CN107231821B

CN107231821B - TV system with wireless power transmitter

Info

Publication number: CN107231821B
Application number: CN201580071845.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 迈克尔·A·利布曼; 格雷戈里·斯科特·布雷维尔
Original assignee: Energous Corp
Current assignee: Energous Corp
Priority date: 2014-12-29
Filing date: 2015-12-22
Publication date: 2021-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-22
Also published as: EP3241347A4; CN107231821A; EP3241347A1; JP2018504874A; WO2016109327A1; JP6630360B2; KR102352452B1; KR20170101969A

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for transmitting wireless power. The device includes: a television system and a transmitter coupled to the television system. The transmitter is configured to transmit a plurality of wireless power waves and define a pocket of energy through the plurality of wireless power waves such that the receiver can engage the pocket of energy and charge a device through the pocket of energy, wherein the device is coupled to the receiver.

Description

TV system with wireless power transmitter

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 13/950,492 entitled "TV with Integrated Wireless Power Transmitter", filed 2013, 25, 7/25, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

This application is related to the following U.S. non-provisional patent applications: U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 13/891,430 entitled "method For Pocket-forming," filed 5, 10, 2013; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 13/925,469 entitled "method for Multiple Pocket-Forming," filed 24.6.2013; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 13/946,082 entitled "Method for3Dimensional Pocket-forming (Method for three Dimensional pouch formation)" filed 7/19 in 2013; us non-provisional patent application No. 13/891,399 entitled "Receivers for Wireless Power Transmission", filed 5, month 10, 2013; us non-provisional patent application No. 13/891,445 entitled "Transmitters for Wireless Power Transmission", filed 5, 10, 2013; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/272,039 entitled "Systems and Method For Wireless Transmission of Power", filed 5, 7, 2014; united states non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/272,066 entitled "Systems and Methods for Managing and Controlling a Wireless Power Network", filed 5, 7/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/272,124 entitled "systems and methods for Controlling Communication Between Wireless Power Transmitter Managers", filed 5, 7, 2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/336,987 entitled "System and Method for Smart Registration of Wireless Power Receivers in a Wireless Power Network", filed 7/21/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/337,002, entitled "Systems and Methods for Communication with Remote Management Systems", filed on 7/21/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/286,129 entitled "System & Method for a Self-System Analysis in a Wireless Power Transmission Network", filed 5/23/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/286,289 entitled "System and Method for Generating a Power Receiver Identified in a Wireless Power Network", filed 5/23/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/286,232 entitled "Systems and Methods For Power Payment Based on Proximity", filed 5/23 2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/330,931, entitled "System and Method for Enabling Automatic Charging Schedules in a Wireless Power Network to One or More Devices," filed 7, 14, 2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/330,936, entitled "System and Method for manual Selecting and Selecting Devices to Charge in a Wireless Power Network," filed 7/14 2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/465,487 entitled "Systems and Methods for Automatically Testing the Communication Between a Power Transmitter and a Wireless Receiver", filed 8/21 2014; a U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled "Method for Automatically Testing the operating Status of a Wireless Power Receiver in a Wireless Power Transmission System" filed on 21/8/2014 with a serial number of 14/465,508; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/465,532 entitled "Systems and Methods for Tracking the Status and Usage Information of a Wireless Power Transmission System", filed on 21/8/2014; united states non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/465,545 entitled "System and Method to Control a Wireless Power Transmission System by Configuration of Wireless Power Transmission Control Parameters", filed 8/21/2014; a U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/465,553 filed on 21/8/2014 entitled "Systems and Methods for a Configuration Web Service to Provide a Wireless Power Transmitter with a Wireless Power Transmission System"; us non-provisional patent application serial No. 13/926,020 entitled "Wireless Power Transmission with Selective Range" filed on 25.6.2013; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/583,625 entitled "Receivers for Wireless Power Transmission," filed 12/27/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/583,630 entitled "method for Pocket-Forming," filed 12/27/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/583,634 entitled "Transmitters for Wireless Power Transmission," filed 12/27/2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/583,640 entitled "method for Multiple Pocket-Forming," filed 12, 27, 2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/583,641 entitled "Wireless Power Transmission with Selective Range" filed on 27.12.2014; U.S. non-provisional patent application serial No. 14/583,643 entitled "Method for3Dimensional Pocket-Forming (Method for three Dimensional pouch formation"), filed on day 27/12/2014; the entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless power transmission.

Background

Portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices have become a daily necessity when we communicate and communicate with others. Frequent use of these devices may require a significant amount of power, which may easily drain the batteries attached to these devices. Thus, users often need to plug devices into a power source and charge such devices. This may require that the electronic equipment has to be charged at least once a day, or in the case of high demand electronic devices, more than once a day.

Such activities can be tedious and can represent a burden on the user. For example, a user may be required to carry a charger to prevent the user's electronic equipment from being low on power. In addition, the user must find an available power source to connect. Finally, the user must plug into a wall or other power source in order to be able to charge the user's electronic device. However, such activity may cause the electronic device to be inoperable during charging.

Current solutions to this problem may include devices with rechargeable batteries. However, the above approach requires the user to carry an additional battery with him and also ensures that the additional battery pack is charged. Solar cell chargers are also known, however, solar cells are expensive and may require large arrays of solar cells to charge any significant capacity battery. Other approaches involve pads or pads that make it possible to charge a device by using electromagnetic signals without physically connecting the plug of the device to a power outlet. In this case, the device still needs to be placed in a specific location for a period of time to charge it. Assuming that the Electromagnetic (EM) signal is transmitted with single-source power, the EM signal power is reduced to 1/r of the original power over the distance r²In other words, EM signal power decays in proportion to the square of the distance. Thus, the power received at a distance far from the EM transmitter is a fraction of the transmitted power. In order to increase the power of the received signal, the transmission power must be increased. Assuming that the transmitted signal has an effective reception at three centimeters from the EM transmitter, receiving the same signal power over a useful distance of three meters would require a 10,000 times increase in the transmitted power. Such power transmission is wasteful, since a large portion of the energy is transmitted and not received by the intended device, and can be harmful to biological tissue, it is likely to interfere with the immediate areaMost electronic devices, and may dissipate in the form of heat.

In another approach, such as directional power transfer, it is often necessary to know the location of the device to be able to direct the signal in the correct direction, thereby enhancing power transfer efficiency. However, even in the case where the device is positioned, efficient transmission cannot be guaranteed due to reflection and interference of objects in the path of the receiving device or its vicinity. Additionally, in many use cases, the device is not stationary, which additionally increases the difficulty.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transfer signal (e.g., a Radio Frequency (RF) signal wave) to generate a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver may be connected to or integrated into the electronic device and receive power from the energy pouch. The transmitter may use a communication medium (e.g., bluetooth technology) to locate the at least one receiver in three-dimensional space. The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses algorithms to direct, focus, and control the three-dimensional waveform. The receiver may convert the transmission signal (e.g., RF signal) into power for powering the electronic device and/or charging the battery. Thus, embodiments of wireless power transfer may allow for powering and charging multiple electrical devices without wires.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting wireless power is provided. The apparatus includes a television system and a transmitter coupled to the television system. The transmitter is configured to transmit a plurality of wireless power waves and define a pocket of energy through the plurality of wireless power waves such that a receiver can engage with the pocket of energy and charge a device through the pocket of energy, wherein the device is coupled to the receiver.

In one embodiment, a method for transmitting wireless power is provided. The method includes coupling a television system to a transmitter. The transmitter is configured to transmit a plurality of wireless power waves and define a pocket of energy through the plurality of wireless power waves such that a receiver can engage with the pocket of energy and charge a device through the pocket of energy, wherein the device is coupled to the receiver.

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

Drawings

The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following drawings. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and may not be drawn to scale. The drawings illustrate various aspects of the disclosure unless indicated to the contrary by the context.

Fig. 1 shows a system overview according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows steps of wireless power transmission according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 3 illustrates an architecture for wireless power transfer, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 4 illustrates components of a wireless power transmission system using a pocket-forming (pocket-forming) procedure according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows steps for powering a plurality of receiver devices according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 6A illustrates waveforms for wireless power transfer with selective ranges, which may be unified into a single waveform.

Fig. 6B illustrates waveforms for wireless power transfer with selective ranges, which may be unified into a single waveform.

Fig. 7 illustrates wireless power transfer with selective range, where multiple pockets of energy can be generated along different radii centered on the transmitter.

Fig. 8 illustrates wireless power transfer with selective range, where multiple pockets of energy can be generated along different radii centered on the transmitter.

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate diagrams of an architecture for a wireless charging client computing platform, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 10A illustrates wireless power transmission formed using a plurality of pockets according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 10B illustrates a plurality of adaptive pocket formations according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 shows a diagram of a system architecture for a wireless charging client device, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method for determining receiver position using antenna elements according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 13A illustrates an array subset configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13B illustrates an array subset configuration in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 14 shows a planar emitter according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 15A shows a transmitter according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 15B illustrates a cassette transmitter according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 16 shows a diagram of an architecture for incorporating a transmitter into different devices, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 17 shows a transmitter configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 18A shows multiple rectifiers connected in parallel to an antenna element according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 18B shows multiple antenna elements connected in parallel to a rectifier, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 19A shows multiple antenna element outputs combined and connected to parallel rectifiers in accordance with an example embodiment.

Fig. 19B shows groups of antenna elements connected to different rectifiers in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 20A illustrates a device with an embedded receiver according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 20B shows a battery with an embedded receiver according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 20C shows external hardware attachable to a device, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 21A illustrates hardware in the form of a housing according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 21B illustrates hardware in the form of a printed film or flexible printed circuit board according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 22 illustrates internal hardware in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 23 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Television (TV) system outputting wireless power.

Fig. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of the internal structure of the TV system.

Fig. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sharded architecture.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will be described in detail herein with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, which form a part hereof. Other embodiments may be utilized and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not intended to limit the subject matter presented herein. Moreover, the various components and embodiments described herein may be combined to form additional embodiments not explicitly described without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

I. System and method for wireless power transfer

A. Component System embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a system 100 for wireless power transfer by forming an energy pocket 104. System 100 may include a transmitter 101, a receiver 103, a client device 105, and a bag detector 107. The transmitter 101 may transmit a power transfer signal comprising a power transfer wave that may be captured by the receiver 103. The receiver 103 may include an antenna, antenna elements, and other circuitry (detailed later) that may convert the captured waves into a usable source of electrical energy on behalf of a client device 105 associated with the receiver 103. In some embodiments, transmitter 101 may transmit power transfer signals comprised of power transfer waves in one or more traces by manipulating the phase, gain, and/or other waveform characteristics of the power transfer waves, and/or by selecting different transmit antennas. In such embodiments, the transmitter 101 may manipulate the trajectory of the power transfer signal such that the underlying power transfer wave converges at one location in space, resulting in a particular form of interference. One type of interference ("constructive interference") that occurs at the convergence of the power transmission waves may be an energy field resulting from the convergence of the power transmission waves, such that the power transmission waves add together and reinforce the energy concentrated at that location — in contrast, add together in a manner that subtracts from each other and reduces the energy concentrated at that location, referred to as "destructive interference. If the antenna of the receiver 103 is configured to operate at the frequency of the power transmission signal, the accumulation of sufficient energy at constructive interference may create an energy field or "energy pocket" 104 that can be collected by the antenna. Thus, the power transfer wave establishes an energy pocket 104 at a location in the space where the receiver 103 may receive, collect, and convert the power transfer wave into usable electrical energy that may power or charge the associated electrical client device 105. The detector 107 may be a device comprising a receiver 103 capable of generating a notification or an alarm in response to receiving the power transfer signal. As an example, a user searching for an optimal arrangement of receivers 103 to charge their client device 105 may use a detector 107 that includes an LED light 108 that lights up when the detector 107 captures a power transfer signal from a single beam or energy pocket 104.

1. Emitter

The transmitter 101 may transmit or broadcast a power transmission signal to a receiver 103 associated with the device 105. Although several of the embodiments mentioned below describe the power transmission signal as a Radio Frequency (RF) wave, it should be understood that the power transmission may be a physical medium that can propagate through space and can be converted into an electrical energy source 103. The transmitter 101 may transmit the power transfer signal as a single beam directed to the receiver 103. In some cases, one or more transmitters 101 may transmit multiple power transmission signals that propagate in multiple directions and may be offset from a physical obstruction (e.g., a wall). The plurality of power transmission signals may converge at one location in three-dimensional space, forming an energy pocket 104. The receiver 103 within the boundaries of the energy pocket 104 may capture and convert the power transfer signal into a usable energy source. The transmitter 101 may control the pocket formation based on the phase adjustment and/or the relative amplitude adjustment of the power transmission signal to form the constructive interference pattern.

Although the exemplary embodiment recites the use of the RF wave transmission technique, the wireless charging technique should not be limited to the RF wave transmission technique. Rather, it should be understood that possible wireless charging techniques may include any number of alternative or additional techniques for transmitting energy to a receiver that converts the transmitted energy into power. Non-limiting example transmission techniques for energy that may be converted to power by a receiving device may include: ultrasonic, microwave, resonant and induced magnetic fields, laser, infrared or other forms of electromagnetic energy. In the case of ultrasound, for example, one or more transducer elements may be provided so as to form a transducer array that transmits ultrasound waves to a receiving apparatus that receives ultrasound waves and converts them into electric power. In the case of resonant or induced magnetic fields, a magnetic field is generated in the transmitter coil and converted into electrical power by the receiver coil. Additionally, although the exemplary transmitter 101 is shown as a single unit potentially including multiple transmitters (transmit arrays), for RF transmission of power and for other power transmission methods mentioned in this paragraph, a transmit array may include multiple transmitters physically dispersed around a room rather than in a compact regular structure.

The transmitter includes an antenna array, the antennas in the antenna array for transmitting the power transmission signal. Each antenna transmits a power transmission wave, wherein the transmitter applies different phases and amplitudes to signals transmitted from different antennas. Similar to the formation of energy pockets, the transmitter may form a phased array of delayed versions of the signal to be transmitted, then apply different amplitudes to the delayed versions of the signal, and then transmit the signal from the appropriate antenna. For sinusoidal waveforms such as RF signals, ultrasound, microwaves, etc., delaying the signal is analogous to applying a phase shift to the signal.

2. Energy bag

The energy pocket 104 may be formed at the location of a constructive interference pattern of the power transfer signal transmitted by the transmitter 101. The energy pocket 104 may represent a three-dimensional field, wherein energy may be collected by a receiver 103 located within the energy pocket 104. The energy pocket 104 generated by the transmitter 101 during pocket formation may be collected by the receiver 103 and converted into an electrical charge and then provided to an electronic client device 105 (e.g., laptop, smartphone, rechargeable battery) associated with the receiver 103. In some embodiments, there may be multiple transmitters 101 and/or multiple receivers 103 that power various client devices 105. In some embodiments, adaptive pocket formation may adjust the transmission of power transfer signals in order to adjust power levels and/or identify movement of device 105.

