JP6101315B2 - Determination of radio surface reconstruction with multi-coil system - Google Patents

Description

This application is related to US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 339,025, filed Jul. 23, 2014, having attorney docket number 46107-01636 (V214-0003). Are assigned to the same assignee as the present application, all of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.

  Mobile electronics and devices are becoming increasingly popular. Often, a mobile device includes an energy storage device and uses the power of the energy storage device to operate functions associated with the mobile device. The mobile device can be, but is not limited to, a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or the like.

  In the past, wired power charging systems have been provided for charging mobile devices. The mobile device operator connects the mobile device to a charging power source (eg, wall outlet or vehicle electrical adapter) and is at a higher level than when the device is fully charged or attached to the charging power source. Wait for it to be charged. The connection can be transparent through a wire or socket associated with the mobile device that allows the user to plug the mobile device into a charging power source.

  In recent years, the concept of wired charging has been replaced or extended by wireless charging. Early implementations of wireless charging used coils that transmit wireless energy to mobile devices. Mobile devices are equipped with techniques for receiving wireless energy and converting the wireless energy into usable and storable power.

  In this implementation, a single coil is provided. Accordingly, implementers of this type of wireless charging may provide various instructions that serve to guide the user where or where the mobile device should be placed. In this way, the user is effectively guided in placing the mobile device in an area that optimizes and ensures wireless charging efficiency.

  In recent years, many mobile devices have been announced. Each of the various mobile devices has different sizes and charging capabilities. Thus, a single coil system may not effectively respond to a user's wireless charging requirements.

  To address this concern, a wireless surface or sheet is provided. Thus, a user can place his mobile device on a wireless surface or seat and initiate charging of the wireless device in response to their actions. Thus, the user may not be prompted to place the device in a particular location.

  The wireless surface or sheet can be provided with a plurality of coils to infiltrate wireless charging. Each coil can be selectively turned on and off at different times to initiate charging of the mobile device. Each coil can wirelessly charge a mobile device having varying amounts of power and efficiency.

  In certain situations, a wireless surface or sheet may be implemented in a mobile environment. For example, if a wireless surface or seat is implemented in a vehicle, the mobile device may move from one location to the other. In another example, the wireless surface or sheet can be in a different location. Thus, if the user or operator moves the wireless surface or seat up and down, the mobile device can move. In such situations, the effectiveness of wireless charging can change because the mobile device is in a different location.

  Systems and methods are provided for determining radio surface reconstructions having multiple coil systems. The system is associated with a reference parameter in response to an initiated remeasurement, a reference generator for determining a reference parameter associated with the wireless surface, a reconfirmation initiator to initiate a remeasurement A re-measuring device for measuring the parameter and an analyzer for retrieving a determination regarding the radio surface based on the difference between the measured parameter and the measured reference parameter.

The detailed description refers to the following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like items.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computer. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system implementation for determining the efficiency of a multiple coil system based on detected parameters. (A)-(c) is a figure which illustrates an example of the frequency, voltage, and electric current which change through misalignment of a mobile device and a wireless charging surface. FIG. 3 illustrates a predetermined lookup table according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 illustrates an example implementation of a method for determining the efficiency of a multiple coil system based on detected parameters. (A) and (b) are diagrams illustrating an exemplary implementation of the system shown in FIG. 2 or the method shown in FIG.

  The invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of each” is to be interpreted to mean any combination of the listed elements according to the respective language, including combinations of the plurality of listed elements. Will be understood. For example, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” means only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more items of X, Y, and Z (eg, XYZ, XZ, YZ , X). Throughout the drawings and detailed description, unless otherwise described, the same drawing reference numerals are understood to refer to the same elements, features, and structures. The relative sizes and depictions of these elements may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience.

  Providing the user with wireless charging allows the mobile device to be effectively charged while avoiding the hassle of using wires and other intervening connection techniques. In one example of wireless charging, a metal coil is used to generate energy wirelessly and transmit energy through space. A mobile device may be equipped with a receiver that receives wireless energy and converts the received wireless energy into power that can be used to operate the device. A mobile device can be any device that requires or is used for charging, such as a smartphone, tablet, wearable watch, and the like.

  As described in the background of the invention, a wireless surface can be implemented and provided to the user. A wireless surface has a plurality of coils (hence may be referred to as a “multi-coil system”). Multiple coil systems may use multiple coils, each coil capable of delivering energy to the mobile device.

  Depending on the placement of the mobile device on the wireless surface, the charging of the individual coils can be improved or worsened. The ability to charge a mobile device from a single coil depends on various factors, one of which is the location for the device being charged.

  Thus, when a multi-coil system is used, charging from some of the provided coils located on the wireless charging surface can be inefficient. For example, if power is delivered to a coil that has low charging efficiency, the effectiveness of the wireless charging surface may generally decrease. Also, excessive heating is also a problem because more than necessary coils are on or inefficient coils are on.

