U.S. patent application number 12/604223 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for wireless power transfer for chargeable devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to QUALCOMM INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Paul E. Jacobs, Miles A. Kirby, Michael J. Mangan, Ernest T. Ozaki.
Application Number | 20100225270 12/604223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42145090 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100225270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jacobs; Paul E. ; et
al. |
September 9, 2010 |
WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR CHARGEABLE DEVICES
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power. A portable
chargeable device may comprise an energy storage device configured
to receive power from a power source. Furthermore, the portable
chargeable device may comprise a transmitter including at least one
antenna and configured to transmit power stored in the energy
storage device within an associated near-field region.
Inventors: |
Jacobs; Paul E.; (La Jolla,
CA) ; Kirby; Miles A.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Ozaki; Ernest T.; (Poway, CA) ; Mangan; Michael
J.; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
5775 MOREHOUSE DR.
SAN DIEGO
CA
92121
US
|
Assignee: |
QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
San Diego
CA
|
Family ID: |
42145090 |
Appl. No.: |
12/604223 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61158396 |
Mar 8, 2009 |
|
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|
61165876 |
Apr 1, 2009 |
|
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61166685 |
Apr 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 50/12 20160201;
H02J 5/005 20130101; H02J 7/342 20200101; H02J 50/40 20160201; H02J
7/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
320/108 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. A portable chargeable device, comprising: an energy storage
device configured to receive power from a power source; and a
transmitter including at least one antenna and configured to
transmit power stored in the energy storage device within an
associated near-field region according to a substantially
unmodulated resonant frequency.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the portable chargeable device
comprises a portable charging pad configured for selective coupling
to a charger.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the charger is configured to
operably couple to and charge a plurality of chargeable
devices.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the charger is configured to
receive power from a power outlet.
5. The device of claim 2, wherein the power source comprises one of
a chargeable electronic device and a base station charger.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to
transmit the energy stored in the energy storage device subsequent
to the energy storage device receiving power from the power
source.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna is
configured for receiving wireless power from the power source.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one transmit antenna
is configured to transmit wireless power if a power level of the
portable chargeable device is above a predefined threshold
level.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the chargeable device is further
configured to receive power from the power source and
simultaneously at least one of receive information from at least
one other electronic device and transmit information to the at
least one other electronic device.
10. A device, comprising: a surface configured for placement of one
or more electronic devices; at least one transmit antenna proximate
the surface and configured for transmitting wireless power within
an associated near-field; wherein the device is configured to:
detect a field disturbance between the transmit antenna and an
antenna of an electronic device positioned thereon; and enable one
or more communication links between the one or more electronic
devices positioned thereon.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is configured to
enable at least one of Bluetooth communication link, a 60 MHz
communication link, a Wi-Fi communication link, an IEEE 802.11
communication link, and a UWB communication link between at least
one of the one or more electronic devices positioned thereon.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the surface comprises a
multi-touch surface.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein the multi-touch surface is
configured to display interactive elements associated with at least
one of the one or more electronic devices positioned thereon.
14. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is further
configured to initiate a key exchange with an electronic device of
the one or more electronic devices prior to enabling a
communication link with the electronic device.
15. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is further
configured to convey data from at least one electronic device of
the one or more electronic devices on a display positioned on the
surface of the device.
16. A method, comprising: receiving power with an energy storage
device within a portable chargeable device; and transmitting power
stored in the energy storage device within an associated near-field
region according to a substantially unmodulated resonant
frequency.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving power with an energy
storage device comprises receiving power from a charger with an
energy storage device within a portable charging pad.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein transmitting wireless power
comprises transmitting wireless power from the portable charging
pad to one or more chargeable devices.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein receiving power with an energy
storage device within a portable chargeable device comprises
receiving wireless power with at least one of a cellular telephone,
a portable media player, a camera, a gaming device, a navigation
device, a headset, a tool, and a toy.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising requesting a
wireless power charge from another portable device.
21. The method of claim 16, further comprising performing an
authentication process between the portable chargeable device and
another portable electronic device prior to transmitting wireless
power therebetween.
22. A wireless power system, the system comprising: means for
receiving power with an energy storage device within a portable
chargeable device; and means for transmitting power stored in the
energy storage device within an associated near-field region
according to a substantially unmodulated resonant frequency.