3. Receiver with a plurality of receivers

The receiver 103 may be used to power or charge an associated client device 105, which client device 105 may be an electrical device coupled to or integrated with the receiver 103. The receiver 103 may receive power transfer waves from one or more power transfer signals originating from one or more transmitters 101. The receiver 103 may receive the power transfer signal generated by the transmitter 101as a single beam, or the receiver 103 may collect the power transfer wave from the energy pocket 104, which may be a three-dimensional field in space formed by the convergence of multiple power transfer waves generated by one or more transmitters 101. The receiver 103 may include an antenna array 112 configured to receive a power transfer wave from a power transfer signal and collect energy from the power transfer signal of a single beam or energy pocket 104. The receiver 103 may include circuitry that then converts the energy of the power transfer signal (e.g., radio frequency electromagnetic radiation) into electrical energy. The rectifier of the receiver 103 may convert the power from AC to DC. Other types of adjustment may also be applied. For example, the voltage regulation circuit may increase or decrease the voltage of the power according to the requirements of the client device 105. The electrical relay may then transfer the power from the receiver 103 to the client device 105.

In some embodiments, receiver 103 may include a communication component that transmits control signals to transmitter 101 for exchanging data in real-time or near real-time. The control signal may contain status information about the client device 105, the receiver 103, or the power transfer signal. For example, the status information may include, among other types of information, current location information of the device 105, an amount of charge received, an amount of charge used, and user account information. Further, in some applications, receiver 103, including its included rectifier, may be integrated into client device 105. For practical purposes, receiver 103, conductor 111, and client device 105 may be a single unit contained in a single package.

4. Control signal

In some embodiments, the control signal may be used as a data input for use by various antenna elements responsible for controlling the generation of the power transfer signal and/or the pocket formation. The control signal may be generated by the receiver 103 or transmitter 101 using an external power supply (not shown) and a local oscillator chip (not shown), possibly including the use of piezoelectric materials in some cases. The control signals may be RF waves or any other communication medium or protocol capable of transferring data between processors such as bluetooth, RFID, infrared, Near Field Communication (NFC). As will be described later, the control signal may be used to communicate information between the transmitter 101 and the receiver 103 for adjusting the power transfer signal, and this information contains information relating to status, efficiency, user data, power consumption, billing, geographical location, and other types of information.

5. Detector

The detector 107 may include hardware similar to the receiver 103 that may allow the detector 107 to receive power transfer signals originating from one or more transmitters 101. The user may use the detector 107 to identify the location of the energy pouch 104 so that the user may determine the preferred arrangement of the receiver 103. In some embodiments, the detector 107 may include an indicator light 108 that indicates when the detector is placed within the energy pouch 104. As an example, in fig. 1, the

detectors

107a, 107b are located within the energy pouch 104 generated by the emitter 101, as the

detectors

107a, 107b are receiving the power transfer signal of the energy pouch 104, the

detectors

107a, 107b may be triggered to turn on their respective indicator lights 108a, 108 b; while the indicator light 108c of the third detector 107c, which is located outside the energy pouch 104, is switched off as a result of the third detector 107c not receiving a power transfer signal from the transmitter 101. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the functionality of the detector, such as an indicator light, may also be integrated into the receiver or client device.

6. Client device

Client device 105 may be any electrical device that requires continuous power or requires power from a battery. Non-limiting examples of client device 105 may include, among other types of electronic devices: notebook computers, mobile phones, smart phones, tablet computers, music players, toys, batteries, flashlights, lights, electronic watches, cameras, game consoles, appliances, GPS devices, and wearable devices or so-called "wearable devices" (e.g., fitness bracelets, pedometers, smart watches).

In some embodiments, the client device 105a may be a different physical device than the receiver 103a associated with the client device 105 a. In such embodiments, client device 105a may be connected to the receiver by a conductor 111, which conductor 111 transfers the converted power from receiver 103a to client device 105 a. In some cases, other types of data may be conveyed over conductors 111, such as power consumption status, power usage metrics, device identifiers, and other types of data.

In some embodiments, the client device 105b may be permanently integrated into the receiver 103b or removably coupled to the receiver 103b, thereby forming a single integrated product or unit. As an example, the client device 105b may be placed in a sleeve having an embedded receiver 103b and may be removably coupled to a power input of the device 105b, which may typically be used to charge a battery of the device 105 b. In this example, the device 105b may be decoupled from the receiver, but may remain in the sleeve, regardless of whether the device 105b requires charge or is being used. In another example, instead of having a battery to hold the charge for device 105b, device 105b may include an integrated receiver 105b that may be permanently integrated into device 105b to form a product, device, or unit that is difficult to distinguish clearly. In this example, device 105b may rely almost entirely on integrated receiver 103b to generate electrical energy by harvesting energy bag 104. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the connection between the receiver 103 and the client device 105 may be a wire 111, or may be an electrical connection on a circuit board or integrated circuit, or even a wireless connection such as an inductive or magnetic connection.

B. Method of wireless power transmission

Fig. 2 shows steps of wireless power transmission according to an exemplary method 200 embodiment.

In a first step 201, a Transmitter (TX) establishes a connection or is otherwise associated with a Receiver (RX). That is, in some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver may be capable of transmitting information between two processors of an electrical device through the use ofThe wireless communication protocol (e.g.,

bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, NFC,

) To transmit control data. For example, in implementation

Or

In variant embodiments, the transmitter may scan for broadcast announcement signals of the receiver, or the receiver may transmit announcement signals to the transmitter. The announcement signal may inform the transmitter of the presence of the receiver and may trigger an association between the transmitter and the receiver. As described herein, in some embodiments, the announcement signal may convey information that may be used by various devices (e.g., transmitters, client devices, server computers, other receivers) to perform and manage the bag formation process. The information contained within the announcement signal may include a device identifier (e.g., MAC address, IP address, UUID), voltage of received power, client device power consumption, and other types of data related to power transfer. The transmitter may use the transmitted announcement signal to identify the receiver and, in some cases, locate the receiver in two-dimensional space or three-dimensional space. Once the transmitter identifies the receiver, the transmitter and receiver may establish an associated connection in the transmitter allowing the transmitter and receiver to transmit control signals on the second channel.

In a next step 203, the transmitter may use the announcement signal to determine a set of power transfer signal characteristics for transmitting the power transfer signal, thereby establishing a pocket of energy. Non-limiting examples of characteristics of the power transmission signal may include phase, gain, amplitude, magnitude, and direction, among others. The transmitter may use information contained in the announcement signal of the receiver or in a subsequent control signal received from the receiver to determine how to generate and transmit the power transfer signal so that the receiver may receive the power transfer signal. In some cases, the transmitter may transmit the power transfer signal in a manner that creates a pocket of energy from which the receiver may collect electrical energy. In some embodiments, the transmitter may comprise a processor executing a software module capable of automatically identifying the power transfer signal characteristics required to establish the energy pocket based on information received from the receiver, such as the voltage of the electrical energy collected by the receiver from the power transfer signal. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the functionality of the processor and/or software modules may be implemented in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC).

Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the announcement signal or subsequent signal transmitted by the receiver over the second communication channel may indicate one or more power transfer signal characteristics, which the transmitter may then use to generate and transmit a power transfer signal to establish the pocket of energy. For example, in some cases, the transmitter may automatically identify the phase and gain required to transmit the power transfer signal based on the location of the device and the type of device or receiver; and in some cases, the receiver may inform the transmitter of the phase and gain for efficient transmission of the power transfer signal.

In a next step 205, after the transmitter determines the appropriate characteristics to use in transmitting the power transfer signal, the transmitter may start transmitting the power transfer signal over a channel separate from the control signal. A power transfer signal may be transmitted to create a pocket of energy. The antenna elements of the transmitter may transmit the power transfer signal such that the power transfer signal converges in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional space around the receiver. The field generated around the receiver forms a pocket of energy from which the receiver can collect electrical energy. One antenna element may be used to transmit a power transfer signal to establish two-dimensional energy transfer; and in some cases, a power transfer signal may be transmitted using a second or additional antenna element to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. In some cases, multiple antenna elements may be used to transmit power transfer signals to create energy pockets. Further, in some cases, the plurality of antennas may include all of the antennas in the transmitter; and in some cases, the plurality of antennas may include many antennas in the transmitter, but fewer than all antennas of the transmitter.

As previously described, the transmitter may generate and transmit a power transfer signal from the determined set of power transfer signal characteristics, which may be generated and transmitted using an external power source and a local oscillator chip comprising a piezoelectric material. The transmitter may include an RFIC that controls the generation and transmission of the power transfer signal based on information related to the power transfer and pocket formation received from the receiver. Such as BLE, NFC or

Such as a wireless communication protocol to communicate the control data over a different channel than the power transfer signal. The RFIC of the transmitter may automatically adjust the phase and/or relative amplitude of the power transfer signal as needed. Pocket formation is accomplished by the transmitter transmitting a power transfer signal in a manner that forms a constructive interference pattern.

When transmitting power transfer signals during pocket formation, the antenna elements of the transmitter may use the concept of wave interference to determine certain power transfer signal characteristics (e.g., direction of transmission, phase of the power transfer signal waves). The antenna elements may also use the concept of constructive interference to generate energy pockets, but the concept of destructive interference may also be utilized to generate transmission nulls at specific physical locations.

In some embodiments, the transmitter may provide power to multiple receivers using pocket formation, which may require the transmitter to perform a process for multiple pocket formations. A transmitter comprising a plurality of antenna elements, each antenna element of the transmitter being responsible for transmitting a power transfer signal to a respective receiver, may accomplish the plurality of pocket formations by automatically calculating the phase and gain of the power transfer signal wave. The transmitter may calculate the phase and gain independently, since multiple wave paths for each power transfer signal may be generated by the antenna elements of the transmitter to transmit the power transfer signals to the respective antenna elements of the receiver.

As an example of calculating the phase/gain adjustment for two antenna elements of a transmitter transmitting two signals, assume that the two signals are X and Y, where Y is a 180 degree phase shifted version of X (Y ═ X). At the physical location where the cumulative receive waveform is X-Y, the receiver receives X-Y ═ X + X ═ 2X, and at the physical location where the cumulative receive waveform is X + Y, the receiver receives X + Y ═ X-X ═ 0.

In a next step 207, the receiver may collect or otherwise receive electrical energy from the power transmission signal of the single beam or energy pouch. The receiver may include a rectifier and an AC/DC converter that may convert power from an AC current to a DC current, and the rectifier of the receiver may then rectify the power to produce usable power for a client device associated with the receiver, such as a laptop computer, smart phone, battery, toy, or other electrical device. The receiver may utilize the energy pocket generated by the transmitter during pocket formation to charge or otherwise power the electronic device.

In a next step 209, the receiver may generate control data containing information indicating the validity of the single beam or pocket of energy providing the power transfer signal to the receiver. The receiver may then transmit a control signal containing the control data to the transmitter. The control signal may be transmitted intermittently depending on whether the transmitter and receiver are communicating synchronously (i.e., the transmitter desires to receive control data from the receiver). Furthermore, the transmitter may continuously transmit the power transfer signal to the receiver regardless of whether the transmitter and the receiver are transmitting control signals. The control data may contain information related to transmitting the power transfer signal and/or establishing a valid energy pocket. Some of the information in the control data may inform the transmitter how to efficiently generate and transmit the power transfer signal and, in some cases, adjust the characteristics of the power transfer signal. The control signals may be transmitted and received over a second channel independent of the power transfer signal using a wireless protocol such as BLE, NFC, Wi-Fi capable of transferring control data related to the power transfer signal and/or pocket formation.

As described above, the control data may contain information indicating the validity of the power transfer signals of the individual beams or the established energy pockets. The control data may be generated by a processor of the receiver that monitors various aspects of the receiver and/or a client device associated with the receiver. The control data may be based on various types of information, in addition to other types of information for adjusting the power transmission signal and/or the pocket formation, in particular: such as the voltage of the electrical energy received from the power transfer signal, the quality of the power transfer signal reception, the quality of the battery charging or the quality of the power reception, and the position or movement of the receiver.

In some embodiments, the receiver may determine the amount of power received from the power transfer signal transmitted by the transmitter and may then indicate to the transmitter that the power transfer signal should be "split" or partitioned into smaller energy power transfer signals. The less energetic power transfer signal may bounce off objects or walls near the device, thereby reducing the amount of power transmitted directly from the transmitter to the receiver.

In a next step 211, the transmitter may calibrate the antenna transmitting the power transfer signal such that the antenna transmits the power transfer signal with a more efficient set of characteristics (e.g., direction, phase, gain, amplitude). In some embodiments, the processor of the transmitter may automatically determine more efficient characteristics for generating and transmitting the power transfer signal based on the control signal received from the receiver. The control signals may contain control data and may be received by the receiver using any number of wireless communication protocols (e.g., BLE, Wi-Fi,

) To transmit. The control data may contain information clearly indicating more efficient characteristics of the power transfer wave; or the transmitter may automatically determine more efficient characteristics based on waveform characteristics (e.g., shape, frequency, amplitude) of the control signal. The emitter may thenTo automatically reconfigure the antenna to transmit the recalibrated power transmission signal in accordance with the newly determined more efficient characteristics. For example, the processor of the transmitter may adjust the gain and/or phase of the power transfer signal, among other features of the power transfer characteristics, to adjust for changes in the receiver position in the event that the user moves the receiver out of the three dimensional space in which the energy pockets are created.

C. System architecture for power transmission system

Fig. 3 illustrates an architecture 300 for wireless power transfer using pocket formation, according to an example embodiment. "pocket forming" may refer to generating two or more power transmitting waves 342 that converge at a location in three-dimensional space, resulting in a constructive interference pattern at that location. The transmitter 302 may transmit and/or broadcast a controlled power transfer wave 342 (e.g., microwave, radio wave, ultrasound) that may converge in three-dimensional space. These power transfer waves 342 can be controlled by phase adjustment and/or relative amplitude adjustment to form a constructive interference pattern (pocket formation) in the location of the desired pocket of energy. It will also be appreciated that the transmitter may use the same principles to produce destructive interference in locations, thereby producing transmission zeros-locations where the transmitted power transmission waves substantially cancel each other and the receiver cannot collect significant energy. In a typical use case, it is the purpose to aim the power transfer signal at the receiver location; and in other cases, it may be desirable to specifically avoid power transmission to a particular location; and in other cases it may be desirable to aim the power transfer signal at one location while specifically avoiding simultaneous transfer to a second location. The transmitter takes into account the use case when calibrating the antenna for power transmission.