  However, the wireless charging system may not know the location of the mobile device before charging. Each time the user places the device on the wireless charging surface, the placement can be different. Furthermore, placement may depend on other factors such as the device placed on the wireless charging surface, or the size of the placed device, or the location of the coil of the mobile device. Wireless charging systems can detect placement, but using a location detection circuit can make the wireless charging system expensive and bulky.

  The related applications discussed in the cross-reference section of this application disclose techniques for determining the optimal coil for charging a mobile device wirelessly. Thus, using the aspects disclosed in that application, the coil can be selected based on the detection of a mobile device placed on the wireless surface.

  However, mobile devices can move or displace for a number of reasons. For example, when a wireless surface such as a vehicle is placed in a moving environment, the moving force of the vehicle can displace the mobile device. In another example, a wireless surface, an area around the wireless surface, or a mobile device can move up and down or rock. Up and down movement or rocking can move the mobile device. In this case, the selected coil determined to be optimal for charging can no longer be the most effective coil for wireless charging of the mobile device.

  Disclosed herein are methods and systems for determining reconfiguration of a multi-coil system based on detected parameters. Using the aspects disclosed herein, the method and system can detect a current charging efficiency associated with a multi-coil system and a single coil (or coils) utilized to infiltrate charging. ) Can be reconfigured.

  Thus, based on the concepts disclosed herein, aspects disclosed herein are efficient even when the mobile device (or any rechargeable device) is displaced during the charging period. Enables reconfiguration to ensure that it can return to a state of complete charge.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computer 100. Computer 100 includes at least one processor 102 coupled to chipset 104. Chipset 104 includes a memory controller hub 120 and an input / output (I / O) controller hub 122. Memory 106 and graphics adapter 112 are coupled to memory controller hub 120, and display 118 is coupled to graphics adapter 112. Storage device 108, keyboard 110, pointing device 114, and network adapter 116 are coupled to I / O controller hub 122. Other embodiments of the computer 100 may have different architectures.

  The storage device 108 is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as a hard drive, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), DVD, or solid state memory device. Memory 106 holds instructions and data used by processor 102. The pointing device 114 is a mouse, trackball, or other type of pointing device and is used in combination with the keyboard 110 to enter data into the computer 100. The pointing device 114 can also be a gaming system controller or any type of device used to control the gaming system. For example, the pointing device 114 may be connected to a video or image capture device that uses biometric scanning to detect a particular user. A particular user may use exercise or gestures to instruct the pointing device 114 to control various aspects of the computer 100.

  Graphics adapter 112 displays images and other information on display 118. Network adapter 116 couples computer system 100 to one or more computer networks.

  Computer 100 is adapted to execute computer program modules for providing the functionality described herein. As used herein, the term “module” refers to computer program logic used to provide a specified function. Thus, the module can be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or software. In one embodiment, the program modules are stored on the storage device 108, read into the memory 106, and executed by the processor 102.

  The type of computer used by the entities and processes disclosed herein may vary depending on the embodiment and the processing power required by the entities. The computer 100 may be a mobile device, tablet, smartphone, or any type of computing element having the elements listed above. For example, a data storage device, such as a hard disk, solid state memory, or storage device, can be housed in a distributed database system comprising a plurality of blade servers that work together to provide the functionality described herein. The computer may lack some of the components described above, such as keyboard 110, graphics adapter 112, and display 118.

  The computer 100 may function as a server (not shown) for the content sharing service disclosed herein. Computer 100 can be clustered by other computer 100 devices to create a server. The various computer 100 devices that make up the server may communicate with each other over a network.

  FIG. 2 is an example implementation of a system 200 for determining the efficiency of a multiple coil system based on detected parameters. System 200 includes a reference generator 210, a reconfirmation initiator 220, a remeasurer 230, and an analyzer 240.

  System 200 may be implemented via a device such as computer 100 described above. System 200 may be implemented by persistent storage 205, which may be any of the storage devices listed above with respect to storage device 108.

  System 200 communicates with microcontroller 260. The microcontroller 260 can be any type of switching control device that allows the switches 251-253 to be selectively opened and closed. Switches 251-253 allow energy from power source 250 to be transmitted to corresponding coils (271-273) on wireless charging surface 270.

  The wireless charging surface 270 shown includes three coils (coils 271-273). In the example described below, three coils are shown, but those skilled in the art can implement the aspects described herein with any number of coils greater than one. Coils 271-273 can be embedded in a surface or mat.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the mobile device 280 is already in a wireless charging state. The coil is selected (ie, the drive switch is closed) using any technique known or discussed in related applications.