23. A method, comprising: transmitting wireless power from a
transmit antenna to one or more electronic devices positioned on a
surface of a device according to a substantially unmodulated
resonant frequency; and conveying data from at least one electronic
device of the one or more electronic devices on a display
positioned on the surface of the device.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising detecting a field
disturbance between the transmit antenna and an antenna of an
electronic device of the one or more electronic devices positioned
on the surface of the device.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising sending at least one
signal from an electronic device of the one or more electronic
devices to the device requesting at least one of a data link
between the electronic device and the device and a wireless charge
from the device.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein conveying data comprises
displaying images transmitted from an electronic device of the one
or more electronic devices on the surface of the device.
27. The method of claim 23, wherein conveying data comprises
audibly conveying music transmitted from an electronic device of
the one or more electronic devices on at least one speaker
associated with the device.
28. A wireless power system, the system comprising: means for
transmitting wireless power from a transmit antenna to one or more
electronic devices positioned on a surface of a device according to
a substantially unmodulated resonant frequency; and means for
conveying data from at least one electronic device of the one or
more electronic devices on a display positioned on the surface of
the device.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to:
[0002] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/165,876 entitled
"GENERAL WIRELESS CHARGING CONFIGURATIONS" filed on Apr. 1, 2009,
the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety;
[0003] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/158,396 entitled
"WIRELESS CHARGING" filed on Mar. 8, 2009, the disclosure of which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; and
[0004] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/166,685 entitled
"COMBINING WIRELESS CHARGING CAPABILITY AND THE ABILITY TO RECEIVE
A WIRELESS CHARGE IN A SINGLE PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE" filed on
Apr. 3, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0005] 1. Field
[0006] The present invention relates generally to wireless
charging, and more specifically to bidirectional charging, portable
charging devices, and transmission of data between electronic
devices while charging at least one of the electronic devices.
[0007] 2. Background
[0008] Typically, each battery powered device requires its own
charger and power source, which is usually an AC power outlet. This
becomes unwieldy when many devices need charging.
[0009] Approaches are being developed that use over the air power
transmission between a transmitter and the device to be charged.
These generally fall into two categories. One is based on the
coupling of plane wave radiation (also called far-field radiation)
between a transmit antenna and receive antenna on the device to be
charged which collects the radiated power and rectifies it for
charging the battery. Antennas are generally of resonant length in
order to improve the coupling efficiency. This approach suffers
from the fact that the power coupling falls off quickly with
distance between the antennas. So charging over reasonable
distances (e.g., >1-2 m) becomes difficult. Additionally, since
the system radiates plane waves, unintentional radiation can
interfere with other systems if not properly controlled through
filtering.
[0010] Other approaches are based on inductive coupling between a
transmit antenna embedded, for example, in a "charging" mat or
surface and a receive antenna plus rectifying circuit embedded in
the host device to be charged. This approach has the disadvantage
that the spacing between transmit and receive antennas must be very
close (e.g. mms). Though this approach does have the capability to
simultaneously charge multiple devices in the same area, this area
is typically small, hence the user must locate the devices to a
specific area.
[0011] A need exists for wireless charging of devices while
exchanging information among the devices. A need also exists for
portable devices configured for receiving and transmitting power as
well as bidirectional transmission of wireless power among
devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 shows a simplified block diagram of a wireless power
transfer system.
[0013] FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless
power transfer system.
[0014] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a loop antenna for use
in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a charging system including a charging device
and a plurality of wirelessly chargeable devices, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of electronic devices
configured for receiving and transmitting wireless power, according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts an electronic device having an antenna
coupled thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 illustrates an electronic device having a transmit
antenna and a receive antenna coupled thereto, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a state machine diagram depicting
operational states of an electronic device configured for receiving
and transmitting wireless power, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 depicts a charging system having a charger and at
least one portable charging pad coupled thereto, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 illustrates a portable charging pad, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a surface computing device configured
for transmitting wireless power, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 illustrates another surface computing device
configured for transmitting wireless power, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 depicts a system including a surface computing
device and a computer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another method, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0028] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary
embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to
represent the only embodiments in which the present invention can
be practiced. The term "exemplary" used throughout this description
means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," and
should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes
specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough
understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. It
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary
embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and
devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring
the novelty of the exemplary embodiments presented herein.