The antenna elements 306 of the transmitter 302 may operate in a single array, a pair array, a square array, or any other suitable arrangement designed according to the desired application. Energy pockets may be formed at the constructive interference patterns where the power transmission waves 342 accumulate to form a three-dimensional energy field around which one or more corresponding transmission zeros may be generated in specific physical locations by the destructive interference patterns. A transmission zero at a particular physical location may refer to a spatial region or range where a pocket of energy cannot be formed due to the destructive interference pattern of the power transfer waves 342.

The receiver 320 may then utilize the power transfer waves 342 transmitted by the transmitter 302 to create a pocket of energy for charging or powering the electronic device 313, effectively providing wireless power transfer. An energy pocket may refer to a spatial region or range in which energy or power may accumulate in the form of a constructive interference pattern of the power transmission wave 342. In other cases, there may be multiple transmitters 302 and/or multiple receivers 320 for simultaneously powering various electronic equipment such as smartphones, tablets, music players, toys, and so forth. In other embodiments, adaptive pocket formation may be used to regulate power on an electronic device. Adaptive pocket formation may refer to dynamically adjusting pocket formation to regulate power on one or more target receivers.

The receiver 320 may communicate with the transmitter 302 by generating short signals via the antenna element 324 to indicate its position relative to the transmitter 302. In some embodiments, the receiver 320 may additionally use a network interface card (not shown) or similar computer networking component to communicate with other devices or components of the system 300 over the network 340, such as a cloud computing service that manages a set of multiple transmitters 302. Receiver 320 may include circuitry 308 for converting power transfer signal 342 captured by antenna element 324 into electrical energy that may be provided to electrical device 313 and/or battery 315 of the device. In some embodiments, the circuitry may provide electrical energy to a battery 335 of the receiver, which may store energy without the electrical device 313 being communicatively coupled to the receiver 320.

The communication component 324 may enable the receiver 320 to communicate with the transmitter 302 by transmitting a control signal 345 over a wireless protocol. The wireless protocol may be a proprietary protocol or use conventional protocols such as

Wireless protocols such as BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, ZigBee, and the like. The communication component 324 may then be used to communicate information such as an identifier of the electronic device 313, as well as battery level information, geographic location data, or other information that may be used by the transmitter 302 to determine when to send power to the receiver 320, and the location at which the power transfer wave 342 is communicated to generate the energy pocket. In other embodiments, adaptive pocket formation may be used to regulate power provided to electronic device 313. In such embodiments, the communication component 324 of the receiver may transmit voltage data indicative of the amount of power received at the receiver 320 and/or the amount of voltage provided to the electronic device 313b or the battery 315.

Once the transmitter 302 identifies and locates the receiver 320, a channel or path for the control signal 345 may be established through which the transmitter 302 may learn the gain and phase of the control signal 345 from the receiver 320. The antenna elements 306 of the transmitter 302 may begin to transmit or broadcast a controlled power transmission wave 342 (e.g., radio frequency waves, ultrasonic waves) that may be focused in three-dimensional space by using at least two antenna elements 306 to steer the power transmission wave 342 emanating from each antenna element 306. These power transfer waves 342 may be generated by using an external power source and a local oscillator chip using a suitable piezoelectric material. The power transfer wave 342 may be controlled by a transmitter circuit 301, which may include a dedicated chip for adjusting the phase and/or relative amplitude of the power transfer wave 342. The phase, gain, amplitude, and other waveform characteristics of the power transmission wave 342 may be used as inputs to the antenna element 306 to form constructive and destructive interference patterns (pocket formation). In some embodiments, the microcontroller 310 or other circuitry of the transmitter 302 may generate a power transfer signal that includes the power transfer wave 342 and may be split by the transmitter circuitry 301 into a plurality of outputs depending on the number of antenna elements 306 connected to the transmitter circuitry 301. For example, if four antenna elements 306a-306d are connected to one transmitter circuit 301a, the power transfer signal will be split into four different outputs, each output to an antenna element 306 to be transmitted as power transfer waves 342 originating from the respective antenna element 306.

Pocket formation may utilize interference to change the directivity of the antenna element 306, where constructive interference creates pockets of energy and destructive interference creates transmission nulls. The receiver 320 may then utilize the energy pockets generated by the pocket formation to charge or power the electronic device and thus effectively provide wireless power transfer.

Multiple pocket formation may be achieved by calculating the phase and gain from each antenna 306 to each receiver 320 of the transmitter 302.

D. Assembly of a system for forming energy pockets

Fig. 4 illustrates components of an exemplary system 400 for wireless power transfer using a pocket formation procedure. System 400 may include one or more transmitters 402, one or more receivers 420, and one or more client devices 446.

1. Emitter

The transmitter 402 may be any device capable of broadcasting a wireless power transfer signal, which may be an RF wave 442 for wireless power transfer, as described herein. The transmitter 402 may be responsible for performing tasks related to transmitting power transfer signals, which may include pocket forming, adaptive pocket forming, and multiple pocket forming. In some embodiments, the transmitter 402 may transmit wireless power transmission to the receiver 420 in the form of RF waves, which may include any radio signal having any frequency or wavelength. The transmitter 402 may include one or more antenna elements 406, one or more RFICs 408, one or more microcontrollers 410, one or more communication components 412, a power supply 414, and a housing that may distribute all requested components for the transmitter 402. The various components of the emitter 402 may include and/or may be fabricated using metamaterials, microprinting of circuitry, nanomaterials, and the like.

In the exemplary system 400, the transmitter 402 may transmit or otherwise broadcast controlled RF waves 442 that converge at a location in three-dimensional space to form an energy pocket 444. The RF waves may be controlled by phase adjustment and/or relative amplitude adjustment to form constructive or destructive interference patterns (i.e., bag formation). The energy pockets 444 may be fields formed at the constructive interference pattern and may be three-dimensional in shape; while transmission zeroes in a particular physical location can be generated at the destructive interference pattern. The receiver 420 may collect power from the energy pouch 444 generated by pouch formation to charge or power an electronic client device 446 (e.g., laptop, cell phone). In some embodiments, the system 400 may include multiple transmitters 402 and/or multiple receivers 420 for powering various electronic equipment. Non-limiting examples of client device 446 may include: smart phones, tablet computers, music players, toys, etc. In some embodiments, adaptive pocket formation may be used to regulate power on an electronic device.

2. Receiver with a plurality of receivers

The receiver 420 may include a housing that may include at least one antenna element 424, a rectifier 426, a power converter 428, and a communication component 430.

The housing of receiver 420 may be made of any material capable of facilitating transmission and/or reception of signals or waves, such as plastic or hard rubber. The housing may be external hardware, for example, that can be added to different electronic equipment in the form of a case, or may also be embedded in the electronic device.

3. Antenna element

The antenna elements 424 of the receiver 420 may include any type of antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals in the frequency band used by the transmitter 402A. Antenna element 424 may include vertical or horizontal polarization, right-hand or left-hand polarization, elliptical polarization, or other polarization, as well as any number of polarization combinations. It may be beneficial to use multiple polarizations in devices that may not have a preferred orientation during use or whose orientation may change over time, such as smart phones or portable gaming systems. For devices with well-defined intended orientations (e.g., two-handed video game controllers), there may be a preferred polarization of the antennas that may determine a ratio of the number of antennas of a given polarization. The types of antennas in the antenna elements 424 of the receiver 420 may include a patch antenna, which may have a height of from about 1/8 inches to about 6 inches and a width of from about 1/8 inches to about 6 inches. The patch antenna may preferably have a polarization that depends on connectivity, i.e. the polarization may vary depending on from which side the patch is fed. In some embodiments, the type of antenna may be any type of antenna, such as a patch antenna, capable of dynamically changing antenna polarization to optimize wireless power transfer.

4. Rectifier

The rectifier 426 of the receiver 420 may include diodes, resistors, inductors, and/or capacitors to rectify an Alternating Current (AC) voltage generated by the antenna element 424 to a Direct Current (DC) voltage. The rectifier 426 may be placed as close as technically possible to the antenna element a24B to minimize the loss of electrical energy harvested from the power transmission signal. After rectifying the AC voltage, the resulting DC voltage may be regulated using the power converter 428. The power converter 428 may be a DC-DC converter that may help provide a constant voltage output to an electronic device (or to a battery as in this example system 400), regardless of the input. Typical voltage outputs may be from about 5 volts to about 10 volts. In some embodiments, the power converter may include an electronic switch-mode DC-DC converter that may provide high efficiency. In such embodiments, the receiver 420 may include a capacitor (not shown) arranged to receive electrical energy prior to the power converter 428. The capacitor may ensure that sufficient current is provided to the electronic switching device (e.g. a switched mode DC-DC converter) so that the device may operate efficiently. When charging an electronic device, such as a phone or a laptop, an initial high current may be required which can exceed the minimum voltage required to activate the operation of the electronic switched mode DC-DC converter. In this case, a capacitor (not shown) may be added at the output of the receiver 420 to provide the additional energy needed. Thereafter, lower power may be provided. For example, while a cell phone or laptop is still charging, only 1/80 of the total initial power may be used.

5. Communication assembly

The communication component 430 of the receiver 420 may communicate with one or more other devices of the system 400, such as other receivers 420, client devices, and/or transmitters 402. As will be explained in the embodiments below, different antenna, rectifier or power converter arrangements are possible for the receiver. E. Method of pouch formation for multiple devices

In a first step 501, a Transmitter (TX) establishes a connection or is otherwise associated with a Receiver (RX). That is, in some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver may be configured to transmit information between the two processors of the electrical device by using a wireless communication protocol (e.g.,

BLE、Wi-Fi，NFC、

) To transmit control data. For example, in implementation

Or

In variant embodiments, the transmitter may scan for broadcast announcement signals of the receiver, or the receiver may transmit announcement signals to the transmitter. The announcement signal may inform the transmitter of the presence of the receiver and may trigger an association between the transmitter and the receiver. As will be described later, in some embodiments, the announcement signal may convey information that may be used by various devices (e.g., transmitters, client devices, server computers, other receivers) to execute and manage the bag formation procedure. The information contained within the announcement signal may include a device identifier (e.g., a device identifier)E.g., MAC address, IP address, UUID), voltage of received power, client device power consumption, and other types of data related to the power transmission wave. The transmitter may use the transmitted announcement signal to identify the receiver and, in some cases, locate the receiver in two-dimensional space or three-dimensional space. Once the transmitter identifies the receiver, the transmitter and receiver may establish an associated connection in the transmitter allowing the transmitter and receiver to transmit control signals on the second channel.

As an example, when comprising

The bluetooth processor may be based on when the receiver of the processor is powered on or placed within detection range of the transmitter

The standard starts to advertise the receiver. The transmitter may recognize the announcement and begin establishing a connection for transmitting the control signal and the power transfer signal. In some embodiments, the announcement signal may contain a unique identifier so that the transmitter can distinguish the announcement and eventually the receiver from all other nearby in range

The devices are separated.

In a next step 503, when the transmitter detects the announcement signal, the transmitter may automatically form a communication connection with the receiver, which may allow the transmitter and the receiver to transmit the control signal and the power transfer signal. The transmitter may then command the receiver to start transmitting real-time sampled data or control data. The transmitter may also begin transmitting power transmission signals from the antennas of the transmitter antenna array.

Then, in a next step 505, the receiver may measure the voltage based on the electrical energy received by the antenna of the receiver, among other metrics related to the validity of the power transfer signal. The receiver may generate control data containing the measured information and then transmit a control signal containing the control data to the transmitter. For example, the receiver may sample voltage measurements of the received power, for example, at a rate of 100 times per second. The receiver may send the voltage sample measurements back to the transmitter 100 times per second in the form of a control signal.

In a next step 507, the transmitter may execute one or more software modules that monitor metrics received from the receiver, such as voltage measurements. The algorithm may vary the generation and transmission of the power transfer signal by the transmitter's antenna to maximize the effectiveness of the energy pocket around the receiver. For example, the transmitter may adjust the phase at which the transmitter's antenna transmits the power transfer signal until the power received by the receiver indicates that a pocket of energy is effectively established around the receiver. When an optimal configuration of antennas is identified, the transmitter's memory may store the configuration to keep the transmitter broadcast at a maximum level. In a next step 509, in response to determining that such an adjustment is necessary, the algorithm of the transmitter may determine when the power transfer signal needs to be adjusted and may also change the configuration of the transmit antenna. For example, the transmitter may determine that the power received at the receiver is less than a maximum value based on data received from the receiver. The transmitter may then automatically adjust the phase of the power transfer signal, but may also continue to receive and monitor the voltage reported back from the receiver at the same time.

In a next step 511, after a determined period of time of communicating with a particular receiver, the transmitter may scan and/or automatically detect announcements from other receivers that may be within range of the transmitter. The transmitter may be responsive to signals from a second receiver

Advertises to establish a connection to a second receiver.

In a next step 513, after establishing the second communication connection with the second receiver, the transmitter may proceed to adjust one or more antennas in the transmitter antenna array. In some embodiments, the transmitter may identify a subset of antennas to serve a second receiver, resolving the array into a subset of the array associated with the receiver. In some embodiments, the entire antenna array may serve a first receiver for a given time period, and then the entire array may serve a second receiver for that time period.

Manual or automatic processing performed by the transmitter may select a subset of the array to serve the second receiver. In this example, the array of emitters may be divided into two parts, forming two subsets. Thus, half of the antennas may be configured to send power transfer signals to a first receiver and half of the antennas may be configured for a second receiver. In current step 513, the transmitter may apply similar techniques as described above to configure or optimize the subset of antennas of the second receiver. The transmitter and the second receiver may be transmitting control data when selecting the subset of the array for transmitting the power transfer signal. Thus, by the time the transmitter alternates back to communicating with the first receiver and/or scanning for a new receiver, the transmitter has received a sufficient amount of sampled data to adjust the phase of the wave transmitted by the second subset of the antenna array of the transmitter to effectively transmit the power transfer wave to the second receiver. In a next step 515, after adjusting the second subset to transmit the power transfer signal to the second receiver, the transmitter may alternate back to transmitting control data with the first receiver or scanning for additional receivers. The transmitter may reconfigure the first subset of antennas and then alternate between the first receiver and the second receiver at predetermined intervals.

In a next step 517, the transmitter may continue to alternate between receivers and scan for new receivers at predetermined intervals. When each new receiver is detected, the transmitter may establish a connection and start transmitting power transfer signals accordingly.

In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver may be electrically connected to a device such as a smartphone. The processor of the transmitter will scan for any bluetooth devices. The receiver may start to announce that it is a bluetooth device through the bluetooth chip. There may be a unique identifier inside the announcement so that when the transmitter scans the announcement, the transmitter can distinguish the announcement and eventually distinguish the receiver from all other bluetooth devices in the vicinity within range. When the transmitter detects the announcement and notices that it is a receiver, the transmitter can immediately form a communication connection with the receiver and command the receiver to start sending real-time sampled data.

