use the equipment  14 , the user connects his/her own power plug adapter  13  to the power gateway  12 . The user then connects the equipment  14  to be used to the power plug adapter  13 . In  FIG. 13 , an electric lamp  14 - 11  is connected as the equipment  14 . 
     As illustrated in A of  FIG. 13 , in the case that the power plug adapter  13  is authenticated by the power gateway  12 , the processing in step S 16  in  FIG. 11  is performed. That is to say, power is supplied to the power plug adapter  13  from the power gateway  12 . Accordingly, the user can connect the electric lamp  14 - 11  to the power plug adapter  13 , which will receive power supply from the power plug adapter  13 , and the electric lamp  14 - 11  can be used. According to the amount of power consumed, billing processing for power fees is performed as to the user of the power plug adapter  13  thereof. 
     As illustrated in B of  FIG. 13 , in the case that the power plug adapter  13  is not authenticated by the power gateway  12 , the processing in step S 17  in  FIG. 11  is performed. In other words, in this case, even if the electric lamp  14 - 11  is connected to the power plug adapter  13 , the power plug adapter  13  does not relay and output the output power. Accordingly, the user cannot use the electric lamp  14 - 11 . Thus, invalid power use is prevented. 
     Thus, multiple users sharing the same living space, for example, may each have a dedicated power plug adapter  13 , and use the equipment  14  via their own power plug adapters  13 . Consequently, the power amount consumed in the living space thereof can be managed by each user. 
     [Storage of Power Information] 
     The user stores his/her own power information in his/her own power plug adapter  13 .  FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of a system in the case of storing power information. The power information storage system  501  herein is made up of a personal computer  511  and a reader/writer equipment  512 . According to this example, the reader/writer equipment  512  is connected to the personal computer  511  by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable  513 . 
     The personal computer  511  is made up of a main unit  551 , keyboard  552 , and display  553 . 
     In the case of storing power information in the power plug adapter  13 , the user connects the input terminals  41  and  42  that make up the plug thereof to the terminals  521  and  522  that make up the outlet of the reader/writer equipment  512 . 
     [Reader/Writer Equipment] 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an embodiment of the reader/writer equipment  512 . The reader/writer equipment  512  has an internal reader/writer  633 , as well as a high-pass filter  631  and transformer  632 . One coil  661  of the transformer  632  is connected to the reader/writer  633 , and the other coil  662  is connected to the terminals  521  and  522  via the capacitors  651  and  652  that make up the high-pass filter  631 . Also, the reader/writer  633  is connected to the reader/writer equipment  512  by a USB connector  634 . Note that in the case of the configuration in  FIG. 15 , AC 100 V is not applied to the reader/writer  633 , so the high-pass filter  631  can be omitted. 
     The functional configuration of the reader/writer  633  is basically similar to the reader/writer  109  illustrated in  FIG. 4 , so hereinafter,  FIG. 4  may be referenced appropriately also as a functional configuration of the reader/writer  633 . 
     [Functional Configuration of Personal Computer] 
       FIG. 16  is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the personal computer  511 . The personal computer  511  has a transmitting unit  751 , receiving unit  752 , determining unit  753 , accepting unit  754 , and display unit  755 . 
     The transmitting unit  751  transmits various types of signals. The receiving unit  752  receives various types of signals. The determining unit  753  executes various types of determining processes. The accepting unit  754  accepts input from the keyboard  552  and an unshown mouse or the like. The display unit  755  displays various types of information on the display  553 . 
     [Storage Processing] 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart describing the storage processing of the personal computer  511 , and  FIG. 18  is a flowchart describing the storage processing of the reader/writer equipment  512 . The storage processing of the power information storage system  501  will be described below with reference to these diagrams. The processing herein is started when the user instructs the start of processing, or when the reader/writer equipment  512  is connected to the main unit  551  of the personal computer  511 . 