[0029] The words "wireless power" is used herein to mean any form
of energy associated with electric fields, magnetic fields,
electromagnetic fields, or otherwise that is transmitted between
from a transmitter to a receiver without the use of physical
electromagnetic conductors.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates wireless transmission or charging system
100, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the
present invention. Input power 102 is provided to a transmitter 104
for generating a radiated field 106 for providing energy transfer.
A receiver 108 couples to the radiated field 106 and generates an
output power 110 for storing or consumption by a device (not shown)
coupled to the output power 110. Both the transmitter 104 and the
receiver 108 are separated by a distance 112. In one exemplary
embodiment, transmitter 104 and receiver 108 are configured
according to a mutual resonant relationship and when the
substantially unmodulated resonant frequency of receiver 108 and
the resonant frequency of transmitter 104 are substantially
identical, transmission losses between the transmitter 104 and the
receiver 108 are minimal when the receiver 108 is located in the
"near-field" of the radiated field 106.
[0031] Transmitter 104 further includes a transmit antenna 114 for
providing a means for energy transmission and receiver 108 further
includes a receive antenna 118 for providing a means for energy
reception. The transmit and receive antennas are sized according to
applications and devices to be associated therewith. As stated, an
efficient energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the
energy in the near-field of the transmitting antenna to a receiving
antenna rather than propagating most of the energy in an
electromagnetic wave to the far field. When in this near-field a
coupling mode may be developed between the transmit antenna 114 and
the receive antenna 118. The area around the antennas 114 and 118
where this near-field coupling may occur is referred to herein as a
coupling-mode region.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless
power transfer system. The transmitter 104 includes an oscillator
122, a power amplifier 124 and a filter and matching circuit 126.
The oscillator is configured to generate at a desired frequency,
which may be adjusted in response to adjustment signal 123. The
oscillator signal may be amplified by the power amplifier 124 with
an amplification amount responsive to control signal 125. The
filter and matching circuit 126 may be included to filter out
harmonics or other unwanted frequencies and match the impedance of
the transmitter 104 to the transmit antenna 114.
[0033] The receiver may include a matching circuit 132 and a
rectifier and switching circuit to generate a DC power output to
charge a battery 136 as shown in FIG. 2 or power a device coupled
to the receiver (not shown). The matching circuit 132 may be
included to match the impedance of the receiver 108 to the receive
antenna 118.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 3, antennas used in exemplary
embodiments may be configured as a "loop" antenna 150, which may
also be referred to herein as a "magnetic" antenna. Loop antennas
may be configured to include an air core or a physical core such as
a ferrite core. Air core loop antennas may be more tolerable to
extraneous physical devices placed in the vicinity of the core.
Furthermore, an air core loop antenna allows the placement of other
components within the core area. In addition, an air core loop may
more readily enable placement of the receive antenna 118 (FIG. 2)
within a plane of the transmit antenna 114 (FIG. 2) where the
coupled-mode region of the transmit antenna 114 (FIG. 2) may be
more powerful.
[0035] As stated, efficient transfer of energy between the
transmitter 104 and receiver 108 occurs during matched or nearly
matched resonance between the transmitter 104 and the receiver 108.
However, even when resonance between the transmitter 104 and
receiver 108 are not matched, energy may be transferred at a lower
efficiency. Transfer of energy occurs by coupling energy from the
near-field of the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna
residing in the neighborhood where this near-field is established
rather than propagating the energy from the transmitting antenna
into free space.
[0036] The resonant frequency of the loop or magnetic antennas is
based on the inductance and capacitance. Inductance in a loop
antenna is generally simply the inductance created by the loop,
whereas, capacitance is generally added to the loop antenna's
inductance to create a resonant structure at a desired resonant
frequency. As a non-limiting example, capacitor 152 and capacitor
154 may be added to the antenna to create a resonant circuit that
generates resonant signal 156. Accordingly, for larger diameter
loop antennas, the size of capacitance needed to induce resonance
decreases as the diameter or inductance of the loop increases.
Furthermore, as the diameter of the loop or magnetic antenna
increases, the efficient energy transfer area of the near-field
increases. Of course, other resonant circuits are possible. As
another non-limiting example, a capacitor may be placed in parallel
between the two terminals of the loop antenna. In addition, those
of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that for transmit
antennas the resonant signal 156 may be an input to the loop
antenna 150.