The receiver will then measure the voltage at its receiving antenna, sending this voltage sample measurement back to the transmitter (e.g., 100 times per second). The transmitter may begin changing the configuration of the transmit antennas by adjusting the phase. The transmitter monitors the voltage sent back from the receiver as it adjusts the phase. In some embodiments, the higher the voltage, the more energy in the bag. The antenna phase can be changed until the voltage is at the highest level and there is a maximum pocket of energy around the receiver. The transmitter may hold the antenna at a particular phase so that the voltage is at a maximum level.

The transmitter may modify each individual antenna one at a time. For example, if there are 32 antennas in the transmitter and each antenna has 8 phases, then the transmitter may start with the first antenna and will step the first antenna through all 8 phases. The receiver may then send back a power level for each of the 8 phases of the first antenna. The transmitter may then store the highest phase for the first antenna. The transmitter may repeat this process for the second antenna and step the second antenna through 8 phases. The receiver may again send back a power level from each phase and the transmitter may store the highest level. Next, the transmitter may repeat this process for the third antenna and continue to repeat this process until all 32 antennas have stepped through 8 phases. At the end of the process, the transmitter may transmit the maximum voltage to the receiver in the most efficient manner.

In another exemplary embodiment, the transmitter may detect the announcement of the second receiver and form a communication connection with the second receiver. When the transmitter is in communication with the second receiver, the transmitter may aim the original 32 antennas at the second receiver and repeat the phase processing for each of the 32 antennas aimed at the second receiver. Once this is done, the second receiver can obtain as much power as possible from the transmitter. The transmitter may communicate with the second receiver for one second and then alternate back to the first receiver for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second), and the transmitter may continue to alternate back and forth between the first receiver and the second receiver at predetermined time intervals.

In yet another embodiment, the transmitter may detect the announcement of the second receiver and form a communication connection with the second receiver. First, the transmitter may communicate with the first receiver and reallocate half of the exemplary 32 antennas targeted at the first receiver, dedicating only 16 antennas to the first receiver. The transmitter may then assign the other half of the antennas to a second receiver, with 16 antennas dedicated to the second receiver. The transmitter may adjust the phase of the other half of the antenna. Once the 16 antennas have passed through each of the 8 phases, the second receiver can obtain the maximum voltage in the most efficient way for the receiver.

F. Wireless power transfer with selective range

1. Constructive interference

Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate an exemplary system 600 that implements a wireless power transfer principle that may be implemented during an exemplary pocket formation process. The transmitter 601 comprising a plurality of antennas in an antenna array may particularly adjust the phase and amplitude of the power transmission wave 607 transmitted from the antennas of the transmitter 601 among other possible properties. As shown in fig. 6A, without any phase or amplitude adjustment, the power transmission wave 607a that can be transmitted from each antenna will reach different positions and have different phases. These differences are typically due to different distances from each antenna element of transmitter 601a to receiver 605a or receivers 605a located at various locations.

With continued reference to fig. 6A, receiver 605a may receive a plurality of power transfer signals from a plurality of antenna elements of transmitter 601a, each power transfer signal comprising a power transfer wave 607 a; the composition of these power transmission signals may be substantially zero, since in this example the power transmission waves add together destructively. That is, the antenna elements of the transmitter 601a may transmit exactly the same power transmission signals (i.e., including power transmission waves 607a having the same characteristics (e.g., phase and amplitude)), and thus, when the power transmission waves 607a of the respective power transmission signals reach the receiver 605a, they are offset from each other by 180 degrees. Therefore, the power transmission waves 607a of these power transmission signals "cancel each other out". In general, signals canceling each other in this manner may be referred to as "canceling," resulting in "destructive interference.

In contrast, as shown in fig. 6B, for so-called "constructive interference", signals including the power transmission waves 607B that arrive at the receiver in complete "in phase" with each other are combined to increase the amplitude of each signal, resulting in a stronger composition than each constituent signal. In the illustrative example of fig. 6A, note that the phases of the power transfer waves 607a in the transmit signal are the same at the transmit location and then eventually add up destructively at the location of the receiver 605 a. In contrast, in fig. 6B, the phase of the power transmission wave 607B of the transmission signal is adjusted at the transmission position so that the power transmission waves reach the receiver 605B in a phase-aligned manner, and thus the power transmission waves are constructively superimposed. In this illustrative example, in fig. 6B, there will be a pocket of generated energy located around receiver 605B; whereas in fig. 6A there will be transmission zeroes located around the receiver.

Fig. 7 depicts wireless power transfer with a selective range 700, wherein a transmitter 702 may generate pocket formations for multiple receivers associated with an electronic device 701. The transmitter 702 may generate a pocket formation by wireless power transmission with a selective range 700, which selective range 700 may include one or more wireless charging radii 704 and one or more transmission null radii 706 at a particular physical location. Multiple electronic devices 701 may be charged or powered in the wireless charging radius 704. Thus, a plurality of energy points may be created, which may be employed to enable limiting the power supply and charging of the electronic device 701. By way of example, such limitations may include: a particular electronic device is operated in a particular or limited point contained within the wireless charging radius 704. Furthermore, by using wireless power transmission with selective range 700, safety restrictions may be achieved that may avoid energy pockets over areas or zones where energy needs to be avoided, which may include areas that include equipment that is sensitive to energy pockets and/or persons who do not wish to have energy pockets over and/or near themselves. In embodiments such as that shown in fig. 7, the transmitter 702 may include antenna elements found on a different plane than the receivers associated with the electronic devices 701 in the serviced area. For example, the receiver of the electronic device 701 may be in a room where the transmitter 702 may be mounted on a ceiling. By placing the antenna array of the transmitter 702 on a ceiling or other elevated location, the selective range for using the power transfer wave to establish the energy pockets may be represented as concentric circles, and the transmitter 702 may transmit the power transfer wave that will generate a "cone" energy pocket. In some embodiments, the transmitter 701 may control the radius of each charging radius 704, thereby establishing the spacing of the service areas to establish energy pockets pointing down the area of the lower plane, the width of the cone may be adjusted by appropriate selection of antenna phase and amplitude.

Fig. 8 depicts wireless power transfer with selective range 800, where transmitter 802 may create a pocket formation for multiple receivers 806. The transmitter 802 may generate a pocket formation through wireless power transmission with a selective range 800, the selective range 800 may include one or more wireless charging points 804. Multiple electronic devices may be charged or powered in the wireless charging spot 804. Pockets of energy may be generated on multiple receivers 806 regardless of the obstructions 804 surrounding the receivers. The energy pocket may be generated by establishing constructive interference in the wireless charging spot 804 according to principles described herein. The positioning of the energy pouch may be performed by tracking the receiver 806 and by enabling a plurality of communication protocols used by various communication systems, such as, inter alia: bluetooth technology, infrared communication, Wi-Fi, FM radio, etc.

G. Exemplary System embodiment Using heatmaps

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate diagrams of

architectures

900A, 900B for wireless charging client computing platforms, according to example embodiments. In some embodiments, a user may be in a room and may hold an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) on his hand. In some embodiments, the electronic device may be on furniture within a room. The electronic device may include

receivers

920A, 920B embedded in the electronic device or as separate adapters connected to the electronic device. The

receivers

920A, 920B may include all of the components described in fig. 11. The

transmitters

902A, 902B may be hung on one of the walls of the room behind the user's right. The

transmitters

902A, 902B may also include all of the components described in fig. 11.

When the user appears to obstruct the path between the

receivers

920A, 920B and the

transmitters

902A, 902B, RF waves may not be easily aimed in a straight direction at the

receivers

920A, 920B. However, since the short signals generated from

receivers

920A, 920B may be omnidirectional for the type of antenna element used, these signals may bounce on

walls

944A, 944B until they reach

transmitters

902A, 902B. The

hot spots

944A, 944B may be any item in the room that will reflect RF waves. For example, a large metal clock on a wall may be used to reflect the RF waves to the user's handset.

A microcontroller in the transmitter adjusts the transmitted signal from each antenna based on the signal received from the receiver. The adjusting may comprise forming a conjugate of the phase of the signal received from the receiver and further adjusting the transmit antenna phase in view of the built-in phase of the antenna element. The antenna elements may be simultaneously controlled to direct energy in a given direction. The

transmitters

902A, 902B may scan the room and look for

hot spots

944A, 944B. Once calibration is performed, the

transmitters

902A, 902B may focus the RF waves in the channel following a path that may be the most efficient path. Subsequently, the RF signals 942A, 942B may form an energy pocket on the first electronic device and another energy pocket in the second electronic device while avoiding obstacles such as users and furniture.

The rooms,

transmitters

902A, 902B in fig. 9A and 9B may take different approaches when scanning the service area. As an illustrative example, but not limiting of the possible methods that may be used, the

transmitters

902A, 902B may detect the phase and magnitude of the signal from the receiver and use the phase and magnitude to form a set of transmit phases and magnitudes, for example by calculating the conjugate of the phase and magnitude and applying the phase and magnitude at the time of transmission. As another illustrative example, the transmitter may apply all possible phases of the transmit antennas one at a time in subsequent transmissions and detect the strength of the energy pocket formed by each combination by observing information related to the signals from the

receivers

920A, 920B. The calibration is then repeated periodically by the

transmitters

902A, 902B. In some implementations, the

transmitters

902A, 902B do not have to search through all possible phases, but may search through a set of phases that are more likely to result in a strong energy pocket based on existing calibration values. In still another illustrative example, the

transmitters

902A, 902B may use preset values of the transmit phase of the antenna to form energy pockets directed to different locations in the room. For example, the transmitter may scan the physical space in the room from top to bottom and from left to right in subsequent transmissions by using preset phase values for the antennas. The

transmitters

902A, 902B then detect the phase value that results in the strongest energy pocket around the receivers 920a, 920B by observing the signals from the receivers 920a, 920B. It should be understood that there are other possible methods for scanning a service area for thermal mapping that may be employed without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments described herein. The result of the scan (whichever method is used) is a heat map of the service area (e.g., room, store) from which the

transmitters

902A, 902B can identify hot spots that indicate the best phase and magnitude for the transmit antennas in order to maximize the energy pockets around the receivers.

The

transmitters

902A, 902B may use bluetooth connections to determine the location of the

receivers

920A, 920B and may use different non-overlapping portions of the RF band to direct RF waves to

different receivers

920A, 920B. In some embodiments, the

transmitters

902A, 902B may scan the room by means of non-overlapping RF transmission bands to determine the position of the

receivers

920A, 920B and form energy pockets that are orthogonal to each other. Using multiple energy pockets to direct energy to a receiver may be inherently safer than some alternative power transfer methods because no single transmission is very strong while the aggregate power transfer signal received at the receiver is strong.

H. Exemplary System embodiments

Fig. 10A illustrates wireless power transfer using multiple pockets 1000A, which may include one transmitter 1002A and at least two or more receivers 1020A. The receiver 1020A may communicate with a transmitter 1002A further described in fig. 11. Once the transmitter 1002A identifies and locates the receiver 1020A, a channel or path may be established by knowing the gain and phase from the receiver 1020A. The transmitter 1002A can begin transmitting controlled RF waves 1042A that can converge in three-dimensional space by using a minimum of two antenna elements. These RF waves 1042A can be generated using an external power supply and a local oscillator chip using suitable piezoelectric materials. The RF waves 1042A may be controlled by an RFIC, which may include a dedicated chip for adjusting the phase and/or relative amplitude of RF signals that may be used as inputs to the antenna elements to form constructive and destructive interference patterns (bag formation). Pocket formation may utilize interference to change the directivity of an antenna element, with constructive interference generating energy pockets 1060A and destructive interference generating transmission nulls. The receiver 1020A may then utilize the energy pocket 1060A generated by the pocket formation to charge or power the electronic devices (e.g., the laptop 1062A and the smartphone 1052A) and thus effectively provide wireless power transfer.

The multiple pocket formation 1000A may be achieved by calculating the phase and gain from each antenna of the transmitter 1002A to each receiver 1020A. This calculation may be operated on independently, as multiple paths may be generated from the antenna element from transmitter 1002A to the antenna element from receiver 1020A.

I. Exemplary System embodiments

Fig. 10B is an exemplary illustration of a plurality of adaptive pocket formations 1000B. In this embodiment, the user may be in a room and may hold an electronic device on his hand, in which case the electronic device may be a tablet 1064B. Further, the smart phone 1052B may be on furniture within a room. The tablet 1064B and the smart phone 1052B may each include a receiver embedded in each electronic device or as separate adapters connected to the tablet 1064B and the smart phone 1052B. The receiver may include all of the components described in fig. 11. The transmitter 1002B may be hung on one of the walls of the room behind the user's right. The transmitter 1002B may also include all of the components described in fig. 11. When the user appears to obstruct the path between the receivers and the transmitter 1002B, the RF waves 1042B may not be easily aimed in a straight line at each receiver. However, since the short signals generated from the receiver may be omnidirectional for the type of antenna element used, these signals may bounce on the wall until they find transmitter 1002B. Almost immediately, the microcontroller, which may reside in the transmitter 1002B, may recalibrate the transmit signal based on the receive signal sent by each receiver by adjusting the gain and phase and forming a convergence of the power transmission waves such that the power transmission waves add together and reinforce the energy concentrated at the location-as opposed to subtracting the power transmission waves from each other and reducing the energy concentrated at the location, which is referred to as "destructive interference," and then forming a conjugate of the signal phase received from the receiver and further adjusting the transmit antenna phase in view of the built-in phases of the antenna elements. Once calibration is performed, the transmitter 1002B may follow the most efficient path to focus the RF waves. Subsequently, an energy pocket 1060B may be formed on the tablet 1064B and another energy pocket 1060B formed in the smart phone 1052B, while accounting for obstacles such as users and furniture. The above characteristics may be beneficial because wireless power transmission using multiple pockets to form 1000B may be inherently safe because the transmission along each energy pocket is not very strong and RF transmissions are generally reflected from living tissue and do not penetrate.

Once the transmitter 1002B identifies and locates the receiver, a channel or path may be established by knowing the gain and phase from the receiver. The transmitter 1002B can begin transmitting controlled RF waves 1042B that can converge in three-dimensional space by using a minimum of two antenna elements. These RF waves 1042B can be generated using an external power supply and a local oscillator chip using suitable piezoelectric materials. The RF waves 1042B may be controlled by an RFIC, which may include a dedicated chip for adjusting the phase and/or relative amplitude of RF signals that may be used as inputs to the antenna elements to form constructive and destructive interference patterns (bag formation). Pocket formation may utilize interference to change the directivity of an antenna element, where constructive interference generates pockets of energy and destructive interference generates transmission nulls in a particular physical location. The receiver may then utilize the energy pockets generated by pocket formation to charge or power electronic devices (e.g., laptops and smart phones) and thus effectively provide wireless power transfer.

The multiple pocket formation 1000B may be achieved by calculating the phase and gain from each antenna of the transmitter to each receiver. This calculation can be operated on independently, since multiple paths can be generated from antenna elements from the transmitter to antenna elements from the receiver.

