U.S. patent application number 15/399519 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for controllable energy transfer between portable devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Elwha LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Elwha LLC. Invention is credited to Jesse R. Cheatham,, III, Eun Young Hwang, Roderick A. Hyde, Tony S. Pan, Robert C. Petroski, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Victoria Y.H. Wood.
Application Number | 20170117732 15/399519 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55181026 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170117732 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheatham,, III; Jesse R. ;
et al. |
April 27, 2017 |
CONTROLLABLE ENERGY TRANSFER BETWEEN PORTABLE DEVICES
Abstract
An energy transfer apparatus includes a cable having first end
with a first connector operably coupled thereto and a second end
with a second connector operably coupled thereto. The energy
transfer apparatus also includes a control unit coupled to the
cable. The control unit includes a device interface module
configured to determine a first energy parameter of a first
portable device connected to the cable via the first connector and
to determine a second energy parameter of a second portable device
connected to the cable via the second connector. The control unit
also includes an energy transfer module configured to facilitate
energy transfer between the first and second portable devices based
on the first and second energy parameters.
Inventors: |
Cheatham,, III; Jesse R.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Hwang; Eun Young; (Sausalito,
CA) ; Hyde; Roderick A.; (Redmond, WA) ; Pan;
Tony S.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Petroski; Robert C.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Tegreene; Clarence T.; (Mercer
Island, WA) ; Weaver; Thomas A.; (San Mateo, CA)
; Wood; Victoria Y.H.; (Livermore, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elwha LLC |
Bellevue |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Elwha LLC
Bellevue
WA
|
Family ID: |
55181026 |
Appl. No.: |
15/399519 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14447480 |
Jul 30, 2014 |
9564766 |
|
|
15399519 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/342 20200101;
H02J 7/0021 20130101; H02J 7/00047 20200101; H02J 9/061 20130101;
H02J 7/008 20130101; Y02T 10/70 20130101; H02J 7/0042 20130101;
H02J 7/00034 20200101; H02J 7/00036 20200101; H02J 7/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 7/00 20060101
H02J007/00 |
Claims
1. An energy transfer apparatus, comprising: a cable having a first
end with a first connector operably coupled thereto and a second
end with a second connector operably coupled thereto; and a control
unit coupled to the cable, the control unit comprising: a memory
device configured to store an energy transfer parameter associated
with an identifier of a first portable device; a device interface
module configured to determine a first energy parameter of the
first portable device, the first portable device being detachably
connected to the cable via the first connector, and to determine a
second energy parameter of a second portable device detachably
connected to the cable via the second connector, the first energy
parameter being the energy transfer parameter determined upon
receiving the identifier from the first portable device; and an
energy transfer module configured to facilitate energy transfer
between the first and second portable devices based on the first
and second energy parameters.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device interface module is
further configured to receive an energy delivery request from at
least one of the first and second portable devices.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device interface module is
further configured to transmit a cable identifier associated with
the cable to at least one of the first and second portable
devices.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the identifier associated with
the first portable device is a first identifier, wherein a second
identifier is associated with the second portable device, and
wherein the device interface module is further configured to
transmit the first identifier to the second portable device.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the device interface module is
further configured to transmit a query to at least one of the first
and second portable devices to request the respective first or
second energy parameter.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the identifier associated with
the first portable device is a first identifier, wherein a second
identifier is associated with the second portable device, and
wherein the device interface module is further configured to
transmit a query to at least one of the first and second portable
devices to request the respective first or second identifier.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the memory device is further
configured to store at least one of the first and second energy
parameters.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the identifier associated with
the first portable device is a first identifier, wherein a second
identifier is associated with the second portable device, and
wherein the memory device is further configured to store at least
one of the first and second identifiers.
9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the memory device is further
configured to store a cable identifier associated with the
cable.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second energy parameters includes a state of charge of the
respective first or second portable device.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second energy parameters includes maximum voltage and maximum
current specifications of the respective first or second portable
device.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
second energy parameters includes a maximum energy transfer rate of
the respective first or second portable device.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portable device is
a host device and the second portable device is a recipient device,
wherein the energy transfer module is further configured to
transfer energy from the host device to the recipient device.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control unit is
configured to receive an energy transfer parameter, and wherein the
energy transfer between the first and second portable devices is
further based on the energy transfer parameter.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the control unit further
includes a user interface module configured to receive a first user
input comprising the energy transfer parameter.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the energy transfer
parameter includes a selection of one of the first and second
portable devices as a host device, the other of the first and
second portable devices being a recipient device, wherein the
energy transfer module is further configured to transfer energy
from the host device to the recipient device.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy transfer module is
further configured to convert the energy transferred between the
first and second portable devices between a first voltage and a
second voltage.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy transfer module is
further configured to convert the energy transferred between the
first and second portable devices between a first current and a
second current.