[0037] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include coupling
power between two antennas that are in the near-fields of each
other. As stated, the near-field is an area around the antenna in
which electromagnetic fields exist but may not propagate or radiate
away from the antenna. They are typically confined to a volume that
is near the physical volume of the antenna. In the exemplary
embodiments of the invention, magnetic type antennas such as single
and multi-turn loop antennas are used for both transmit (Tx) and
receive (Rx) antenna systems since magnetic near-field amplitudes
tend to be higher for magnetic type antennas in comparison to the
electric near-fields of an electric-type antenna (e.g., a small
dipole). This allows for potentially higher coupling between the
pair. Furthermore, "electric" antennas (e.g., dipoles and
monopoles) or a combination of magnetic and electric antennas is
also contemplated.
[0038] The Tx antenna can be operated at a frequency that is low
enough and with an antenna size that is large enough to achieve
good coupling (e.g., >-4 dB) to a small Rx antenna at
significantly larger distances than allowed by far field and
inductive approaches mentioned earlier. If the Tx antenna is sized
correctly, high coupling levels (e.g., -2 to -4 dB) can be achieved
when the Rx antenna on a host device is placed within a
coupling-mode region (i.e., in the near-field) of the driven Tx
loop antenna.
[0039] Exemplary embodiments of the invention include electronic
devices configured for both receiving and transmitting wireless
power. As such, various exemplary embodiments are directed to
bidirectional wireless power transmission. Further, according to
various exemplary embodiments, electronic devices may be configured
to at least one of receive and transmit wireless power while
simultaneously exchanging data with at least one other electronic
device. Moreover, exemplary embodiments include a charging system
having a base station charger coupled to a power source and
configured for charging one or more portable charging pads.
[0040] FIG. 4 depicts a charging system 400 including a charging
device 402 having a transmit antenna 404 coupled thereto. Charging
device 402 may comprise any known and suitable wireless charging
device. Charging system 400 also includes a first chargeable device
406 having an associated antenna 408 and a second chargeable device
410 having an associated antenna 412. First chargeable device 406
and second chargeable device 410 may each comprise any known and
suitable chargeable device. As non-limiting examples, first
chargeable device 406 and second chargeable device 410 may each
comprise a cellular telephone, a portable media player, a camera, a
gaming device, a navigation device, a headset (e.g., a Bluetooth
headset), a tool, a toy, or any combination thereof. As described
more fully below, first chargeable device 406 and second chargeable
device 410 may each be configured to receive wireless power from
transmit antenna 404 and simultaneously receive information from at
least one other electronic device, transmit information to at least
one other electronic device, or both.
[0041] More specifically, transmit antenna 404 may be configured to
receive power, via a transmitter (e.g., transmitter 104 of FIG. 2),
from a power source and, upon receipt of the power, may wirelessly
transmit power within an associated near-field. Further, wireless
power transmitted by transmit antenna 404 may be received by an
antenna within an associated coupling mode-region. For example,
power transmitted by transmit antenna 404 may be received by
antenna 408 and stored within a battery (e.g., battery 136 of FIG.
2) within first chargeable device 406. More specifically, power
transmitted from transmit antenna 404 may be received by receive
antenna 408 and a receiver, such as receiver 108 of FIG. 2, which
is coupled to a battery of first chargeable device 406. Similarly,
power transmitted by transmit antenna 404 may be received by
antenna 412 and stored within a battery (e.g., battery 136 of FIG.
2) within second chargeable device 410.
[0042] It is noted that transmit antenna 404 may be configured to
simultaneously transmit power to one or more antennas within a
near-field of transmit antenna 404. Moreover, although charging
system 400 includes only one transmit antenna coupled to charging
device 402 and two chargeable devices positioned proximate thereto,
embodiments of the present invention are not so limited. Rather, a
charging system including a charging device having any number of
transmit antennas coupled thereto and any number of chargeable
devices positioned proximate thereto is within the scope of the
present invention.