An example of calculating for at least two antenna elements may include determining a phase of a signal from a receiver and applying a conjugate of a receive parameter to the antenna elements for transmission.

In some embodiments, two or more receivers may operate at different frequencies to avoid power loss during wireless power transfer. This may be accomplished by including an array of multiple embedded antenna elements in the transmitter 1002B. In one embodiment, a single frequency may be transmitted by each antenna in the array. In other embodiments, some of the antennas in the array may be used to transmit at different frequencies. For example, the 1/2 antennas in the array may operate at 2.4GHz, while the other 1/2 antennas may operate at 5.8 GHz. In another example, the 1/3 antennas in the array may operate at 900MHz, another 1/3 antennas may operate at 2.4GHz, and the remaining antennas in the array may operate at 5.8 GHz.

In another embodiment, during wireless power transmission, each array of antenna elements may be virtually divided into one or more antenna elements, where each group of antenna elements in the array may transmit at a different frequency. For example, an antenna element of a transmitter may transmit a power transmission signal at 2.4GHz, while a corresponding antenna element of a receiver may be configured to receive the power transmission signal at 5.8 GHz. In this example, the processor of the transmitter may adjust the antenna elements of the transmitter to virtually or logically divide the antenna elements in the array into multiple patches that may be independently fed. Thus, 1/4 of the antenna element array may be able to transmit the 5.8GHz required by the receiver, while another set of antenna elements may transmit at 2.4 GHz. Thus, by virtually partitioning the array of antenna elements, an electronic device coupled to the receiver may continue to receive wireless power transmissions. The foregoing features may be beneficial because, for example, one set of antenna elements may transmit at approximately 2.4GHz while other antenna elements may transmit at 5.8GHz, and thus multiple antenna elements in a given array are adjusted when operating with receivers operating at different frequencies. In this example, the array is divided into sets of equal numbers of antenna elements (e.g., four antenna elements), but the array may be divided into sets of different numbers of antenna elements. In an alternative embodiment, each antenna element may alternate between selection frequencies.

The efficiency of wireless power transfer and the amount of power that can be delivered (using pocket formation) may be a function of the total number of antenna elements 1006 used in a given receiver and transmitter system. For example, to deliver about one watt at about 15 feet, the receiver may include about 80 antenna elements and the transmitter may include about 256 antenna elements. Another identical wireless power transfer system (about 1 watt at about 15 feet) may include a receiver having about 40 antenna elements and a transmitter having about 512 antenna elements. Reducing the number of antenna elements in the receiver by half may require doubling the number of antenna elements in the transmitter. In some embodiments, it may be beneficial to place a greater number of antenna elements in the transmitter than in the receiver for cost reasons, since the number of transmitters will be much less than the number of receivers in a system-wide deployment. However, the opposite arrangement may be achieved by placing more antenna elements on the receiver than on the transmitter, for example, as long as there are at least two antenna elements in the transmitter 1002B.

System and method for transmitter-wireless power transfer

The transmitter may be responsible for pocket formation, adaptive pocket formation, and multiple pocket formation using the following components. The transmitter may transmit the wireless power transfer signal to the receiver in the form of any physical medium that can be propagated through space and converted into usable electrical energy; examples may include RF waves, infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic fields, and ultrasonic waves. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the power transfer signal may be any radio signal having any frequency or wavelength. The transmitter is described with reference to RF transmission by way of example only and not to limit the scope to only RF transmission.

The emitters may be located in a variety of locations, surfaces, mounts, or embedded structures, such as desks, tables, floors, walls, and the like. In some cases, the transmitter may be located in a client computing platform, which may be any computing device that includes a processor and software modules capable of performing the processes and tasks described herein. Non-limiting examples of client computing platforms may include desktop computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, tablet computing platforms, netbooks, smart phones, game consoles, and/or other computing platforms. In other embodiments, the client computing platform may be a variety of electronic computing devices. In such embodiments, each client computing platform may have a different operating system and/or physical components. The client computing platforms may be executing the same operating system and/or the client computing platforms may be executing different operating systems. The client computing platform and/or device may be capable of executing multiple operating systems. Further, the cartridge transmitter may comprise various arrangements of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layers that may be oriented along the X, Y, or Z axes, or any combination of these axes.

It should be understood that wireless charging techniques are not limited to RF wave transmission techniques, but may include alternative or additional techniques for transmitting energy to a receiver that converts the transmitted energy into power. Non-limiting example transmission techniques for energy that may be converted to power by a receiving device may include: ultrasonic, microwave, resonant and induced magnetic fields, laser, infrared or other forms of electromagnetic energy. In the case of ultrasound, for example, one or more transducer elements may be provided so as to form a transducer array that transmits ultrasound waves to a receiving apparatus that receives ultrasound waves and converts them into electric power. In the case of resonant or induced magnetic fields, a magnetic field is generated in the transmitter coil and converted into electrical power by the receiver coil.

A. Assembly of transmitter devices

Fig. 11 shows a diagram of a system 1100 architecture for a wireless charging client device, according to an example embodiment. The system 1100 may include a transmitter 1101 and a receiver 1120, which may each include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The transmitter 1101ASIC may include one or more Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) 1104, one or more antenna elements 1106, one or more Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs) 1108, one or more Microcontrollers (MC)1110, a communications component 1112, a power supply 1114. The transmitter 1101 may be enclosed in a housing that may distribute all of the requested components for the transmitter 1101. The components in the transmitter 1101 may be fabricated using metamaterials, microprinting of circuitry, nanomaterials, and/or any other material. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the entire transmitter or the entire receiver may be implemented on a single circuit board, as well as one or more functional blocks implemented in separate circuit boards.

1. Printed circuit board

In some embodiments, the transmitter 1101 may include multiple PCB 1104 layers that may include antenna elements 1106 and/or RFICs 1108 to provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to a targeted receiver. PCB 1104 may use conductive traces, pads, and/or other features etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate to mechanically support and electrically connect the electronic components described herein. The PCB may be single sided (one copper layer), double sided (two copper layers) and/or multi-layered. Multiple PCB 1104 layers may increase the range and amount of power that may be transmitted by transmitter 1101. The PCB 1104 layer may be connected to a single MC 1110 and/or to a dedicated MC 1110. Similarly, as shown in the previous embodiments, the RFIC1108 may be connected to an antenna element 1106.

In some embodiments, the antenna element 1108 may be included within a cartridge transmitter that includes multiple PCB 1104 layers to provide greater control over pocket formation, and a cartridge transmitter that includes multiple PCB 1104 layers may increase response to a target receiver. Further, the range of wireless power transmission may be increased by a box transmitter. Due to the higher density of the antenna elements 1106, the multiple PCB 1104 layers may increase the range and amount of power waves (e.g., RF power waves, ultrasonic waves) that may be wirelessly transmitted and/or broadcast by the transmitter 1101. The PCB 1104 layer may be connected to a single microcontroller 1110 and/or a dedicated microcontroller 1110 for each antenna element 1106. Similarly, as shown in the previous embodiments, the RFIC1108 may control the antenna element 1101. Further, the box shape of the transmitter 1101 can increase the action ratio of wireless power transmission.

2. Antenna element

The antenna elements 1106 may be directional and/or omnidirectional and include planar antenna elements, patch antenna elements, dipole antenna elements, and any other suitable antenna for wireless power transmission. Suitable antenna types may include, for example, a patch antenna having a height of from about 1/8 inches to about 6 inches and a width of from about 1/8 inches to about 6 inches. The shape and orientation of the antenna element 1106 may vary depending on the desired characteristics of the transmitter 1101; the orientation may be flat along the X, Y and Z axes, as well as various types and combinations of orientations in a three-dimensional arrangement. The antenna element 1106 material may include any suitable material that may enable RF signal transmission with high efficiency, good heat dissipation, and the like. The number of antenna elements 1106 may vary with respect to the desired range and power transmission capabilities on the transmitter 1101; the more antenna elements 1106, the wider the range and the higher the power transfer capability.

Antenna element 1106 may include suitable antenna types for operating in frequency bands such as 900MHz, 2.5GHz, or 5.8GHz, as these frequency bands comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) part 18 (industrial, scientific, and medical equipment) regulations. The antenna elements 1106 may operate at independent frequencies, allowing multi-channel operation of the pocket formation.

Further, antenna element 1106 may have at least one polarization or a selection of polarizations. Such polarization may include vertical polarization, horizontal polarization, circular polarization, left-hand polarization, right-hand polarization, or a combination of polarizations. The choice of polarization may vary depending on the characteristics of the transmitter 1101. Further, antenna elements 1106 may be located in various surfaces of transmitter 1101. The antenna elements 1106 may operate in a single array, a pair array, a square array, or any other suitable arrangement that may be designed according to a desired application.

In some embodiments, the entire side of the printed circuit board PCB 1104 may be tightly packed with the antenna element 1106. The RFIC1108 may be connected to a plurality of antenna elements 1106. Multiple antenna elements 1106 may surround a single RFIC 1108.

3. Radio frequency integrated circuit

RFIC1108 may receive RF signals from MC 1110 and split the RF signals into multiple outputs, each output linked to an antenna element 1106. For example, RFIC1108 may be connected to four antenna elements 1106. In some embodiments, each RFIC1108 may be connected to eight, sixteen, and/or more antenna elements 1106.

RFIC 1104 may include a plurality of RF circuits that may include digital and/or analog components such as amplifiers, capacitors, oscillators, piezoelectric crystals, and the like. The RFIC 1104 may control characteristics of the antenna element 1106, such as gain and/or phase for pocket formation, and manage pocket formation by direction, power level, etc. The phase and amplitude of the pocket formation in each antenna element 1106 may be adjusted by the corresponding RFIC1108 in order to generate the desired pocket formation and transmit null steering. Further, the RFIC1108 may be connected to an MC 1110, which MC 1110 may utilize a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), ARM, PIC level microprocessor, central processing unit, computer, or the like. The presence of a lower number of RFICs 1108 in the transmitter 1101 may correspond to desirable features such as lower control of multiple pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and cheaper embodiments. In some embodiments, RFIC1108 may be coupled to one or more MCs 1110, and MCs 1110 may be included in a stand-alone base station or in transmitter 1101.

In some embodiments of the transmitter 1101, the phase and amplitude of each pocket formation in each antenna element 1106 may be adjusted by the corresponding RFIC1108 in order to generate the desired pocket formation and transmit null steering. A single RFIC1108 coupled to each antenna element 1106 may reduce processing requirements and may increase control over pocket formation, allow multiple pocket formation with less loading on the MC 1110 and higher granularity pocket formation, and may allow higher response for a higher number of multiple pocket formations. Furthermore, the multiple pockets form a larger number of receptacles that can be charged and may allow for better tracking to such receptacles.

The RFIC1108 and the antenna element 1106 may operate in any suitable arrangement that may be designed according to a desired application. For example, the transmitter 1101 may include an antenna element 1106 and an RFIC1108 in a planar arrangement. Subsets of 4, 8, 16, and/or any number of antenna elements 1106 may be connected to a single RFIC 1108. RFIC1108 may be embedded directly behind each antenna element 1106; such integration may reduce losses due to shorter distances between components. In some embodiments, a row or column of antenna elements 1106 may be connected to a single MC 1110. RFIC1108 connected to each row or column may allow for a less expensive transmitter 1101 that may produce a pocket formation by varying the phase and gain between the rows or columns. In some embodiments, the RFIC1108 may output between 2-8 volts for the receiver 1120 to obtain.

In some embodiments, a cascade arrangement of RFICs 1108 may be implemented. Planar transmitters 1101 using a cascade arrangement of RFICs 1108 may provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase the response to the target receiver 1106 and may achieve greater reliability and accuracy due to the multiple redundancies of the RFICs 1108.

4. Micro-controller

The MC 1110 may include a processor running an ARM and/or DSP. ARM is a family of general-purpose microprocessors based on Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC). A DSP is a general purpose signal processing chip that can provide mathematical operations of an information signal to modify or improve the information signal in some way, and can be characterized as: discrete time, discrete frequency and/or other discrete domain signals are represented by a sequence of numbers or symbols and processing of these signals. The DSP may measure, filter and/or compress the continuous real-world analog signal. The first step may be to convert the signal from analog to digital form by sampling and then digitizing it using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that converts the analog signal into a series of discrete digital values. The MC 1110 may also run Linux and/or any other operating system. The MC 1110 may also connect to Wi-Fi to provide information through the network 1140.

The MC 1110 may control various features of the RFIC1108, such as the time of pocket formation launch, direction of pocket formation, bounce angle, power strength, and the like. Further, the MC 1110 may control multiple bag formation on multiple receptacles or on a single receptacle. The transmitter 1101 may allow distance discrimination for wireless power transfer. In addition, the MC 1110 may manage and control communication protocols and signals by controlling the communication component 1112. The MC 1110 may process information received by the communication component 1112, and the communication component 1112 may send and receive signals to and from the receiver to track the receiver and concentrate the radio frequency signal 1142 (i.e., energy pocket) on the receiver. Other information may be transmitted from receiver 1120 and to receiver 1120; such information may include, among other things, authentication protocols over network 1140.

MC 1110 may be implemented via a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) and/or an inter-integrated circuit ((I)²C) Protocols to communicate with the communication component 1112. SPI communication can be used for short range, single master station communication in, for example, embedded systems, sensors, and SD cards. The devices communicate in a master/slave mode where the master initiates data frames. Allowing multiple slave devices to have separate slave select lines. I is²C is a multi-master, multi-slave, single-ended, serial computer bus for attaching low speed peripherals to computer motherboards and embedded systems.

5. Communication assembly

The communications component 1112 may include and incorporate Bluetooth technology, infrared communications, Wi-Fi, FM radio, among others. The MC 1110 may determine the optimal time and location for pocket formation, including the most efficient trajectory of transfer pocket formation, in order to reduce losses due to obstructions. Such trajectories may include direct pocket formation, bounce, and pocket formation distance discrimination. In some embodiments, communications component 1112 may communicate with multiple devices, which may include a receiver 1120, client device, or other transmitter 1101.

6. Power supply

The transmitter 1101 may be fed by a power source 1114, which power source 1114 may comprise an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The voltage, power, and amperage provided by the power source 1114 can be varied according to the desired power to be delivered. The conversion of power to radio signals may be managed by the MC 1110 and performed by the RFIC1108, which RFIC1108 may utilize a variety of methods and components to generate radio signals of various frequencies, wavelengths, intensities, and other characteristics. As an exemplary use of various methods and components for radio signal generation, oscillators and piezoelectric crystals may be used to create and change radio frequencies in different antenna elements 1106. In addition, various filters may be used to smooth the signal and amplifiers may be used to increase the power to be transmitted.

The transmitter 1101 may transmit RF power waves formed into a bag having power capabilities from a few watts to a predetermined number of watts required for a particular chargeable electronic device. Each antenna may manage a certain power capacity. This power capacity may be application dependent.