19. A method of transferring energy between portable devices,
comprising: storing, by an energy transfer device, an energy
transfer parameter associated with an identifier of a first
portable device; detecting, by the energy transfer device, a first
connection of the first portable device; receiving, by the energy
transfer device, the identifier from the first portable device;
determining, by the energy transfer device, a first energy
parameter of the first portable device upon receiving the
identifier from the first portable device, the first energy
parameter being the energy transfer parameter; detecting, by the
energy transfer device, a second connection of a second portable
device; determining, by the energy transfer device, a second energy
parameter of the second portable device; and transferring, by the
energy transfer device, energy between the first and second
portable devices based on the first and second energy
parameters.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the transferring of energy
between the first and second portable devices includes: receiving
first energy from the first portable device, the first energy
having the first energy parameter; converting the first energy to
second energy, the second energy having the second energy
parameter; and transmitting the second energy to the second
portable device.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising: upon detecting at
least one of the first connection and the second connection,
transmitting a query to the respective portable device, the query
comprising a request for the respective energy parameter.
22. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining an
energy transfer parameter, wherein the transferring of energy
between the first and second portable devices is further based on
the energy transfer parameter.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising upon detecting at
least one of the first connection and the second connection,
transmitting a query to the respective portable device, the query
comprising a request for the energy transfer parameter.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the energy transfer parameter
identifies one of the first and the second portable devices as a
host device, and the other of the first and second portable devices
as a recipient device, wherein the transferring of energy between
the first and second portable devices includes transferring energy
from the host device to the recipient device.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the energy transfer parameter
includes an energy transfer authorization.
26. The method of claim 22, further comprising: monitoring the
transferring of energy between the first and second portable
devices; and stopping the transferring of energy between the first
and second portable devices based on the energy transfer
parameter.
27. A method of transferring energy between portable devices,
comprising: storing, by an energy transfer device, an energy
transfer parameter associated with an identifier of a first
portable device; receiving, by the energy transfer device, the
identifier from the first portable device; determining a first
energy parameter of a first portable device upon receiving the
identifier from the first portable device, the first energy
parameter being the energy transfer parameter; determining a second
energy parameter of a second portable device; determining an energy
transfer parameter; transferring energy between the first and
second portable devices based on the first and second energy
parameters and further based on the energy transfer parameter;
monitoring the transferring of energy between the first and second
portable devices; and stopping the transferring of energy between
the first and second portable devices upon detecting an energy
transfer completion indicator.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising receiving at least
one of the first energy parameter and the second energy parameter
from the respective portable device.
29. The method of claim 27, further comprising transmitting a query
to at least one of the first portable device and the second
portable device, wherein the query comprises a request for the
respective energy parameter.
30. The method of claim 27, wherein the transferring of energy
between the first and second portable devices includes: receiving
first energy from the first portable device, the first energy
having the first energy parameter; converting the first energy to
second energy, the second energy having the second energy
parameter; and transmitting the second energy to the second
portable device.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising: upon detecting at
least one of a first connection with the first portable device and
a second connection with the second portable device, transmitting a
wake-up command to the respective portable device.
32. The method of claim 27, further comprising identifying one of
the first and the second portable devices as a host device, the
other of the first and second portable devices being a recipient
device, wherein the transferring of energy between the first and
second portable devices includes transferring energy from the host
device to the recipient device.
33. The method of claim 27, wherein transferring energy between the
first and second portable devices comprises converting the energy
between a first voltage and a second voltage.
34. The method of claim 27, wherein transferring energy between the
first and second portable devices comprises converting the energy
between a first current and a second current.
35. The method of claim 27, wherein transferring energy between the
first and second portable devices comprises converting the energy
between a first time profile and a second time profile.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/447,480, filed Jul. 30, 2014, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable devices such as mobile telephones, laptop
computers, and the like often utilize rechargeable energy storage
devices such as rechargeable batteries as a source of power. From
time to time, the battery of a portable device will run low and a
user will not have access to a charger to recharge the battery.
This may be the case, for example, if a user is commuting on a
transit vehicle. However, as such portable devices are becoming
more and more ubiquitous, the user may have access to another
portable device with ample energy.
SUMMARY
[0003] One embodiment relates to an energy transfer apparatus. The
energy transfer apparatus includes a cable having first end with a
first connector operably coupled thereto and a second end with a
second connector operably coupled thereto. The energy transfer
apparatus also includes a control unit coupled to the cable. The
control unit includes a device interface module configured to
determine a first energy parameter of a first portable device
connected to the cable via the first connector and to determine a
second energy parameter of a second portable device connected to
the cable via the second connector. The control unit also includes
an energy transfer module configured to facilitate energy transfer
between the first and second portable devices based on the first
and second energy parameters.
[0004] Another embodiment relates to a method of transferring
energy between portable devices. The method includes detecting, by
an energy transfer device, a first connection of a first portable
device and determining a first energy parameter of the first
portable device. The method also includes detecting, by the energy
transfer device, a second connection of a second portable device
and determining a second energy parameter of the second portable
device. The method further includes transferring, by the energy
transfer device, energy between the first and second portable
devices based on the first and second energy parameters.
[0005] Another embodiment relates to a method of transferring
energy between portable devices. The method includes determining a
first energy parameter of a first portable device, determining a
second energy parameter of a second portable device, and
determining an energy transfer parameter. The method also includes
transferring energy between the first and second portable devices
based on the first and second energy parameters and further based
on the energy transfer parameter. The method further includes
monitoring energy transferred between the first and second portable
devices and stopping the transferring of energy transfer between
the first and second portable devices upon detecting an energy
transfer completion indicator.