[0043] Furthermore, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,
first chargeable device 406 and second chargeable device 410 may
each be configured for sharing data with at least one other
electronic device. More specifically, as an example, first
chargeable device 406 may be configured to establish a
communication link with at least one other electronic device and,
upon establishing the communication link, may share information
(e.g., audio files, data files, or video files) with the at least
one other electronic device. A communication link may be
established through any known and suitable manner. For example, a
communication link could be established via near-field
communication (NFC) means, via reflected impedance means, via a
local area network (LAN), or via a personal area network (PAN). As
an example, first chargeable device 406 may be configured to
establish a communication link 414 with second chargeable device
410 via any known and suitable manner and, upon establishment of
communication link 414, information may be shared between first
chargeable device 406 and second chargeable device 410. More
specifically, after communication link 414 has been established
between first chargeable device 406 and second chargeable device
410, first chargeable device 406 may transmit information to second
chargeable device 410 and first chargeable device 406 may receive
information from second chargeable device 410. It is noted that,
initially, an electronic device (e.g., chargeable device 410 or
chargeable device 406) may need to be configured to enable
information sharing capabilities. However, after initial
configuration, the electronic device may be indefinitely adapted
for sharing information.
[0044] As a result, in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention, a chargeable device (e.g., second chargeable
device 410) may be configured to receive wireless power from a
transmit antenna (e.g., transmit antenna 404) and simultaneously
receive information from at least one other electronic device
(e.g., chargeable device 406), transmit information to at least one
other electronic device (e.g., first chargeable device 406), or
both. It is noted that if communication link 414 comprises a
near-field communication link, a chargeable device (e.g., second
chargeable device 410) may be configured to receive information
from at least one other electronic device (e.g., chargeable device
406) or transmit information to at least one other electronic
device (e.g., first chargeable device 406) immediately subsequent
or prior to receiving wireless power from a transmit antenna (e.g.,
transmit antenna 404).
[0045] While wireless power transmission may occur when one device
in a wireless power transmission system includes a transmitter and
another device includes a receiver, a single device may include
both a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver.
Accordingly, such an embodiment could be configured to include
dedicated transmit circuitry (e.g., a transmit power conversion
circuit and a transmit antenna) and dedicated receiver circuitry
(e.g., a receive antenna and a receive power conversion circuit).
Accordingly, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein
identify bidirectional power transmission, namely, the capability
for a device to both receive wireless power at the device and to
transmit wireless power from the device.
[0046] Various benefits of such a configuration include the ability
of a device to receive and store wireless power and then to
subsequently transmit or "donate" stored power to another receiving
or "absorbing" device. Accordingly, such a configuration may also
be considered as a "peer-to-peer" "charitable" charging
configuration. Such a device-charging arrangement provides
considerable convenience in location under which charging occurs
(i.e., the receiver or "absorbing" device need not necessarily
receive a charge from an inconveniently located or unavailable
charging pad).
[0047] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a chargeable device having at least one antenna may be
configured to transmit wireless power to at least one other
chargeable device and receive wireless power from at least one
other chargeable device. More specifically, with reference to FIG.
5, first chargeable device 406 having antenna 408 may be configured
to transmit wireless power to second chargeable device 410 having
antenna 412, and vice versa. Accordingly, each of first chargeable
device 406 and second chargeable device 410 may be configured for
bidirectional wireless charging. An exemplary approach for such
bidirectional wireless charging is described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/552,110, entitled "BIDIRECTIONAL WIRELESS
POWER TRANSMISSION" filed on Sep. 1, 2009, the details of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0048] With continued reference to FIG. 5, various contemplated
methods of operating an electronic device configured to transmit
and receive wireless power will now be described. It is noted that
although various exemplary embodiments are described with reference
to first chargeable device 406 requesting power from second
chargeable device 410, second chargeable device 410 may similarly
request power from first chargeable device 406.
[0049] At any time, first chargeable device 406 may request power
from second chargeable device 410 and, in response to a power
request, second chargeable device 410 may either decline or accept
the request. Criteria for determining whether a power request is
accepted or declined may be implementation specific and may include
various factors. Such factors may include, for example only, an
amount of power requested by first chargeable device 406, whether
second chargeable device 410 includes a sufficient amount of energy
to provide first chargeable device 406 with power, whether second
chargeable device 410 is configured to source an adequate amount of
current to charge first chargeable device 406, an estimated amount
of time before second chargeable device 410 may receive a charge,
an estimated standby time after second chargeable device 410
provides power to first chargeable device 406, or any combination
thereof. Furthermore, the determination may be dependent on a
user-defined preference. Moreover, a device user may receive a
real-time prompt asking whether to accept or decline the power
request. Upon accepting a charge request, second chargeable device
410 may wirelessly transmit power, which may be received by first
chargeable device 406.