     In step S 101  of  FIG. 17 , the transmission unit  751  of the personal computer  511  transmits a command to read out an ID as to the reader/writer equipment  512 . The command herein is transmitted to the reader/writer equipment  512  via the USB cable  513 . 
     In step S 131  in  FIG. 18 , at the reader/writer  633  of the reader/writer equipment  512 , the receiving unit  295  receives the ID readout command. In step S 132 , processing is executed to read out and output the ID. The processing in this case is similar to the case described with reference to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , so the description will be simplified. 
     That is to say, a command is generated by the generating unit  291  to read out the ID from the IC chip  325  that is housed in the power plug adapter  13 , and a command by high frequency signal is transmitted by the transmitting unit  293 . The command herein is input into the transformer  632 , high-pass filter  631 , terminals  521  and  522 , and power plug adapter  13 . In the power plug adapter  13 , the command thereof is input into the IC chip  325  from the input terminals  41  and  42 , via the power lines  326  and  327 , the high-pass filter  323 , and the transformer  324 . 
     Within the IC chip  325 , the signal processing unit  478  executes the input command. That is to say, the ID stored in the storage unit  431  is read out, and transmitted by performing load modulation. 
     The readout signal herein is output from the power plug adapter  13 , via the transformer  324 , high-pass filter  323 , power lines  326  and  327 , and input terminals  41  and  42 . 
     The signal output from the power plug adapter  13  is input into the reader/writer equipment  512  from the terminals  521  and  522 . The signal herein is input into the reader/writer  633  via the high-pass filter  631  and transformer  632 . Upon the receiving unit  295  of the reader/writer  633  receiving the signal, the transmitting unit  293  outputs the signal to the personal computer  511 . 
     The receiving unit  752  of the personal computer  511  receives the signal input via the USB cable  513 . That is to say, therefore in step S 102  in  FIG. 17 , processing to receive the ID is executed. 
     In step S 103 , the determining unit  753  authenticates the ID. The determining unit  753  determines whether or not the ID has been authenticated. That is to say. Determination is made as to whether or not the power plug adapter  13  is an appropriate power plug adapter  13  that can be used in the power supply control system  1 . In the case that the ID is authenticated, i.e. in the case that the device installed on the reader/writer equipment  512  is a valid power plug adapter  13 , in step S 104 , the accepting unit  754  accepts a credit card number. That is to say, in the case of paying by credit card for the power consumed via the power plug adapter  13  of the user, the user operates the keyboard  552  and inputs his/her credit card number. The accepting unit  754  accepts the input credit card number. Alternatively, the user inputs user information such as user name, contact information, and so forth, and may perform user registration for the power plug adapter  13 . That is to say, the affiliation of the power plug adapter  13  is clarified, so that who has used how much power can be comprehended, and the appropriate person will be billed the appropriate amount of the electric bill. As means toward this purpose, not only the credit card number and user name, but other information may be used to perform user registration. According to the present embodiment, description will be given for a method to perform user registration with a credit card number. 
     In step S 105  the transmitting unit  751  transmits the credit card number. That is to say, the input credit number is input in the reader/writer  633  of the reader/writer equipment  512  via the USB cable  513 . 
     In the case determination is made in step S 103  that the ID is not authenticated, the display unit  755  displays an error. That is to say, a message such as “This power adapter cannot be used”, for example, is displayed on the display  553 . 
     In step S 133  in  FIG. 18 , the receiving unit  295  of the reader/writer  633  receives the credit number transmitted from the personal computer  511 . In step S 134 , processing to store the credit number is executed. 
     That is to say, the generating unit  291  of the reader/writer  633  generates a command to store the received credit number in the IC chip  325 . The transmitting unit  293  transmits the command modulated by the modulating unit  292 , including the credit card number. The command from the high frequency signal is input in the IC chip  325 , similar to the case described above. Upon receiving a command to store the credit number, the signal processing unit  478  of the IC chip  325  stores the credit number in the storage unit  431 . Note that the credit card number functions as billing information, but can be caused to function as identifying information. Also, the user information can be caused to function as billing information. 