[0006] Another embodiment relates to a method of transferring
energy between portable devices. The method includes receiving an
input comprising an energy transfer parameter associated with an
identifier of a first portable device. The method also includes
detecting a first connection of the first portable device and
detecting a second connection of a second portable device. The
method further includes transferring energy between the first and
second portable devices based on the energy transfer parameter.
[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative
aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, and embodiments, and features will become apparent by
reference to the drawings and the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an energy transfer device according
to one embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the energy transfer device
of FIG. 1 connected to two portable devices according to one
embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a processing circuit of the
energy transfer device of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of a display of an energy transfer
device according to one embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of transferring energy
according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of transferring energy
according to one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of transferring energy
according to one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 8 a perspective view of an energy transfer device
connected to two portable devices according to one embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an energy transfer device
connected to a portable device according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for the delivery of
energy from a portable device, according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for the reception of
energy by a portable device, according to one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof. In the
drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components,
unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments
described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not
meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other
changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of
the subject matter presented here.
[0020] Most portable devices (e.g., portable electronic devices
such as laptop computers, mobile telephones, tablet computers,
etc.) are not capable of transferring energy to other portable
devices. Certain portable devices (e.g., laptop computers) may be
capable of transferring energy to another portable device (e.g., a
mobile telephone) connected thereto via a cable, such as a
universal serial bus (USB) cable, for example. However, such
devices often have to be powered on for energy to be transferred
therefrom. In addition, a user has limited control over the energy
transfer. For example, the user may not be able to control how much
energy is being transferred, the transfer rate, and/or how much
energy the host device retains.
[0021] In addition, portable devices are typically configured to
receive energy having specific characteristics, such as format
(e.g., direct current (DC)) and power rating (e.g., voltage and
current), for example. For example, a mobile telephone may be
configured to receive DC power at 5 volts and 850 milliamperes,
while a laptop computer may be configured to receive DC power at 15
volts and 3 amperes. Transferring energy to a portable device in a
different format and/or at levels exceeding its specific power
rating may permanently damage the device.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates energy transfer device 100 that is
capable of intelligent energy transfer between devices (e.g.,
portable devices), according to one embodiment. Energy transfer
device 100 includes cable 102 that extends between first connector
104 operatively coupled to cable 102 at one end to second connector
106 operatively coupled to cable 102 at another end. Cable 102
includes one or more conductors (e.g., copper wires) (not shown)
extending between first and second connectors 104, 106 to transmit
energy and/or data. In some embodiments, cable 102 includes one or
more optical fibers; these may be used for optical energy transfer,
may be used for optical data transfer, or may be used for both
(either using the same fiber or separate ones). In some
embodiments, cable 102 includes both one or more conductors as well
as one or more optical fibers. In various embodiments, first and
second connectors 104, 106 are universal serial bus (USB)
connectors, mini-USB connectors, micro-USB connectors, or any of
various standard or proprietary connectors. Certain embodiments
further include adapters to accommodate various types of
connectors. First and second connectors 104, 106 operatively and
detachably couple cable 102 to portable or other devices so that
energy and/or information may be transferred therefrom and
therebetween.
[0023] In one embodiment, energy transfer device 100 also includes
control unit 108 operatively coupled to cable 102. Control unit 108
includes housing 110 and input/output device 112. Housing 110
encloses various electronic components (not shown) including
processing circuits configured to perform functionality such as,
for example, interfacing and communicating with devices,
intelligently controlling energy transfer between devices,
accepting and processing user inputs, and operating a display,
among other things. Input/output device 112 may include a display
(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen) and/or a user input
device (e.g., a touch screen and/or buttons). In some embodiments
input/output device 112 may include audio components such as a
microphone to accept verbal input and/or a speaker to provide
audible output.
[0024] In some embodiments, control unit 108 is integral to cable
102. For example, control unit 108 may be disposed near a midpoint
of cable 102 or formed in a sheath of cable 102. In other
embodiments, control unit 108 is a discrete component that is
separate from cable 102. For example, in some embodiments, control
unit 108 is disposed in an adapter operably coupled to cable 102.
In certain embodiments, control unit 108 does not include
input/output device 112. In such embodiments, for example, energy
transfer device 100 may automatically transfer energy between
devices without receiving user inputs. In such cases, energy
transfer device 100 may automatically transfer energy based upon
input from one or both of the portable devices attached to it,
and/or based upon instructions previously stored within control
unit 108. In other embodiments, input/output device 112 is provided
via an application running on at least one of the devices to which
energy transfer device 100 is connected.
[0025] In some embodiments, energy transfer device 100 is
directionally agnostic, such that either of the devices to which it
is connected can be selected as a host device or as a recipient
device, regardless of whether they are connected to energy transfer
device 100 via first connector 104 or second connector 106. In
other embodiments, energy transfer device 100 is directional, such
that a device connected to one of first or second connectors 104,
106 is always the host device or the recipient device. For example,
in some embodiments, the device connected to first connector 104 is
always the host device. As used herein, the term "host device"
refers to a device from which energy is transferred and the term
"recipient device" refers to a device to which energy is
transferred.