[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an electronic device 502 having an
antenna 504 coupled thereto. Electronic device 502 may comprise any
known electronic device. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6,
electronic device 502 comprises a laptop computer wherein antenna
504 is coupled to a lid (i.e., the monitor) of the laptop computer.
According to one exemplary embodiment, antenna 504 and associated
circuitry (not shown) may be configured for both receiving wireless
power and transmitting wireless power. According to another
exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, electronic device
502 may comprise a receive antenna 506 and associated receiver
circuitry (not shown) configured for receiving wireless power and a
transmit antenna 508 and associated transmitter circuitry (not
shown) configured for transmitting wireless power. It is noted that
each of antenna 504, receive antenna 506, and transmit antenna 508
may be coupled to electronic device 502 in a manner so as to avoid
any electrical interference between the antennas and any metallic
components of electronic device 502 (e.g., a metallic display of
electronic device 502).
[0051] In either exemplary embodiment, the antenna configured to
receive wireless power (i.e., antenna 504 or receive antenna 506)
may interface with an element of electronic device 502, such as a
power circuit, a battery, or any combination thereof. Accordingly,
power received by antenna 504 or antenna 506 may be conveyed to the
element (e.g., a battery, a power circuit, or any combination
thereof) of electronic device 502. Further, the antenna configured
to transmit wireless power (i.e., antenna 504 or transmit antenna
508) may interface with a power source of electronic device 502,
such as a power circuit, a battery, or any combination thereof.
Accordingly, power may be conveyed from the power source (e.g., a
battery, a power circuit, or any combination thereof) of electronic
device 502 to antenna 504 or antenna 508, which may then wirelessly
transmit power within an associated near-field region.
[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates a state machine diagram 600 for an
electronic device configured for both receiving wireless power and
transmitting wireless power. At any time while an energy level
(i.e., an amount of battery charge) of the electronic device (e.g.,
electronic device 502) is greater than a predetermined threshold
level, the electronic device may operate in a "READY to TRANSMIT
STATE" 602. Allowing an electronic device to transmit energy only
if the electronic device includes an energy level greater than a
predetermined threshold level may prevent the electronic device
from charging another electronic device without having sufficient
charge to do so, or if doing so would significantly drain the power
from the electronic device rendering it in need of immediate
charge.
[0053] If at any time while the electronic device is in READY to
TRANSMIT ENERGY STATE 602, another electronic device configured for
receiving a wireless charge is positioned within a charging region
of the electronic device, an authentication process between the
electronic devices may occur. After the devices have been
successfully authenticated, the electronic device may transition to
a "TRANSMIT STATE" 604, wherein the electronic device may transmit
power to the another chargeable device. Furthermore, if at any time
while the electronic device is in READY to TRANSMIT ENERGY STATE
602, the electronic device is positioned within a charging region
of another electronic device configured to transmit wireless power,
an authentication process between the electronic devices may occur.
Upon successful authentication, the electronic device may
transition to a "RECEIVE STATE" 606, wherein the electronic device
may receive a wireless charge from the another electronic device.
It is noted that the electronic device may be configured to
simultaneously transmit wireless power and receive wireless power.
Accordingly, the electronic device may simultaneously be in
TRANSMIT STATE 604 and RECEIVE STATE 606.
[0054] FIG. 9 illustrates a charging system 650, in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Charging
system 650 may include a charger 652 configured for coupling to a
power source 654 via a power connector 656. Charger 652 may also be
referred to herein as a "base station charger." Power source 654
may comprise any known, suitable power source, such as a power
outlet. Moreover, power connector 656 may comprise any known,
suitable power connector, such as a power cord.
[0055] Base station charger 652 may comprise at least one port (not
shown) wherein each port is configured to receive a portable
charging pad 658. It is noted that each port may be configured to
mechanically couple a portable charging pad to base station charger
652, electrically couple a portable charging pad to base station
charger 652, or both. Portable charging pad 658 may comprise an
antenna 660 and associated circuitry 662 (see FIG. 10). Portable
charging pad 658 may also comprise an energy storage device 664
(see FIG. 10) such as, for example only, a chargeable battery, a
storage capacitor, a MEMS energy storage device, or any combination
thereof. Base station charger 652 may be configured to receive
power via power source 654 and power connector 656 and supply power
to one or more charging pads 658 via any suitable manner. For
example, base station charger 652 may comprise one or more transmit
antennas and may be configured to wirelessly transmit power to one
or more charging pads 658. As another example, base station charger
652 may be configured to convey power to one or more portable
charging pads 658 coupled thereto via a wired connection. Further,
portable charging pad 658 may be configured to be removed from
charger 652 and may be moved to any location for subsequent
charging of one or more chargeable devices.