  The reference generator 210 measures a reference parameter based on an initial measurement of interaction with the mobile device 280. Reference generator 210 may include a frequency reference 211, a peak oscillator voltage reference 212, and a current reference 213. Each of the criteria 211-213 once measured can be stored in a temporary register or stored in the persistent storage 205.

  The frequency can specifically refer to the coil drive frequency. The transmitter used to wirelessly charge may use a transmitter coil “tank” circuit. The transmitter coil “tank” circuit has a resonant frequency. Thus, further resonance of the transmitter coil “tank” circuit indicates that the coil used to charge the electronic device is operating at optimal efficiency.

  The reconfirmation initiator 220 initiates measurement of parameters measured by the reference generator 210. The reconfirmation initiator 220 can communicate with the predetermined time register 225. Therefore, after the predetermined time stored in the predetermined time register 225 elapses, the reconfirmation initiator 220 can start measurement.

  In another example, reconfirmation initiator 220 may receive a signal (eg, generated by a command initiated at wireless charging surface 270). In response to receiving the signal, the system 200 may initiate a remeasurement.

  The re-measurement device 230 measures the parameter recorded by the element 210 in response to an instruction from the re-confirmation initiator 220. In various implementations of the system 200, the three parameters discussed above can be used selectively. For example, an implementation of system 200 may use frequency reference 211 and voltage reference 212. Accordingly, the re-measurer 230 can be configured to measure the current frequency reference and the current voltage reference.

  The remeasurer 230 may store various measured parameters such as frequency 231, voltage 232, and current 233 in a register. The registers can be associated with persistent storage 205 or implemented with system 200.

  The analyzer 240 includes a difference generator 245 and a look-up table retriever 246. Difference generator 245 determines the difference between the values measured at elements 210 and 230. Accordingly, the difference between the frequency reference 211 and the frequency 231 can be stored in the difference frequency register 241. The difference between the voltage reference 212 and the voltage 232 can be stored in the difference voltage register 242. The difference between current reference 213 and current 233 can be stored in difference current register 243. As noted above, one, some, or all three of the parameters discussed above may be included in the implementation of system 200.

  Lookup table retriever 246 retrieves decisions based on the detected differences. The detected difference can be correlated with various modes.

  FIGS. 3 (a)-(c) illustrate examples of frequency, voltage, and current that change through misalignment of the mobile device 280 with the wireless charging surface 270.

  For example, if the mobile device 280 is not displaced (ie aligned) when the mobile device 280 is charged, for example, the amount of voltage, current, and frequency can be maintained, Or, in some cases, it can be reduced or increased. For example, if the mobile device 280 is fully charged, the wireless charging surface 270 can no longer supply power to the mobile device.

  However, if the mobile device 280 is displaced (as it increases on the x-axis as shown in FIGS. 3 (a)-(c)), the demand for voltage and current may increase. Furthermore, the coil frequency can be reduced.

  Thus, according to the aspects disclosed herein, various trends can be stored in the predetermined look-up table 206 using the trends and values shown in registers 241-243 (or combinations thereof).

  FIG. 4 illustrates a predetermined lookup table 206. As shown, a frequency field 401, a voltage field 402, and a current field 403 are shown. Each field is correlated with a decision field 404. Based on the detected differences from the difference registers 241-243, the decisions are correlated. The values shown in FIG. 4 are merely an example, and various predetermined decisions can be set based on the preferences of the implementer.

  The decision is then transferred to the microcontroller 250. The determination may indicate that the current wireless charging is efficient. Thus, the current switch orientation is maintained. In another example, if misalignment is detected, the microcontroller 250 may take action to determine a more efficient coil placement (see, for example, the related application shown in the cross-reference section of this application). I want to be) In this case, the microcontroller 250 may be instructed to reconfigure which of the switches 251-253 are opened and closed.

  FIG. 5 is an example implementation of a method 500 for determining the efficiency of a multiple coil system based on detected parameters. Method 500 is used using any of the elements shown in FIG. 2, such as microcontroller 260, switches 251-253, power source 250, wireless charging surface 270, coils 271-273, and mobile device 280, Can be realized.

  In operation 510, reference measurements of various parameters are recorded while the mobile device 280 is located on or around the wireless charging surface 270. Prior to operation 510, one of the coils 271-273 may have been selected for optimal or efficient charging. At operation 510, a frequency associated with wireless charging may be recorded (511), a voltage associated with wireless charging may be recorded (512), or a current associated with wireless charging may be recorded (513). Any combination of operations 511-513 may be used.

  At act 520, a command is received to detect a state of wireless charging. The command may be based on a predetermined time interval (operation 521), or the command may be received via an external stimulus (operation 522). For example, the wireless charging surface 270 may be equipped with selection techniques that allow a user or operator to initiate and thereby activate status detection. If state detection is initiated, method 500 proceeds to operation 530. If state detection has not been initiated, method 500 remains at operation 520.