[0026] In some embodiments, control unit 108 includes an internal
battery to power the internal processing and input/output needs of
energy transfer device 100. In some embodiments the internal
battery is a primary battery; in others it is a secondary battery
designed for recharging from an external power source (e.g., an AC
wall plug outlet). In other embodiments, control unit 108 includes
a secondary battery configured to obtain (e.g., "pirate") energy
from one or more devices to which it is connected. In further
embodiments, control unit 108 includes a battery to perform initial
wake-up commands, which is recharged by pirating energy from a
device once the device is connected thereto. In other embodiments,
control unit 108 includes a relatively high-capacity internal
secondary battery to receive and/or transmit energy to and from
devices or other energy sources.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates energy transfer device 100 operatively
coupled to first portable device 114 and second portable device
116. For example, first portable device 114 may be a laptop
computer with rechargeable battery 118 that has ample energy, and
second portable device 116 may be a mobile telephone with
rechargeable battery 120 that is running low on energy. Energy
transfer device 100 allows energy to be transferred from first
portable device 114 to second portable device 116.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram of processing circuit
300 of energy transfer device 100 is shown according to one
embodiment. In an embodiment, processing circuit 300 can be
implemented by control unit 108 of energy transfer device 100.
Processing circuit 300 includes controller 302, which controls the
various modules of processing circuit 300. Controller 302 includes
processor 304 and memory 306. Processor 304 may be implemented as a
general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated
circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs),
a digital-signal-processor (DSP), a group of processing components,
or other suitable electronic processing components. Memory 306 is
one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, hard disk
storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for
facilitating the various processes described herein. Memory 306 may
be or include non-transient volatile memory or non-volatile memory.
Memory 306 may include database components, object code components,
script components, or any other type of information structure for
supporting the various activities and information structures
described herein. Memory 306 may be communicably connected to
processor 304 and provide computer code or instructions to
processor 304 for executing the processes described herein.
[0029] Controller 302 is in communication with user interface
module 308, device interface module 310, energy transfer module
312, and preference database 314, which control various aspects of
the operation of energy transfer device 100.
[0030] User interface module 308 is configured provide various
outputs to and to receive various inputs from a user. In some
embodiments, user interface module 308 is configured to display
various types of information to a user. In some embodiments, user
interface module 308 is configured to display information on a
screen (e.g., an LCD screen) integrated with energy transfer device
100 (e.g., within housing 110). In other embodiments, user
interface module 308 is configured to display various types of
information via an application running on the host device and/or
the recipient device. In some embodiments user interface module 308
may include audio components such as a microphone to accept verbal
input and/or a speaker to provide audible output.
[0031] For example, as will be discussed in greater detail below,
user interface module 308 can be configured to display various
energy parameters such as (1) present energy level (e.g., state of
charge or percentage of full charge) of one or more devices, such
as a host device and/or a recipient device; (2) energy transfer
compatibility; (3) time until transfer is complete; (4) amount of
energy already transferred (e.g., in absolute, percentage, or
fractional terms); (5) an indication that transfer is complete;
and/or (6) energy transfer rate, among others. User interface
module 308 can also be configured to display various energy
transfer parameters. In certain embodiments, energy transfer
parameters are pre-programmed, preselected by a user, automatically
selected by energy transfer device 100, and/or select via user
interface module 308. For example, energy transfer parameters in
various embodiments include (1) authorizations and/or restrictions
to transfer or to receive energy; (2) desired amount of energy to
be received by recipient device; (3) desired state of charge of
recipient device; (4) time available for transfer; (5) desired
amount of energy to be transferred by host device; and/or (6)
desired (e.g., minimum) state of charge of host device, among
others.
[0032] User interface module 308 facilitates the selection of
various energy transfer options by a user. In some embodiments,
user interface module 308 facilitates user input via one or more
buttons or via a touchscreen display integrated into energy
transfer device 100. In further embodiments user interface module
308 facilitates user input via an application running on the host
device and/or the recipient device. Based on a user's selection,
processing circuit 300 can then control energy transfer between the
host device and the recipient device in accordance with the
selected options.
[0033] Device interface module 310 facilitates the communication of
various types of information between a device and controller 302
and/or between a host device and a recipient device. Upon
connecting energy transfer device 100 to a portable device, device
interface module 310 is configured to initiate communication (e.g.,
via wake-up commands) with that device. In some embodiments, the
device interface module 310 is configured to transmit a series of
queries to a device. For example, the device interface module 310
may query the device to obtain various information details, such as
(1) device type (e.g., model, manufacturer, owner, etc.); (2)
battery specifications (e.g., maximum energy or charge level); (3)
energy transfer specifications (e.g., minimum and maximum voltage
and current levels, and maximum energy transfer rates); and/or (4)
present energy level (e.g., state of charge). In some embodiments,
the query may be accompanied by other information, such as
identification details for energy transfer device 100 and or
identification details for the other portable device connected to
energy transfer device 100; for instance the portable device may
use this information to decide whether or not to transfer energy.
In some embodiments, device interface module 310 is configured to
receive various information details without transmitting a query;
for instance the portable device(s) may proactively send the
information details once they detect their connection to energy
transfer device 100.
[0034] In some embodiments, device interface module 310 includes
various security features to restrict certain types of information
from being transferred between a host device and a recipient
device. Because energy transfer device 100 includes a sophisticated
processing circuit 300, certain users may be concerned that energy
transfer device 100 may be capable of reading confidential
information from a device to which it is connected. In some
embodiments, device interface module 310 restricts data based on a
modulation frequency. For example, certain embodiments may allow
only continuous wave (CW) signals and/or signals with a modulation
frequency below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 1 ms) to be
transmitted. Thus, device interface module 310 prevents material
amounts of confidential information from being transmitted.