[0056] Exemplary methods of operating a charging system (e.g.,
charging system 650) will now be described. One or more portable
charging pads 658 may be coupled or placed proximate to base
station charger 652. Base station charger 652, which may receive
power via power source 654 and power connector 656, may transmit
power to the one or more portable charging pads 658 via any known
and suitable manner. After receiving a charge, at least one
portable charging pad 658 may be removed from base station charger
652 and subsequently used for charging at least one chargeable
device.
[0057] As an example, a user may charge a portable charging pad 658
via base station charger 652 positioned at a location such as a
house or an office and, thereafter, remove the portable charging
pad 658, and use the portable charging pad 658 to wireless charge
at least one chargeable device positioned in a vehicle, such as an
automobile or an airplane. As a more specific example, a user may
position the portable charging pad 658 on an airplane tray table,
position a media player within a charging region of the portable
charging pad 658, and charge the media player while the media is in
either an "off" or an "on" operational state. Accordingly, the
battery life of the media player may be prolonged without a need
for a wired power connection.
[0058] As another example, a user may charge a portable charging
pad 658 via base station charger 652 positioned at a location in a
residence, such as an office or a den. Thereafter, the user may
remove the portable charging pad 658 and use the portable charging
pad 658 to wireless charge at least one chargeable device at
another location that may not include a power outlet. As a more
specific example, a user may position the portable charging pad 658
on an outdoor table or an entry-way table that may not be proximate
to a power outlet. A user may then position a laptop computer
within a charging region of the portable charging pad 658 and
charge the laptop computer while the laptop computer is in either
an "off" or an "on" operational state. Accordingly, the battery
life of the laptop computer may be prolonged without a need for a
wired power connection.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method 680, in
accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. Method 680 may
include receiving power with a portable chargeable device (depicted
by numeral 682). Method 680 may further include transmitting
wireless power from the portable chargeable device within an
associated near-field region (depicted by numeral 684).
[0060] As will be understood by a person having ordinary skill in
the art, "surface computing" is a term associated with a technology
wherein a user may interact with a computer and/or an electronic
device positioned on a surface of an object (e.g., a table) through
the surface of an object instead of a keyboard, mouse, or monitor.
A multi-touch surface may facilitate surface computing by allowing
the manipulation of objects displayed on a surface through surface
contact (e.g., touch by multiple fingers or multiple users).
Further, content may be transferred between two or more devices
positioned on the surface of the object using a unique identifier
assigned to each device.
[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates a surface computing device 500
configured for wireless charging, in accordance with various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Device 500 may
include a display, which may comprise a touch sensitive plasma
screen. Further, device 500 may include cameras, projectors,
speakers, etc., as will be understood by a person having ordinary
skill in the art. In addition, wireless charger 500 may include a
transmit antenna 502 configured to wirelessly transmit power within
an associated near-field region.
[0062] As configured, device 500 may detect and authenticate the
presence of an electronic device positioned on a surface 508 of
device 500. The presence of a device, for example, a mobile phone
504 or a digital camera 506, positioned upon device 500 may be
determined by detecting a field disturbance of a magnetic field
established between transmitter antenna 502 and an antenna (not
shown) within an electronic device (e.g., mobile phone 504) and
configured for receiving wireless power. In addition to detecting
the presence of an electronic device, a field disturbance may
indicate that an electronic device is ready to receive wireless
power, or ready to transmit or receive information. For example, an
electronic device positioned on device 500, such as digital camera
506, may transmit a signal, via a wireless charging protocol,
requesting a wireless charge, requesting establishment of a
wireless data link, such as a Bluetooth (BT) connection, or both.
It is noted that any known and suitable data link may be within the
scope of the present invention. For example, a data link may
comprise a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a 60 GHz
connection, or a UWB connection.