7. Outer casing

In addition to the enclosure, the standalone base station may include an MC 1110 and a power source 1114, and thus, multiple transmitters 1101 may be managed by a single base station and a single MC 1110. This capability may allow the transmitter 1101 to be located in various strategic locations, such as ceilings, decorations, walls, and the like. The antenna element 1106, RFIC1108, MC 1110, communication component 1112, and power source 1114 may be connected in a variety of arrangements and combinations that may depend on the desired characteristics of the transmitter 1101.

B. Exemplary method of transferring Power

Fig. 12 is a method 1200 for determining receiver position using antenna elements. The method 1200 for determining receiver position may be a set of programming rules or logic managed by the MC. The process may begin at step 1201 by acquiring a first signal with a first subset of antennas from an antenna array. The process may immediately switch to a different subset of antenna elements and capture a second signal with a second subset of antennas at a next step 1203. For example, a first signal may be acquired with a row of antennas, and a second acquisition may be accomplished with a column of antennas. A row of antennas may provide a lateral directional orientation, such as an azimuth, in a spherical coordinate system. A column of antennas may provide longitudinal directional orientation such as elevation. The antenna elements used to capture the first signal and to capture the second signal may be aligned in a straight, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal orientation. The first and second subsets of antennas may be aligned in a cross-shaped configuration to cover an angle around the transmitter.

Once both vertical and horizontal values have been measured, the MC may determine appropriate values for the phase and gain of the vertical and horizontal antenna elements used to acquire the signal in a next step 1205. The appropriate values of phase and gain can be determined by the receiver to antenna position relationship. These values can be used by the MC to adjust the antenna element to form an energy pocket that can be used by the receiver to charge the electronic device.

Data regarding initial values of all antenna elements in the transmitter may be pre-computed and stored for use by the MC to assist in computing the appropriate values of the antenna elements. In a next step 1207, after the appropriate values for the vertical and horizontal antennas used to acquire the signal have been determined, the process may continue by using the stored data to determine the appropriate values for all antennas in the array. The stored data may contain initial test values of phase and gain at different frequencies for all antenna elements in the array. Different data sets may be stored for different frequencies and the MC may select the appropriate data set accordingly. Then, in a next step 1209, the MC may adjust all antennas by RFIC to form energy pockets in the proper locations.

C. Array subset configuration

Fig. 13A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an array subset configuration 1300A that may be used in a method of determining receiver position. The transmitter may include an antenna array 1306A. A row of antennas 1368A may first be used to capture the signal transmitted by the receiver. The row of antennas 1368A may then transmit the signals to the RFIC where they may be converted from radio signals to digital signals and passed to the MC for processing. The MC may then determine the appropriate adjustments to the phase and gain in the row of antennas 1368A to form energy pockets in the appropriate locations based on the receiver position. The second signal may be captured by a column of antennas 1370A. The column antenna 1370A may then transmit the signal to the RFIC where it may be converted from a radio signal to a digital signal and passed to the MC for processing. The MC may then determine the appropriate adjustments to the phase and gain in the column of antennas 1370A to form an energy pocket in the appropriate location based on the receiver position. Once the appropriate adjustments are determined for the row of antennas 1368A and the column of antennas 1370A, the MC may determine the appropriate values for the remaining antenna elements 1306A in the array of antennas 1368A by using pre-stored data about the antennas and adjusting accordingly based on the results of the row of antennas 1368A and the column of antennas 1370A.

D. Transmitter, transmitter assembly, antenna slice and configuration of transmitter related system

1. Exemplary System

Fig. 13B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an array subset configuration 1300B. In the array subset configuration 1300B, two initial signals are captured by two diagonal subsets of antennas. The process follows the same path so that each subset is adjusted accordingly. Based on the adjustments made and the pre-stored data, the remaining antenna elements 1306B in the antenna array are adjusted.

2. Plane emitter

Fig. 14 depicts several embodiments of a planar emitter 1402 in a front view and a back view. The transmitter 1402 may include the antenna element 1406 and the RFIC1408 in a planar arrangement. RFIC1408 may be embedded directly behind each antenna element 1406; such integration may reduce losses due to shorter distances between components.

In one embodiment of the transmitter 1402 (i.e., view 1), the phase and amplitude of the pocket formation of each antenna element 1406 may be adjusted by a corresponding RFIC1408 to generate the desired pocket formation and transmit null steering. A single RFIC1408 coupled to each antenna element 1406 may reduce processing requirements and may increase control over pocket formation, allowing multiple pocket formations with less loading on the MC1410 and higher granularity pocket formation, and thus may allow for higher response for higher numbers of multiple pocket formations. Furthermore, the multiple pockets form a larger number of receptacles that can be charged and may allow for better tracking to such receptacles. As described in the embodiment of fig. 11, RFIC1108 may be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 may be included in a separate base station or in transmitter 1402.

In another embodiment (i.e., view 2), a subset of 4 antenna elements 1406 may be connected to a single RFIC 1408. The presence of a lower number of RFICs 1408 in the transmitter 1402 may correspond to desirable features such as lower control of multiple pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and cheaper embodiments. As described in the embodiment of fig. 11, RFIC1408 may be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 may be included in a separate base station or in transmitter 1402.

In yet another embodiment (i.e., view 3), the transmitter 1402 may include the antenna elements 1406 and the RFIC1408 in a planar arrangement. A row or column of antenna elements 1406 may be connected to a single MC 1410. The presence of a lower number of RFICs 1408 in the transmitter 1402 may correspond to desirable features such as lower control of multiple pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and cheaper embodiments. RFIC1408 connected to each row or column may allow for cheaper transmitters 1402 that may produce pocket formations by varying the phase and gain between rows or columns. As described in the embodiment of fig. 11, RFIC1108 may be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 may be included in a separate base station or in transmitter 1402.

In some embodiments (i.e., view 4), the transmitter 1402 may include the antenna element 1406 and the RFIC1408 in a planar arrangement. A cascade arrangement is depicted in this exemplary embodiment. Two antenna elements 1406 may be connected to a single RFIC1408, and then the single RFIC1408 may be connected to the single RFIC1408 in turn, and the single RFIC1408 may be connected to the final RFIC1408 and then to one or more MCs 1410 in turn. Planar transmitters 1402 using a cascaded arrangement of RFICs 1408 may provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to targeted receivers. Further, due to the multiple redundancies of RFIC1408, greater reliability and accuracy may be achieved. As described in the embodiment of fig. 11, RFIC1108 may be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 may be included in a separate base station or in transmitter 1402.

3. Multiple printed circuit board layers

Fig. 15A depicts a transmitter 1502A that may include multiple PCB layers 1204A that may include antenna elements 1506A to provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to targeted receivers. The multiple PCB layers 1504A may increase the range and amount of power that may be transmitted by the transmitter 1502A. PCB layer 1504A may be connected to a single MC or to a dedicated MC. Similarly, as shown in the previous embodiments, RFIC may be connected to antenna element 1506A. The RFIC may be coupled to one or more MCs. Further, the MC may be included in a separate base station or in the transmitter 1502A.

4. Box type emitter

Fig. 15B depicts a box transmitter 1502B that may include multiple PCB layers 1504B within its interior that may include antenna elements 1506B to provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to targeted receivers. Further, the range of wireless power transmission can be increased by the cassette transmitter 1502B. Due to the higher density of the antenna elements 1506B, the multiple PCB layers 1504B may increase the range and amount of RF power waves that may be wirelessly transmitted or broadcast by the transmitter 1502B. The PCB layer 1504B may be connected to a single MC or a dedicated MC for each antenna element 1506B. Similarly, as shown in the previous embodiments, RFIC may control antenna element 1506B. In addition, the box shape of the transmitter 800 may increase the action ratio of wireless power transmission; thus, cassette emitters 1502B may be located on multiple surfaces such as desks, tables, floors, and the like. Further, the cartridge transmitter 1502B may include various arrangements of PCB layers 1504B that may be oriented along the X, Y, and Z axes, or any combination thereof. The RFIC may be coupled to one or more MCs. Further, MC may be included in a separate base station or in transmitter 1502B.

5. Irregular array of various types of products

Fig. 16 depicts a diagram of an architecture 1600 for incorporating a transmitter 1602 into a different device. For example, the planar emitter 1602 may be applied to the frame of a television 1646 or the frame of a bar stereo (sound bar) 1648. The transmitter 1602 may include a plurality of tiles 1650 having antenna elements and RFICs in a planar arrangement. RFICs may be embedded directly behind each antenna element; such integration may reduce losses due to shorter distances between components.

The patch 1650 may be coupled to any surface of any object. Such coupling may be via any means, such as fastening, mating, interlocking, adhering, welding, or otherwise. Such surfaces may be smooth or rough. Such a surface may be any shape of surface. Such an object may be a stationary object, such as a building part or an appliance, or a movable object, whether self-propelled (e.g. a vehicle) or via another object (e.g. a hand-held). Shards 1650 can be used modularly. For example, the tiles 1650 may be arranged to form any 2d or3d shape (whether open or closed, symmetrical or asymmetrical). In some embodiments, the tiles 1650 may be arranged in a graphical shape, or an equipment/structural shape such as a tower. The patches 1650 may be configured to be coupled to one another, e.g., by interlocking, fitting, fastening, adhering, welding, etc. The shards 1650 may be configured to operate independently of one another or in dependence on one another (whether synchronously or asynchronously). The tiles 1650 may be configured to be fed in series or in parallel (whether individually or as a group). Tiles 1650 can be configured to be output from at least one side (e.g., top, side, or bottom). The patch 1650 may be rigid, flexible or elastic. In some embodiments, at least one other component (whether digital, analog, mechanical, electrical, or non-electrical) may be located between at least two of the tiles 1650. In some embodiments, at least one of the partitions 1650 may be run via a hardware processor coupled to memory.

As described herein, shards 1650 may be used in heat map techniques. For example, the transmitter 1602 includes a plurality of tiles 1650 with antenna elements and RFICs in a planar arrangement, e.g., the transmitter 1602 may facilitate heat map creation for a group of tiles 1650 (e.g., for a particular receiver) when the tiles 1650 transmit BLE identifiers used to generate the heat map. In some embodiments, a burst group 1650 is defined by the tiles 1650 being within a specified distance, e.g., how many tiles 1650 being within a specified distance are transmitting signals, scanning an area, and receiving receiver inputs such as location inputs. It should be noted that this may also be done, for example

And

such as the simultaneous presence of such capabilities under different communication protocols. In some embodiments, at least two groups of shards 1650 perform different tasks. In some embodiments, the group of tiles 1650 includes two tiles, for example, when the two tiles are each eight inches long by two inches wide. In some embodiments, the entire array may extend along the perimeter of television 1646, where the array includes multiple tiles 1650 arranged in or used as multiple tile groups 1650, because each such group may obtain a different heat map, as described herein, and thus the different heat maps may be subsequently analyzed together for better understanding of the large-scale heat map. Thus, multiple heatmap sets may exist and may not be consistent with each other, as each heatmap set may include different information. For example, a first heat map may be associated with a first device, while a second heat map is associated with a second device different from the first device.

For example, television 1646 may have a bezel surrounding television 1646, the bezel comprising a plurality of tiles 1650, each tile comprising a number of antenna elements. For example, if there are 20 tiles 1650 around the frame of the television 1646, each tile 1650 may have 24 antenna elements and/or any number of antenna elements.

It should be noted that tiles 1650 are positioned or configured to avoid signal interference with television 1646 or to avoid being coupled to television 1646 in a wired manner. Alternatively or additionally, the television 1646 may be shielded to prevent such signal interference. A similar configuration may be applied to the bar stereo 1648 or any other type of speaker (whether a stand-alone speaker or a component of a larger system). However, it is also noted that such patches 1650 may be disposed on any device, whether a stand-alone device or a component of a large system, whether electronic or non-electronic.

In slice 1650, the phase and amplitude of each pocket formation in each antenna element 1106 may be adjusted by the corresponding RFIC to generate the desired pocket formation and transmit null steering. A single RFIC coupled to each antenna element may reduce processing requirements and may increase control over pocket formation, allowing multiple pocket formations with less load on the microprocessor and higher granularity pocket formation, and thus may allow higher response for higher numbers of multiple pocket formations. Furthermore, the multiple pockets form a larger number of receptacles that can be charged and may allow for better tracking to such receptacles.

The RFIC may be coupled to one or more microcontrollers, and the microcontrollers may be included in a separate base station or in a slice 1650 in the transmitter 1602. The rows or columns of antenna elements may be connected to a single microprocessor. In some embodiments, the presence of a lower number of RFICs in the transmitter 1602 may correspond to desirable features such as lower control of multiple pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and cheaper examples. RFICs connected to each row or column may allow for cost reduction by having fewer components because fewer RFICs are needed to control each transmitter 1602. RFICs can generate pocket-formed power transfer waves by varying the phase and gain between rows or columns.

In some embodiments, the transmitter 1602 may use a cascade arrangement including slices 1650 of RFIC, which may provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to the target receiver. Further, higher reliability and accuracy may be obtained from multiple redundancies of the RFIC.

In one embodiment, multiple PCB layers including antenna elements may provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to a target receiver. Multiple PCB layers may increase the range and amount of power that can be transmitted by the transmitter 1602. The PCB layer may be connected to a single microcontroller or to a dedicated microcontroller. Similarly, an RFIC may be connected to an antenna element.

The cartridge transmitter 1602 may include multiple PCB layers within it that may include antenna elements to provide greater control over pocket formation and may increase response to targeted receivers. Further, the range of wireless power transmission may be increased by the cassette transmitter 1602. Due to the higher density of the antenna elements, the multiple PCB layers may increase the range and amount of RF power waves that may be wirelessly transmitted or broadcast by the transmitter 1602. The PCB layer may be connected to a single microcontroller or a dedicated microcontroller for each antenna element. Similarly, the RFIC may control the antenna elements. The box shape of the transmitter 1602 may increase the action ratio of wireless power transmission. Thus, the cartridge transmitter 1602 may be located on multiple surfaces such as desks, tables, floors, and the like. Further, the cartridge transmitter may include various arrangements of PCB layers that may be oriented along the X, Y, and Z axes or any combination of these axes.

In some embodiments, the bar shaped sound 1648 is elongated, e.g., four feet long by two inches high. Such shaping provides for the arrangement of the tiles 1650 along the longitudinal axis of the strip-shaped sound 1648 such that at least some of the tiles 1650 are capable of transmitting or receiving signals in a surrounding manner as described herein.