[0035] Energy transfer module 312 manages various aspects of the
transfer of energy between devices. For example, based on energy
parameters (e.g., battery specifications) received from device
interface module 310 as mentioned above, energy transfer module 312
converts the energy transferred from the host device so that it
conforms to the specifications of the recipient device. Energy
transfer module 312 is configured to control various components,
such as a power converter (e.g., a DC-to-DC converter) to convert
from one voltage to another, various regulator circuits to limit
and/or control current and/or voltage (e.g., to maintain constant
current and/or constant voltage), temperature regulators to limit
maximum battery temperature, a rectifier to convert alternating
current (AC) to direct current (DC), and/or a frequency converter
to convert AC power of one frequency or time profile to another.
Energy transfer module 312 can also be configured to take various
dynamic impedance measurements at various current/voltage
amplitudes and frequencies to determine tolerable current, voltage,
and temperature levels during energy transfer. For example,
impedance measurements can be cross-referenced to various battery
models to determine appropriate energy transfer parameters (e.g.,
current, voltage, temperature).
[0036] Preference database 314 stores various energy transfer
parameters and/or preferences. In various embodiments, energy
transfer parameters and/or preferences are pre-loaded, programmed
by a user, and/or learned based on past use with a device. In one
embodiment, a user can program a device to react to the energy
transfer device 100 in a specific manner, and/or program the energy
transfer device 100 to react to certain other devices in a specific
manner. For example, a user may specify whether or not a certain
device should cooperate in transferring and/or receiving energy.
This can depend on various factors, such as the particular device's
own energy needs, it's "selfishness" (e.g., programmed to receive
and/or transfer energy based on certain factors), and/or an
identifier, such as an identifier of the energy transfer device 100
and/or an identifier of the other device to which the energy
transfer device 100 is connected.
[0037] Upon connecting a device (e.g., first or second portable
devices 114, 116) to energy transfer device 100, device interface
module 310 is capable of determining various details regarding the
particular connected device. For example, device interface module
310 can leverage various parameters and preferences stored in
preference database 314 to determine that the device is a
particular type of device (e.g., a laptop computer), that the
device is a particular model of that type (e.g., a MacBook Air),
and that it is a particular one of that type (e.g., Bob Jones's
MacBook Air). Device interface module 310, via preference database
314, may also determine, for example, preferences for that device
(e.g., Bob Jones's MacBook Air must retain a minimum of 20% state
of charge and is only authorized to charge Bob Jones's other
devices). It should be known that this example is merely
illustrative and non-limiting.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates display 400 of an energy transfer device
(e.g., energy transfer device 100 of FIG. 1) according to one
embodiment. In some embodiments, display 400 is integrated into the
energy transfer device, such as integrated into input/output device
112 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, display 400 is integrated via
an application running on the host device and/or the recipient
device.
[0039] Display 400, in conjunction with user interface module 308,
is configured to display various types of information to a user
and/or to receive various types of inputs from a user. In some
embodiments, display 400 includes screen 402, such as an LCD
screen, for presenting to the user textual and/or graphical
information regarding the energy level of the host and/or the
recipient device. For example, screen 402 includes fields for
displaying current charge level 404 and minimum charge level 406 of
the host device; and current charge level 408, desired charge level
410, and charge time 412 of the recipient device.
[0040] Display 400 also includes buttons 414 for receiving various
inputs from a user. In other embodiments, display 400 includes
touch-sensitive features (e.g., a touch screen) through which
display 400 can receive tactile inputs from a user. For example, in
some embodiments, a user can specify desired charge 410 or charge
time 412 to control energy transfer parameters for a recipient
device. In other embodiments, various graphics and/or colors are
utilized to indicate charge levels. For example, current charge
level 408 of the recipient device can be represented by an outline
of a battery that is darkened according to a state of charge of the
recipient device.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a method of transferring energy
performed by an energy transfer device, according to one
embodiment. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 5 will be described in
connection with energy transfer device 100 of FIG. 1. However, the
method of FIG. 5 can be performed by other devices according to
other embodiments.
[0042] At 502, energy transfer device 100 detects a connection to a
first portable device (e.g., first portable device 114). For
example, energy transfer device 100 may detect that first connector
104 is connected to a port of first portable device 114. At 504,
upon connection to a first portable device, energy transfer device
100 determines various identifiers and/or energy parameters of the
first portable device. For example, as mentioned above, energy
transfer device 100 may send various queries to the first portable
device to determine, for example, (1) an identifier (e.g.,
identification number); (2) device type (e.g., model, manufacturer,
owner, etc.); (3) software type (e.g., operating system, power
control program, battery handler, etc.); (4) battery specifications
(e.g., maximum energy level); (5) energy transfer specifications
(e.g., minimum and maximum voltage and current levels, and maximum
energy transfer rates); and/or (6) present energy level (e.g.,
state of charge). In some embodiments, energy transfer device 100
cross-references an identifier of the first portable device with a
database (e.g., preferences database 314) to determine energy
parameters.