[0063] It is noted that before a wireless data link (e.g. a BT
connection) may be established between an electronic device (e.g.,
mobile phone 504 or digital camera 506) and device 500, device 500
may initiate a key exchange to `pair` the electronic device and
device 500. Once paired, a data link may be initiated, allowing
data to transfer between device 500 and the electronic device being
charged. More specifically, upon establishing the data link, data,
such as photographs, videos, or music, may be transferred from, for
example, a `public` directory of the electronic device to device
500. Furthermore, after a data link has been established and data
is transferred from the electronic device to device 500, a user may
interact with the data in a user-friendly, multi-touch way, while
the electronic device positioned on surface 508 receives a wireless
charge. As an example, data transferred from the electronic device
may be conveyed (e.g., photographs may be displayed or music may be
played) by device 500 while the electronic device is charging. It
is noted that a device user may access and interact with data
stored on the electronic device without transferring the data to
device 500.
[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates another surface computing device 600
configured for wireless charging, in accordance with various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Device 600 includes
a transmit antenna 620 configured to wirelessly transmit power
within an associated near-field region. According to one exemplary
embodiment, device 600 may be implemented as a multi-touch surface
configured to display an interactive menu having interactive
elements (i.e., controls) associated with at least one of the one
or more electronic devices positioned thereon. Device 600 may
comprise a camera 604 and projector 602 configured for receiving
and transmitting images onto a surface 608 of device 600. Image 610
is one such image representing a keypad from mobile phone 504
projected onto surface 608 of device 600. A projected image of a
keypad may enhance the use of mobile phone 504 by presenting a
larger area to manipulate phone controls over that available in the
confined space available on an actual keypad of mobile phone 504.
Furthermore, device 600 may include speakers 601 configured for
audibly conveying data, such as an audio file, received from an
electronic device, such as mobile phone 504.
[0065] According to another exemplary embodiment, device 600 may be
configured to communicate with a stand-alone computer. For example
only, device 600 may be configured to communicate with a
stand-alone computer via wireless means, such as via a USB adapter
or a USB dongle. Accordingly, the stand-alone computer and an
associated display may be used to facilitate information exchanges
to and from electronic devices placed on device 600 or via the
Internet. More specifically, FIG. 14 illustrates a system wherein
device 600 is configured to communicate with a computer 700 through
a USB dongle 702, which provides a communication link between
device 600 and computer 700 by means of, for example, a Bluetooth
connection. In this exemplary embodiment, a monitor of computer 700
may be used to manipulate data on the electronic device (e.g.,
mobile phone 504) positioned upon the surface of device 600.
Additionally, computer 700 may provide a communication link to the
Internet to enable a connection between the electronic device and
the Internet. Accordingly, for example, data may be transferred
between mobile phone 504 and computer 700 while the mobile phone
504 is being charged via transmit antenna 620.
[0066] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another method 690,
according to one or more exemplary embodiments. Method 690 may
include transmitting wireless power from a transmit antenna to one
or more electronic devices positioned on a surface of a device
(depicted by numeral 692). Furthermore, method 690 may include
conveying data from at least one electronic device of the one or
more electronic devices on a display positioned on the surface of
the device (depicted by numeral 694).
[0067] Those of skill in the art would understand that information
and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different
technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions,
commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may
be referenced throughout the above description may be represented
by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or
particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination
thereof.
[0068] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps
described in connection with the exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer
software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this
interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative
components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been
described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether
such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends
upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on
the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described
functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but
such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing
a departure from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the
invention.
[0069] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and
circuits described in connection with the exemplary embodiments
disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general
purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application
Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0070] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection
with the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied
directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor,
or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in
Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM),
Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable
Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk,
a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An
exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the
processor can read information from, and write information to, the
storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be
integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may
reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as
discrete components in a user terminal.
[0071] In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions
described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or
any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions
may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or
code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media
includes both computer storage media and communication media
including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer
program from one place to another. A storage media may be any
available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of
example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can
comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage,
magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any
other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program
code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be
accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a
computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is
transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a
coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber
line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair,
DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and
microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc,
as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical
disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc
where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs
reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above
should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media.
[0072] The previous description of the disclosed exemplary
embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to
make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these
exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in
the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied
to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be
limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel
features disclosed herein.
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