6. Multiple antenna elements

Fig. 17 is an example of a transmitter configuration 1700 that includes multiple antenna elements 1706. The antenna elements 1706 may form an array by arranging rows 1768 of antennas and columns 1770 of antennas. The transmitter configuration may include at least one RFIC 1708 to control characteristics of the antenna element 1706 such as gain and/or phase for pocket formation, and to manage pocket formation by direction, power level, and the like. The array of antenna elements 1706 may be connected to an MC 1710, which MC 1710 may determine the best time and location for pocket formation, including the most efficient trajectory of transmission pocket formation, in order to reduce losses due to obstructions. Such trajectories may include direct pocket formation, bounce, and pocket formation distance discrimination.

The transmitter device may utilize the antenna element 1706 to determine the location of the receiver in order to determine how to adjust the antenna element 1706 to form an energy pocket in place. The receiver may send a string signal to the transmitter to provide the information. The string signal may be any conventional known signal that may be detected by the antenna element 1706. The signal transmitted by the receiver may contain information such as phase and gain.

Receiver-system and method for receiving and utilizing wireless power transfer

A. Assembly of receiver device

Turning to fig. 11, which illustrates a diagram of a system 1100 architecture for a wireless charging client device according to an example embodiment, the system 1100 may include a transmitter 1101 and a receiver 1120, which may each include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). The ASIC of receiver 1120 may include a printed circuit board 1122, an antenna element 1124, a rectifier 1126, a power converter 1129, a communication component 1130, and/or a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) 1132. Receiver 1120 may also include a shell that may allocate all of the requested components. The various components of the receiver 1120 may include or may be fabricated using metamaterials, microprinting of circuitry, nanomaterials, and the like.

1. Antenna element

The antenna element 1124 may comprise a suitable antenna type for operating in a frequency band similar to that described for the antenna element 1106 of the transmitter 1101. Antenna elements 1124 can include vertical or horizontal polarization, right-hand or left-hand polarization, elliptical polarization, or other suitable polarization, as well as suitable combinations of polarizations. It may be beneficial to use multiple polarizations in devices that may not have a preferred orientation during use or whose orientation may change over time, such as smart phones or portable gaming systems. Conversely, for devices with well-defined orientations (e.g., two-handed video game controllers), there may be a preferred polarization of the antenna that may determine the ratio of the number of antennas for a given polarization. Suitable antenna types may include patch antennas having a height of from about 1/8 inches to about 6 inches and a width of from about 1/8 inches to about 6 inches. The patch antenna may have the following advantages: the polarization may depend on connectivity, that is, the polarization may vary depending on from which side the patch is fed. This may further prove advantageous in that a receiver, such as receiver 1120, may dynamically modify its antenna polarization to optimize wireless power transfer. As described in embodiments herein, different antenna, rectifier or power converter arrangements are possible for the receiver.

2. Rectifier

The rectifier 1126 may convert Alternating Current (AC), which periodically reverses direction, to Direct Current (DC), which is non-negative. Due to the alternating nature of the input AC sine wave, the rectification process alone produces a DC current that, although not negative, is made up of current pulses. The output of the rectifier may be smoothed by an electronic filter to produce a steady current. The rectifier 1126 may include diodes and/or resistors, inductors, and/or capacitors to rectify an Alternating Current (AC) voltage generated by the antenna element 1124 into a Direct Current (DC) voltage.

In some embodiments, rectifier 1126 may be a full-wave rectifier. A full wave rectifier can convert the entire input waveform to one of a constant polarity (positive or negative) at its output. Full-wave rectification can convert both polarities of the input waveform to pulsed DC (direct current) and produce a higher average output voltage. A full wave rectifier may use two diodes and a center-tapped transformer and/or four diodes in a bridge configuration and any AC power source (including a transformer without a center tap). For single-phase AC, if the transformer is center-tapped, a full-wave rectifier can be formed using two diodes (cathode-to-cathode or anode-to-anode depending on the desired output polarity) back-to-back. Twice the number of turns may be required on the secondary transformer to achieve the same output voltage as the bridge rectifier, but with a constant power rating. Rectifier 1126 may be placed as close as technically possible to antenna element 1124 to minimize losses. After rectifying the AC voltage, the DC voltage may be regulated using a power converter 1129.

3. Power converter

The power converter 1129 may be a DC-DC converter that may help provide a constant voltage output and/or help increase the voltage to the receiver 1120. In some embodiments, the DC-DC converter may be a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT). MPPT is an electronic DC-DC converter that can down-convert a higher voltage DC output to a lower voltage required for battery charging. Typical voltage outputs may be from about 5 volts to about 10 volts. In some embodiments, the power converter 1129 may comprise an electronic switch-mode DC-DC converter that may provide high efficiency. In this case, a capacitor may be included before the power converter 1129 to ensure that sufficient current is provided for the switching device to operate. When charging an electronic device, such as a phone or a laptop, an initial high current may be required which can exceed the minimum power level required to activate the operation of the electronic switched mode DC-DC converter. In this case, a capacitor may be added at the output of receiver 1120 to provide the additional energy needed. Thereafter, lower power may be provided as needed to provide the appropriate amount of current; for example, only 1/80 of the total initial power is used, although the cell phone or laptop is still charging.

In one embodiment, a plurality of rectifiers 1126 may be connected in parallel to the antenna element 1124. For example, four rectifiers 1126 may be connected in parallel to the antenna element 1124. However, more rectifiers 1126 may be used. Such an arrangement may be advantageous because each rectifier 1126 may only need 1/4 to handle the total power. Each rectifier 1126 may only need to handle one quarter of a watt if one watt is to be delivered to the electronic device. This arrangement can greatly reduce cost because using multiple low power rectifiers 1126 can be less expensive than using one high power rectifier 1126 while handling the same amount of power. In some embodiments, the total power processed by the rectifier 1126 may be incorporated into the power converter 1129. In other embodiments, each rectifier 1126 may have a power converter 1129.

In other embodiments, the plurality of antenna elements 1124 may be connected in parallel to a rectifier 1126, after which the DC voltage may be regulated by a power converter 1129. In this example, four antenna elements 1124 may be connected in parallel to a single rectifier 1126. This arrangement may be advantageous because each antenna element 1124 may only handle 1/4 for the total power. Further, this arrangement may enable a single rectifier 1126 to use antenna elements 1124 of different polarizations, as the signals do not cancel each other out. Due to the above characteristics, the arrangement may be applicable to electronic client devices having an orientation that is not well defined or that varies over time. Finally, this arrangement may be beneficial when using antenna elements 1124 having the same polarization and configured for less distinct phases. However, in some embodiments, each antenna element 1124 may have one rectifier 1126 and/or each antenna element 1124 may have multiple rectifiers 1126.

In an exemplary embodiment, the following arrangement may be implemented: where multiple antenna element 1124 outputs may be combined and connected to a parallel rectifier 1126, the outputs of the parallel rectifier 1126 may be further combined in a power converter 1129. There may be 16 antenna elements 1124 whose outputs may be combined at four parallel rectifiers 1126. In other embodiments, antenna elements 1124 may be subdivided into groups (e.g., four) and may be connected to separate rectifiers 1126.

In yet another embodiment, the following arrangement may be implemented: where the group 1124 of antenna elements may be connected to different rectifiers 1126, which in turn may be connected to different power converters 1129. In this embodiment, four sets of antenna elements 1124 (each set of antenna elements including four antenna elements 1124 connected in parallel) may each be independently connected to four rectifiers 1126. In this embodiment, the output of each rectifier 1126 may be directly connected to a power converter 1129 (four total). In other embodiments, the outputs of all four rectifiers 1126 may be combined prior to each power converter 1129 to process the total power in parallel. In some embodiments, the combined output of each rectifier 1126 may be connected to a single power converter 1129. This arrangement may be beneficial because it allows for close proximity between rectifier 1126 and antenna element 1124. This characteristic may be desirable because it may keep losses to a minimum.

4. Communication assembly

Similar to the communication components of transmitter 1101, communication components 1130 may be included in receiver 1120 to communicate with a transmitter or other electronic equipment. In some embodiments, the receiver 1120 may use a built-in communication component of the device (e.g., bluetooth) to communicate with a given transmitter 1120 based on requirements provided by the processor, such as battery level, user-predefined charging profile, etc., and the transmitter 1101 may include one or more Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) 1104, one or more antenna elements 1106, one or more Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs) 1108, one or more Microcontrollers (MCs) 1110, a communication component 1112, and a power source 1114. The transmitter 1101 may be enclosed in a housing that may distribute all of the requested components for the transmitter 1101. The components in the transmitter 1101 may be fabricated using metamaterials, microprinting of circuitry, nanomaterials, and/or any other material. The types of information transmitted by the communication assembly between the receiver and the transmitter include, but are not limited to: current power level in the battery, signal strength and power level received at the receiver, timing information, phase and gain information, user identification, client device privileges, security related signaling, emergency signaling, authentication exchange, etc.

5.PMIC

Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC)1132 is an integrated circuit and/or system block in a system-on-chip device used to manage power requirements of a host system. PMIC 1132 may include battery management, voltage regulation, and charging functions. The PMIC 1132 may include a DC-DC converter to allow for dynamic voltage scaling. In some embodiments, PMIC 1132 may provide up to 95% power conversion efficiency. In some embodiments, PMIC 1132 may be integrated with dynamic frequency scaling. The PMIC 1132 may be implemented in a battery-powered device, such as a mobile phone and/or portable media player. In some embodiments, the battery may be replaced with an input capacitor and an output capacitor. The PMIC 1132 may be directly connected to a battery and/or a capacitor. When the battery is directly charged, the capacitor may not be implemented. In some embodiments, the PMIC 1132 may be coiled around the battery. The PMIC 1132 may include a Power Management Chip (PMC) that functions as a battery charger and is connected to a battery. The PMIC 1132 may use Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The PMIC 1132 may use a switching amplifier (class D electronic amplifier). In some embodiments, an output converter, rectifier, and/or BLE may also be included in PMIC 1132.

6. Outer casing

The housing may be made of any suitable material that allows transmission and/or reception of signals or waves, such as plastic or hard rubber. The housing may be external hardware, for example, that can be added to different electronic devices in the form of a case, or may also be embedded in the electronic equipment.

7. Network

Network 1140 may include any common communication architecture that facilitates communication between transmitter 1101 and receiver 1120. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the network 1140 may be the internet, a private intranet, or some mix of the two. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the network components may be implemented in dedicated processing equipment or alternatively in a cloud processing network.

B. Receiver, receiver assembly and configuration of system related to receiver

1. Multiple rectifiers connected in parallel to the antenna element

Fig. 18A shows an arrangement 1800A in which multiple rectifiers 1826A may be connected in parallel to an antenna element 1824A. In this example, four rectifiers 1826A may be connected in parallel to the antenna element 1824A. However, more rectifiers 1826A may be used. Arrangement 1800A may be advantageous because each rectifier 1826A may only need to handle 1/4 of the total power. Each rectifier 1826F may only need to handle one-quarter watt if one watt is to be delivered to the electronic device. The arrangement 1800A may greatly reduce costs because using multiple low power rectifiers 1826A may be less expensive than using one high power rectifier 1826A when processing the same amount of power. In some embodiments, the total power processed by rectifier 1826A may be combined into one DC-DC converter 1828A. In other embodiments, each rectifier 1826A may have a DC-DC converter 1828A.

2. Multiple antenna elements connected in parallel to a rectifier

Fig. 18B shows an arrangement 1800B in which multiple antenna elements 1824B may be connected in parallel to a rectifier 1826B, after which the DC voltage may be regulated by a DC-DC converter 1828B. In this example, four antenna elements 1824B may be connected in parallel to a single rectifier 1826B. The arrangement 1800B may be advantageous because each antenna element 1824B may handle only 1/4 for the total power. Further, arrangement 1800B may enable a single rectifier 1826B to use antenna elements 1824B of different polarizations, as the signals do not cancel each other. Due to the above-described characteristics, the arrangement 1800B may be applicable to electronic devices having an orientation that is not well-defined or that varies over time. Finally, the arrangement 1800B may be beneficial when using antenna elements 1824B that have the same polarization and are configured for phases that are not very different. However, in some embodiments, each antenna element 1824B may have one rectifier 1826B or each antenna element 1824B may have multiple rectifiers 1826B (as described in fig. 18A).

3. Multiple antenna elements connected in parallel to multiple rectifiers

Fig. 19A shows the following arrangement 1900A: where the outputs of multiple antenna elements 1924A may be combined and connected to parallel rectifiers 1926A, the outputs of the parallel rectifiers 1926A may be further combined in a DC converter 1928A. The arrangement 1900A shows, by way of example, 16 antenna elements 1924A whose outputs may be combined at four parallel rectifiers 1926A. In other embodiments, the antenna element 1924A may be subdivided into groups (e.g., four) and may be connected to separate rectifiers as shown in fig. 19B below.

4. Group arrangement

Fig. 19B shows the following arrangement 1900B: where the antenna element group 1624B may be connected to different rectifiers 1926B, which in turn may be connected to different DC converters 1928B. In the arrangement 1900B, four sets of antenna elements 1924B (each set of antenna elements including four antenna elements 1924B in parallel) may each be independently connected to four rectifiers 1926B. In this embodiment, the output of each rectifier 1926B may be directly connected to a DC converter 1928B (four total). In other embodiments, the outputs of all four rectifiers 1926B may be combined before each DC converter 1928B to process the total power in parallel. In other embodiments, the combined output of each rectifier 1926B may be connected to a single DC converter 1928B. The arrangement 1900B may be beneficial because it allows for close proximity between the rectifier 1926B and the antenna element 1924B. This characteristic may be desirable because it may keep losses to a minimum.

The receiver may be embodied in, connected to or embedded in an electronic device or equipment, such as a telephone, laptop computer, television remote control, children's toy or any other device, which may rely on electrical power to perform its intended function. A receptacle formed with a pocket can be used to fully charge the battery of the device when either "on" or "off" or when in use or not. In addition, the battery life can be greatly improved. For example, a device operating at two watts may increase the battery duration of the device by as much as about 50% with a receiver that can transmit one watt. Finally, the receiver may be used to fully power some devices that are currently running on batteries, which may then no longer be needed. This last attribute may be beneficial for devices that may be tedious or difficult to accomplish with battery replacement (e.g., wall clocks). The following embodiments provide some examples of how a receiver may be integrated on an electronic device.

5. Embedded receiver

Fig. 20A illustrates an embodiment in which a device 2000A may include an embedded receiver 2020A, which device 2000A may represent a typical telephone, computer or other electronic device. The device 2000A may also include a power supply, a communications component 2030A, and a processor. The receiver 2020A may be formed using a pocket to provide power to the power source of the device 2000A. Further, the receiver 2020A may use the built-in communication component 2030A (e.g., bluetooth) of the device 2000A to communicate with a given transmitter based on requirements provided by the processor, such as battery level, user predefined charging mode, or other.

6. Battery with embedded receiver

Fig. 20B shows another embodiment where device 2000B may include a battery with an embedded receiver 2020B. The battery may be formed by a pouch to receive power wirelessly and may be charged by its embedded receiver 2020B. The battery may be used as a power supply or as a backup power source. Such a configuration may be advantageous because it may not be necessary to disassemble the battery for charging. This is particularly useful in game controllers or gaming devices where the battery (typically AA or AAA) can be continuously replaced.