[0043] At 506, energy transfer device 100 detects a connection to a
second portable device (e.g., second portable device 116). For
example, energy transfer device 100 may detect that second
connector 106 is connected to a port of second portable device 116.
At 508, upon connection to a second portable device, energy
transfer device 100 determines various identifiers and/or energy
parameters of the second portable device, such as those mentioned
above.
[0044] In some embodiments, energy transfer device 100 accepts user
inputs of various energy transfer parameters, such as (1)
authorization to transfer or to receive energy; (2) selection of
the host device and the recipient device; (3) desired amount of
energy to be received by recipient device; (4) desired state of
charge of recipient device; (5) maximum time available for
transfer; (6) desired amount of energy to be transferred by host
device; (7) maximum state of charge of recipient device; (8)
minimum state of charge of host device; and/or (9) desired state of
charge of host device. In various embodiments, such inputs are
received directly via energy transfer device 100 and/or via an
application running on a portable device connected to energy
transfer device 100. In some embodiments, energy transfer device
100 receives various energy transfer parameters directly from one
or both of the portable devices connected to it. In some
embodiments the energy transfer parameters are sent by a portable
device in response to a query sent to it from energy transfer
device 100. In other embodiments, the portable device(s)
proactively send the energy transfer parameters, e.g., once they
detect their connection to energy transfer device 100, once they
determine their intent to donate or receive energy, etc.
[0045] At 510, energy transfer device 100 transfers energy between
the first and second portable devices. Upon initiating energy
transfer, energy transfer device 100 analyzes the energy parameters
of the first portable device that were determined at 504 with those
of the second portable device that were determined at 508. Energy
transfer device 100 then analyzes any energy transfer parameters
and determines the particular parameters that will control the
actual transfer of energy between the first and second portable
devices such that the energy transfer is within the specified
capabilities of each of the first and second portable devices.
[0046] In some embodiments, energy transfer device 100 requires a
user input to initiate energy transfer. In other embodiments,
energy transfer device 100 automatically defines the device that
has the most energy as the host device, which operates as an
effective energy transfer request to transfer energy from the host
device to the recipient device.
[0047] During the energy transfer process, energy transfer device
100 monitors the energy transferred from the host device to the
recipient device to ensure that the proper amount of energy is
transferred in the proper manner. If necessary, energy transfer
device 100 (e.g., via energy transfer module 312) receives energy
having a first energy parameter (e.g., voltage, current, energy
transfer rate, power format, etc.) from the first portable device,
converts the energy from the first energy parameter to the second
energy parameter, and transmits the converted energy having the
second energy parameter to the second portable device. Energy
transfer device 100 stops transferring energy when energy transfer
is complete. For example, energy transfer may be complete when an
energy transfer completion indicator is activated. The energy
transfer completion indicator may be activated, for example, when
the requested amount of energy is transferred from the host device
to the recipient device, when the recipient device reaches a
maximum state of charge, when the host device reaches a
predetermined minimum state of charge, when a time limit is
reached, when the host device no longer has energy to transfer,
and/or if one of the host or recipient devices is disconnected,
among other events.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method of transferring energy
according to an embodiment. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 6 will
be described in connection with energy transfer device 100 of FIG.
1. However, the method of FIG. 6 can be performed by other devices
according to other embodiments.
[0049] At 602, energy transfer device 100 detects a connection to a
first portable device (e.g., first portable device 114). For
example, energy transfer device 100 may detect that first connector
104 is connected to a port of first portable device 114. At 604,
upon connection to a first portable device, energy transfer device
100 determines various energy parameters of the first portable
device.
[0050] At 606, energy transfer device 100 detects a connection to a
second portable device (e.g., second portable device 116). For
example, energy transfer device 100 may detect that second
connector 106 is connected to a port of second portable device 116.
At 608, upon connection to a second portable device, energy
transfer device 100 determines various energy parameters of the
second portable device.
[0051] At 610 energy transfer device 100 determines if energy
transfer between the first and second portable devices is
requested. In some embodiments, energy transfer device 100 will
display energy transfer parameters of each of the first and second
portable devices and require user input to initiate energy
transfer. For example, energy transfer device 100 may require a
user to select which device is the host device and which device is
the recipient device. In other embodiments, energy transfer device
100 may require a user to input various energy transfer parameters,
such as (1) authorization to transfer or to receive energy; (2)
desired amount of energy to be received by recipient device; (3)
desired state of charge of recipient device; (4) time available for
transfer; (5) desired amount of energy to be transferred by host
device; and/or (6) desired state of charge of host device. In other
embodiments, energy transfer device 100 automatically defines the
device that has the most energy as the host device, or
automatically defines the device that has the least energy as the
recipient device.
[0052] At 612, energy transfer device 100 determines energy
transfer parameters. Energy transfer device 100 compares the energy
parameters of the first portable device that were determined at 604
with those of the second portable device that were determined at
608. Energy transfer device 100 then determines the parameters that
will control the actual transfer of energy between the first and
second portable devices such that the energy transfer is within the
specified capabilities of each of the first and second portable
devices. Energy transfer device 100 also determines which of the
first and second portable devices is the host device and which is
the recipient device, if that has not already been determined.