     Thus the user stores the credit number serving as billing information in dedicated power plug adapter  13  of the user. Note that by similar processing, in addition to billing information such as prepaid electronic money information or the like, specification information such as the voltage supplied by the power plug adapter  13 , and identifying information including an ID to identify oneself, can also be stored by the user. Note that identifying information including the ID may be stored by the user, but also may be stored beforehand by the manufacturer of the power plug adapter  13 . 
     [Billing Processing] 
     The billing processing is performed as follows, for example. At the power gateway  12 , the processing unit  304  of the controller  110  reads out the history information including past power consumption, along with the credit card number, which is stored in the IC chip  325 . The transmitting unit  301  outputs the read out history information and credit card number to the communication unit  111 . The communication unit  111  transmits the history information and credit card number to the home server  15  via the antenna  112 . The communication unit  502  of the home server  15  receives the history information and credit card number from the communication unit  111  of the power gateway  12 , via the antenna  503 . 
     The managing unit  501  of the home server  15  performs billing processing, corresponding to the history information and credit card number received from the power gateway  12 . That is to say, the managing unit  501  performs communication with a billing server that is connected via an unshown Internet, IP network, cellular network, or the like, and request a withdrawal from the bank account of the user for the usage fee of the amount of power consumed in the past. The server of the credit card company executes withdrawal processing according to this request. The billing processing may be performed at each occurrence, or may be performed in summary after a fixed number of days (e.g. one week or one month) have passed since the previous billing processing, or when first starting use. Also, the credit card number may be input by the user at each occurrence of billing processing. 
     Note that the history information stored in the power plug adapter  13  for each user may be consolidated weekly or monthly, for example, and based on the consolidation results, a representative may collect the dues from each person and pay the entire power usage bill. 
     Also, as billing information, in the case that prepaid electronic money information is stored in the power plug adapter  13 , the controller  110  reads out the amount of power consumed from the prepaid electronic money that is stored, and performs updating processing to reduce the amount with each use. That is to say, each time the user temporarily ends the power use, such as turning off the light of the electric lamp, the processing is performed. Thus, the current amount remains in the power plug adapter  13 . 
     In the case that payment is delayed by a defined period or longer, the power company transmits a command to the home server  15  to inhibit usage. Upon receiving this command, the home server  15  transmits the ID of the user to the power gateway  12 . The determining unit  303  of the controller  110  stores the ID, and makes a determination with the determining processing in step S 15  in  FIG. 11  as described above. 
     [Modification of Power Plug Adapter  13 ] 
       FIG. 19  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of another embodiment of the power plug adapter  13 . According to this embodiment, a magnetic head  801  is included in addition to the high-pass filter  323  and IC chip  325 . The magnetic head  801  has a core  811  and a coil  812  that is wrapped around the core  811 . The both ends of the coil  812  are connected to the IC chip  325  via the capacitors  371  and  372  that each make up a high-pass filter. 
     The core  811  is configured so as to be approximately cylindrical, and one of the power lines  81  and  82  is disposed so as to pass through the cylinder at time of use. According to the embodiment in  FIG. 19 , the power line  81  is disposed so as to pass through the cylinder. 
     When the high frequency signal flows to the power line  81 , induced voltage is generated in the core  801 , and this is detected by the coil  812  and input into the IC chip  325 . Accordingly, similar to the case described above, communication can occur between the power plug adapter  13  and power gateway  12 , via the power lines  81  and  82 . 
     Note that in the present Specification, the term “system” indicates an entire apparatus that is made up of multiple apparatuses. 
     Also, the embodiments of the present invention are not to be limited to the embodiments described above, and various types of modifications can be made within the scope and intent of the present invention. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
         
           
               1  power supply control system 
               12  power gateway 
               13  power plug adapter 
               14  electronic equipment 
               15  home server 
               325  IC chip