7. External communication assembly

Fig. 20C shows an alternative embodiment 2000C, where the receiver 2020C and the communication component 2030C may be included in external hardware that may be attached to the device. The hardware may take any suitable form, such as may be found on a telephone, computer, remote control, etc., which may be connected via a suitable interface such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). In other embodiments, the hardware may be printed on a flexible film, which may then be glued or otherwise attached to the electronic equipment. This option may be advantageous because it may be manufactured at low cost and may be easily integrated into various devices. As in the previous embodiments, the communications component 2030C may be included in hardware that may generally provide communications to a transmitter or to electronic equipment.

8. Casings or housings for receivers for connecting USB

Fig. 21A shows hardware in the form of a housing that includes a receiver 2102A, which may be connected to a smartphone and/or any other electronic device via a flexible cable or USB. In other embodiments, the housing or case may be a computer case, a telephone case, and/or a camera case, among others.

9. PCB on printed film

Fig. 21B illustrates hardware in the form of a printed film or flexible Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that may include a plurality of printed receivers 2102B. The printed film may be pasted or otherwise attached to the electronic device and may be connected through a suitable interface (e.g., USB). Printed films can be advantageous because portions can be cut therefrom that meet particular electronic device dimensions and/or requirements. The efficiency of wireless power transfer and the amount of power that can be delivered (using pocket formation) may be a function of the total number of antenna elements used in a given receiver and transmitter system. For example, to deliver about one watt at about 15 feet, the receiver may include about 80 antenna elements and the transmitter may include about 256 antenna elements. Another identical wireless power transfer system (about 1 watt at about 15 feet) may include a receiver having about 40 antenna elements and a transmitter having about 512 antenna elements. Reducing the number of antenna elements in the receiver by half may require doubling the number of antenna elements in the transmitter. In some cases, it may be cost effective to place a greater number of antenna elements in the transmitter than in the receiver. However, the opposite arrangement may be achieved by placing more antenna elements on the receiver than on the transmitter, as long as there are at least two antenna elements in the transmitter.

Antenna hardware and functionality

A. Pitch arrangement

Fig. 22 shows internal hardware in which the receiver 2220 may be used to receive wireless power transmissions in an electronic device 2252 (e.g., a smartphone). In some embodiments, the electronic device 2252 may include a receiver 2220 that may be embedded around an interior edge of a housing 2254 (e.g., a smartphone housing) of the electronic device 2252. In other embodiments, the receiver 2220 may be implemented to cover the back of the housing 2254. The housing 2254 may be, inter alia, one or more of the following: a smartphone cover, a notebook computer cover, a camera cover, a GPS cover, a game controller cover, and/or a tablet computer cover, etc. The housing 2254 may be made of plastic, rubber, and/or any other suitable material.

Receiver 2220 may include an array of antenna elements 2224 strategically distributed over a grid area as shown in fig. 22. The housing 2254 may include an array of antenna elements 2224 disposed around the edges of the housing 2254 and/or along the back of the housing 2254 for optimal reception. The number, spacing, and type of antenna elements 2224 may be calculated based on the design, size, and/or type of the electronic device 2252. In some embodiments, there may be a space (e.g., 1-4 mm) and/or metamaterial between the housing 2254 containing the antenna element 2224 and the electronic device 2252. The spacing and/or meta-material may provide additional gain to the RF signal. In some embodiments, metamaterials can be used to create a multilayer PCB for implementation into housing 2254.

B. Metamaterial

The internal hardware may be in the form of a printed film 2256 and/or a flexible PCB that may include various components, such as a plurality of printed antenna elements 2224 (connected in series, parallel, or a combination with each other), rectifiers, and power conversion elements. The printed film 2256 may be affixed or otherwise attached to any suitable electronic device, such as electronic device 2252 and/or a tablet computer. The printed film 2256 may be connected by any suitable interface, such as a flexible cable 2258. Printed film 2256 may present some benefits; one of these benefits may be that portions that meet particular smart mobile device dimensions and/or requirements may be cut from the printed film. According to one embodiment, the spacing between the antenna elements 2224 for the receiver 2220 may be in the range of about 2nm to about 12nm, with about 7nm being most suitable.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the optimal number of antenna elements 2224 that may be used in the receiver 2220 of the electronic device 2252 (e.g., a smartphone) may be in the range of about 20 to about 30. However, the number of antenna elements 2224 within the receiver 2220 may vary depending on the design and size of the electronic device 2252. The antenna element 2224 may be made of, among other things, different conductive materials such as copper, gold, and silver. Further, the antenna element 2224 may be printed, etched, or laminated onto any suitable non-conductive flexible substrate, such as a flexible PCB or the like, among others. The disclosed configuration and orientation of the antenna element 2224 may exhibit better reception, efficiency, and performance of wireless charging.

C. TV system with wireless power transmitter

A TV system having a wireless power transmission function is provided. More specifically, TV systems have become the center of many home entertainment today. Family, friends and people typically watch news, television programs, play games, listen to music or simply seek entertainment around a TV system. Sometimes other devices such as laptop computers, gaming systems, mobile phones or any device that may require a power supply may be used in the vicinity of the TV system. Since the use of power outlets may be limited or impractical in certain TV system scenarios, additional cables may be required and this may become cumbersome or uncomfortable. Therefore, a power supply that addresses these issues near the TV system is needed. Thus, the following TV system is provided. The TV system transmits wireless power to other devices within range of the TV system. The TV system includes a transmitter assembly that transmits wireless power through pocket formation as described herein. The transmitter component is integrated as a separate component within or on the TV system. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitter component is integrated on an existing component of the TV system. As described herein, the receiver device may be applicable to any electrical device that may require an electrical input.

Fig. 23 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a Television (TV) system outputting wireless power. Some elements of the figure are described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals denote the same and/or similar components as described above, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified to avoid complication.

The wireless power transmission 3000 via the pocket formation has been described. The transmission 3000 entails the TV system 3002 transmitting a plurality of controlled radio waves 3004 that converge in a multi-dimensional space. TV system 3002 outputs wave 3004 using a transmitter (e.g., transmitter 1101) as described herein, for example, in any direction, e.g., forward or sideways or backward or upward or downward. The transmitter may be powered via the TV system 3002 or another power source such as a battery (whether or not coupled to the TV system 3002). Alternatively or additionally, the transmitter may power the TV system 3002, or the transmitter and the TV system 3002 may be powered independently of each other, e.g., from two different power sources (e.g., a battery and a mains power source). The wave 3004 can be controlled by phase adjustment and/or relative amplitude adjustment to form constructive and destructive interference patterns (e.g., bag formation). An energy pocket 3006 is formed at the constructive interference pattern of the wave 3004 and is three-dimensional in shape, while a null space is created at the destructive interference pattern of the wave 3004. A receiver such as receiver 1120 as described herein utilizes the energy pockets generated by pocket formation to charge or power an electronic device such as laptop 3008, mobile phone 3010, tablet 3012, or at least any electrical device within the range or defined range of TV system 3002 (e.g., an arc of about 20 feet in a particular direction, including a peak height distance of about 20 feet, or a radius of 20 feet), effectively providing wireless power transfer 3000. In some embodiments, adaptive pocket formation may be used to regulate power on an electronic device. In some embodiments, TV system 3002 includes speakers or bar stereo of the types described herein or otherwise. In some embodiments, the TV system 3002 comprises a remote control unit, which may include a receiver as described herein configured to receive wireless power from the TV system 3002 as described herein.

Fig. 24 shows an exemplary embodiment of the internal structure of the TV system. Some elements of the figure are described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals denote the same and/or similar components as described above, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified to avoid complication.

Internal structure view 3014 depicts TV system 3002 having a transmitter as described herein. The TV system 3002 includes a number of components. TV system 3002 includes a front transparent screen layer 3016, a polarizing film layer 3018, and an LED/LCD backlight layer 3020. TV system 3002 also includes a transmitter 1101as described herein. In another embodiment, emitter 1101 may be integrated in at least one of layer 3016, layer 3018, and layer 3020, rather than as a separate layer.

In other embodiments, most of the circuitry of transmitter 1101 is placed within TV system 3002, with antenna elements 1106 placed around the edges of TV system 3002. In other embodiments, the antenna element 1106 is placed on an outer surface of the rear of the TV system 3002. In further embodiments, the antenna element 1106 may be a printed micro-antenna that can be built into the display area of the TV system 3002. Such printed antennas may be fabricated using photolithographic techniques or screen printing techniques known in the art. Such antennas may be beneficial because they may be printed on a small scale that is not visible to the human eye. It should be noted that the TV system may be any type of TV system, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), plasma, cathode ray, etc.

Fig. 25 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sharded architecture. Some elements of the figure are described above. Accordingly, the same reference numerals denote the same and/or similar components as described above, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will hereinafter be omitted or simplified to avoid complication.

The patch 2500 includes an antenna 2502 and an RFIC 2504 coupled to the antenna 2502 as described herein. Slice 2500 may be structured in any manner as emitter 302, emitter 1101, emitter 402, emitter configuration 1700, or any other emitter configuration described herein. Shard 2500 operates as described herein. Although the slice 2500 is shaped as a rectangle, in other embodiments the slice 2500 may be shaped differently (whether in an open or closed shape). For example, the patch 2500 can be shaped as a star, triangle, polygon, and the like.

The above method descriptions and process flow diagrams are provided as illustrative examples only and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as "then," "next," etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the method. Although a process flow diagram may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. Further, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the 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 present invention.

Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. A code segment or machine-executable instruction may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, command line parameters, or memory contents. Information, command line parameters, data, etc. may be communicated, forwarded, or transmitted by any suitable means, including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement the systems and methods is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and methods were described without reference to the specific software code — it being understood that software and control hardware may be designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description herein.

When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module, which may reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable media include both computer storage media and tangible storage media that facilitate transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Non-transitory processor-readable storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory processor-readable media may comprise: RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storage medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes Compact Disc (CD), laser disc, optical 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. Further, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to these embodiments can be made, 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 embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments are also contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for transmitting wireless power, the apparatus comprising:

a television comprising a display and a bezel surrounding the display; and

a transmitter coupled to the television, the transmitter comprising a communicator and a plurality of slices, each slice located within a bezel of the television to avoid signal interference with the television or wiring coupled to the television, and each slice comprising a plurality of Radio Frequency (RF) transmit antennas in a planar arrangement and one or more integrated circuits for adjusting respective phases and amplitudes of a plurality of wireless power waves transmitted by the plurality of Radio Frequency (RF) transmit antennas, wherein:

the plurality of slices comprises a first group of slices and a second group of slices, wherein:

the first component slice is configured to generate first heatmap data for a first receiver device, the first heatmap data identifying a first hotspot indicative of an optimal phase and magnitude to form a first steered constructive interference pattern at the first receiver;

the second group of slices is configured to generate second heatmap data for a second receiver device, the second heatmap data identifying a second hotspot indicative of an optimal phase and magnitude to form a second steered constructive interference pattern at the second receiver;

the first and second component slices are configured to transmit respective radio force waves based on respective optimal phases and magnitudes of the first and second hot spots, the radio force waves converging at the first and second receivers, respectively, to form first and second controlled constructive interference patterns;

the first component piece and the second component piece are each separately configured by one or more integrated circuits coupled to at least one microcontroller to form respective controlled constructive interference patterns,

the transmitter is an integrated internal component of a television system comprising the display, and

the communicator is configured to receive control signals from the first and second receivers, respectively, containing the phase and amplitude of the transmitted power wave and data for locating the first and second receivers, respectively, and wherein the position of each controlled constructive interference pattern is determined based on the data for each control signal and on hot spots identified for the first and second receivers, respectively.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transmitter has a power transmission range of about 20 feet.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the television comprises a backlight and a polarizing layer, wherein the backlight is positioned between the emitter and the polarizing layer.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the emitter extends along a first plane, wherein the polarizing layer extends along a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles is located on the bezel.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the television comprises a rear portion opposite the display, wherein the rear portion comprises at least one tile of the plurality of tiles.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the communicator is configured to receive communication signals from the receiver via a communication protocol selected from the group consisting of:

and frequency modulated radios.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the television is powered by a mains power source and the television is configured to power the transmitter.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transmitter is configured to receive power from a first power source and the television is configured to receive power from a second power source, wherein:

the first power source is a battery;

the second power supply is a primary power supply; and is

The first power supply is independent of the second power supply.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first heatmap is independent of the second heatmap.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tiles are disposed along an entire perimeter of the bezel.

12. A method for transmitting wireless power, the method comprising:

transmitting, by a plurality of tiles of a transmitter coupled with a television, a plurality of wireless power waves, the television including a display and a bezel surrounding the display, the plurality of wireless power waves converging at a location of a receiver to form controlled constructive interference patterns, the receiver configured to engage with the controlled constructive interference patterns and charge a device coupled to the receiver; wherein:

the transmitter is an integrated internal component of a television system including the display,

each slice of the plurality of slices is located within a bezel of the television to avoid signal interference with the television or wiring coupled to the television, and each slice includes a plurality of Radio Frequency (RF) transmit antennas in a planar arrangement and one or more integrated circuits for adjusting respective phases and amplitudes of a plurality of wireless power waves transmitted by the plurality of RF transmit antennas,

the plurality of slices comprises a first group of slices and a second group of slices,

the first group of slices generates first heatmap data for a first receiver device, the first heatmap data identifying a first hotspot indicative of optimal phase and magnitude to form a first steered constructive interference pattern at the first receiver,

the second group of slices generates second heat map data for a second receiver device, the second heat map data identifying a second hot spot indicative of optimal phase and magnitude to form a second steered constructive interference pattern at the second receiver,

individually configuring each of the first and second component pieces by one or more integrated circuits coupled to at least one microcontroller to form respective controlled constructive interference patterns,

a communicator of the transmitter receiving control signals from the first and second receivers indicative of the location of the respective receivers, the communicator being configured to locate the first and second receivers; and

determining a phase and an amplitude of the transmitted power wave and a location of the receiver based on the control signals, wherein each controlled constructive interference pattern is formed by the plurality of slices of the transmitter at the location of the receiver and based on the hot spots identified for the first receiver and the second receiver, respectively.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the transmitter has a power transmission range of about 20 feet.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the television comprises a backlight and a polarizing layer, wherein the backlight is positioned between the emitter and the polarizing layer.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the emitter extends along a first plane, wherein the polarizing layer extends along a second plane, wherein the first plane and the second plane are parallel to each other.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein each tile of the plurality of tiles is located on the border.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the television includes a rear portion opposite the display, and wherein the rear portion includes at least one tile of the plurality of tiles.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the television is powered by a mains power supply and the television is configured to power the transmitter.