[0053] At 614, energy transfer device 100 transfers energy from the
host device to the recipient device based on the energy transfer
parameters determined at 612. At 616, energy transfer device
monitors energy transferred from the host device to the recipient
device to ensure that the proper amount of energy is transferred in
the proper manner. At 618, energy transfer device 100 stops
transferring energy when energy transfer is complete. In an
embodiment, energy transfer is complete when an energy transfer
completion indicator is activated. In certain embodiments, for
example, the energy transfer completion indicator may be activated
when the requested amount of energy is transferred from the host
device to the recipient device, when the host device no longer has
energy to transfer, and/or if one of the host or recipient devices
is disconnected, among other events.
[0054] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a method of transferring energy
performed by an energy transfer device, according to one
embodiment. For illustrative purposes, FIG. 7 will be described in
connection with energy transfer device 100 of FIG. 1. However, the
method of FIG. 7 can be performed by other devices according to
other embodiments. In certain embodiments, energy transfer device
100 can be programmed to operate in a certain manner with
particular portable devices.
[0055] At 702, energy transfer device 100 receives a first input
comprising a first energy transfer parameter. The first energy
transfer parameter may be associated with a first portable device
and, more specifically, with an identifier of the first portable
device. In certain embodiments, energy transfer device 100 includes
a set-up mode where users can input various energy transfer
parameters and preferences, which can be stored in memory of energy
transfer device 100 (e.g., via preference database 314).
[0056] It should be understood that energy transfer parameters may
include any of various parameters. Those mentioned herein are
merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting. In some
embodiments, energy transfer parameters may include authorizations
and restrictions regarding particular devices, among many other
things. For example, energy transfer parameters may specify that a
particular device (1) always maintains a minimum state of charge;
(2) never transfers and/or receives energy to/from other devices;
(3) always transfers and/or receives energy to/from other devices;
(4) never transfers and/or receives energy to/from other devices
that have particular identifiers; (5) always transfers and/or
receives energy to/from other devices that have particular
identifiers; (6) transfers and/or receives energy based on one or
more rules regarding a state of charge or other energy parameters
of either device.
[0057] At 704, energy transfer device 100 detects a first
connection of a first portable device. At 706, energy transfer
device 100 detects a second connection of a second portable device.
At 708, energy transfer device transfers energy between the first
and second portable devices based at least on the first energy
transfer parameter.
[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates energy transfer device 800 according to
another embodiment. Energy transfer device 800 is operatively
coupled to first portable device 114 and second portable device 116
to wirelessly transfer energy therebetween. Energy transfer device
800 operates similarly to energy transfer device 100 of FIG. 1,
except energy transfer device 800 transfers energy via wireless
signals whereas energy transfer device 100 of FIG. 1 transfers
energy via cable 102. Energy transfer device 800 can use any of
various wireless charging technologies, such as induction-based
wireless charging, resonance-based wireless charging, radio-based
wireless charging, and/or optically-based wireless charging, among
others. In one embodiment, energy transfer device 800 is
incorporated into a table-top to facilitate energy transfer between
devices placed thereon. Energy transfer device 800 also includes
control unit 802 to control parameters associated with energy
transferred from a host device (e.g., first portable device 114) to
a recipient device (e.g., second portable device 116). Control unit
802 may include any of the features of control unit 108 discussed
elsewhere herein.
[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates energy transfer device 900 according to
another embodiment. Energy transfer device 900 is operatively
coupled to second portable device 116 via cable 902. Energy
transfer device 900 operates similarly to energy transfer device
100 of FIG. 1, except energy transfer device 900 transmits and/or
receives energy from a single device, whereas energy transfer
device 100 of FIG. 1 transfers energy between two devices. Energy
transfer device 900 includes control unit 904 to control parameters
associated with energy transferred between energy transfer device
900 and second portable device 116. Control unit 904 includes
internal battery 906, which may be larger than internal battery 120
of second portable device 116. For example, in one embodiment,
internal battery 906 is about 3,000-30,000 mAh, whereas internal
battery 120 of second portable device 116 is about 1,400-2,400 mAh.
In an embodiment, internal battery 906 can be charged from an AC
(alternating current) power source (e.g., a wall outlet) via cable
902 and an AC adapter (not shown). Control unit 902 may include any
of the features of control unit 108 discussed elsewhere herein.
[0060] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method 1000 of transferring
energy from an energy transfer device, according to one embodiment.
For illustrative purposes, FIG. 10 will be described in connection
with energy transfer device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the
method 1000 can be performed by other devices, according to other
embodiments.
[0061] At 1002, a connection of energy transfer device 100 to first
portable device 114 is detected. For example, according to one
embodiment, first portable device 114 detects first connector 104
being connected to a port of first portable device 114.
[0062] At 1004, a request for energy is received at first portable
device 114 from energy transfer device 100. Energy transfer device
100 is also connected to second portable device 116, for example,
via second connector 106. In one embodiment, second portable device
116 may transmit a request for energy to energy transfer device 100
and, based on the request from second portable device 116, energy
transfer device 100 may transmit a corresponding request for energy
to first portable device 114. For example, second portable device
116 may be running low on energy, and may request that first
portable device 114 transfers some of its energy to second portable
device 116, via energy transfer device 100.