  In response to a request for status detection at operation 530, the parameters measured and recorded at operation 510 are re-recorded. Thus, depending on the implementation of method 500, frequency (531), voltage (532), and current (533) may be re-recorded.

  At operation 540, a difference between the re-recorded parameter and the corresponding reference parameter is recognized. At operation 550, the difference is correlated with a lookup table (such as lookup table 206 shown in FIG. 4). Based on operation 550, the current state of wireless charging is confirmed. For example, method 500 may determine that wireless charging is properly aligned. In another example, the method 500 may determine that a misalignment has been detected.

  In action 560, a notification or command is transmitted to the wireless charging surface 270 based on the confirmed condition. In one example, the microcontroller 260 can be instructed to determine which switches 251-253 can correct the alignment (ie, can select the switch that allows the most efficient charging). In another example, a light or indication may be transmitted to the user or operator indicating that the wireless charging is aligned (ie, efficient) or not aligned (ie, not efficient).

  6 (a) and (b) illustrate an exemplary implementation of the system 200 or method 500. FIG.

  In FIG. 6 (a), the mobile device 280 is disposed on the wireless charging surface 270. As shown, the wireless charging surface 270 is connected to the system 200. In FIG. 6 (a), the switch 251 is closed (ie, delivering power to the mobile device 280 via the coil 271 in a wireless manner).

  In FIG. 6B, the mobile device 280 is displaced. Therefore, the mobile device 280 is no longer aligned with the coil 271. Using the aspects disclosed herein, system 200 can detect that at least one of a frequency, voltage, or current parameter has changed in a particular manner, and mobile device 280 can now Misalignment can be detected. Thus, the system 200 can transmit instructions or commands to the microcontroller associated with the switches 251-253. As shown, the switch 252 is closed at this point because the vicinity of the coil 272 is closest to the mobile device 280.

  Thus, using the aspects disclosed herein, a wireless charging surface that incorporates a multi-coil system can be effectively detected when the mobile device being charged is displaced and therefore not aligned.

Claims (8)

A system for determining a reconstruction of a wireless surface having a multi-coil system,
A data storage device comprising a computer readable medium storing a program of instructions for the determination of the reconfiguration;
A processor for executing a program of the instructions;
A reference generator for determining a reference parameter associated with the wireless surface;
A reconfirmation initiator to trigger remeasurement;
A remeasurer for measuring a parameter associated with the reference parameter in response to the initiated remeasurement;
An analyzer for retrieving a determination regarding the wireless surface based on a difference between the measured parameter and the measured reference parameter;
With
The reference parameter includes at least a first reference parameter, a second reference parameter, and a third reference parameter, wherein the first reference parameter corresponds to a coil frequency, and the second reference parameter is a coil reference value. The third reference parameter corresponds to the coil current;
The wireless surface comprises a plurality of coils, and the determination by the analyzer correlates with whether the electronic device is aligned or not aligned on the wireless surface;
The analyzer includes: the measured frequency is decreasing from the first reference parameter; the measured voltage is increasing from the second reference parameter; and the measured current Determining that the electronic device is not aligned in any of the following cases:
system.   The system of claim 1, wherein the reconfirmation initiator initiates the remeasurement based on a predetermined time interval.   The system of claim 1, wherein the reconfirmation initiator initiates the remeasurement based on a stimulus. The analyzer is to reassign one of the plurality of coils based on the determination so as to charge the electronic device, and transmits an instruction to the wireless surface system as claimed in claim 1. A method for determining a reconstruction of a wireless surface having a multiple coil system comprising:
Recording measurements based on a reference parameter of characteristics associated with charging of the wireless surface;
Receiving a command to initiate a remeasurement;
Re-recording a measurement associated with the reference parameter in response to receiving the command;
Recognizing the difference between the recorded measurement and the re-recorded measurement;
Determining a state of the wireless surface based on the recognized difference,
At least one of the recording, receiving, re-recording, and determining is performed by a processor;
The reference parameter includes at least a first reference parameter, a second reference parameter, and a third reference parameter, wherein the first reference parameter corresponds to a coil frequency, and the second reference parameter is a coil reference value. The third reference parameter corresponds to the coil current;
The wireless surface comprises a plurality of coils, and the determination correlates with whether the electronic device is aligned or not aligned on the wireless surface;
The measured frequency is decreasing from the first reference parameter, the measured voltage is increasing from the second reference parameter, and the measured current is the third reference parameter. In any case, it is determined that the electronic device is not aligned.
Method. The method of claim 5 , wherein the remeasurement is based on a predetermined time interval. The method of claim 5 , wherein the remeasurement is based on a stimulus. 6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising transmitting an indication to a wireless surface to reassign one of the plurality of coils based on the determination to charge the electronic device.