[0063] At least one of first and second portable devices 114, 116
may provide certain information to energy transfer device 100 upon
connection thereto, or in response to a query. For example, in one
embodiment at least one of first and second energy transfer devices
114, 116 may provide at least one of an identifier, an energy
parameter, an energy transfer parameter, or other information to
energy transfer device 100. In addition, upon detecting the other
of first and second portable devices 114, 116, energy transfer
device 100 may transmit the information received to the respective
device.
[0064] At 1006, it is determined whether to authorize the request.
In some embodiments, the determination 1006 is made by energy
transfer device 100, while in other embodiments, the determination
1006 is made by first portable device 114. The determination may be
made based upon various factors. For example, the determination may
be made based on the information (e.g., identifier, energy
parameter, energy transfer parameter, etc.) mentioned above, upon a
payment associated with the energy transfer, or upon other
things.
[0065] At 1008, energy is transmitted from first portable device
114 to energy transfer device 100 if determination 1006 results in
the request being approved. For example, in one embodiment, energy
is further transmitted to second portable device 116 from energy
transfer device 100. In another embodiment, at least a portion of
the energy is stored by energy transfer device 100. In one
embodiment, energy transfer is stopped when energy transfer is
complete. For example, according to various embodiments, energy
transfer may be considered complete when the requested amount of
energy is transferred to second portable device 116 from first
portable device 114, when first portable device 114 reaches a
predetermined minimum state of charge, when second portable device
116 reaches a predetermined maximum state of charge, when a time
limit is reached, when first portable device 114 no longer has
energy to transfer, and/or if one of first and second portable
devices 114, 116 is disconnected from energy transfer device 100,
among other events. In some embodiments, the amount of energy
transferred from first portable device 114 to energy transfer
device 100 is less than the amount requested at 1004. For example,
due to one of the reasons mentioned above, energy transfer may be
stopped prior to the requested amount of energy being transmitted.
In some embodiments, portable device 116 may provide or authorize a
payment associated with the energy transfer from portable device
114. Payment may be made electronically, with the amount being
debited from an account controlled by second portable device 116 or
an owner or agent thereof. The account may reside on second
portable device 116, on energy transfer device 100, or an external
site. The payment amount may be credited to an account controlled
by first portable device 114 or an owner or agent thereof. The
account may reside on first portable device 114, on energy transfer
device 100, or an external site.
[0066] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method 1100 of receiving
energy by a first portable device (e.g., first portable device 114,
according to one embodiment). For illustrative purposes, FIG. 11
will be described in connection with first portable device 114 of
FIG. 2. However, the method 1100 can be performed by other devices,
according to other embodiments.
[0067] At 1102, first portable device 114 detects a connection of
energy transfer device 100. For example, according to one
embodiment, first portable device 114 detects first connector 104
being connected to a port of first portable device 114.
[0068] At 1104, first portable device 114 transmits a request for
energy to energy transfer device 100. Energy transfer device 100 is
also connected to second portable device 116, for example, via
second connector 106. For example, first portable device 114 may be
running low on energy, and may request that second portable device
116 transfers some of its energy to first portable device 114, via
energy transfer device 110.
[0069] At 1106, first portable device 114 transmits at least one of
an identifier, an energy parameter, and an energy transfer
parameter to energy transfer device 100.
[0070] At 1108, first portable device 114 receives energy from
energy transfer device 100. In some embodiments, energy is
transferred to first portable device 114 from second portable
device 116 via energy transfer device 100. In some embodiments,
energy transfer device 100 or second portable device 116 determines
whether to transfer energy to first portable device 114 based on
various parameters. For example, the determination may be made
based on the information (e.g., identifier, energy parameter,
energy transfer parameter, etc.) transmitted at 1106, among other
things. In some embodiments, first portable device 114 receives
information (e.g., identifier, energy parameter, energy transfer
parameter, etc.) from the energy transfer device 100 or the second
portable device 116. First portable device 114 can use this
received information to decide whether or not to authorize (i.e.,
to proceed with) reception of the energy. First portable device 114
can also base such an authorization decision upon its current
charge state, upon its maximum allowed state of charge, upon a
payment demanded by portable device 116 for the energy, etc.
[0071] In some embodiments, energy transfer is stopped when energy
transfer is complete. For example, according to various
embodiments, energy transfer may be considered complete when the
requested amount of energy is transferred to first portable device
114, when first portable device 114 reaches a maximum state of
charge, when second portable device 116 reaches a predetermined
minimum state of charge, when a time limit is reached, when energy
transfer device 100 and/or second portable device 116 no longer
have energy to transfer, and/or if one of first and second portable
devices 114, 116 is disconnected from energy transfer device 100,
among other events. In some embodiments, the amount of energy
transferred to first portable device 114 is less than the amount
requested at 1004. For example, due to one of the reasons mentioned
above, energy transfer may be stopped prior to the requested amount
of energy being transmitted.
[0072] The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and
program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing
various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may
be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special
purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated
for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments
within the scope of the present disclosure include program products
comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having
machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other
machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable
media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical
disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store
desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions
or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose
or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When
information is transferred or provided over a network or another
communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a
combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine
properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus,
any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.
Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of
machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include,
for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose
computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing
machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
[0073] Although the figures may show a specific order of method
steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted.
Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with
partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and
hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations
are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software
implementations could be accomplished with standard programming
techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the
various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and
decision steps.
[0074] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *