JP7274533B2 - System and method for wireless power transfer - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application Serial No. 13/891,430, entitled "Methodology For Pocket-Forming," filed May 10, 2013 and filed May 10, 2012. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/720,798, entitled "Scalable Antenna Assemblies For Power Transmission," filed May 31, 2012; No. 61/668,799 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,706, entitled "Transmitters For Wireless Power Transmission," filed Jul. 31, 2012. their entire contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. The contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0003] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. The entire contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0004] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/720,798, entitled "Scalable Antenna Assemblies For Power Transmission," filed May 31, 2012; No. 61/668,799 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,706, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled "Transmitters For Wireless Power Transmission." their entire contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0005] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/720,798, entitled "Scalable Antenna Assemblies For Power Transmission," filed May 31, 2012; No. 61/668,799 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/677,706, filed Jul. 31, 2012, entitled "Transmitters For Wireless Power Transmission." their entire contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0006] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. The contents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0007] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14/286,243, entitled "Enhanced Transmitter for Wireless Power Transmission," filed May 23, 2014 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0008] This application is filed December 7, 2014 in U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14/583,625, entitled "Receivers for Wireless Power Transmission," filed December 7, 2014. U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14/583,630, entitled "Methodology for Pocket-Forming," U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14/583, entitled "Transmitters for Wireless Power Transmission," filed December 7, 2014; , 634, U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 14/583,641 entitled "Transmission with Selective Range"; , 643, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0009] This disclosure relates generally to wireless power transfer.

[0010] Portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, notebooks and other electronic devices have become a daily necessity for communicating and interacting with others. Frequent use of these devices can require large amounts of power, which can easily drain the batteries attached to these devices. Accordingly, users frequently need to plug devices into power sources to recharge such devices. This may require that the electronic device must be charged at least once a day, or more than once a day for high demand electronic devices.

[0011] Such activities can take a long time and can be burdensome to the user. For example, a user may be required to carry a charger if their electronic device is running out of power. Additionally, the user must find an available power source to connect to. Finally, users must plug into a wall or other power source to be able to charge their electronic devices. On the other hand, such activity may render the electronic device inoperable during charging.

[0012] Current solutions to this problem may include devices with rechargeable batteries. On the other hand, the above-described approach requires the user to carry additional batteries and also ensures that an additional set of batteries are charged. Solar-powered rechargeable batteries are also known, but solar cells are expensive and a large array of solar cells may be required to charge any large capacity battery. Other approaches include mats or pads that allow devices to be charged without physically connecting the device's plug to an electrical outlet by using electromagnetic signals. In this case, the device still needs to be placed in a fixed location for a period of time in order to be charged. Assuming single-source power transmission of electromagnetic (EM) signals, the EM signal power decreases over a distance r by a factor proportional to 1/ ^r2 , in other words, it decays proportionally to the square of the distance. Thus, the power received at long distances from the EM transmitter is a small fraction of the transmitted power. To increase the power of the received signal, the transmit power must be increased. Assuming that the transmitted signal is effectively received at 3 centimeters from the EM transmitter, receiving the same signal power over an effective distance of 3 meters would increase the transmitted power by a factor of 10,000. need. Such power transmission is wasted because most of the energy that is transmitted is not received by the intended device, can be dangerous to living tissue, and interferes with most electronic devices in close proximity. Very likely and may be dissipated as heat.

[0013] Still other approaches, such as directional power transfer, typically require knowing the location of the device so as to be able to direct the signal in the correct direction in order to increase power transfer efficiency. However, even if the device is located, effective transmission is not guaranteed due to reflections and interference of objects in or near the receiving device's path. Additionally, in many use cases the device is not stationary, which adds to the difficulty.

[0014] Embodiments described herein comprise a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (eg, a radio frequency (RF) signal wave) to create a three-dimensional energy pocket. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated with the electronic device to receive power from the energy pocket. A transmitter can locate at least one receiver in three-dimensional space using a communication medium (eg, Bluetooth® technology). A transmitter generates a waveform such that an energy pocket is created around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses algorithms to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. A receiver can convert a transmitted signal (eg, an RF signal) into electricity for powering an electronic device and/or charging a battery. Accordingly, embodiments for wireless power transfer can enable multiple power devices to be powered and charged without wires.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method for wireless power transfer comprises receiving, by a transmitter, a first communication signal from a first electronic device coupled to a first receiver, comprising: the first communication signal including a location associated with the first electronic device; assigning, by the transmitter, a plurality of antennas to the first electronic device; , transmitting a first power transmission signal at a first phase from a first antenna of the plurality of antennas to a location of a first electronic device; and transmitting, by the transmitter, to a first receiver a second power transmission signal at a second phase from the first antenna to the location of the first electronic device. receiving, by a transmitter, voltage level data based on a second power transmission signal from a receiver; and, by a transmitter, from a second electronic device coupled to the second receiver receiving a second communication signal, the second communication signal including a second location associated with the second electronic device; and a second group; and assigning, by the transmitter, the first group of the plurality of antennas to the first electronic device and the second group of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device. can include

[0016] In another embodiment, the transmitter receives a first communication signal from a first electronic device coupled to the first receiver, the first communication signal is a first assigning a plurality of antennas to the first electronic device; and providing a first receiver with a position associated with the electronic device from the first of the plurality of antennas to the first electronic device transmitting a first power transmission signal at a first phase to a position of; receiving from a first receiver voltage level data based on the first power transmission signal; , transmitting a second power transmission signal at a second phase from the first antenna to a location of the first electronic device; and receiving from a receiver voltage level data based on the second power transmission signal. and receiving a second communication signal from a second electronic device coupled to the second receiver, the second communication signal being at a second location associated with the second electronic device dividing the plurality of antennas into a first group and a second group; assigning the first group of the plurality of antennas to the first electronic device; assigning the second group of the plurality of antennas to the first electronic device; assigning to a second electronic device.

[0017] Additional features and advantages of embodiments will be set forth in, and in part will be apparent from, the following 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.

[0018] 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. sea bream.

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. Unless otherwise indicated as representing background art, the drawings represent aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 2 illustrates a system overview according to an exemplary embodiment; [0021] FIG. 4 illustrates steps for wireless power transfer according to an exemplary embodiment. [0022] Fig. 2 illustrates an architecture for wireless power transfer according to an exemplary embodiment; [0023] Fig. 4 illustrates components of a system for wireless power transfer using a pocket forming procedure, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0024] Fig. 3 illustrates powering a plurality of receiver devices, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0025] FIG. 4 shows waveforms for wireless power transfer with selective range that can be combined into a single waveform. [0026] FIG. 4 shows waveforms for wireless power transfer with selective range that can be combined into a single waveform. [0027] Fig. 4 illustrates wireless power transfer with selective range that can generate multiple pockets of energy along different radii from the transmitter. [0028] Fig. 4 illustrates wireless power transfer with selective range that can generate multiple pockets of energy along different radii from the transmitter. [0029] FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of an architecture for wireless charging a client computing platform, according to an illustrative embodiment. 1 illustrates a diagram of an architecture for wireless charging a client computing platform, according to an exemplary embodiment; FIG. [0030] FIG. 4 illustrates wireless power transfer with multi-pocket formation, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0031] Fig. 3 illustrates multiple adaptive pocket formation, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0032] FIG. 4 depicts a diagram of a system architecture for wireless charging of client devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for locating a receiver using antenna elements, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0034] Fig. 4 illustrates an array subset configuration according to an exemplary embodiment; [0035] Fig. 4 illustrates an array subset configuration according to an exemplary embodiment; [0036] Fig. 3 illustrates a planar transmitter according to an exemplary embodiment; [0037] Fig. 3 illustrates a transmitter according to an exemplary embodiment; [0038] Fig. 4 illustrates a box transmitter according to an exemplary embodiment; [0039] FIG. 7 depicts a diagram of an architecture for incorporating transmitters into different devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0040] Fig. 4 illustrates a transmitter configuration according to an exemplary embodiment; [0041] Fig. 4 illustrates multiple rectifiers connected in parallel to antenna elements, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0042] Fig. 4 illustrates multiple antenna elements connected in parallel to a rectifier, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0043] Fig. 4 illustrates the output of multiple antenna elements combined and connected to parallel rectifiers according to an exemplary embodiment; [0044] Fig. 4 illustrates a group of antenna elements connected to different rectifiers, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0045] Fig. 2 illustrates a device with an embedded receiver, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0046] Fig. 3 illustrates a battery with an embedded receiver, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0047] Fig. 2 illustrates external hardware that may be attached to the device, according to an illustrative embodiment; [0048] Fig. 2 shows hardware in the form of a case, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0049] Fig. 3 illustrates hardware in the form of printed film or flexible printed circuit board, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0050] Fig. 2 shows internal hardware according to an exemplary embodiment; [0051] Fig. 10 illustrates a portable transmitter having a power plug that allows the portable wireless transmitter to connect to one or more power outlets, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0052] Fig. 10 illustrates a transmitter with multiple power plugs connecting the portable wireless transmitter to a wide variety of power sources and/or electrical adapters, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0053] Fig. 10 illustrates a wireless power transfer system in which the transmitter may include a button capable of producing at least one energy pocket upon activation, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0054] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an enhanced wireless power transmitter that can be used for wireless power transfer, according to an embodiment. [0055] Fig. 4 illustrates a transmitter arrangement of antenna elements that can be coupled to a dedicated receive radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), according to an embodiment. [0056] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a dedicated receive RFIC in an enhanced wireless power transmitter, according to an embodiment. [0057] FIG. 7 illustrates a component level embodiment for a wireless power system including three transmitters, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0058] Fig. 3 illustrates a wireless power system including two transmitters in two different rooms, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0059] Fig. 10 illustrates a wireless power system with two transmitters plugged into lighting sockets in two different rooms, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0060] Fig. 3 shows internal hardware used as a receiver and built into a smartphone case, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0061] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a receiver that can be used to wirelessly power or charge one or more electronic devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0062] FIG. 7 illustrates a power conversion process that may be implemented at a receiver during wireless power transfer, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0063] FIG. 4 depicts a system architecture diagram, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0064] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless power network including a transmitter and a wireless receiver, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0065] Fig. 2 illustrates a wireless power transfer system network according to an embodiment; [0066] Fig. 2 depicts a wireless power transfer system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment; [0067] Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary computing device on which one or more embodiments of implementations can operate, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a wireless energy transmission system for transmitting wireless energy using adaptive 3D pocketing techniques, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0069] Fig. 4 depicts a flow chart of a pairing process, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0070] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of an unpairing process, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0071] Fig. 4 depicts a tracking and positioning flow chart, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0072] FIG. 7 illustrates wireless power transfer in which a mobile phone receives charge and/or power with low efficiency, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0073] FIG. 7 illustrates wireless power transfer in which a mobile phone receives charge and/or power with low efficiency, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0074] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of a charge request process, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0075] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary routine that can be utilized by a microcontroller from a transmitter to authenticate a device requiring wireless power transfer, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0076] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary routine that can be utilized by a microcontroller from a transmitter to deliver power to a device previously authenticated within the routine, according to an embodiment. [0077] Fig. 10 illustrates a transmitter that creates at least one energy pocket on a portable mat that can further redirect power to other receiving devices, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0078] Figure 10 illustrates a wireless power transfer system including a tracer that can serve to establish a desired location for generating an energy pocket on at least one receiving device, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0079] Fig. 10 illustrates wireless power transfer including a tracer that can serve to establish a desired position for generating an energy pocket on at least one receiving device, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0080] FIG. 7 illustrates wireless power transfer including tracers that can serve to establish desired locations for generating energy pockets on multiple receiving devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0081] FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for automatically allocating subsets of an antenna array for simultaneously powering two or more client devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0082] Exemplary routines that can be utilized by wireless power management software that can be initiated by a system management GUI to instruct the system to charge one or more client devices, according to exemplary embodiments shows a flow chart of [0083] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of a process for powering multiple client devices using a time division multiplexing (TDM) method in a wireless power transfer system, according to an embodiment. [0084] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of a process for adjusting the number of antennas assigned to a wireless power receiver such that power transfer from the wireless power transmitter to the receiver is balanced, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0085] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a transmitter that can be utilized for wireless power transfer, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0086] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary diagram of a flat panel antenna array that can be used in a transmitter, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0087] Fig. 10 shows a single array in which all antenna elements can operate at 5.8 GHz, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0088] Figure 10 illustrates a paired array in which the top half of the antenna elements can operate at 5.8 GHz and the bottom half can operate at 2.4 GHz, according to an exemplary embodiment; [0089] FIG. 10 illustrates a quad array in which each antenna element can be virtually split to avoid power loss during wireless power transfer, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0090] FIG. 10 depicts a chart depicting an exemplary distribution of communication channels over time utilizing TDM in wireless power transfer, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0091] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of exemplary potential interactions between a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter, according to some embodiments. [0092] FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of exemplary potential interactions of a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter that may be part of a wireless power transfer system architecture, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0093] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram that generally illustrates an exemplary method of transmitting wireless power to a device, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0094] FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram that generally illustrates an example method for monitoring wireless power transmitted to a device, according to an example embodiment. [0095] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of a method for monitoring battery performance in a wireless power transfer system, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0096] FIG. 7 depicts a sequence diagram of a method for monitoring battery performance, according to an exemplary embodiment. [0097] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart of a method for prohibiting a client device from receiving power from a wireless power transfer system based on a health safety prohibited situation, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0098] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings forming a part hereof. Other embodiments may be used 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 embodiments described herein can be combined to form further embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0099] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used herein to describe these embodiments. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Variations and further modifications of the inventive features disclosed herein, and further applications of the inventive principles disclosed herein, will occur to persons skilled in the relevant art having the present disclosure as are considered within the scope of the present invention.

I. Systems and Methods for Wireless Power TransferA. Components of a system embodiment
[0100] FIG. 1 shows a system 100 for wireless power transfer by forming an energy pocket 104. FIG. System 100 may comprise transmitter 101 , receiver 103 , client device 105 and pocket detector 107 . Transmitter 101 can transmit a power transmission signal that includes power transmission waves that can be captured by receiver 103 . The receiver 103 includes antennas, antenna elements and other circuitry (detailed below) that can convert the captured waves into a usable source of electrical energy on behalf of the client device 105 associated with the receiver 103. described). In some embodiments, the transmitter 101 controls the power transmission in one or more trajectories by manipulating the phase, gain and/or other waveform characteristics of the power transmission wave and/or by selecting different transmit antennas. , can transmit a power transmission signal created from the power transmission wave. In such embodiments, the transmitter 101 can manipulate the trajectory of the power transmission signal such that the underlying power transmission waves converge at some location in space, resulting in certain forms of interference. occurs. One type of interference produced when the power-transmitting waves converge, "constructive interference," is due to the convergence of the power-transmitting waves such that they join together and reinforce the energy concentrated at that location. The resulting energy field. This is in contrast to interference, called "destructive interference", where the power carrying waves combine together to subtract from each other, attenuating the energy concentrated at that location. The accumulation of sufficient energy in constructive interference can establish an energy field or "pocket of energy" 104 in which the antenna of the receiver 103 operates at the frequency of the power transmission signal. can be captured by these antennas, if so configured. Thus, the power-transmitting waves establish energy pockets 104 at locations in space where the receiver 103 can receive, harvest, and convert the power-transmitting waves into usable electrical energy, thereby associated with Electrical client devices 105 may be powered or charged. Detector 107 may be a device comprising receiver 103 capable of generating a notification or alert in response to receiving the power transmission signal. By way of example, a user searching for the optimal placement of receiver 103 to charge the user's client device 105 may use detector 107 with LED light 108, which LED light 108 Brightness can be increased when 107 captures the power transfer signal from a single beam or energy pocket 104 .

1. Transmitter
[0101] Transmitter 101 may transmit or broadcast a power transfer signal to receiver 103 associated with device 105. For example, as shown in FIG. Although some of the embodiments described below describe the power transmission signal as radio frequency (RF) waves, the power transmission signal can be propagated through space and the electrical energy source 103 It should be understood that it can be any physical medium capable of being transformed. Transmitter 101 may transmit the power transfer signal as a single beam directed to receiver 103 . In some cases, one or more transmitters 101 can transmit multiple power transmission signals that propagate in multiple directions and are polarized to clear physical obstacles (e.g., walls). can be done. Multiple power transmission signals can converge at a location in three-dimensional space to form an energy pocket 104 . A receiver 103 within the boundaries of the energy pocket 104 can capture the power transmission signal and convert it into a usable energy source. Transmitter 101 can control pocket formation based on phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments of the power transmission signal to form a constructive interference pattern.

[0102] Although exemplary embodiments cite the use of RF wave transmission techniques, wireless charging techniques should not be limited to RF wave transmission techniques. Rather, it should be understood that possible wireless charging techniques can include any number of alternative or additional techniques for transmitting energy to a receiver that converts the transmitted energy into electrical power. . Non-limiting example transmission techniques for energy that can be converted into electrical power by the receiving device include ultrasonic waves, microwaves, resonant and induced magnetic fields, laser light, infrared, or other forms of electromagnetic energy. can contain. In the case of ultrasound, for example, one or more transducer elements can be arranged to form a transducer array that transmits ultrasound waves towards a receiving device, which receives the ultrasound waves, Converts ultrasonic waves into electric power. In the case of resonant and induced magnetic fields, a magnetic field is produced in the transmitter coil and converted into electrical power by the receiver coil. Further, although exemplary transmitter 101 is shown as a single unit potentially containing multiple transmitters (transmit arrays), RF transmission of power and other power transmissions described in this paragraph For both methods, the transmit array may include multiple transmitters physically spread around space rather than a compact regular structure.

[0103] The transmitter includes an antenna array whose antennas are used to transmit power transmission signals. Each antenna transmits a power transmission wave, where the transmitter applies different phases and amplitudes to the signals transmitted from different antennas. Similar to forming an energy pocket, a transmitter can form a phased array of delayed versions of the signal to be transmitted, then apply different amplitudes to the delayed version of the signal, and then apply an appropriate Send the signal from the antenna. For sinusoidal waveforms such as RF signals, ultrasound, microwaves, etc., delaying a signal is similar to applying a phase shift to the signal.

2. energy pocket
Energy pockets 104 may form at locations of constructive interference patterns of power transmission signals transmitted by transmitter 101 . The energy pocket 104 can appear as a three-dimensional field that can take in energy by the receiver 103 located within the energy pocket 104 . The energy pocket 104 generated by the transmitter 101 during pocket formation is taken up by the receiver 103 and converted into electrical charge, which is then associated with the receiver 103 (e.g. laptop computer, smart phone, rechargeable battery). It can be provided to the client device 105 . In some embodiments, there may be multiple transmitters 101 and/or multiple receivers 103 powering various client devices 105 . In some embodiments, adaptive pocketing can adjust power transmission signal transmission to adjust power levels and/or identify movement of device 105 .

3. Receiving machine
[0105] The receiver 103 can be used to power or charge the associated client device 105. As shown in FIG. Client device 105 may be an electrical device coupled to or integrated with receiver 103 . Receiver 103 may receive power transmission waves from one or more power transmission signals originating from one or more transmitters 101 . Receiver 103 may receive the power transmission signal as a single beam generated by transmitter 101 or receiver 103 may harvest the power transmission wave from energy pocket 104 . This can be a three-dimensional field in space resulting from the convergence of multiple power transmission waves generated by one or more transmitters 101 . Receiver 103 may include an array of antennas 112 configured to receive power transmission waves from the power transmission signals and harvest energy from the power transmission signals in a single beam or energy pocket 104 . Receiver 103 may include circuitry that, in turn, converts the energy of the power transmission signal (eg, radio frequency electromagnetic radiation) into electrical energy. A rectifier in the receiver 103 can convert electrical energy from AC to DC. Other types of adjustments can also be applied. For example, voltage regulation circuitry may increase or decrease the voltage of electrical energy as requested by client device 105 . The relay can then transfer electrical energy from receiver 103 to client device 105 .

[0106] In some embodiments, receiver 103 may comprise a communication component that transmits control signals to transmitter 101 to exchange data in real time or near real time. The control signal may include status information about the client device 105, receiver 103 or power transmission signal. Status information can include, for example, current location information of device 105, amount of charge received, amount of charge used, and user account information, among other types of information. Additionally, in some applications, the receiver 103 may be integrated into the client device 105, including the rectifier that the receiver houses. In practice, receiver 103, wiring 111 and client device 105 may be a single unit contained within a single package.

4. Control signal
[0107] In some embodiments, the control signal can serve as a data input used by the various antenna elements responsible for generating power transfer signals and/or controlling pocket formation. The control signal can be generated by receiver 103 or transmitter 101 using an external power supply (not shown) and a local oscillator chip (not shown), which in some cases is preferred to use piezoelectric material. can contain. The control signal may be RF waves or any other communication medium or protocol capable of communicating data between processors such as Bluetooth, RFID, infrared, near field communication (NFC). As will be discussed in greater detail below, control signals can be used to convey information used to adjust power transmission signals between transmitter 101 and receiver 103, as well as status, efficiency, etc. , user data, power consumption, billing, geolocation information, and other types of information.

5. Detector
[0108] Detector 107 may include hardware similar to receiver 103 that may enable detector 107 to receive power transmission signals originating from one or more transmitters 101. . Detector 107 can be used by a user to locate energy pocket 104 , thereby allowing the user to determine the preferred placement of receiver 103 . In some embodiments, detector 107 can include an indicator light 108 that indicates when the detector is positioned within energy pocket 104 . By way of example, in FIG. 1, detectors 107a, 107b are located within the energy pocket 104 generated by transmitter 101, whereby detectors 107a, 107b receive the power transmission signal of energy pocket 104. Due to this, the detectors 107a, 107b can be triggered to turn on their respective indicator lights 108, 108b, whereas the indicator of the third detector 107c located outside the energy pocket 104 Light 108c is turned off due to third detector 107c not receiving a power transfer signal from transmitter 101 . It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, detector functionality, such as indicator lights, may also be integrated into the receiver or client device.

6. client device
[0109] The client device 105 can be any electrical device that requires continuous electrical energy or requires power from a battery. Non-limiting examples of client devices 105 include laptops, mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, music players, toys, batteries, flashlights, lamps, electronic watches, cameras, game consoles, among other types of electrical devices. It can include equipment, GPS devices, and wearable devices or so-called "wearables" (eg, fitness bracelets, pedometers, smartwatches).

[0110] In some embodiments, the client device 105a may be a separate physical device from the receiver 103a associated with the client device 105a. In such embodiments, client device 105a may be connected to the receiver via wiring 111 that conveys converted electrical energy from receiver 103a to client device 105a. In some cases, other types of data such as power consumption status, power usage metrics, device identifiers and other types of data may be transported over wire 111 .

[0111] In some embodiments, the client device 105b can be permanently integrated or removably coupled to the receiver 103b, thereby forming a single integrated product or unit. can. By way of example, a client device 105b has a built-in receiver 103a and can be placed in a sleeve that can be removably coupled to the power input of device 105b. This power input can typically be used to charge the battery of device 105b. In this example, device 105b can be separated from the receiver, but can remain within the sleeve regardless of whether device 105b requires charge or whether device 105b is being used. In another example, instead of having a battery to hold the charge for device 105b, device 105b is permanently integrated with device 105b to form an indistinct product, device or unit. An integrated receiver 105b can be provided that can be used. In this example, device 105b can rely almost entirely on integrated receiver 103b to generate electrical energy by harvesting energy pocket 104 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the connection between receiver 103 and client device 105 may be wired 111, or may be an electrical connection on a circuit board or integrated circuit, or even inductive or It should be clear that it could be a wireless connection such as magnetic.

B. Wireless power transfer method
[0112] FIG. 2 illustrates the steps of wireless power transfer according to an embodiment of exemplary method 200. As shown in FIG.

[0113] In a first step 201, the transmitter (TX) establishes a connection or otherwise associates with the receiver (RX). That is, in some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are connected to a wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy) capable of transmitting information between two processors of an electrical device. Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, NFC, ZigBee (registered trademark)) can be used to communicate control data. For example, in embodiments implementing Bluetooth® or a variant of Bluetooth®, the transmitter can scan for advertisement signals that the receiver broadcasts, or the receiver can can be sent to the transmitter. The advertisement signal can inform the transmitter of the presence of the receiver and can trigger an association between the transmitter and the receiver. As described herein, in some embodiments, advertisement signals are used by various devices (e.g., transmitters, client devices, server computers, other receivers) to perform and manage pocket formation procedures. Information can be communicated that can be used to Information contained within the advertisement signal may include device identifiers (e.g., MAC address, IP address, UUID), voltage of electrical energy received, client device power consumption, and other types of data related to power transmission; can be done. The transmitter can use the transmitted advertisement signal to identify the receiver and, in some cases, to locate the receiver in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. Once the transmitter identifies the receiver, the transmitter establishes a connection associated with the receiver at the transmitter, enabling the transmitter and receiver to communicate signals over the second channel. can be done.

[0114] In a next step 203, the transmitter may use the advertisement signal to determine a set of power transfer signal characteristics for transmitting the power transfer signal and then establish an energy pocket. Non-limiting examples of characteristics of the power transmission signal can include phase, gain, amplitude, magnitude and direction, among others. Using information contained in the receiver's advertisement signal or subsequent control signals received from the receiver, the transmitter determines how to transmit the power transmission signal so that the receiver can receive the power transmission signal. You can decide to generate and send. In some cases, a transmitter may send a power transfer signal to establish an energy pocket from which the receiver can harvest power energy. In some embodiments, the transmitter determines the power required to establish the energy pocket based on information received from the receiver, such as the voltage of the electrical energy harvested by the receiver from the power transmission signal. A processor can be included that executes a software module capable of automatically identifying transmission signal characteristics. It should be appreciated that the functionality of the processor and software modules may also be implemented in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the advertisement signal or subsequent signals transmitted by the receiver over the second communication channel exhibit one or more power transfer signal characteristics. and then a transmitter can use these one or more power transfer signal characteristics to generate and transmit a power transfer signal to establish an energy pocket. For example, in some cases, the transmitter can 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; In that case, the receiver can inform the transmitter of the phase and gain to effectively transmit the power transmission signal.

[0116] In a next step 205, the transmitter, after determining the appropriate characteristics to use when transmitting the power transmission signal, begins transmitting the power transmission signal over a channel separate from the control signal. be able to. A power transfer signal can be transmitted to establish an energy pocket. Antenna elements of a transmitter can transmit power transmission signals such that the power transmission signals converge in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space around the receiver. The resulting field around the receiver forms an energy pocket into which the receiver can pick up electrical energy. One antenna element can be used to transmit power transmission signals and establish two-dimensional energy transmission, and in some cases a second or additional antenna element is used to establish a three-dimensional energy pocket. A power transfer signal can be sent for In some cases, multiple antenna elements may be used to transmit the power transfer signal to establish an energy pocket, and in some cases the multiple antennas may include all antennas at the transmitter. In some cases, the multiple antennas may include only one or more antennas at the transmitter and may not include all antennas.

[0117] As described above, the transmitter may generate and transmit the power transfer signal according to the determined set of power transfer signal characteristics. This set can be generated and transmitted using an external power supply and a local oscillator chip containing piezoelectric material. The transmitter may include an RFIC that controls the generation and transmission of power transfer signals based on information related to power transfer and pocket formation received from the receiver. This control data can be communicated over a different channel than the power transfer signal using a wireless communication protocol such as BLE, NFC or ZigBee. The RFIC of the transmitter can automatically adjust the phase and/or relative magnitude of the power transmission signal as needed. Pocketing is accomplished by a transmitter that transmits power transmission signals to form a constructive interference pattern.

[0118] When transmitting the power transmission signal during pocket formation, the antenna elements of the transmitter employ the concept of wave interference to detect certain power transmission signal characteristics (e.g., direction of transmission, phase of the power transmission signal wave). ) can be determined. Antenna elements can use the concept of constructive interference to create energy pockets, but they can also use the concept of destructive interference to create transmission nulls at specific physical locations.

[0119] In some embodiments, pocketing can be used to provide power to multiple receivers, which requires the transmitter to perform procedures for multiple pocketing. Sometimes. A transmitter with multiple antenna elements by automatically shaping the phase and gain of the transmitted signal wave for each of the transmitter's antenna elements tasked with transmitting power transmission signals to respective receivers. Multiple pocket formation can be achieved. Antenna elements of the transmitter can generate multiple wave paths for each power transfer signal to transmit the power transfer signal to respective antenna elements of the receiver, so that the transmitter can independently adjust phase and gain. can be calculated as

[0120] Assume X and Y as an example of calculating phase/gain adjustments for two antenna elements of a transmitter transmitting two signals. where Y is X phase-shifted by 180° (Y=-X). At a physical location where the accumulated received waveform is XY, the receiver receives XY=X+X=2X, whereas at a physical location where the accumulated received waveform is X+Y, the receiver receives X+Y=X− Receive X=0.

[0121] In a next step 207, the receiver may harvest or otherwise receive electrical energy from the power transmission signal in a single beam or energy pocket. The receiver may comprise a rectifier and an AC/DC converter, the rectifier and AC/DC converter may convert electrical energy from AC current to DC current, and the receiver rectifier may then: Power energy can be rectified resulting in usable electrical energy for a client device associated with a receiver such as a laptop computer, smart phone, battery, toy or other electrical device. The receiver can utilize the energy pocket created by the transmitter during pocket formation to charge or otherwise power the electronic device.

[0122] In a next step 209, the receiver may generate control data containing information indicative of the efficiency of a single beam or energy pocket providing the receiver power transmission signal. The receiver can then send a control signal containing the control data to the transmitter. The control signal is intermittent, depending on whether the transmitter and receiver are communicating synchronously (i.e., the transmitter expects to receive control data from the receiver). can be sent. Further, the transmitter can continuously transmit power transfer signals to the receiver regardless of whether the transmitter and receiver are communicating control signals. The control data may include information regarding transmitting power transfer signals and/or establishing effective energy pockets. Some of the information in the control data can inform the transmitter how to effectively generate, transmit, and in some cases adjust the characteristics of the power transmission signal. The control signal is independent of the power transmission signal using a wireless protocol capable of transmitting the power transmission signal and/or control data related to pocket formation, such as BLE, NFC, Wi-Fi, etc. Able to send and receive over the channel.

[0123] As noted above, the control data may include information that indicates the effect of a single beam power transmission signal or establishes an energy pocket. Control data can be generated by a processor of a receiver that monitors various aspects of the receiver and/or client devices associated with the receiver. Control data may be the voltage of the electrical energy received from the power transmission signal, the quality of power transmission signal reception, the quality of charging or power, among other types of information useful for adjusting the power transmission signal and/or pocketing. It can be based on various types of information such as the quality of reception and the position or motion of the receiver.

[0124] In some embodiments, a receiver can determine the amount of power received from a power transfer signal transmitted from a transmitter, and then the transmitter converts the power transfer signal to a less powerful power transfer signal. Signals can be "split" or indicated that they should be split. A less powerful power transmission signal can bounce off objects or walls in the vicinity of the device, thereby reducing the amount of power transmitted directly from the transmitter to the receiver.

[0125] In a next step 211, the transmitter may calibrate the antenna that transmits the power transmission signal so that the antenna has a more effective feature set (eg direction, phase, gain, amplitude) to transmit a power transmission signal having a In some embodiments, the processor of the transmitter can automatically determine the more effective characteristics for generating and transmitting the power transfer signal based on the control signal received from the receiver. The control signal may contain control data and may be transmitted by the receiver using any number of wireless communication protocols (eg, BLE, Wi-Fi, ZigBee®). The control data may contain information that explicitly indicates more effective characteristics for the power transmission wave, or the transmitter may be configured based on the waveform characteristics (e.g., shape, frequency, amplitude) of the control signal. , the more effective feature can be determined automatically. The transmitter can then automatically reconfigure the antenna to transmit the recalibrated power transfer signal according to the newly determined more effective characteristics. For example, the processor of the transmitter adjusts the gain and/or phase of the power transfer signal, among other power transfer characteristics, to allow the user to move the receiver outside the three-dimensional space in which the energy pocket is established. can be adjusted for changes in the receiver's position after moving the .

C. System architecture of power transmission system
[0126] According to an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates an architecture 300 for wireless power transfer with pocketing. "Pocketing" can refer to producing two or more power transmission waves 342 that converge at a location in three-dimensional space, resulting in a constructive interference pattern at that location. Transmitter 302 can transmit and/or broadcast controlled power transmission waves 342 (eg, microwaves, radio waves, ultrasound) that can converge in three-dimensional space. These power transmission waves 342 can be controlled through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments to form constructive interference patterns (pocketing) at locations where energy pockets are intended. Transmitters use the same principle to create destructive interference at a location, thereby causing a transmit null, i.e., the transmitted power transmission waves to substantially cancel each other and collect a large amount of energy by the receiver. It should also be understood that positions that are not possible can be produced. In normal use cases the aim is to collimate the power transfer signal at the location of the receiver, in other cases it may be desirable to specifically avoid power transfer to certain locations, in other cases It may be desirable to aim power transmission to one location while at the same time specifically avoiding transmission to a second location. The transmitter takes the use case into account when calibrating the antenna for power transfer.

[0127] The antenna elements 306 of the transmitter 302 can operate in single arrays, paired arrays, quadruple arrays, or any other suitable configuration that can be designed according to the desired application. . Energy pockets can be formed in constructive interference patterns in which power transmission waves 342 accumulate to form a three-dimensional energy field, around which one or more pockets at specific physical locations are formed by destructive interference patterns. can generate a corresponding transmitted null for . A transmit null at a particular physical location can refer to an area or region of space where no energy pocket is formed due to the destructive interference pattern of the power transmission wave 342 .

[0128] The receiver 320 then utilizes the power transfer wave 342 emitted by the transmitter 302 to charge or power the electronic device 313, thereby effectively providing wireless power transfer. Energy pockets can be established. An energy pocket can refer to an area or region of space where energy or power can accumulate in the form of constructive interference patterns of power transmission waves 342 . In other situations, there may be multiple transmitters 302 and/or multiple receivers 320 for simultaneously powering various electronic devices, eg, smart phones, tablets, music players, toys, and the like. In other embodiments, adaptive pocketing can be used to adjust the power to the electronic device. Adaptive pocketing can refer to dynamically adjusting pocketing to adjust power to one or more targeted receivers.

Receiver 320 may communicate with transmitter 302 by generating short signals through antenna elements 324 to indicate the position of receiver 320 relative to transmitter 302 . In some embodiments, receivers 320 are cloud computing devices that further utilize network interface cards (not shown) or similar computer networking components to manage several collections of transmitters 302 over network 340. It can communicate with other devices or components of system 300, such as services. Receiver 320 may comprise circuitry 308 for converting power transmission signals 342 captured by antenna elements 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 the receiver battery 335 , which may be energized without the electrical device 313 being communicatively coupled to the receiver 320 . can be stored.

[0130] The communication component 324 can enable the receiver 320 to communicate with the transmitter 302 by transmitting control signals 345 via a wireless protocol. The wireless protocol can be a proprietary protocol or can use a conventional wireless protocol such as Bluetooth®, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, ZigBee®. Communication component 324 is then used to determine when to transmit information such as an identifier for electronic device 313 as well as battery level information, geographic location data, or power to receiver 320 and to deliver power transmission wave 342 . Other information may be transferred that may be useful to the transmitter 302 in determining the locations that cause energy pockets to occur. In other embodiments, adaptive pocketing can be used to adjust the power provided to electronic device 313 . In such embodiments, the communication component 324 of the receiver can transmit voltage data indicating 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. .

[0131] Once transmitter 302 has identified and located receiver 320, a channel or path for control signals 345 can be established through which transmitter 302 receives signals coming from receiver 320. It is possible to know the gain and phase of the control signal 345 to be applied. Antenna elements 306 of transmitter 302 can initiate transmission or broadcast of controlled power transmission waves 342 (e.g., radio frequency waves, ultrasound), which are transmitted by at least two antennas. The elements 306 can be used to converge in three-dimensional space by manipulating the power transmission waves 342 radiated from each antenna element 306 . These power transmission waves 342 can be generated by using an external power supply and a local oscillator chip with suitable piezoelectric material. Power transmission wave 342 can be controlled by transmitter circuitry 301, which can include dedicated chips for adjusting the phase and/or relative magnitude of power transmission wave 342. can. The phase, gain, amplitude and other waveforms of the power transmission wave 342 can serve as inputs for the antenna elements 306 to form constructive interference patterns (pocketing). In some implementations, the microcontroller 310 or other circuitry of the transmitter 302 can generate a power transmission signal, the power transmission signal comprising a power transmission wave 342, and an antenna connected to the transmitter circuitry 301. Depending on the number of elements 306, it can be split into multiple outputs by transmitter circuitry 301. FIG. For example, if four antenna elements 306a-306d are connected to one transmitter circuit 301a, the power transfer signal is split into four different outputs, each directed to antenna element 306 and directed to the respective antenna element. 306 is transmitted as a power transmission wave 342 .

[0132] Pocketing can take advantage of interference to change the directivity of antenna elements 306. FIG. Here, constructive interference creates energy pockets and destructive interference creates transmission nulls. The receiver 320 can then utilize the energy pocket created by the pocket formation to charge and power the electronic device, thereby effectively providing wireless power transfer.

[0133] By calculating the phase and gain from each antenna 306 of the transmitter 302 to each receiver 320, multiple pocketing can be achieved.

[0134] Figure 35 illustrates a wireless charging system architecture 3500, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system architecture 3500 can comprise one or more wireless power transmitters 3501 and one or more wireless power receivers 3520a, 3530b. In some embodiments, the wireless charging system architecture 3500 can include one or more electronic devices 3552, which may not have built-in wireless power receivers 3520a. In other embodiments, the wireless charging system architecture 3500 can comprise an electronic device 3552 with a built-in power receiver 3520a. Pairing can refer to the association of a single electronic client device with a single power receiver within a distributed system database of a wireless power transfer system, thereby enabling, for example, a user or an automated system process commands a client device to be charged, the system can determine from this association to which power receiver to transmit power to charge this client device. A system database can refer to an exact copy of an installed product's system database, or an exact copy of a subset of this database stored within and accessible by any system computer.

[0135] The power transmitter 3501 can transmit controlled radio frequency (RF) waves that can converge in 3D space. These RF waves can be controlled to form constructive interference patterns (pocketing) through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments. Pocketing can refer to generating two or more RF waves that converge in 3D space to form a controlled and constructive interference pattern. An energy pocket can be formed in a constructive interference pattern that can take on a three-dimensional shape, whereas a transmission null at a particular physical location can be created in a destructive interference pattern. An energy pocket can refer to an area or region of space where energy or power can be stored in the form of constructive interference patterns of RF waves. A transmit null at a particular physical location can refer to an area or region of space where no energy pockets form due to destructive interference patterns of RF waves. Adaptive pocketing can refer to dynamically adjusting pocketing to adjust power to one or more target receivers. Power can refer to electrical energy, where "wireless power transfer" can be synonymous with "wireless energy transmission", where "wireless power transfer" is synonymous with "wireless energy transmission" can be a word.

[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment, power transmitter 3501 includes, among other components, power transmitter manager application 3594a, third party BTLE API 3512a, BTLE chip 3512b, antenna manager software 3593, Antenna array 3586a. Power transmitter manager application 3594 a may be an executable program loaded into non-volatile memory within power transmitter 3501 . Power transmitter manager application 3594a can, among other things, control the behavior of power transmitter 3501, monitor the state of charge of electronic device 3552 and power receiver 3520a, and track the position of power receiver 3520a. and run power schedules. In some embodiments, power transmitter 3501 communicates power receiver 3520a, electronic device 3552, power status, power schedule, ID, information related to pairing, and any information necessary to run the system. A database (not shown) may be included for storage. BTLE or BLE may refer to Bluetooth® Low Energy communications hardware and/or software. A database, which can be a SQL file, or a file of a different or any format, or an array of data structures in a computer's volatile or non-volatile memory, organizes and stores data in a computer in a database. , excluding those used for retrieval. A third party BTLE API 3512a may enable efficient interaction between the power transmitter manager application 3594a and the BTLE chip 3512b. Antenna manager software 3593 can process instructions from power transmitter manager application 3594a and can control antenna array 3586a.

[0137] Antenna array 3586a, which may be included in power transmitter 3501, may include multiple antenna elements capable of transmitting power. In some embodiments, antenna array 3586a can include between 64 and 256 antenna elements that can be distributed in an evenly spaced grid. In one embodiment, antenna array 3586a may have an 8×8 grid with a total of 64 antenna elements. In another embodiment, antenna array 3586a may have a 16×16 grid with a total of 256 antenna elements. On the other hand, the number of antenna elements may vary in relation to the desired range and power transfer capabilities of power transmitter 3501 . Generally, more antenna elements can be used to achieve greater range and higher power transfer capability. Alternative configurations are possible, including circular patterns or polygonal arrangements, among others. The antenna elements of antenna array 3586a can include antenna types for operation in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz, 5.250 GHz or 5.8 GHz, and the antenna elements can operate at independent frequencies. , allowing multi-channel operation of pocket formation.

[0138] Power transmitter 3501 may further include other communication methods such as Wi-Fi, ZigBee® and LAN, among others. Power receiver 3520a may comprise a power receiver application 3594b, a third party BTLE API 3512a, a BTLE chip 3512b, and an antenna array 3586b. Power receiver 3520a can make available the energy pocket generated by power transmitter 3501 to charge or power electronic device 3552a and electronic device 3520b. Power receiver application 3594b may be executable instructions loaded into non-volatile memory within power receiver 3520a. A third party BTLE API 3512a can enable efficient interaction between the power receiver application 3594b and the BTLE chip 3512b. Antenna array 3586b may be able to harvest power from energy pockets.

[0139] Electronic device 3552 and electronic device 3520a may include a GUI for managing their interaction within wireless charging system architecture 3500. FIG. A GUI may be associated with an executable program loaded in non-volatile memory. In some embodiments, electronic device 3552 and electronic device 3520a store power receiver 3520a, power status, power schedule, ID, information related to pairing, and any information necessary to run the system. may include a database (not shown) for A system management GUI may refer to a software application program running on a computer in the wireless power transfer system or running on a remote server that may be in the Internet cloud. This system management GUI is a graphical user interface between the system user or system operator and the software within the wireless power transfer system for configuration, monitoring, command, control, reporting, and any other system management functions. used for

[0140] In some embodiments, the wireless charging system architecture 3500 may include multiple power transmitters 3501 and/or multiple power receivers 3520a for charging multiple electronic devices 3552. In a system that includes multiple power transmitters 3501, two or more power transmitters include Bluetooth®, BTLE, Wi-Fi, ZigBee®, LAN, LTE and LTE Direct, among others. , can communicate at all times using any available communication channel.

[0141] FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless power transfer system 3600 (WPTS) in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure can operate. The wireless power transfer system 3600 can include communications between one or more wireless power transmitters 3601 and one or more wirelessly powered receivers 3620a, and communications within a client device 3620b. A client device 3652 can be paired with an adaptive paired receiver 3620a, which can enable wireless power transfer to the client device 3652. In another embodiment, client device 3620b may include a wireless power receiver embedded as part of the device's hardware. Client device 3652 can be any device that uses and/or requires energy power, such as laptop computers, stationary computers, mobile phones, tablets, mobile game consoles, televisions, radios, etc. It can be any set of equipment that can benefit from it.

[0142] In one embodiment, one or more wireless power transmitters 3601 includes a power transmitter manager app 3694a (PWR TX MGR APP) as embedded software and a Bluetooth Low Energy chip 3612b (BTLE may include a microprocessor that integrates with a third party application programming interface 3612a (third party API) for CHIP HW). App can refer to a software application running on a mobile, laptop, desktop or server computer. Bluetooth® Low Energy chip 3612a can enable communication between wireless power transmitter 3601 and other devices, including power receiver 3620a, client devices 3652 and 3620b, and the like. Wireless power transmitter 3601 controls an RF antenna array that can be used to form controlled RF waves that can converge in 3D space and create energy pockets on wirelessly powered receivers. Antenna manager software (antenna MGR software) may also be provided. In some embodiments, one or more Bluetooth® Low Energy chips 3612b may utilize other wireless communication protocols including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, LTE Direct, and the like.

[0143] The power transmitter manager app 3694a can invoke third party application programming interfaces 3612a to perform multiple functions including, among other things, establishing connections, terminating connections, and transmitting data. Third party application programming interface 3612a can issue commands to Bluetooth® low energy chip 3612b according to functions invoked by power transmitter manager app 3694a.

[0144] The power transmitter manager app 3694a may also include a distributed system database. The distributed system database may include identifiers for client device 3652, voltage ranges for power receiver 3620a, location of client device 3652, signal strength associated with client device 3652 and/or any other relevant information, such as Relevant information associated with client device 3652 can be stored. The database relates to the wireless power network, including receiver IDs, transmitter IDs, end-user handheld devices, system management servers, charging schedules, charging priorities, and/or any other data associated with the wireless power network. Information can also be stored.

[0145] The third party application programming interface 3612a can simultaneously call the power transmitter manager app 3694a through a callback function that can be registered with the power transmitter manager app 3694a at boot time. The third party application programming interface 3612a can have a timer callback that can occur ten times per second, each time a connection starts, a connection ends, a connection is attempted, or a message is received. A callback can be sent each time.

[0146] The client device 3620b includes a power receiver app 3694b (PWR RX APP) and a third party application programming interface 3650a (third party API) for the Bluetooth Low Energy Chip 3630b (BTLE CHIP HW). , with an RF antenna array 3686 b that can be used to receive and utilize pockets of energy transmitted from the wireless power transmitter 3601 .

[0147] The power receiver app 3694b can invoke a third party application programming interface 3650a to perform multiple functions including establishing connections, terminating connections and transmitting data, among others. Third party application programming interface 3650a may have a timer callback that may occur ten times per second, each time a connection is initiated, a connection is terminated, a connection is attempted, or a message is received. A callback can be sent each time.

[0148] Client device 3652 can be paired to adaptive power receiver 3620a via BTTLE connection 3696. FIG. A graphical user interface (GUI 3698) can be used to manage the wireless power network from the client device 3652. The GUI 3698 can be a software module that can be downloaded from any application store and that can run on any operating system, including iOS and Android, among others. Client device 3652 communicates with wireless power transmitter 3601 via BTLE connection 3696 to provide identifiers for the device, battery level information, geographic location data, or otherwise useful for wireless power transmitter 3601. You can also send important data, such as any other information you can.

[0149] To manage the wireless power transfer system 3600, wireless power manager software can be used. A wireless power manager may be a software module hosted in memory and executed by a processor in a computing device. The wireless power manager can include a local application GUI or host a web page GUI from which users can view options and status and execute commands to manage the wireless power transfer system 3600. can do. Computing devices, which may be cloud-based, transmit wireless power through standard communication protocols including Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, Wi-Fi or ZigBee®, among others. 3601 can be connected. The power transmitter manager app 3694 a can exchange information with the wireless power manager to control access by and power transmission to the client device 3652 . The functions controlled by the wireless power manager are scheduling power transmission for individual devices, prioritizing among different client devices, accessing certificates for each client, power receiver to power transmitter area. , broadcast messages, and/or any functionality necessary to manage the wireless power transfer system 3600 .

[0150] A computing device can connect to the wireless power transmitter 3601 through a network connection. Network connectivity includes intranet, local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN), wireless area network (WAN), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi and ZigBee, among others It can refer to any connection between computers, including ®. The power transmitter manager app 3694a can exchange information with the wireless power manager to control access to power transmission by devices. The functions controlled by the wireless power manager include scheduling power transfers for individual devices, number of antennas assigned to client devices, priority among different client devices, access credentials per client, physical location, message It can include any functionality needed to broadcast and/or manage components within the wireless power transfer system 3600 .

[0151] The one or more wireless power transmitters 3601 can automatically transmit power to any single wireless power receiver in close enough proximity for the wireless power transmitter 3601 to establish communication. The wireless power receiver can then power or charge an electrically connected electronic device, such as client device 3652 . A single wireless power transmitter 3601 can power multiple wireless power receivers simultaneously. Alternatively, the components within the wireless power transfer system 3600 can, through the wireless power manager graphical user interface, set the time of automated time-based scheduled power transfer, the physical location of the power receiver, the client device, among other things. may be configured to automatically transmit power only to certain wireless power receivers, depending on certain system standards and/or conditions, such as the owner of the wireless power receiver.

[0152] The wireless power receiver captures the energy transmitted from the wireless power transmitter 3601 into its antenna, rectifies and conditions it, and converts the resulting electrical energy into electricity. can be transmitted to a device connected to the device to power or charge the device. As any wireless power receiver moves to different spatial locations, the wireless power transmitter 3601 adjusts the number of antennas assigned, the phase of the transmitted RF and amplitude can be changed.

[0153] FIG. 37 illustrates a wireless power transfer system network, according to one embodiment. According to some embodiments, wireless power transfer system network 3700 may include multiple wireless power transfer systems capable of communicating with remote information services 3777 through Internet cloud 3769 .

[0154] In some embodiments, the wireless power transfer system includes one or more wireless power transmitters 3701, one or more power receivers 3720, one or more optional backup servers 3767, a local network 3740. According to some embodiments, each power transmitter 3701 may comprise wireless power transmitter manager 3765 software and a distributed wireless power transfer system database 3763 . Each power transmitter 3701 may be capable of managing power and transmitting power to one or more power receivers 3720, where each power receiver 3720 is one or more electronic devices. 3761 can be charged or can power these electronic devices.

[0155] The power transmitter manager 3765 controls the behavior of the power transmitter 3701, monitors the state of charge of the electronic device 3761, controls the power receiver 3720, and tracks the location of the power receiver 3720, among other things. , run power schedules, perform system checkups, and track the energy provided to each of the different electronic devices 3761 .

[0156] According to some embodiments, database 3763 stores identifiers of electronic devices 3761, voltage ranges of measurements from power receivers 3720, locations, signal strengths, and/or any associated data from electronic devices 3761. Relevant information from the electronic device 3761, such as information, can be stored. Database 3763 contains information related to the wireless power transfer system such as receiver ID, transmitter ID, end-user handheld device name or ID, system management server ID, charging schedule, charging characteristics, and/or wireless power transfer system network 3700 Any data related to the can also be stored. Additionally, in some embodiments, database 3763 may store historical and current system status data.

[0157] The past system status data includes, among other things, the amount of power delivered to the electronic device 3761, the amount of energy transferred to the group of electronic devices 3761 associated with the user, the amount of energy transferred to the group of electronic devices 3761 associated with the user, the details such as the amount of time associated with, pairing records, activity within the system, any actions or events of any wireless power device within the system, errors, failures and configuration issues. Historical system status data may include power schedules, names, customer sign-in names, authorization and authentication credentials, cryptographic information, physical areas of system operation, details for running the system, and any other system or User related information can also be included.

[0158] Current system status data stored in database 3763 includes, among other things, location and/or movement within the system, configuration, pairing, errors, faults, alarms, problems, and transmissions between wireless power devices. message and tracking information.

[0159] According to some exemplary embodiments, the database 3763 within the power transmitter 3701 can further store future system status information, wherein the future system status is based on past system status data. It can be predicted or evaluated according to historical data from and current system status data.

[0160] In some embodiments, records from all device databases 3763 in the wireless power transfer system may also be stored in server 3767 and updated periodically. In some embodiments, wireless power transfer system network 3700 can include two or more servers 3767 . In other embodiments, wireless power transfer system network 3700 may not include server 3767 .

[0161] In another exemplary embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 3701 may further be capable of detecting faults in the wireless power transfer system. Examples of faults in the power transmission system 502 can include overheating, malfunctioning, overloading of any component, among others. If a fault is detected by any of the wireless power transmitters 3701 in the system, the fault can be analyzed by any wireless power transmitter manager 3765 in the system. After the analysis is completed, generate recommendations or alerts and report to the owner of the power transmission system or to a remote cloud-based information service for delivery to the system owner or manufacturer or supplier. can be done.

[0162] In some embodiments, power transmitter 3701 may use network 3740 to transmit and receive information. Network 3740 may be a local area network or any communication system between components of a wireless power transfer system. Network 3740 may enable communication between power transmitters, system management servers 3767 (if present), and other power transmission systems (if present), among other things. According to some embodiments, network 3740 may facilitate data communication between the power transmission system and remote information services 3777 through internet cloud 3779 .

[0163] The remote information service 3777 may be operated by a system owner, a system manufacturer or supplier, or a service provider. The remote management system can comprise business cloud 3775 , remote manager 3773 software, and backend servers 3769 , where remote manager 3773 can further include general purpose database 3771 . The functions of backend server 3769 and remote manager 3773 can be combined into a single physical or virtual server.

General purpose database 3771 may store further backups of the information stored in device database 3763 . In addition, general purpose database 3771 may store marketing information, customer billing, customer configuration, customer authentication, and customer support information, among others. In some embodiments, general purpose database 3771 may also store information such as less popular features, errors in the system, problem reports, statistics and quality control, among others. Each wireless power transmitter 3701 can periodically establish a TCP communication connection with a remote manager 3773 for authentication, problem reporting purposes, or reporting status or usage details, among other things.

[0165] FIG. 38 illustrates a wireless power transfer system architecture 3800 according to an exemplary embodiment. Wireless power transfer system architecture 3800 may include a wireless power transfer system, internet cloud 3879 and remote information services 3883 . The disclosed wireless power transfer system includes one or more wireless power transmitters 3877, one or more wireless power receivers 3820 that can be coupled to or embedded in any client device 3861, one or more local system management servers. 3867 or cloud-based remote system management servers 3873 (eg, backend servers), and local networks 3840 . A network 3840 connection can refer to any connection between computers such as an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a wireless area network (WAN), and the Internet, among others.

[0166] According to some embodiments, each wireless power transmitter 3877 may include wireless power transmitter manager software 3865, a distributed system database 3883, and a TDM power transfer 3875 software module. Each wireless power transmitter 3877 can manage and transmit power to one or more wireless power receivers 3820, each wireless power receiver 3820 communicating with one or more client devices 3861. can be rechargeable or be able to provide power to them. Examples of client devices 3861 can include smartphones, tablets, music players and toys, among others. Certain client devices 3861 are capable of running system management GUIapps. This app is available on public software app stores or digital application distribution platforms such as Apple iTunes, Android Play Store and/or amazon, from where it can be downloaded and installed.

[0167] According to further embodiments, the wireless power transfer system includes or executes a system management GUI application on a local system management server 3867 or a cloud-based remote system management server 3873; or can be run from this management server. This system management GUI application can be used to transfer wireless power to specific wireless power receivers 3820 depending on, among other things, system criteria or operating conditions such as the power transfer schedule and the physical location of the client device 3861. can control the

[0168] Each wireless power transmitter manager software 3865 controls the behavior of the wireless power transmitters 3877 such that, among other things, when power transfer begins, both wireless power transmitters 3877 and wireless power receivers 3820 Unique system identification, number of connected devices, orientation angle of antenna used, voltage at power receiver antenna of wireless power receiver 3820, real-time communication connection between wireless power transmitter 508 and wireless power receiver 3820, etc. can be monitored and used to track information from wireless power receiver 3820 wherever wireless power receiver 3820 is located or moved. can be done. Further, power transmitter manager software 3865 can control the use of TDM power transfer 3875, which may allow the wireless power transfer system to enter or not enter TDM power transfer 3875 mode. In particular, the TDM power transfer 3875 mode can control the antenna array of the wireless power transmitter 3877 by reassigning antenna groups, where each group is used to direct client devices 3861 in online mode. only to the client device 3861 at regular time intervals, while the rest of the client devices 3861 in offline mode are waiting to be powered by the wireless power transmitter 3877 .

[0169] The wireless power transmitter 3877 was coupled to the wireless power receiver 3820 through the TDM power transfer 3875 mode until all client devices 3861 in close enough proximity to the wireless power transmitter 3877 received sufficient power. One group of client devices 3861 can be online and another group of client devices 3861 can be offline and vice versa. This TDM power transfer cycle can continue while there are too many client devices 3861 of the wireless power transmitter 3877 to power all at the same time.

[0170] According to some embodiments, distributed system database 3883 may record relevant information from wireless power receiver 3820, wireless power transmitter 3877, and local system management server 3867 in client device 3861. can. The information includes, but is not limited to, an identifier for client device 3861, voltage measurements of power circuits in wireless power receiver 3820, location, signal strength, wireless power receiver 3820 ID, wireless power transmitter 3877 ID. , ID of the end user's handheld device name, ID of the system management server, charging schedule, charging characteristics, and/or any data related to the wireless power transfer system. Additionally, wireless power transmitter 3877, wireless power receiver 3820 powering client device 3861, and local system management server 3867 can act as system information generators.

[0171] Distributed system database 3871 may be, for example, MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Oracle, SAP, dBASE, FoxPro, IBM DB2, LibreOffice Base, FileMaker Pro, and/or a collection of data to organize It can be implemented through a conventional database management system (DBMS) such as any other type of database capable.

[0172] In some embodiments, wireless power transmitter 3877 may transmit and receive information using network 3840. Network 3840 can be a local area network, WIFI, or any communication system between components of a wireless power transfer system. The network 3840 can enable communication between two or more wireless power transmitters 3877, wireless power transmitters 3877 communication with the system management server 3867, wireless power transmission through the Internet cloud 3879, among other things. Communication between the system and remote information services 3883 can be facilitated.

[0173] The remote information service 3883 can be operated by a system owner, manufacturer, system supplier, or service provider. Remote information service 3883 can include different components such as a backend server, a remote information service manager and a generic remote information service database.

[0174] Figure 39 is an exemplary computing device 3900 on which one or more embodiments of an implementation can operate, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, computing device 3900 comprises bus 3995 , input/output (I/O) devices 3985 , communication interface 3987 , memory 3989 , storage device 3991 and central processing unit 3993 . In another embodiment, computing device 3900 includes more, fewer, different, or a different arrangement of components relative to those shown in FIG.

[0175] In FIG. Bus 3995 includes the pathways that allow components within computing device 3900 to communicate with each other. Examples of (I/O) devices 3985 allow the examiner or candidate to input information to the computing device 3900, including keyboards, computer mice, buttons, touch screens, touch pads, voice recognition, biomechanics, etc. includes peripherals and/or other mechanisms that can enable (I/O) devices 3985 also include mechanisms for outputting information to a user of computing device 3900, such as, for example, displays, microphones, light emitting diodes (LEDs), printers, speakers, orientation sensors, and the like. The orientation sensors include one or more accelerometers, one or more gyroscopes, one or more compasses, and the like. The accelerometers give respective changes in respective angles about respective axes. The gyroscope gives the respective rate of change of each angle about the respective axis and the compass gives the compass heading.

[0176] Examples of communication interface 3987 include mechanisms that allow computing device 3900 to communicate with other computing devices and/or systems over network connections. Examples of memory 3989 include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, and the like. Examples of storage devices 3991 include magnetic and/or optical storage media, ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM) hard disks, solid state drives, floppy disks, optical disks, and the like. In one embodiment, memory 3989 and storage device 3991 store information and instructions for execution by central processing unit 3993 . In another embodiment, central processing unit 3993 may include a microprocessor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable object array (FPOA), or the like. In this embodiment, central processing unit 3993 interprets and executes instructions retrieved from memory 3989 and storage device 3991 .

[0177] Examples of these implementations include servers, authorized computing devices, smartphones, desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, PDAs, and other types of devices capable of receiving, processing, and transmitting digital data. processor-controlled devices, etc. Additionally, the computing device 3900 is capable of performing certain operations required for proper operation of the system architecture. Any suitable computing device 3900 may perform these operations in response to central processing unit 3993 executing software instructions contained in a computer-readable medium, such as memory 3989 .

[0178] In one embodiment, system software instructions are transferred from another memory location, such as storage device 3991, or to another computing device 3900 (e.g., a first client device, a second client device, computing device, etc.) into memory 3989 . In this embodiment, the software instructions contained within memory 3989 cause central processing unit 3993 to perform processes.

[0179] Figure 40 is a functional block diagram illustrating a wireless energy transmission system 4000 for transmitting wireless energy using adaptive 3D pocketing techniques. In some embodiments, wireless energy transmission system 4000 comprises a cloud service provider, any number of suitable wireless power transmitters 4001-4001n, and any number of suitable wirelessly charged devices. In other embodiments, wireless energy transmission system 4000 includes additional, fewer, different, or different arrangements of components relative to those shown in FIG.

[0180] In Figure 40, the cloud service provider comprises a system management service 4067 and an information delivery service. Wirelessly charged devices each comprise an associated receiver 4020-4020n, a client device 4052-4052n, and a GUI 4061-4061n. In some embodiments, there may be additional wirelessly charged devices (eg, up to n) each including a receiver, client device and GUI.

[0181] In some implementations, the cloud service provider, wireless power transmitter 4001, and wirelessly charged device are in wired/wireless communication with one or more of each other. In these embodiments, wireless power transmitter 4001 wirelessly couples and communicates with wirelessly charged devices via any suitable wireless protocol. Examples of suitable wireless protocols include Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, Wi-Fi, ZigBee®, and the like.

[0182] In some embodiments, the cloud service provider may include any number of processors, random access memory modules, physical storage drives, wired communication ports, wireless communication ports, etc. to run any desired set of applications. implemented as computer hardware and software, including any number of components required for In examples, a cloud service provider is implemented with one or more components of a computing device. In these embodiments, the cloud service provider manages user credentials, device identification, device authentication, usage and payments associated with one or more users, processes service requests, information requests, and handles one or more Executes any software necessary to host system management service 4067, including software capable of storing and retrieving data relating to users. In other embodiments, the cloud service provider further comprises a database for storing user data, device data, payment data, and the like.

[0183] In some embodiments, the system management service 4067 manages power transfer from one or more wireless power transmitters to one or more receivers, certificates associated with mobile device users, wireless power transfer. It is configured to manage associated billing and the like. In these embodiments, system management service 4067 issues commands to one or more wireless power transmitters 4001, including commands to start, pause, or stop power transmission to one or more wireless power receivers. hardware and software configured to In an example, a cloud service provider functions substantially similar to a computing device. In another example, system management service 4067 functions substantially similar to a wireless power manager.

[0184] In some embodiments, the cloud service provider runs any software required to host the information delivery service. Examples of such software include software capable of storing and retrieving data associated with one or more users, performing analysis on the data, and the like. In other embodiments, the information distribution service is configured to collect usage data, billing data, demographic data, etc. from the system management service 4067, wireless power transmitters 4001, receivers 4020 and/or client devices 4052. hardware and software. Examples of data are total time spent charging, total energy sent to the device, monthly average amount of energy delivered to the device, location where energy was sent to the mobile device, demographic description of the mobile device user Including children.

[0185] In other embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 4001 includes any number of processors, random access memory modules, physical storage drives, wired communication ports, wireless communication interfaces that allow coupling to an antenna, etc. It is implemented as computer hardware and software including any number of components required to execute the desired set of applications. In the example, wireless power transmitter 4001 is implemented with one or more components of a computing device. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter 4001 uses adaptive 3D pocketing techniques to wirelessly charge devices (including wireless power receivers) and wireless power devices (coupled to one or more electrical devices). It is implemented as a transmitter capable of transmitting power to a power receiver. In these embodiments, one or more wireless power transmitters 4001 communicate with one or more receivers 4020 (either as part of a wirelessly charged device or coupled to one or more electrical devices). , locate one or more receivers 4020 in 3D space and transmit power signals to form energy pockets at the one or more receivers 4020 .

[0186] In some embodiments, a wirelessly charged device includes any number of processors, random access memory modules, physical storage drives, wired communication ports, wireless communication interfaces that allow coupling to an antenna, etc. , is implemented as computer hardware and software including any number of components required to execute a desired set of applications. In some embodiments, the wirelessly charged device is implemented as a computing device coupled to and in communication with a suitable wireless power receiver. Examples of wirelessly charged devices include mobile phones, laptops, portable video game systems, video game controllers, and the like. In an example, a wirelessly charged device is implemented with one or more components of a computing device. In some embodiments, a wirelessly charged device is implemented including a receiver (eg, receiver 4020) operable to receive power from a wireless power transmitter using adaptive 3D pocketing techniques. be. In these embodiments, a receiver portion (eg, receiver 4020) included in one or more wirelessly charged devices communicates with one or more wireless power transmitters 4001 and communicates with one or more wirelessly charged devices. receive energy from an energy pocket formed at the location of the receiver associated with the device. A wirelessly charged device can include its own receiver (eg, receiver 4020) or can be coupled to and in electrical communication with a separate wireless receiver.

[0187] In operation, the wireless power transmitter 4001 is associated with an individual transmitter using a suitable wireless communication protocol, including Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, ZigBee®, etc. broadcast the identifier. Examples of suitable identifiers include MAC addresses, IMEIs, serial numbers, ID strings, and the like. In other embodiments, suitable identifiers further include information about the version of software used in wireless power transmitter 4001 . In some embodiments, a client device 4052 within a wirelessly charged device detects one or more identifiers broadcast by one or more wireless power transmitters 4001 and identifies one or more of the wireless power transmitters 4001. is configured to be displayed to the mobile device user through the GUI 4061. In other embodiments, the client device 4052 determines the version of software running on the wireless power transmitter 4001 and uses this version information to indicate wireless power in information broadcast by the wireless power transmitter 4001. Determine the location and format of the identifier associated with transmitter 4001 .

[0188] In some embodiments, the client device 4052 communicates user requests to the system management service 4067 including requests to initiate charging, suspend charging, terminate charging, authorize payment transactions, etc. be able to. In other embodiments, a cloud service provider communicates with one or more wireless power transmitters 4001 and manages distribution of power signals from one or more wireless power transmitters 4001 . Wireless power transmitter 4001 is configured to wirelessly communicate with receiver 4020 and transmit power signals from wireless power transmitter 4001 to receiver 4020 using adaptive 3D pocketing techniques.

[0189] Figure 41 is a flowchart of a pairing process 4100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The pairing process 4100 may begin when the electronic device identifies 4121 an available power receiver in the system. At this time, using the signal strength, the electronic device may be able to monitor the proximity of each of the available power receivers (4123). The electronic device can constantly check whether one of the power receivers is within proximity range to perform pairing (4125). If none of the power receivers are within range, the electronic device can continue to monitor the proximity of the power receivers. If one of the power receivers is within range, the electronic device may proceed to check database 4127 to determine if the power receiver is already paired (4129). If the power receiver is associated with another electronic device, the electronic device can continue to scan for power receivers and track their proximity. If the power receiver does not have an association, the electronic device can initiate a pairing protocol, start a timer (4131), and continuously monitor the proximity of the power receiver. After the time has elapsed, the electronic device can check whether the power receiver is still within range (4135). If the power receiver is not within proximity range, the electronic device can continue to track the proximity of the power receiver. If the power receiver is still within proximity range, the electronic device may update the database (4137) and associate its ID with the power receiver's ID.

[0190] In some embodiments, the GUI in the electronic device may analyze several signal strength measurements (RSSI) over a given lapse of time before updating the database. In some embodiments, the GUI can calculate a signal strength measurement, average it, and compare it to a predetermined reference value. After updating the information in the internal database, the electronic device may send 4139 a copy of the updated database to the power transmitter and the pairing process 4100 may end.

[0191] Figure 42 is a flowchart of an unpairing process 4200, according to an exemplary embodiment. The unpairing process 4200 involves an electronic device paired to a power receiver constantly monitoring 4241 the proximity of the power receiver to check if the power receiver is out of pairing range. (4243) to start. If no change, the electronic device can continue to monitor proximity of paired power receivers (4241). If there is a change, the electronic device can start a timer (4245). After the time has passed, the electronic device can check the signal strength of the advertisements (ads) broadcast by the power receiver to determine if the power receiver is still within range (4249 ). This can be done by a GUI on the electronic device. The GUI can analyze several signal strength measurements (RSSI) over a given time course. In some embodiments, the GUI can calculate signal strength measurements, average them, and compare them to a predetermined reference value.

[0192] If the electronic device determines that the power receiver is still within proximity range, it may continue normal monitoring of the proximity of the power receiver. If the electronic device determines that the power receiver is no longer within proximity range, it can proceed to update its internal database (4251) and then send an updated version of the database to the power transmitter ( 4253). In a parallel process, the electronic device can begin scanning and identifying available power receivers (4255), continuously monitor the proximity of available power receivers, and perform the unpairing process. 4200 can end.

[0193] In an exemplary embodiment, a smart phone that includes a GUI for interacting with the wireless charging system is paired with a power receiver built into the cell phone cover. At a first point in time, the smartphone communicates with the power transmitter, is authenticated, receives the power receiver database, and begins scanning for power receiver devices. After scanning, the smart phone finds 3 available power receivers. Smartphones track the proximity of powered devices based on signal strength. At a second time, one of the power receivers is placed near the smart phone. The smartphone determines that the power receiver is within range and initiates the pairing process. After a few seconds the smartphone checks the signal strength again and determines that the power receiver is still within an acceptable distance for pairing. The smartphone then updates its internal database and sends a copy of the updated database to the power transmitter. At a third time, the smart phone sends a power request to the power transmitter. The power transmitter searches the database to determine which receivers are associated with the smartphone, then points the antenna array to the power receivers associated with the smartphone and initiates power transmission.

D. Components of the system forming the energy pocket
[0194] FIG. 4 illustrates components of an exemplary system 400 for wireless power transfer using a pocketing procedure. System 400 can comprise one or more transmitters 402 , one or more receivers 420 and one or more client devices 446 .

1. Transmitter
[0195] Transmitter 402 can be any device capable of broadcasting a wireless power transfer signal, which can be RF waves 442 for wireless power transfer, as described herein. can. Transmitter 402 can be responsible for performing tasks related to transmitting power transmission signals, which can include pocketing, adaptive pocketing, and multiple pocketing. In some implementations, the transmitter 402 can transmit wireless power transfer in the form of RF waves to the receiver 420, which RF waves can include any radio signal having any frequency or wavelength. can be done. The transmitter 402 includes 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 all components for the transmitter 402. and a housing in which the required components of the can be placed. Various components of transmitter 402 can include and/or be manufactured using metamaterials, microprints of circuits, nanomaterials, and the like.

[0196] In exemplary system 400, transmitter 402 transmits or otherwise broadcasts controlled RF waves 442 that converge at locations in three-dimensional space, thereby forming energy pockets 444. can do. These RF waves can be controlled through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments to form constructive or destructive interference patterns (ie, pocketing). An energy pocket 444 can be a field formed in a constructive interference pattern and can be three-dimensional in shape, whereas a transmit null at a particular physical location produces a destructive interference pattern. be able to. The receiver 420 can harvest electrical energy from the energy pocket 444 generated by pocketing to charge or power an electronic client device 446 (eg, laptop computer, cell phone). In some embodiments, system 400 may include multiple transmitters 402 and/or multiple receivers 420 for powering various electronic devices. Non-limiting examples of client devices 446 can simultaneously include smartphones, tablets, music players, toys, and the like. In some embodiments, adaptive pocketing can be used to adjust power to the electronic device.

2. Receiving machine
[0197] Receiver 420 may include a housing that may include at least one antenna element 424, one rectifier 426, one power converter 428, and communication components 430. FIG.
The housing of receiver 420 can be made from any material capable of facilitating the transmission and/or reception of signals or waves, such as plastic or hard rubber. The housing can be external hardware that can be added to different electronic devices, for example in the form of a case, or it can be integrated within the electronic device.

3. antenna element
[0198] Antenna elements 424 of receiver 420 may include any type of antenna capable of transmitting and/or receiving signals in the frequency bands used by transmitter 402A. Antenna elements 424 may include vertical or horizontal polarization, right or left polarization, elliptical or other polarization, and any number of polarization combinations. Using multiple polarizations may be advantageous in devices where there is no preferred orientation during use or where the orientation may change continuously over time, such as smart phones or portable gaming systems. For devices with well-defined expected orientations (e.g., two-handed video game controllers), there may be a preferred polarization of the antennas, which allows for a given polarization for multiple antennas. A ratio can be specified. The type of antenna in antenna element 424 of receiver 420 can include a patch antenna that can have a height of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches and a width of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches. . The patch antenna can preferably have connectivity dependent polarization, ie the polarization can vary depending on which side the patch is fed from. In some embodiments, the antenna type can be any type of antenna, such as a patch antenna, that can dynamically vary the antenna polarization to optimize wireless power transfer.

4. rectifier
[0199] Rectifier 426 of receiver 420 may comprise diodes, resistors, inductors, and/or capacitors to rectify the alternating current (AC) voltage generated by antenna element 424 to a direct current (DC) voltage. . Rectifier 426 can be placed as close to antenna element 424B as technically possible to minimize loss in power energy harvested from the power transmission signal. After rectifying the AC voltage, the resulting DC voltage can be regulated using power converter 428 . Power converter 428 can be a DC/DC converter that can help provide a constant voltage output to an electronic device, or, as in this exemplary system 400, to a battery, regardless of the input. can. A typical voltage output can be from about 5 volts to about 10 volts. In some embodiments, the power converter can include an electronic switched mode DC/DC converter that can provide high efficiency. In such embodiments, receiver 420 may comprise a capacitor (not shown) positioned to receive electrical energy before power converter 428 . A capacitor can ensure that sufficient current is provided to an electronic switching device (eg, a switched mode DC/DC converter) so that the electronic switching device can operate effectively. When charging an electronic device such as a phone or laptop computer, an initial high current may be required that can exceed the minimum voltage required to activate the operation of an electronic switched mode DC/DC converter. be. In such cases, a capacitor (not shown) can be added to the output of receiver 420 to provide the additional energy needed. Low power can then be provided. For example, 1/80 of the total initial power can be used while the phone or laptop is still storing charge.

5. Communication component
Communication component 430 of receiver 420 can communicate with one or more other devices of system 400 , such as other receivers 420 , client devices, and/or transmitter 402 . Different antenna, rectifier or power converter configurations are possible for the receiver, as described in the embodiments below.

E. Methods of Forming Pockets for Multiple Devices 1. Primary Configuration
[0201] FIG. 5 illustrates powering a plurality of receiver devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. In a first step 501, the transmitter (TX) establishes a connection or otherwise associates with the receiver (RX). That is, in some embodiments, the transmitter and receiver use a wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, BLE, Wi-Fi, Control data can be communicated by using NFC, ZigBee (registered trademark). For example, in embodiments implementing Bluetooth® or a variant of Bluetooth®, the transmitter can scan for advertisement signals broadcast by the receiver, or the receiver can can be sent to the transmitter. The advertisement signal can inform the transmitter of the presence of the receiver and can trigger an association between the transmitter and the receiver. As described below, in some embodiments, advertisement signals are used by various devices (e.g., transmitters, client devices, server computers, other receivers) to perform and manage pocket formation procedures. can communicate information that can be used to Information contained within the advertisement signal includes device identifiers (e.g., MAC address, IP address, UUID), voltage of electrical energy received, client device power consumption, and other types of data related to power transmission waves. be able to. The transmitter can use the transmitted advertisement signal to identify the receiver and, in some cases, to locate the receiver in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space. Once the transmitter identifies the receiver, the transmitter establishes a connection associated with the receiver at the transmitter, enabling the transmitter and receiver to communicate control signals over the second channel. be able to.

[0202] As an example, when a receiver comprising a Bluetooth® processor is energized or brought within the detection range of a transmitter, the Bluetooth® processor receives according to the Bluetooth® standard. Aircraft advertisement can be started. The transmitter may recognize the advertisement and initiate establishment of a connection for communicating control and power transfer signals. In some embodiments, the advertisement signal may contain a unique identifier, by which the transmitter can distinguish its advertisements and eventually all other Bluetooth within range proximity ( (trademark) device and its receiver.

[0203] In a next step 503, when the transmitter detects the advertisement signal, the transmitter can automatically form a communication connection with its receiver, whereby the transmitter and receiver can: Control signals and power transfer signals may be enabled to be communicated. The transmitter can then command the receiver to begin transmitting real-time sampled data or to control the data. The transmitter may also initiate transmission of power transfer signals from the antennas of the transmitter's antenna array.

[0204] In a next step 505, the receiver then measures the voltage, among other criteria related to the efficiency of the power transmission signal, based on the electrical energy received by the antenna of the receiver. can be done. The receiver can generate control data containing the measurement information and then send a control signal containing the control data to the transmitter. For example, the receiver may sample voltage measurements of received electrical energy at a rate of, for example, 100 times per second. The receiver can send voltage sample measurements back to the transmitter in the form of control signals 100 times per second.

[0205] In a next step 507, the transmitter may execute one or more software modules that monitor criteria, such as voltage measurements, received from the receiver. Algorithms can vary the generation and transmission of the power transfer signal by the transmitter's antenna to maximize the efficiency of the energy pocket around the receiver. For example, the transmitter can adjust the phase in which the transmitter antenna transmits the power transmission signal until the power received by the receiver exhibits pocket energy effectively established around the receiver. Once the optimal configuration for the antenna is identified, the transmitter's memory can store the configuration to keep the transmitter broadcast at its highest level.

[0206] In a next step 509, the transmitter algorithm determines when the power transfer signal needs to be adjusted, and in response to determining that such an adjustment is required, configures the transmit antenna. can also be changed. For example, the transmitter may determine that the received power at the receiver is less than the maximum based on the data received from the receiver. The transmitter can then automatically adjust the phase of the power transfer signal, while at the same time continuing to receive and monitor the voltage reported back from the receiver.

[0207] In a next step 511, after a defined period of time to communicate with a particular receiver, the transmitter scans for advertisements from other receivers that may be within range of the transmitter. , and/or can be automatically detected. The transmitter can establish a connection to the second receiver in response to a Bluetooth® advertisement from the second receiver.

[0208] In a next step 513, after establishing the second communication connection with the second receiver, the transmitter may proceed to tune one or more antennas in the transmitter's antenna array. In some embodiments, the transmitter may identify a subset of antennas to serve the second receiver, thereby parsing the array into the subset of arrays associated with the receiver. . In some embodiments, the entire antenna array can serve a first receiver for a given period of time, and then the entire array serves a second receiver for that period of time. can be done.

[0209] A manual or automatic process performed by the transmitter can select a subset of the array to serve the second receiver. In this example, the array of transmitters can be split in half to form two subsets. As a result, half of the antennas can be configured to transmit the power transfer signal to the first receiver and half of the antennas can be configured for the second receiver. At present step 513, the transmitter may apply similar techniques discussed above to configure or optimize the subset of antennas for the second receiver. The transmitter and the second receiver can communicate control data while selecting the subset of the array for transmitting the power transmission signal. As a result, by the time the transmitter alternates back to communicating with the first receiver and/or scanning for new receivers, the transmitter is using a second subset of the transmitter's antenna array. A sufficient amount of sample data has been received to adjust the phase of the transmitted wave and effectively transmit the power transmission wave to the second receiver.

[0210] In a next step 515, after adjusting the second subset to transmit the power transmission signal to the second receiver, the transmitter communicates control data with the first receiver, or It can alternately return to scanning for additional receivers. The transmitter may reconfigure the first subset of antennas and then alternate between the first and second receivers at predetermined intervals.

[0211] In a next step 517, the transmitter may continue to alternate between receivers and scan for new receivers at predetermined intervals. As each new receiver is detected, the transmitter can establish a connection and start transmitting power transfer signals accordingly.

[0212] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiver can be electrically connected to a device such as a smart phone. The transmitter's processor can scan for any Bluetooth® device. The receiver can initiate advertisements through the Bluetooth chip that it is a Bluetooth device. Within an advertisement, a unique identifier can be present so that when a transmitter scans the advertisement, it will distinguish the advertisement and eventually all in-range neighbors. It can distinguish between other Bluetooth® devices and its receiver. When the transmitter detects its advertisement signal, recognizing that it is a receiver, the transmitter then immediately forms a communication connection with the receiver, allowing the receiver to transmit real-time sampled data. can be ordered to start.

[0213] The receiver then measures the voltage at its receive antenna and sends the voltage sample measurements back to the transmitter (eg, 100 times per second). The transmitter can initiate a change in transmit antenna configuration by adjusting the phase. As the transmitter adjusts its phase, it monitors the voltage returned by the receiver. In some embodiments, the higher the voltage, the more energy may reside in the pocket. The antenna phase can be varied until the voltage is at its highest level and there is a maximum energy pocket around the receiver. The transmitter can hold the antenna at a particular phase so that the voltage is at its highest level.

[0214] The transmitter can change each individual antenna, one at a time. For example, if there are 32 antennas in the transmitter and each antenna has 8 phases, the transmitter can start with the first antenna, which goes through all 8 phases. make it The receiver can then return the power level for each of the eight phases of the first antenna. The transmitter can then store the highest phase of the first antenna. The transmitter may repeat this process for the second antenna so that it goes through 8 phases. The receiver can again send back the power level from each phase and the transmitter can store the highest level. The transmitter can then repeat the process for a third antenna and continue repeating the process until all 32 antennas have gone through 8 phases. At the end of the process, the transmitter can transmit maximum voltage to the receiver in the most efficient manner.

[0215] In another exemplary embodiment, the transmitter may detect the advertisement of the second receiver and form a communication connection with the second receiver. When the transmitter forms communication with the second receiver, the transmitter aims the original 32 antennas towards the second receiver and The phase process can be repeated for each of the 32 antennas. Once the process is complete, the second receiver can get as much power as possible from the transmitter. The transmitter communicates with the second receiver for one second, then alternates back to the first receiver for a predetermined period of time (e.g., one second), and the transmitter communicates with the first receiver at predetermined intervals. It can continue to cycle back and forth between the receiver and the second receiver.

[0216] In yet another implementation, the transmitter can detect the advertisement of the second receiver and form a communication connection with the second receiver. First, the transmitter communicates with the first receiver and reassigns half of the exemplary 32 antennas aimed at the first receiver, leaving only 16 to the first receiver. can be dedicated. The transmitter can then assign the second half of the antennas to the second receiver, dedicating 16 antennas to the second receiver. The transmitter can adjust the phase for the second half of the antenna. When the 16 antennas go through each of the 8 phases, the second receiver can be getting the maximum voltage in the most efficient way for the receiver.

2. Determination of optimal position for pocket formation
[0217] FIG. 43 shows a tracking and positioning flowchart 4300. FIG. This flow chart may be utilized by algorithms in controllers, CPUs, processors, computers, among others, to determine the optimal position and orientation of electronic devices capable of receiving power and/or charge through wireless power transfer. can be done. To achieve optimal efficiency, the electronic device can use a wide variety of sensors to determine the voltage and/or power level in the battery received when wireless power transfer begins (4359). Such sensors can indicate whether the device is receiving power at maximum available efficiency (4359). Examples of sensors and/or circuits for determining power efficiency include accelerometers, ambient light sensors, GPS sensors, compasses, proximity sensors, pressure sensors, gyroscopes, infrared sensors, motion detectors, OPS sensor circuits and/or any may include one or more of other types of sensors or circuits.

[0218] The maximum available efficiency can depend on distance from the transmitter, obstacles, temperature, among other things. An application, software or program installed on the electronic device and/or within the receiver recognizes when the device is receiving power at maximum available efficiency and/or maintains the current position. The user can be notified (4363). Additionally, if the device is receiving power at less than maximum available efficiency, the software or program uses a wide variety of sensors to track and determine the optimal position of the electronic device relative to the transmitter's position and orientation. can do. Sensors can include accelerometers, infrared, OPS, among others. Additionally, the communication module allows communication correlation to be used for tracking and positioning. Communication modules may include, among others, Bluetooth® technology, infrared communication, Wi-Fi, FM radio, and combinations thereof. By comparing the voltage levels and/or power received at each position and/or orientation of the electronic device, the software and/or program can instruct the user to change the device position to orient the optimal position and/or orientation. and/or direct the user (4365).

[0219] FIG. 44A shows wireless power transfer 4400A in which a transmitter 4401A can cause pocketing across multiple cell phones 4452A. As shown in FIG. 44A, wireless power transfer 4400A charges cell phone 4452A and/or cell phone 4452A with low efficiency due to antenna 4406B at the receiver may face the same direction of RF wave 4442B. It may provide power to the phone, so energy pocket 4404A may provide lower charge and/or power to antenna 4406B.

[0220] FIG. 44B illustrates wireless power transfer in which the mobile phone receives charge and/or power with low efficiency, according to an exemplary embodiment. By rotating the cell phone 4452B 180°, as shown in FIG. 44B, the antenna 4406B can receive power with greater efficiency, such efficiency oriented the antenna 4406B in the opposite direction of the RF wave 4442B. can be achieved due to being able to direct to

3. Receiver to initiate charging
[0221] Figure 45 is a flowchart of a charge request process 4500, according to an example embodiment. Process 4500 may begin when an electronic device that includes a GUI for interacting with a wireless charging system communicates 4569 with a power transmitter. During communication, the electronic device can transmit information to the power transmitter including, among other things, device ID and charging status. The power transmitter can update its database and send a copy to the electronic device that includes the IDs of available power transmitters in the system. The electronic device can then check whether its ID is already associated with the power receiver's ID (4571).

[0222] If the electronic device is not already paired, the electronic device may begin scanning for a power receiver (4573). All power receivers in the system can broadcast advertisement messages at any time. The advertisement message may contain a unique 32-bit device ID and system ID or UUID (Universally Unique Identifier). In some embodiments, the advertisement message may contain additional information. The electronic device can monitor the signal strength of advertisements being broadcast by different power receivers and can track the proximity of the power receivers to the electronic device.

[0223] When the electronic device detects that the power receiver has been within proximity range for an amount of time, it checks the database to see if the power receiver is already paired with another electronic device. You can proceed to determine whether If the power receiver is not already paired with another device, the electronic device may update the database with the association of the power receiver's ID with the electronic device's ID during pairing (4575). The electronic device can then send a copy of the updated database to the power transmitter.

[0224] Once the electronic device is paired, the user through a GUI within the electronic device or the electronic appliance can send a power request to the power transmitter (4577). The power transmitter may turn on the power receiver if it deems it appropriate to provide power to the electronic device (4579).

[0225] The power transmitter may then aim the antenna array to a power receiver associated with the electronic device and begin transmitting energy to the power receiver. The power receiver can then begin charging the electronic device (4581). Once the electronic device is charged, the process can end.

[0226] FIG. 46 illustrates an exemplary routine 4600 that may be utilized to control wireless power transfer from a transmitter 4600 by a microcontroller. Routine 4600 may begin when transmitter 4600 receives a power delivery request 4863 from a receiver. During a power delivery request (4863), the receiver uses delay encoding, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), or other binary code to identify a given electronic device containing the receiver. A signature signal can be transmitted that can be encoded using techniques such as ciphering. At this stage, the microcontroller can proceed to authentication (4685), where it can evaluate the signature signal sent by the receiver. Based on the authentication (4685), the microcontroller can proceed to decision (4687). If the receiver is not authorized to receive power, the microcontroller determines (4689) not to deliver power at decision 4687, thereby exiting routine 4600 at end (4691). On the other hand, if the receiver is authorized to receive power, the microcontroller can proceed to determine 4693 the device type. In this step, the microcontroller can obtain information from the receiver such as device type, manufacturer, serial number, total power required, battery level, among other information. The microcontroller can then proceed to execute device module (4695), where the device module can execute routines appropriate for the authenticated device. Additionally, if multiple receivers need power, the microcontroller can deliver power equally to all receivers or utilize priority status for each receiver. Such priority status can be user-defined. In some embodiments, the user may choose to deliver more power to their smart phone than their gaming device. In another example, the user may decide to power his smartphone first and then his gaming device.

[0227] Figure 47 illustrates an example routine 4700 that may be utilized by a microcontroller in a device module. Routine 4700 may begin determining a power delivery profile (4741), where routine 4700 may decide to run with a default power profile or with a user custom profile. In the former case, the microcontroller can proceed to verify battery level (4743), where the microcontroller can determine the power needs of the electronic device, including the receiver. The microcontroller can then proceed to decision 4745 . At decision 4745, if the battery of the electronic device containing the receiver is fully charged, the microcontroller may proceed to not deliver power (4747), thus exiting routine 4700 at end (4751). . On the other hand, if the battery of the electronic device containing the receiver is not fully charged, the microcontroller may proceed to verify whether such electronic device meets certain power supply criteria at decision 4749. can be done. The above power supply standards can be relied on for electronic devices that require power. For example, a smartphone can, among other criteria, receive power only when not in use, or receive power while in use only when the user is not talking on the smartphone. , or receive power while in use, as long as it does not compromise Wi-Fi. For user custom profiles, the user can also specify the minimum battery level that their device can have before delivering power, or the user can specify the minimum battery level that their device can have, among other such options. You can also specify the criteria for powering the

[0228] Alternatively, the microcontroller may record data to a processor on the transmitter. Such data may include how often a device needs power, what time a device requests power, how long it takes to power a device, and how much power such a device receives. power has been delivered, the priority status of the device, and power delivery statistics regarding where the device is primarily powered (eg, home or work). Additionally, such statistics may be uploaded to a cloud-based server to allow users to view all such statistics. In some embodiments, stores, coffee shops, etc. that offer wireless power as a secondary service can use the statistics described above to charge users a corresponding amount for the total power received. In some cases, the user may purchase hours of power, for example, the user may pay for one hour of power. Thus, the statistics described above can help the microcontroller decide when to stop delivering power to such users.

4. Transmitter to initiate charging
[0229] FIG. 48 illustrates a transmitter that creates at least one energy pocket on a portable mat that can further redirect power to other receiving devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 48 shows an alternative configuration for WPT in the form of wireless power transfer 4800, where transmitter 4801 can create at least one energy pocket 4804 on portable mat 4894. FIG. Mat 4894 receives wireless power from transmitter 4801 and at least one for retransmitting such power to a device, e.g., smart phone 3852, operatively coupled to a receiver (not shown) through pocket formation receiver and at least one transmitter (not shown). In some embodiments, mat 4894 can communicate to transmitter 4801 by short RF signals transmitted through its antenna elements or via standard communication protocols. The above can allow transmitter 4801 to easily locate mat 4894 . The disclosed configuration may be advantageous whenever smart phone 4852 cannot communicate directly to transmitter 4801 . This configuration can be advantageous because the mat 4894 can be placed virtually in any desired easy-to-reach location. Finally, transmitter 4801 can include a button (not shown) similar to that of transmitter 4801 that can generate an energy pocket 4804 on mat 4894 when activated. The duration of the energy pocket 4804 on the mat 4894 can be custom defined to suit the needs of various users. Yet another advantage of WPT is that other devices can be placed in close proximity to the mat 4894 and can receive power wirelessly as well, i.e. electronic devices requiring charging can be placed on the mat 4894. It may even be that it does not need to be done.

[0230] Figure 49 includes Figures 49A and 49B depicting wireless power transfer 4900A. Referring first to FIG. 49A, a smart phone 4952A operatively coupled to a receiver (not shown) may not have power available and may not be able to communicate with the transmitter 4901A. In this embodiment, a tracer can be used to communicate to transmitter 4901A the location where power is to be delivered. The tracer can include internal communication components (not shown), as described above for the transmitter and receiver, to communicate such positions to the transmitter 4901A. Such communication components can be activated upon user demand. For example, the tracer can include an activation button (not shown) that can activate the communication components described above after being pressed.

[0231] FIG. 49B illustrates wireless power transfer including a tracer that can serve to establish a desired position for generating an energy pocket across at least one receiving device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0232] After this activation, the communication component can send a request to transmitter 4901A to create an energy pocket 4904B at the location of the tracer. To charge the smart phone 4952A, the user can activate the tracer at the same or nearby location on the smart phone 4952A (FIG. 49B). Upon accumulating the necessary charge, smart phone 4952A can optionally communicate its location (by its own means) to transmitter 4901A to continue wireless power delivery. In other embodiments, energy pockets 4904B can occur in areas or regions of space that may be beneficial or easy for a user to reach, but may be free of electronic devices. In this case, an electronic device requiring charging, such as smart phone 4952A, can be moved to the above position to utilize energy pocket 4904B. The duration of energy pocket 4904B when there is no electronic device requiring charging can be custom defined by the user. In some other embodiments, the duration of the energy pocket 4904B can be imparted by the operation of the tracer, eg, at least one energy pocket 4904B can be generated upon activation of the tracer. Such an energy pocket 4904B can remain active until the second depression of the tracer activation button.

[0233] In the above configuration of wireless power transfer, electronic devices such as the smart phone 4952A can utilize smaller and less expensive receivers. The above can be achieved due to the fact that the receiver may not need its own communication components to communicate its position to the transmitter 4901A. Rather, tracers can be used to perform such functions. In other such embodiments, the tracer can take the form of an accessory that can be connected to an electronic device via a connection such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB). In this case, the tracer can become active when connected to the device and can control the integrity of the wireless power delivery. In some embodiments, the user can generate as much energy pocket 4904B as the device needs charging.

[0234] FIG. 50 illustrates a user holding a tracer 5098 creating various energy pockets 5004 at different locations to power various electronic devices that may include receivers for pocket formation. 5000 shows wireless power transfer 5000 that can be used. Energy pockets 5004 can be formed by transmitters 5001 at user-specified locations on demand. Additionally, as the device accumulates charge, it can optionally communicate its location (by its own means) to transmitter 5001 to continue wireless power delivery.

5. Powering multiple devices using time division multiplexing
[0235] FIG. 51 depicts a flow chart illustrating a method for automatically allocating subsets of an antenna array for simultaneously powering two or more client devices, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0236] Method 5100 provides that a user or system operator accesses a system management GUI through a website or on a client computing device and sends a client device, which can be paired with an adaptive paired receiver, Or it can be initiated when the wireless power transfer system is commanded 5153 to charge a client device that includes a wireless power receiver embedded as part of the device's hardware. In other embodiments, the system automatic charging schedule may also instruct the wireless power transfer system to charge the client device. System management can then send charge commands to all system transmitters (5155). Each system transmitter can determine whether it is within power range of the power receiver, and if not, control the client device's wireless receiver to power. 5157, after which the selected transmitter initiates real-time communication with the wireless power receiver and tracks the direction of the wireless power receiver with respect to the transmitting antenna array. (5159), the entire power transfer antenna array is aimed at the wireless power receiver and power transfer begins. A wireless power receiver can then receive the power and then power the client device.

[0237] Following method 5100, a user or auto-scheduling software can instruct a second client device to charge (5161), after which the selected transmitter will cause the second client device to receive to track the direction of the second wireless power receiver and divide the transmitter's antenna array in half (5163), thereby allowing the transmitter to divide the power antenna array in half or a subset can be aimed and used to power a first client device and the remaining antennas can be aimed and used to power a second client device; Allows client devices to receive power continuously. Next, at decision 5165, if the user or auto-scheduling software commands more client devices to charge, the selected transmitter initiates real-time communication with a third or subsequent client device. , can reassign 5167 its own antenna array by dividing the antenna array into subsets of antennas to aim and power each receiver. If there are no more client devices to charge, the system manager may check at decision 5169 whether any of the client devices being charged or powered have stopped powering, and then , if one or more client devices are powered off, redistribute a subset of the antenna arrays assigned to power the receivers of said client devices among the receivers of the remaining client devices ( 5171), the receiver can continue to be powered. This process can occur almost instantaneously for powered devices because the transmitter software already tracks and uses their exact orientation relative to the antenna array quickly. If none of the client devices have powered down, the system manager can check whether there are more client devices to charge at decision 5165 and follow the same steps described above. The method may continue in a loop as long as the wireless power system is charging or powering one or more client device receivers.

[0238] FIG. 52 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary routine 5200 that may be utilized by wireless power management software. This routine may be initiated at step 5273 to instruct the system to charge one or more client devices via the system management GUI. System management can distribute commands to all system transmitters managed by the wireless management software. Based on the number of client devices to be charged, the management software can then determine in decision 5275 whether there are sufficient antennas and communication channels available. If there are sufficient antennas and communication channels to charge the client device, then in step 5277 the management software can assign the nearest transmitter to charge the client device and assign a dedicated communication channel to the client device. Communication with the device can be initiated. A dedicated communication channel for continuously tracking client device direction from a power transfer antenna array, or for monitoring battery levels, or for receiving measurements or other telemetry or metadata from a receiver, or It may be for any other function that supports wireless power transfer. A dedicated communication channel can be selected from available channels for communication with a client device.

[0239] Thereafter, the wireless management software may continue charging the client device until more devices request power at decision 5279. If there are no more client devices requesting power, routine 5200 may end. On the other hand, if additional devices are requesting power, then at decision 5279 the wireless power manager can determine whether there are sufficient antennas and communication channels available for the new client device. If there are not enough antennas and communication channels, then in step 5281 the wireless power manager may allocate all antennas or groups of antennas from the antenna array and communication channels by utilizing time division multiplexing (TDM). .

[0240] TDM is used for transmitter communication with more power receivers than have channels by sharing the available channels over time. The TDM takes turns communicating to each receiver, communicating with each for a finite amount of time. This amount of time can be a short amount of time, such as one second or less. By allowing high-frequency communication with all receivers by sharing a limited number of transmitter communication channels, the transmitter can track and/or receive all these receivers. (and subsequently client devices to which the power receiver transmits power).

[0241] TDM also supports sharing of power transfer from the entire transmitter antenna array between all devices over time. That is, so that the transmitter can track the receiver's direction (angle) relative to the transmitter antenna array as it automatically switches communications across the receivers scheduled to receive power. , the transmitter also rapidly redirects the antenna array from one receiver to another, allowing each scheduled receiver to obtain antenna power periodically during its "time slice". The transmitter may also direct individual groups (subsets) of antennas to specific receivers, while simultaneously directing one or more other groups to one or more other receivers.

[0242] TDM uses pre-existing communication channels that can be shared by two or more devices, rather than dedicated channels, to charge between a transmitter and a client device's power receiver, and more specifically can be used to enable communication. By using TDM techniques, a wireless power transmitter can allow reassignment of one or more of its individual transmit antennas and communication channels to a group of client devices, which As a result, these client devices can be powered in online mode at the same time. While the online client device is powered and maintains the communication channel for a limited time interval, the rest of the client devices can be placed in offline mode.

[0243] Thereafter, the wireless power manager may continue charging the client device until more devices request power at decision 5279. Finally, at decision 5279, if there are no more client devices requesting power, the routine 5200 may end.

[0244] Figure 53 is a flowchart of a process 5300 for powering multiple client devices using a time division multiplexing (TDM) method in a wireless power transfer system, according to an embodiment. Process 5300 continues at step 5383 where a user-operated system management GUI in the wireless power transmitter system manually or automatically powers one or more client devices from the wireless power receiver to the system management server. It can be started when commanded to do so. Thereafter, at step 5385, the system management server may communicate commands to one or more wireless power transmitters in the wireless power transfer system.

[0245] Each wireless power transmitter uses a local system distributed database or other storage of system status, control and configuration to determine if the transmitter is within power range of the client device in step 5387. A means may be inspected to control the wireless power receiver of a client device instructed to receive power. If the client device's wireless power receiver is not within power range of the wireless power transmitter, the process may terminate. On the other hand, if the client device's wireless power receiver is within power range of any wireless power transmitter, then in step 5389, said wireless power transmitter initiates real-time communication with the client device's wireless power receiver. can be done. Each time there is one or more client devices to be powered that are commanded to the wireless power transmitter, the wireless power transmitter may subdivide its power transfer antennas into groups, wherein , each group may be assigned per client device, allowing all client devices to be powered simultaneously.

[0246] Thereafter, the system management server in the wireless power transfer system, in step 5391, if there are not enough transmitter antennas to power all the wireless power receivers of the client devices within power range, the wireless Power transmitters can be commanded. If the transmitter antenna within the wireless power transmitter can meet the power demands of all wireless power receivers, then in step 5393 the wireless power transmitter can continue to power all client devices. . On the other hand, if the current power resources of the wireless power transmitter do not meet the power demands of all the wireless power receivers, then in step 5395 the system management server instructs the power transmitter manager to implement TDM power transmission in the wireless power transmitter. can be ordered to do so. A wireless power manager within the wireless power transmitter can receive commands regarding the client devices to be powered and can determine which wireless power receivers are associated with the client devices.

[0247] Wireless power transmitters can group or reassign one or more of their transmit antennas by using TDM power transmission, such that each group serves a different wireless power receiver. , so that the receiver's client device receives the power at the same time. The remaining client devices with wireless power receivers can be set offline while the online client devices are powered. The TDM power transmission system may determine whether there is sufficient power for the online client device at step 5397 . If there is not enough power in the online client devices, i.e. one or more client devices may not receive sufficient power, the wireless power transmitter will set the one or more online client devices offline. , try again, and then proceed to take more devices offline until all online client devices receive sufficient power.

[0248] The TDM power transfer process, in step 5399, uses an automatic online/offline process to ensure that the wireless power transmitter is fully powering all client devices at regular time intervals (or timeslots). can be made possible.

[0249] Similarly, if there is not enough power for the current online client devices, take the longest online client devices offline one by one until all online client devices have sufficient power. can do. On the other hand, if the client devices in online mode receive sufficient power, then in step 5393 the TDM power transfer may decide to keep the same amount of client devices in online mode and power them.

[0250] FIG. 54 is a flowchart of a process 5400 for adjusting the number of antennas assigned to a wireless power receiver such that power transfer from the wireless power transmitter to the receiver is more balanced. Process 5400 can be part of an overall process for wireless power transfer and can be executed by a microprocessor that can be part of the system architecture. Process 5400 may be performed by a processor by executing software code in a power transfer management application, such as a power transmitter manager app. In some embodiments, the processor may perform process 5400 by executing instructions scheduled in the wireless power manager application, and in yet other embodiments the processor is not part of the system architecture. Process 5400 can be performed by executing instructions planned in a software application.

[0251] Code executed by a microprocessor can cause several components included in the system architecture to initiate or terminate activities. Alternatively to that shown in the system architecture, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. Although the blocks in the disclosed process 5400 are shown in a particular order, the actual order may differ. In some embodiments, some steps can be performed in parallel.

[0252] The process begins at step 5451 when the processor commands a wireless power transmitter (WPT) to communicate with a wireless power receiver (WPR) that is close enough to establish communication with this WPT. can do. The WPR may communicate data to the WPT that may include, among other things, the WPR's identification number, the WPR's approximate spatial location, and the WPR's power status. At step 5453, the processor may determine from the received data and further data that may be stored in a database, such as a database, whether the WPT should transfer power to the WPR. If the processor determines that the WPT should not power the WPR, it may continue searching for additional wireless power receivers within range and to be powered, step 5465 . If the processor determines that the WPT should power the WPR, then in step 5455 the processor uses the appropriate approximate spatial position data received from the WPR, as well as signal strength, WPT type, WPR, among others. A better approximation of the location of the WPR can be calculated by using additional metrics that can include the device types that can be attached.

[0253] At step 5457, the processor may instruct the WPT to assign a set of antennas from the antenna array that may be used to transmit RF waves to the WPR. At step 5459, the processor may instruct the WPT to vary the amplitude and phase, among other parameters, of the transmitted RF wave to shape a beam that can be focused on the WPR. At step 5461, the processor can read status data that can come from the WPR. The status data coming from the WPR is a measurement of the energy received by the WPR, the power level of the WPR, the perceived spatial position of the WPR, the power supply to the electronic device to which the WPR can be attached, among other operational parameters. can include a minimum power sufficient to In some embodiments, the minimum power setting can come from other sources, such as lookup tables elsewhere in the system.

[0254] In step 5463, the processor uses the read information to determine if the power transmitted to the WPR is unbalanced compared to other WPRs or if any WPR gains. It can be determined whether the power is too much or too little. If the power received by the WPR is less than the minimum power, the processor returns to step 5457 to instruct the WPT to allocate more antennas to the set of antennas that can be used to power the WPR. can be ordered. In some embodiments, if the number of available antennas is not sufficient to power the WPR, the WPT utilizes techniques such as time division multiplexing to share more antennas with the WPR. , can meet the power demands of WPR, which may be within the power range of one or more wireless power transmitters. Techniques such as time division multiplexing may allow multiple WPRs to be charged through regular time intervals or slot times during automatic online mode and offline mode sequences.

[0255] If the power received by the WPR is substantially more than the WPR's required minimum power, the processor returns to step 5457 and instructs the WPT to reduce the number of antennas assigned to the WPR. and use the deallocated antenna to power the other WPR, allowing the first WPR to continue to be wireless powered at the same time. At step 5465, the processor may look for another wireless powered receiver within range and to be powered, and if found, the process returns to step 5453 to communicate with the new WPR. can be started and the process from step 5453 can be repeated. When the processor determines from communication with the WPR that the WPT has finished transmitting power to the WPR, it may return to step 5451 to communicate to the WPR that the power transfer has finished and disconnect the communication in step 5453. can. The WPT may then check the database in step 5465 to determine which WPRs, if any, are within range where the WPT should transmit power.

[0256] FIG. 55A depicts a block diagram of a transmitter 5500A that can be utilized for wireless power transfer. Such a transmitter 5500A includes one or more antenna elements 5506A, one or more radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) 5508A, one or more microcontrollers 5510A, a communication component 5512A, a power supply 5514A, a transmitting A housing 5501A in which all the required components for the machine 5500A can be placed. Components within transmitter 5500A can be fabricated using metamaterials, microprinting of circuits, nanomaterials, and the like.

[0257] The transmitter 5500A can be responsible for pocketing, adaptive pocketing and multi-pocketing through the use of the components mentioned in the above paragraphs. Transmitter 5500A can transmit wireless power transfer in the form of radio signals to one or more receivers, and such signals can include any radio signal having any frequency or wavelength.

[0258] Figure 55B is an exemplary diagram of a flat panel antenna array 5500B that may be used in a transmitter 5500A. The flat panel antenna array 5500B can then include N antenna elements 5506A, where the gain requirement for power transfer is 64 that can be distributed in an evenly spaced grid. There may be ˜256 antenna elements 5506A. In one embodiment, the flat panel antenna array 5500B may have an 8x8 grid with a total of 64 antenna elements 5506A. In another embodiment, flat panel antenna array 5500B may have a 16×16 grid with a total of 256 antenna elements 5506A. On the other hand, the number of antenna elements 5506A may vary with respect to the desired range and power transfer capability of the transmitter 5500A, with more antenna elements 5506A providing greater range and higher power transfer capability. Alternative configurations may also be possible, including circular patterns or polygonal arrangements. The flat panel antenna array 5500B can also be divided into multiple parts and distributed over multiple surfaces (multiple surfaces).

[0259] The antenna elements 5506A may include planar antenna elements 5506A, patch antenna elements 5506A, dipole antenna elements 5506A, and any antenna suitable for wireless power transfer. Suitable antenna types can include patch antennas, which can have a height of about 1/2 inch to about 6 inches and a width of about 1/2 inch to about 6 inches. The shape and orientation of the antenna elements 5506A may vary depending on the desired characteristics of the transmitter 5500A, the orientation may be flat in the X, Y and Z axes, and various any orientation type and combination. The material of antenna element 5506A can include any suitable material capable of enabling wireless signal transmission with high efficiency, good heat dissipation, and the like.

[0260] Antenna element 5506A may include an antenna type suitable for operating in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz. This is because these frequency bands comply with Part 18 (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Devices) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. Antenna elements 5506A can operate at independent frequencies to enable pocket-forming multi-channel operation.

[0261] Further, the antenna element 5506A can have at least one polarization or polarization selection. Such polarizations can include vertical polar, horizontal polar, circular, left polar, right polar, or a combination of polarizations. Polarization selection can vary depending on the characteristics of transmitter 5500A. Further, antenna elements 5506A can be located on various sides of transmitter 5500A.

[0262] Antenna elements 5506A can operate in single arrays, paired arrays, quad arrays, and any other suitable configuration that can be designed according to the desired application.

[0263] FIG. 56 illustrates an antenna array 5686A according to various embodiments. Antenna array 5686A may include antenna types suitable for operating in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz. This is because these frequency bands comply with Part 18 of the FCC Rules.

[0264] FIG. 56A shows a single array 5686A in which all antenna elements 5606B can operate at 5.80 hz. Thus, a single array 5686A can be used to charge or power a single device.

[0265] Figure 56B shows a pair array 5686B in which the top half 5688B of the antenna elements 5606B can operate at 5.8 GHz and the bottom half 5690B can operate at 2.4 GHz. Pair array 5686B can then be used to simultaneously charge and power two receivers that may operate in different frequency bands, such as the frequency bands described above. As shown in FIG. 56B, antenna elements 5606B can vary in size according to antenna type.

[0266] FIG. 56C shows a quad array 5686C in which each antenna element can be virtually split to avoid power loss during wireless power transfer. In this embodiment, each antenna element can be virtually split into two antenna elements, antenna element 5694C and antenna element 5692C. Antenna element 5694C can be used to transmit in the 5.8 GHz frequency band and antenna element 5692C can be used to transmit in the 2.4 GHz frequency band. And the quad array 5686C can be used in situations where multiple receivers operating in different frequency bands need to be charged or powered.

[0267] In a first exemplary embodiment, a portable electronic device capable of operating at 2.4 GHz can be powered or charged. In this example, a transmitter can be used to deliver the energy pocket onto one electronic device. This transmitter can have a single 8x8 array of flat panel antennas where all antenna elements can operate at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, the flat antenna occupying more space than the other antennas. The volume can be reduced, which allows the transmitter to be placed in small, thin spaces such as walls, mirrors, doors, ceilings, and the like. In addition, flat panel antennas can be optimized for wireless power transfer to operate over long distances into narrow aisles, and such a feature allows portable devices to reach places like train stations, bus stops, airports, etc. It can make it possible to operate in long areas. Furthermore, due to its small volume, the 8x8 flat panel antenna can generate a smaller energy pocket than other antennas, which can reduce losses and provide a more accurate energy pocket. Such precision can be used to charge or power a wide variety of portable electronic devices in areas and/or near objects that do not require an energy pocket near or above them. can be used.

[0268] In a second exemplary embodiment, two electronic devices capable of operating in two different frequency bands can be powered or charged simultaneously. In this example, a transmitter can be used to deliver the energy pocket to two electronic devices. In this example, the transmitter can have a paired array with different types of antennas, i.e. flat panel antennas and dipole antennas, where 1/2 of the antennas can be formed by flat panel antennas, The other half can be formed by a dipole antenna. As described in the first exemplary embodiment, flat panel antennas can be optimized to radiate power into narrow passages at considerable distances. Dipole antennas, on the other hand, radiate power at closer distances, but can be utilized to cover additional areas due to their radiation pattern. Additionally, dipole antennas can be manually adjusted, a feature that can be advantageous when the transmitter is located in a crowded space and transmission needs to be optimized.

[0269] FIG. 57 is a chart 5700 depicting an exemplary distribution of communication channels over time utilizing TDM in wireless power transfer. More specifically, FIG. 57 depicts a table with channel assignments to five client devices while the wireless power transmitter only allows four communication channels.

[0270] The chart in Figure 57 illustrates how a transmitter's limited number of four communication channels can be used to communicate with five receivers, ie, more receivers than the transmitter has channels. Show over time what you can do. Time proceeds from left to right and 10 time slices are represented. Each time slice represents a finite amount of clock time, eg 1 second. Each "Cn" indicates one of the transmitter's communication channels. Each "Rn" denotes one of the wireless power receivers that receive power from the wireless transmitter and then transmit power to the client device.

[0271] During time slice t0, the transmitter communicates with receiver R1 using channel C1, with receiver R2 using channel C2, with R3 using C3, and with R4 using C4. and there is no communication with receiver R5.

[0272] During time slice t1, the transmitter now communicates with receiver R5 using channel C1, whereby R5 gets its turn to receive power, and receiver R2 communicates with the transmitter over channel C2. , receiver R3 continues using channel C3, and receiver R4 continues using channel C4. There is no communication with receiver R1.

[0273] During time slice t2, the transmitter now communicates with receiver R1 using channel C2, whereby R1 takes its turn for power reception, and receiver R3 communicates with the transmitter over channel C3. , receiver R4 continues using channel C4, and receiver R5 continues using channel C1. There is no communication with receiver R2.

[0274] During a time slice in which the transmitter is communicating with a particular receiver, the transmitter can use that communication to obtain the receiver power status from the receiver, which value the transmitter uses to A transmitter antenna is aimed at its receiver and a client device at the receiver is powered. The system may use other methods such as receiver beacon signal transmission and transmitter beacon signal reception to control the aiming of the antenna to the receiver. The transmitter can aim a subset of the antenna array at each of the four receivers with which it is communicating.

[0275] The pattern continues through time while the receiver is scheduled to receive power by the user. More receivers can be added to the scheduled receivers, or some can be removed. If there are more than available transmission channels (four in this example), the channels are shared over time (TDM), which allows the transmitter to communicate with any number of receivers. If there are not more transmission channels than are available, the transmitter dedicates each channel to a specific receiver.

[0276] An exemplary distribution of communication channels utilizing TDM in wireless power transfer is shown in a table with channel assignments to 5 client devices, whereas the wireless power transmitter allows only 4 communication channels. Drawn. The wireless power manager can utilize TDM techniques when the fifth client device R5 is instructed to begin charging at time phase t1. Thereafter, at time phase t1, the wireless power manager can instruct the wireless power transmitter to stop communicating with the first client device R1 using the first communication channel C1, and the fifth client device R1. Start real-time communication using the first communication channel C1 with R5. Thereafter, after a finite amount of time, at time phase t2, the wireless power manager can command the wireless power transmitter to stop communicating with the second client device R2 using the second communication channel C2, The wireless power transmitter can then resume communication with the first client device R1 using the second communication channel C2, aiming the antenna group at the first client device Rl. Then, after a finite amount of time, at time phase t3, the wireless power manager can command the wireless power transmitter to stop communicating with the third client device R3 that was using the third communication channel C3. . The wireless power transmitter can now resume communication with the second client device R2 using the third communication channel C3 and aligns the antenna group to the second client device R2. This process can continue until the amount of powered client devices changes.

[0277] FIG. 58 is a drawing 5800 of exemplary potential interactions between a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter, according to some embodiments. A diagram 5800 may describe a process for how TDM power transfer (a software module) may operate in a wireless power transmitter. In particular, the process may start at time _t0 , where a wireless power device (D1) may be within range of a wireless power transmitter, and TDM power transmission may be performed using antenna group (GA). A wireless power transmitter can be commanded to assign power to D1.

[0278] If D1 moves from the initial position, at time _t1 , TDM power transfer instructs the wireless power transmitter to change the number of antennas from the original group and to power the antenna group (GB1) to D1. can be ordered to be assigned to If another wireless power device (D2) arrives within range of the wireless power transmitter at the same time, the TDM power transfer assigns the wireless power transmitter another antenna group (GB2) to power D2. can be commanded to Here, the wireless power transmitter can power two wireless power receivers.

[0279] At time _t3 , if both D1 and D2 move from their positions, TDM power transfer instructs the wireless power transmitter to change the number of antennas from the original group and move the antenna group (GB1) to D1 and assign another antenna group (GC2) to power D2. If two additional wireless power devices (D3 and D4) arrive within range of the wireless power transmitter, TDM power transfer directs the wireless power transmitter to two additional antenna groups (GC3 and GC4) in D3. and D4 to be assigned to power. Here, the wireless power transmitter may power four devices and have no more transmit antennas available for additional wireless power receivers.

[0280] At time _t3 , a further wireless power receiver (D5) comes within range of the wireless power transmitter and there is a further wireless power receiver available to dedicate to a new group for powering D5. In the absence of antennas, TDM power transmission can utilize antenna sharing techniques to ensure that all devices are receiving power. For example, TDM power transmission can switch antenna groups from one device to another at regular time intervals. If no other change in position occurs, e.g., from time _t4 to _t9 , TDM power transmission continues, from the wireless power receiver that is transmitting the most power the least amount of time. You can keep switching groups to wireless power receivers.

[0281] FIG. 59 shows a diagram 5900 of exemplary potential interactions of a wireless power receiver and a wireless power transmitter that may be part of a wireless power transfer system architecture. Diagram 5900 may provide an example of a wireless power receiver served by a wireless power transmitter. According to some embodiments, additional wireless power receivers can be served when they come within range of the wireless power transmitter.

[0282] According to another embodiment, multiple wireless power transmitters can jointly power one or more receivers. At time _t0 , a wireless power device (D1) may come within range of the wireless power transmitter. The processor may instruct the wireless power transmitter to assign an antenna group (GA) of all transmitter antennas to power client device D1.

[0283] At time _t1 , the system also starts powering client device D2, so the transmitter keeps the previous antenna group G _A powered, antenna group for D1. G _B1 and two new antenna groups, group G _B2 for newly powered device D2. Since there are two groups, each gets half of the total transmitter antenna array.

[0284] At time _t2 , two more devices D3 and D4 begin to receive power, and the transmitter directs the previous two antenna groups G _B1 and G _B2 to the currently powered client device (Dl D2 D3 D4) with four antenna groups, namely G _c1 G _c2 G _c3 G _c4 , one for each.

[0285] At time _t3 , the fifth client device D5 is configured to receive power. On the other hand, the maximum allowable simultaneous antenna group is four. Thus, to power 5 devices, time division multiplexing must be used to power 4 devices simultaneously using 4 antenna groups, with one of the 5 devices , is not powered during each subsequent time interval _tn . Thus, at time _t3 , up to four antenna groups _{GC1 GC2 GC3 GC4} power client devices D5, D2, D3 and D4, respectively. At time _t4 , power to D2 is removed, power to D1 is resumed, and D3, D4, and D5 continue to receive power. The cycle pattern continues indefinitely until the device is charged.

6. Power transfer management
[0286] FIG. 60 is a flowchart 6000 that generally illustrates an exemplary method for transmitting wireless power to a device. The steps of this exemplary method are embodied in a computer readable medium containing computer readable code such that the steps are performed when the computer readable code is executed by a computing device. In some embodiments, some steps of the method can be combined, performed simultaneously, performed in a different order, or omitted without departing from the purpose of the method. be able to.

[0287] In FIG. 60, the process begins when the client device starts an application (6067) in response to a request from a user. In some embodiments, the client device detects the receiver to which it is coupled and retrieves from the receiver an identifier associated with the receiver. In other embodiments, the receiver resides on the client device, and thus the client device already includes an identifier associated with the receiver. In yet other embodiments, the client device broadcasts or otherwise advertises the identifier associated with the receiver to other devices within range.

[0288] The client device then connects to intranet, local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN), wireless area network (WAN) Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, Communicate 6069 with system management services through a suitable network connection, including ZigBee® or the like. In some embodiments, a client device communicates a certificate associated with a user of the client device, an identifier of a receiver associated with the client device, or the like. The system management service then authenticates (6071) the certificate associated with the client device. In some embodiments, if the certificate cannot be authenticated, the user is prompted to enroll. In other embodiments, if authentication fails, the system management service denies access to the user.

[0289] Next, the client device detects the broadcast from the transmitter and retrieves the identifier associated with the transmitter (6073). In some embodiments, the transmitter broadcasts its presence and its associated identifier using Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), Wi-Fi, etc. . Identifiers associated with a transmitter may include the transmitter's MAC address, network address, serial number, and the like. The client device displays a representation of the transmitter to the mobile device user via the GUI (6075). In some embodiments, the GUI generates a representation of the transmitter that allows the mobile device user to request power transfer from the transmitter to the client device. In other embodiments, the GUI displays additional information such as the distance of the client device from the transmitter, the cost associated with receiving power from the transmitter, and the like.

[0290] Next, the client device receives (6077) a command to power the client device from the mobile device user. The client device sends a request for wireless power delivery to the system management service (6079). In some embodiments, the request sent by the client device includes a certificate (e.g., user account certificate) associated with the client device, identifiers associated with one or more nearby transmitters, Includes associated identifiers, identifiers associated with receivers coupled to the client device (if not integral to the device), billing instructions, and the like.

[0291] Next, the system management service authenticates the client device, verifies the billing configuration, and verifies whether the client device is authorized to receive wireless power (6081). In some embodiments, the system management service combines the credentials (e.g., user account credentials) and identifiers associated with the client device contained within the request with data stored in a database within the cloud service provider. Authenticate the client device by comparison. In other embodiments, the system management service further verifies that the user's billing configuration is valid. Next, the system management service determines (6083) whether the client device is authorized to receive power. In some embodiments, the process ends if the client device is not authorized. In other embodiments, the process is linked to another process that allows the mobile device user to authorize the client device by further funding the account, request authorization from third parties, etc. Continue.

[0292] The system management service communicates with the transmitter and instructs the transmitter to power the receiver associated with the client device (6085). In some embodiments, the system management service is an intranet, local area network (LAN), virtual private network (VPN), wireless area network (WAN), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi - Communicate with the transmitter using a suitable network connection, including Fi, ZigBee®, etc.; In other embodiments, the command includes any number of parameters suitable for implementing the desired charging method, including desired power output, amount of charging time, amount of power to be transferred, and the like. In some embodiments, the receiver is integral with the client device. In other embodiments, the receiver is a wireless receiver coupled to and in electrical communication with one or more client devices.

[0293] The transmitter establishes communication with the receiver and locates the receiver in 3D space (6087). The transmitter then uses its antenna to create an energy pocket at the receiver (6089). The receiver then receives RF energy from the pocket formed by the transmitter and powers the client device (6091).

[0294] FIG. 61 is a flowchart 6100 generally illustrating an exemplary method for monitoring wireless power transmitted to a device. The steps of this exemplary method are embodied in a computer readable medium containing computer readable code such that the steps are performed when the computer readable code is executed by a computing device. In some embodiments, certain steps of the method may be combined, performed simultaneously, performed in a different order, or omitted without departing from the objectives of the present invention. can be done.

[0295] In Figure 61, the process begins by the transmitter reading 6151 power and energy data from the receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver is integral with the client device. In other embodiments, the receiver is a wireless receiver coupled to and in electrical communication with one or more client devices. In some embodiments, the data includes the rate of power delivered from the wireless power transmitter to the receiver, the total energy transferred from the wireless power transmitter to the receiver, the current battery power level of the client device, etc. .

[0296] The transmitter then communicates with the system management service and notifies the system management service that it is charging the client device (6153). In some embodiments, the transmitter also reports the energy/power transmitted to satisfy the charging request for the client device, the identifier of the receiver, etc.

[0297] Next, the system management service charges the mobile device user for energy transmitted from the transmitter to the client device, if required (6155). The system management service then communicates (6157) the account information to the client device. In some embodiments, the account information is associated with billing information and other information related to the current charging session, information from previous charging sessions, account balance information, and receipt of wireless power during the current charging session. charges, power transfer rate from the transmitter, etc.

[0298] The GUI displayed by the client device indicates that the client device is powered (6159). In some embodiments, the GUI displays the account balance information, account information, etc. discussed above.

[0299] One or more of the wireless power transmitter, receiver, and/or system management service then communicates (6161) usage and status information to the information distribution service. In some embodiments, usage and status information is used to perform analytics on customer behavior, demographics, quality of service, and the like. In some embodiments, the information delivery service is hosted at a remote cloud. In other embodiments, the information distribution service is hosted in a local network.

[0300] For example, a user with a smartphone walks into a coffee shop. The smartphone detects the wireless power transmitter operated by the coffee shop and retrieves the ID of the transmitter. The user then notices that the smart phone is low on power and proceeds to command the mobile app to request local wireless power. The user may also have the wireless power system management configured to do this automatically whenever and/or wherever wireless power is available. The smartphone then communicates its ID, its receiver ID, and transmitter ID to the system management service. The system management service reviews its system database and finds smartphones or its own receivers and transmitters. The system management service then communicates with the Transmitter and instructs the Transmitter to power the user's smart phone receiver. The transmitter then communicates with the receiver to determine the location of the receiver and uses pocketing techniques to transmit wireless energy to the receiver. The receiver proceeds to use this energy to power the smart phone.

[0301] In another example, a user having a wearable device with a built-in wireless power receiver visits a friend's house, where the house is equipped with a wireless power transmitter. The wearable device detects this home's wireless power transmitter, reads the transmitter's ID, and the home owner's transmitter configures the system management service to automatically power any wireless power receivers. I have The wearable device's receiver communicates its ID and transmitter's ID to the system management service, which then reviews its system database and identifies the wearable device, its receiver, and its transmitter. find. The system management service then communicates with the transmitter and instructs the transmitter to power the wearable device receiver. The transmitter then communicates with the receiver to determine its location and transmits wireless energy to the receiver using adaptive 3D pocketing techniques. The receiver then uses this energy to power the wearable device.

7. Power level measurement and reporting
[0302] Figure 62 is a flowchart of a method 6200 for monitoring battery performance in a wireless power transfer system, according to an embodiment. In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless power transfer system can determine the current or actual rate at which the electronic device's battery is charging and compare that value to the predicted reference rate. If the current rate is significantly lower than the predicted reference rate, the battery or associated charging circuitry within the electronic device may be malfunctioning, resulting in significantly lower charging efficiency or performance.

[0303] When the wireless power transfer system detects this error condition, the system can alert the system operator or user of the client device, or any other appropriate party, so that the problem can be corrected. The electronic device battery charging system may no longer waste power when charging, or stop charging for a longer period of time than necessary.

[0304] In an alternative embodiment, the wireless power transfer system monitors the charging rate of the client device since the device was first serviced by the system and uses this as a reference to determine the current charging rate for the device. If compared to the charging rate, which causes the current charging rate for the device to be less than the reference rate based on the initial charging rate, the system will tell you that something is wrong with the device and that it is taking too long to charge. An alert is generated to indicate that you are wasting power when you are on or charging.

[0305] In some exemplary embodiments, a method of monitoring 6281 battery performance may begin at step 6263, where an operator or user installs and operates a wireless power transfer system. . Next, at step 6265, the client device can be paired with a wireless power receiver within the system. Pairing can occur when the client electronic device detects that the power receiver has been within a suitable proximity range for a suitable amount of time. It can then proceed to check its internal database to determine if the power receiver is already paired with another electronic device. If the power receiver is not already paired with another device, the client electronic device can associate its ID with the power receiver's ID and update the internal database. The electronic device can then send a copy of the updated database record to the power transmitter. In this way the device can be ready to initiate wireless charging.

[0306] At step 6267, the wireless power transmitter may continuously monitor the battery level of the client device and, at step 6269, determine if the battery needs to be charged. In other embodiments, the wireless power transmitter can charge the client device according to a predetermined schedule. The wireless power transfer system can automatically charge the client device's battery whenever it is time to charge, or when the battery level is below full charge and the battery needs to be charged, or , the system can automatically charge the battery in response to some other condition or situation that can be incorporated into the system or configured by an operator, user, or the like.

[0307] If the wireless power transmitter determines that the client device needs to be charged, in step 6271 it may begin transmitting power to the wireless power receiver connected to the client device. To do this, the wireless power transmitter communicates continuously in real time with the wireless power receiver.

[0308] In step 6273, the receiver continuously transmits the charging power value to the wireless power transmitter during the charging period. Additionally, the client device can constantly send the battery level value to the wireless power transmitter in step 6275 .

[0309] Using the values received in steps 6273 and 6275, in step 6277 the wireless power transmitter can calculate the charging rate of the client device. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter monitors its own real-time clock circuit or the like to measure the current real-time or clock time in order to calculate the charging rate of the client device battery.

[0310] Next, at step 6279, the wireless power transmitter may determine whether the charging rate of the client device is within an acceptable range. In some exemplary embodiments, the wireless power transmitter can look up the expected charging rate for a particular client device in a reference table, and the device's unique identification or category is pre-specified to the system. , operator or user, or directly from the client device to the wireless power transmitter or other system computer of the wireless power transfer system automatically by client device communication in the above categories. The reference table is located in the transmitter memory, in a local database, or downloaded or communicated to the transmitter from a remote management or information service on a remote server.

[0311] In some embodiments, the expected nominal charging rate for a particular client device is already stored in the memory of the transmitter. Also stored in memory are all the speeds for each category or model of client device that the transmitter is expected to charge. These rates may already be stored in the transmitter's memory when the transmitter is manufactured, or may be updated for any type, category or model of client device that the wireless power transfer system is expected to charge. may have been uploaded or communicated to the Transmitter from another system computer, such as a system management server containing the specified speed.

[0312] If the wireless power transmitter detects that the actual charging performance of the device is below the predicted charging performance, then in step 6281 the transmitter instructs the system operator or user of the client device to Alerts you that other of your devices are malfunctioning, may be losing power, are taking too long to charge, and should be investigated or repaired or replaced can do. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter may also determine the root cause of system malfunction when the client device's battery is not causing slow charging or power loss.

[0313] In some embodiments, the wireless power transmitter communicates this information through automatic database replication, over a system network between the transmitter and other system computers, or through other suitable means of communication. Send a message. Further, the operator or user receives the alert, configures the wireless system to no longer wirelessly charge the client device, and then responds by removing the client device from service, thereby investigating this client device. , repair or replace, or make other suitable remedies.

[0314] If the wireless power transmitter determines that no evidence of system or component failure is found in the analyzed data, the wireless power transmitter continues charging the client device and, in step 6283, It can continuously check whether the battery level is full or not. If the client device's battery is not fully charged, the wireless power transmitter can continue to transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiver connected to the client device to keep the client device charged. If the client device's battery is already fully charged or it is time to stop charging the device, then in step 6285 the wireless power transmitter stops charging the device and the process may end.

[0315] FIG. 63 is a sequence diagram 6300 of a method for monitoring battery performance, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. Sequence diagram 6300 includes client device 6352 , system management computer 6373 , wireless power transmitter 6301 , wireless power receiver 6320 and user or operator 6375 .

[0316] The system management computer first sends the predicted charging rate 6355 of the client device 6352 to the wireless power transmitter 6301. Client device 6352 then transmits information 6357 regarding the battery level of client device 6373 . Wireless power transmitter 6301 then begins delivering wireless power to wireless power receiver 6320 connected to client device 6352 (6359). The wireless power receiver then constantly sends a measurement 6361 of the amount of power delivered to the client device 6352 . Client device 6352 then transmits the latest battery level 6363 to wireless power transmitter 6301 . Using the measured amount of power 6361 delivered to the client device 6352 and the latest battery level 6363 , the wireless power transmitter 6301 calculates the charging rate of the client device 6352 . If the charging rate of the client device 6352 is below the threshold, the wireless power transmitter sends an alert to the user or operator 6375 (6365). The user or operator 6375 then takes action to correct the error (6367).

[0317] For example, a family member has a wireless power transfer system installed at home. A family member configures the system to wirelessly power and charge a smartphone. Smartphones are several years old. The system automatically charges the smartphone whenever the smartphone is within the power range of the system and the smartphone's battery level is low enough to justify charging. The family members have installed software downloaded from a public app store on their smart phones, which is a system management app for wireless power transfer systems. This app automatically communicates the smart phone's battery level value to the system. After charging the smartphone, the system observes that the smartphone took three times as long as it should take to be fully charged. The system then communicates a warning of this problem to the family system owner by sending the owner a text message with the smartphone name and a brief description of the problem. The owner then purchases a replacement smartphone.

[0318] In another example, a user purchases a wearable product that works on the user's arm. The product includes a wireless power receiver. The wireless power transmitter is in the user's bedroom, and each night the user goes to bed with the wearable product on the user's arm. The wireless power transfer system then automatically powers the battery in the wearable by transmitting power from the transmitter in the bedroom some distance away from the power receiver to the power receiver in the wearable on the user's arm. to charge. Every night the wearable battery charges the backup.

[0319] Starting from the first time the transmitter charged the wearable client device, the transmitter calculated the charge rate of the wearable's battery. The wireless power transfer system has no reference information regarding the charging rate of the battery for this particular wearable product.

[0320] Over a year later, the wireless power transfer system detects that the amount of time it takes to charge the wearable battery is now taking longer than when the user started wirelessly charging the wearable device with the system. . The system then alerts the user by sending an email containing a message that the user's wearable is now taking longer to charge. The user then replaces the wearable product with the latest model.

8. Safe power transmission
[0321] FIG. 64 illustrates a flowchart of a method 6400 for prohibiting a client device from receiving power from a wireless power transfer system based on a prohibited health safety situation. The disclosed method can operate in one or more components of a wireless power transfer system. The wireless power transfer system includes, among other things, one or more system computers, GUI system management software running on client devices, one or more remote information service servers, and one or more system management servers. include. A system computer can refer to one of the computers of the wireless power transfer system and is part of a communication network between all computers of the wireless power transfer system. The system computer can communicate over the network to any other system computer, be it a wireless power transmitter, a wireless power receiver, a client device, a system management services server, and/or any other computing device. be able to. Examples of client devices can include smartphones, tablets and music players, among others.

[0322] The remote information service server may be coupled to a system database that may be replicated or distributed across all networked computers operating in the wireless power transfer system. The distributed system database, together with database distribution management software running in all network computers, can enable instant communication in wireless power transfer systems. A network computer can refer to any system computer or active remote information server that is online and has a connection to the network of a particular wireless power transfer system.

[0323] The process begins at step 6469 when the Wireless Power Transfer System (WPTS) powers up and performs a system checkup to ensure that all communication channels are functioning properly. can be done. Thereafter, at step 6471, the user may perform the step of downloading and installing a system management software app (GUI App) on the client device for WPTS, if this step has not already been performed. The app may be a public software app store or digital application, such as Apple's iTunes, Google's Play Store, Amazon's App store. It is available on the distribution platform and can be downloaded and installed here. In other embodiments, the user can browse web pages hosted by a computer or server from which the user can command, control or configure the WPTS. The app or web page may include, but is not limited to, an industry standard checkmark control or view screen of a client device, or a web page served by a computer that manages a wireless power transfer system that displays and describes health safety actions. It can have a user interface including any other user interface controls for specifying or controlling parameters.

[0324] Following the process, at decision 6473, the GUI app verifies if there are any prohibitions for power transfer enabled in the WPTS. If the prohibit for power transfer has been enabled, following step 6485 below, otherwise, if the prohibit for power transfer has not yet been enabled, in decision 6475 the GUI prompts the user A message may be displayed to the user asking if the user wishes to enable health safety operating parameters for wireless power transfer. If the user does not accept enabling the prohibitions, then in step 6491 the WPTS allows power delivery without prohibitions and the process ends. At decision 508, if the user accepts to enable the prohibition, then at step 6477, the GUI app is used by the user to specify the circumstances under which wireless power should not be transmitted to the device. A checklist can be displayed to the user that can Next, at step 6479, the user specifies prohibited situations, which can include, but are not limited to, the following criteria.

[0325] 1) If the client device is currently moving and indicates that the user is wearing or holding or wearing the device. Movement or movement of a client device can refer to physical 3D movement of the client device relative to the transmitter transmitting power to the device or relative to the spatial location of the transmitter, thereby allowing , the client device may change its physical distance from the transmitter or may change its angle from the transmitter's antenna array.

[0326] 2) If the client device is currently physically oriented in any pose that indicates it is in use. For example, if the device is a mobile cell phone currently oriented vertically.

[0327] 3) When the client device detects that it is currently within the user's proximity, such as when the device is held toward the user's face.

[0328] 4) If the client device is currently making a phone call.

[0329] 5) The user is currently touching, tapping, swiping, pinching, rotating, etc. finger gestures on the client device, or in any way If you are interacting with a client device with

[0330] 6) If the client device is currently connected to a headset or any other external device.

[0331] Thereafter, in step 6487, after the user has specified prohibited situations or criteria, apply the prohibited situation policy across all System Computers. Next, in step 6483, WPTS updates the client device record in its distributed database. WPTS retrieves and verifies the prohibited status associated with the client device. Thereafter, at step 6485, the WPTS retrieves and verifies the prohibited status associated with the client device. Then, in step 6487, if a prohibited condition exists, power delivery is disabled in step 6489; Enabled. the process ends.

[0332] A GUI app running on the client device continuously monitors the client device to see if the current operation of the client device meets any of the health safety prohibited conditions. It is possible to detect whether or not Monitoring of a client device includes, but is not limited to, by using accelerometers or gyroscopes internal to said client device, or sensors that indicate if devices is help to face. reading measurement hardware within said device that determines the current speed, yaw, pitch or roll, or attitude of the device, or sensing any other aspect of the device that indicates whether a prohibited situation exists can include

[0333] The health safety determination of whether a client device is currently in a situation where it is prohibited from receiving power from said transmission system is made in a GUI within a data record describing the control and configuration of said client device. can be stored by the app. The record may be part of the WPTS distributed database, a copy of which resides in the memory of the client device. GUI apps and other computers within the wireless power transfer system then automatically distribute the updated records throughout the system to keep all copies of the database identical throughout the WPTS.

[0334] The exemplary embodiment describes how the decision to transfer power to the client device is made. Within the system database, records of paired client devices are associated with records of wireless power receivers attached to or embedded within said client device.

[0335] When a user manually commands the client device to be charged (from power received by the wireless power receiver) using any user interface (GUI or web page) of WPTS, or the user uses the user interface to configure the wireless power receiver's record to automatically charge the client device, such as by time, name, or physical location, or otherwise. a receiver's record is updated by the wireless power receiver having current control of the wireless power receiver's database record because it is the closest wireless power transmitter to the wireless power receiver; Indicates that the wireless power transmitter should now close its output switch to allow it to output power to the client device. The records of the wireless power receivers are also distributed by the wireless power transmitters throughout the system for reading by other wireless power transmitters.

[0336] When the wireless power transmitter controlling the wireless power receiver determines that power should be transmitted to the wireless power receiver, then the wireless power transmitter is associated with or associated with the wireless power receiver. A record of paired client devices is examined and power is transmitted to the wireless power receiver only if the health safety determination does not currently prohibit transmission of power to the client device. If power transfer is not prohibited, the power transmitter can take the following actions.

[0337] A) To keep the transmit antenna pointed at the receiver, initiate real-time communication with the receiver to obtain continuous feedback of the amount of power received.

[0338] B) Commence power transfer to the receiver.

[0339] C) Instructing the receiver to close the receiver's electrical relay switch for connecting with and transmitting electrical energy to the client device.

[0340] If the user changes the safety prohibition, the wireless power transmitter again determines whether the wireless power receiver should receive power.

F. Wireless Power Transfer with Selective Range1. constructive interference
[0341] Figure 6A is an exemplary system implementing wireless power transfer principles that may be implemented during an exemplary pocket forming process. A transmitter 601 that includes multiple antennas in an antenna array can adjust the phase and amplitude, among other attributes, of the power transmission waves 607 transmitted from each antenna of the transmitter 601 . In the absence of phase or amplitude adjustments, a power transmission wave 607 can be transmitted from each of the antennas. In this case, the transmitted waves will arrive at different locations with different phases due to the different distances from each antenna element of the transmitter to the receivers located at each location.

[0342] A receiver may receive multiple signals 607a from multiple antenna elements, and the composite of these signals may be essentially zero if the signals add destructively. The antenna elements of the transmitter are capable of transmitting exactly the same power transmission signal (i.e., containing power transmission waves having the same characteristics), but each of the power transmission signals 607a are offset from each other by 180°. , and thus these power transfer signals can "cancel" each other. Signals that offset each other in this manner can be referred to as "destructive interference." In contrast, in the case of so-called "constructive interference", as shown in Figure 6B, the signals 607b arrive at the receiver exactly "in phase" with each other, increasing the amplitude of the signals. In the illustrative example in FIG. 6A, the phases of the transmitted signals are the same in transmission and destructively combine at the receiver. On the other hand, in FIG. 6B, the phases of the transmitted signals are adjusted in transmission so that they arrive at the receiver in phase alignment and combine constructively. In this illustrative example, there will be an energy pocket located around the receiver in FIG. 6B and a transmit null located around the receiver in FIG. 6A.

[0343] FIG. 7 illustrates wireless power transfer using a selective range 700 in which a transmitter 702 can create pockets for multiple receivers associated with an electrical device 701. FIG. Transmitter 702 can generate pocketing through wireless power transfer using selective range 700 , which is located at a particular physical location 706 in one or more wireless charging radii 704 and one wireless charging radius 704 . It can contain a null radius of . A plurality of electronic devices 701 can be charged or powered in the wireless charging range 704 . Thus, a number of energy spots can be created and such spots can be used to power the electronic device 701 and enable constraints for charging the electronic device. As an example, a constraint may include operating certain electronic devices in certain or limited spots included within wireless charging radius 704 . Additionally, safety constraints can be implemented by using wireless power transfer with selective range 700, such safety constraints avoiding energy pockets over areas or zones where energy needs to be avoided. Such areas may include areas containing energy pocket sensitive equipment and/or people who do not want energy pockets on and/or near them. In embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the transmitter 702 may include antenna elements that are seen in a different plane than the receivers associated with the electrical device 701 in the area served. For example, the receiver of electrical device 701 can be in a room where transmitter 702 is mounted on the ceiling. The selective range for establishing energy pockets with power transmission waves can be represented as concentric circles by placing the antenna array of transmitter 702 in a ceiling or other elevated position, where transmitter 702 A power transmission wave can be emitted that creates a "cone" of pockets. In some embodiments, the transmitter 701 controls the radius of each charging radius 704, thereby establishing the spacing of the service areas to produce energy pockets directed downward to areas lying in the lower plane. do. This allows the width of the cone to be adjusted through appropriate selection of antenna phase and amplitude.

[0344] FIG. 8 illustrates wireless power transfer with a selective range 800 in which a transmitter 802 can create pockets for multiple receivers 806. FIG. Transmitter 802 can create a pocket formation through wireless power transfer using selective area 800 , which can include one or more wireless charging spots 804 . At the wireless charging spot 804, multiple electronic devices can be charged or powered. An energy pocket can be created across multiple receivers 806 regardless of the obstacles 804 surrounding them. An energy pocket can be created by creating constructive interference within the wireless charging spot 804 according to the principles described herein. The location of the energy pocket is achieved by tracking the receiver 806 and using multiple communication protocols through a wide variety of communication systems such as Bluetooth® technology, infrared communication, Wi-Fi, FM radio, among others. It can be done by enabling

G. Exemplary system embodiment with heatmap
[0345] Figures 9A and 9B show diagrams of architectures 900A, 900B for wireless charging of client computing platforms, according to example embodiments. In some implementations, the user may be in a room and may have an electronic device (eg, smart phone, tablet) in hand. In some implementations, the electronic device may be on furniture in the room. The electronic device can include the receivers 920A, 920B either embedded in the electronic device or as separate adapters connected to the electronic device. Receivers 920A, 920B can include all the components described in FIG. Transmitters 902A, 902B may hang on one of the walls of the room directly behind the user. Transmitters 902A, 902B can also include all the components described in FIG.

[0346] When the user may appear to block the path between the receivers 920A, 920B and the transmitters 902A, 902B, the RF waves are not easily aimed in a linear direction to the receivers 920A, 920B. Sometimes. However, the short signals generated from receivers 920A, 920B can be omnidirectional for the type of antenna elements used, and these signals travel through walls 944A, 944B until they reach transmitters 902A, 902B. can bounce across Hotspots 944A, 944B can be any item in the room that reflects the RF signal wave. For example, a large metal clock on the wall can be used to reflect RF waves back to the user's mobile phone.

[0347] A microcontroller in the transmitter adjusts the signal transmitted from each antenna based on the signal received from the receiver. The adjustment can include forming a conjugate of the signal phase received from the receiver and further adjusting the transmit antenna phase to take into account the built-in phase of the antenna elements. The antenna elements can be controlled simultaneously to steer energy in a given direction. The transmitters 902A, 902B can scan the room and look for hotspots 944A, 944B. Once calibrated, the transmitters 902A, 902B can focus RF waves in channels that follow paths that may be the most effective paths. The RF signals 942A, 942B can then form an energy pocket at the first electronic device and another energy pocket at the second electronic device while avoiding obstacles such as users and furniture. When scanning the service area, ie the room in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the transmitter can use various methods. As an illustrative example, but without limiting the possible methods that can be used, the transmitter detects the phase and amplitude of the signal coming from the receiver and uses these to calculate, for example, their conjugates A transmit phase and magnitude pair can be formed by calculating and applying these at the time of transmission. As another illustrative example, the transmitter applies all possible phases of the transmit antennas one at a time in subsequent transmissions, each combination formed by observing the signal from the receiver. The intensity of the energy pocket can be detected. The transmitter then repeats this calibration from time to time. Note that the transmitter does not need to search all possible phases, but can search within the set of phases that are more likely to produce strong energy pockets based on previous calibration values. In yet another illustrative example, the transmitter can use preset values of transmit phase for the antenna to form energy pockets directed to different locations within the room. The transmitter can, for example, scan the physical space in the room from top to bottom and left to right by using preset phase values for the antennas in subsequent transmissions. The transmitter then detects the phase value that results in the strongest energy pocket around the receiver by observing the signal from the receiver. There are other possible ways without departing from the spirit of the embodiments described herein. Whichever method is used, the scan result is a heat map of the room from which the transmitter determines the best phase and frequency to use for the transmit antenna to maximize the energy pocket around the receiver. Identify hotspots that exhibit magnitude values.

[0348] The transmitters 902A, 902B can determine the location of the receivers 920A, 920B using a Bluetooth® connection, and use different non-overlapping portions of the RF band to locate the different receivers 920A, 920B. RF waves can be channeled to. In some implementations, the transmitters 902A, 902B can scan the room to determine the location of the receivers 920A, 920B, forming mutually orthogonal energy pockets due to non-overlapping RF transmission bands. . Directing energy to a receiver with multiple energy pockets can be inherently safer than some alternative power transfer methods. This is because any single transmission is not very strong, while the total power transmission signal received at the receiver is strong.

H. Exemplary system embodiment
[0349] FIG. 10A illustrates wireless power transfer using a multi-pocket formation 1000A that can include one transmitter 1002A and at least two or more receivers 1020A. Receiver 1020A can communicate with transmitter 1002A, which is further described in FIG. Once transmitter 1002A has identified and located receiver 1020A, a channel or path can be established by knowing the gain and phase coming from receiver 1020A. 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 wave 1042A can be controlled by an RFIC, which can serve as an input for the antenna elements to form constructive interference patterns (pocketing). It can contain a special chip for adjusting the size. Pocketing can take advantage of interference to change the directivity of an antenna element, where constructive interference creates an energy pocket 1060A and destructive interference creates a null. Receiver 1020A then charges or powers electronic devices, such as laptop computer 1062A and smart phone 1052A, thereby efficiently providing wireless power transfer generated by pocket formation. Energy pocket 1060A is available.

[0350] Multiple pocketing 1000A can be achieved by calculating the phase and gain from each antenna of transmitter 1002A to each receiver 1020A. The calculations can be done independently because the antenna elements from the transmitter 1002A can generate multiple paths to the antenna elements from the receiver 1020A.

I. Exemplary system embodiment
[0351] FIG. 10B is an exemplary illustration of a multiple adaptive pocket formation 1000B. In this embodiment, the user may be in a room and may be holding an electronic device in their hands. In this instance, the electronic device may be tablet 1064B. Additionally, the smart phone 1052B can be on a piece of furniture in the room. Tablet 1064B and smartphone 1052B may include receivers as separate adapters either embedded in each electronic device or connected to tablet 1064B and smartphone 1052B. A receiver may include all the components described in FIG. Transmitter 1002B may hang on one of the walls of the room directly behind the user. Transmitter 1002B can also include all the components described in FIG. When the user may appear to block the path between the receiver and transmitter 1002B, the RF wave 1042B may not be easily aimed within line of sight to each receiver. However, the short signals generated from the receiver may be omni-directional for the type of antenna elements used, and these signals may bounce off walls until they find transmitter 1002B. Almost immediately, the microcontroller residing within transmitter 1002B adjusts the gain and phase based on the received signals transmitted by each receiver, causing the power transmission waves to subtract from each other, called "destructive interference." forming a convergence of the power transmission waves so that they combine together and enhance the energy concentrated at the location, as opposed to interference that attenuates the energy concentrated at the location, as opposed to interference The transmitted signal can be recalibrated by forming the conjugate of the signal phase received from the receiver and making further adjustments to the transmit antenna phase that take into account the built-in phases of the antenna elements. Once calibrated, transmitter 1002B can focus on the RF waves that follow the most efficient path. Thereafter, an energy pocket 1060B can be formed at the tablet 1064B and another energy pocket 1060B at the smart phone 1052B, taking into account the user and obstacles such as furniture. The above properties are such that wireless power transfer using multi-pocket formation 1000B can be inherently safe, as the transmission along each energy pocket is not very strong, and that RF transmissions are typically away from living tissue. It can be advantageous in that it is reflective and non-penetrating.

[0352] Once the transmitter 1002B has identified and located a receiver, a channel or path can be established by knowing the gain and phase coming from the receiver. 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 wave 1042B can be controlled by an RFIC, which can serve as an input for the antenna elements to form constructive and destructive interference patterns (pocketing). and/or may include a dedicated tip for adjusting the relative sizes. Pocketing can take advantage of interference to change the directivity of antenna elements, where constructive interference creates energy pockets and destructive interference creates nulls at specific physical locations. The receiver then charges or powers electronic devices such as laptop computers and smart phones, thereby channeling the energy pocket created by the pocketing to effectively provide wireless power transfer. can be used.

[0353] Multiple pocket formation 1000B can be achieved by calculating the phase and gain from each antenna of the transmitter to each receiver. Antenna elements from the transmitter can generate multiple paths to antenna elements from the receiver, so the calculations can be done independently.

[0354] An example calculation for at least two antenna elements may include determining the phase of the signal from the receiver and applying the conjugate of the receive parameters to the antenna elements for transmission.

[0355] In some embodiments, two or more receivers can operate at different frequencies to avoid power loss during wireless power transfer. This can be accomplished by including an array of multiple embedded antenna elements in 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 can be used to transmit on different frequencies. For example, half of the antennas in the array can operate at 2.4 GHz and the other half can operate at 5.8 GHz. In another example, 1/3 of the antennas in the array can operate at 900 MHz, another 1/3 can operate at 2.4 GHz, and the remaining antennas in the array operate at 5.8 GHz. can do.

[0356] In another embodiment, each array of antenna elements can be virtually divided into one or more antenna elements during wireless power transfer, wherein each set of antenna elements in the array: It can be transmitted on different frequencies. For example, a transmitter antenna element may transmit a power transmission signal at 2.4 GHz, while a corresponding antenna element at the receiver may be configured to receive the power transmission signal at 5.8 GHz. . In this example, the transmitter's processor can adjust the transmitter's antenna elements to virtually or logically divide the antenna elements in the array into multiple patches that can be fed independently. can. As a result, 1/4 of the array of antenna elements may be capable of transmitting at the 5.8 GHz required by the receiver, while another set of antenna elements may transmit at 2.4 GHz. Thus, by virtually dividing the array of antenna elements, an electronic device coupled to the receiver can continue to receive wireless power transfer. The above, for example, allows one set of antenna elements to transmit at approximately 2.4 GHz and the other antenna element to transmit at 5.8 GHz, thus working with receivers operating at different frequencies. It can be advantageous due to the ability to adjust multiple antenna elements in a given array when . In this example, the array is divided into equal sets of antenna elements (eg, four antenna elements), but the array may be divided into sets of different amounts of antenna elements. In alternative embodiments, each antenna element can alternate between selected frequencies.

[0357] The efficiency of wireless power transfer and the amount of power that can be delivered (using pocketing) can be a function of the total number of antenna elements 1006 used in a given receiver and transmitter system. For example, to deliver about 1 Watt at about 15 feet, a receiver may include about 80 antenna elements, while a transmitter may include about 256 antenna elements. Another identical wireless power transfer system (about 1 watt at about 15 feet) may have a receiver with about 40 antenna elements and a transmitter with about 512 antenna elements. Reducing the number of antenna elements at the receiver by half requires doubling the number of antenna elements at the transmitter. In some embodiments, the number of transmitters is much lower than the receivers in system-wide deployments, so due to cost, there may be more antenna elements at the transmitter than at the receiver. can be advantageous. On the other hand, the opposite can be achieved, for example, by placing more antenna elements at the receiver than at the transmitter, as long as there are at least two antenna elements at transmitter 1002B.

II. Transmitter - Transmitter system and method for wireless power transfer
[0358] The transmitter can be responsible for pocketing, adaptive pocketing and multi-pocketing using the components described below. A transmitter can transmit a wireless power transfer signal to a receiver in the form of any physical medium capable of propagating through space and being converted into usable electrical energy, examples being RF waves, Infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves can be included. Those skilled in the art should understand that the power transmission signal can be almost any radio signal with any frequency or wavelength. The transmitter is described by way of example only with reference to RF transmission and is not intended to limit its scope to RF transmission only.

[0359] Transmitters can be located in multiple locations such as desks, tables, floors, walls, surfaces, pedestals, or embedded structures. In some cases, the sender is located within a client computing platform, which can be any computing device that includes a processor and software modules capable of performing the processes and tasks described herein. can be done. Non-limiting examples of client computing platforms can include desktop computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, tablet computing platforms, notebooks, smartphones, gaming consoles and/or other computing platforms. In other embodiments, the client computing platform may be a wide variety of electronic computing devices. In such embodiments, each of the client computing platforms may have separate operating systems and/or physical components. The client computing platforms may run the same operating system and/or the client computing platforms may run different operating systems. Client computing platforms and devices may be capable of running multiple operating systems. Additionally, box transmitters may include several configurations of printed circuit board (PCB) layers that may be oriented in the X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis, or any combination thereof.

[0360] It is understood that wireless charging techniques are not limited to RF wave transmission techniques and can include alternative or additional techniques for transmitting energy to a receiver that converts the transmitted energy into electrical power. should. Non-limiting exemplary transmission techniques for energy that can be converted into electrical power by a receiving device include ultrasound, microwaves, resonant and induced magnetic fields, laser light, infrared, or other forms of electromagnetic energy. be able to. In the case of ultrasound, for example, one or more transducer elements can be arranged to form a transducer array, which transmits the ultrasound waves towards a receiving device, which is It receives ultrasonic waves and converts them into electric power. In the case of resonant and induced magnetic fields, a magnetic field is produced in the transmitter coil and converted into electrical power by the receiver coil.

A. Transmitter device components
[0361] FIG. 11 shows a diagram of a system 1100 architecture for wireless charging of client devices, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 1100 can include transmitter 1101 and receiver 1120, each of which can include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The transmitter 1101 ASIC includes one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 1104, one or more antenna elements 1106, one or more radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) 1108, and one or more microcontrollers (MC). 1110, a communication component 1112, and a power source 1114. Transmitter 1101 can be placed in a housing, and the housing can distribute all required components for transmitter 1101 . Components in transmitter 1101 can be fabricated using metamaterials, microprints of circuits, nanomaterials and/or any other materials. It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the entire transmitter or receiver can be implemented on a single circuit board, and that one or more of the functional blocks can be implemented on separate circuit boards.

1. Printed circuit board 1104
[0362] In some implementations, the transmitter 1101 may include multiple PCB 1104 layers, which may include antenna elements 1106 and/or RFIC 1108 to provide greater control over pocket formation. can be included to increase the response for the target receiver. The PCB 1104 mechanically supports and electrically connects the electronic components described herein using conductive tracks, pads and/or other features etched from copper sheets laminated on a non-conductive substrate. can do. PCBs can be single-sided (one copper layer), double-sided (two copper layers) and/or multi-layered. Multiple PCB 1104 layers can increase the range and amount of power that can be transferred by transmitter 1101 . The PCB 1104 layer can connect to a single MC 1110 and/or a dedicated MC 1110. Similarly, RFIC 1108 can be connected to antenna element 1106 as shown in the above embodiments.

[0363] In some embodiments, a box transmitter that includes multiple PCB 1104 layers inside can include antenna elements 1108 that provide greater control over pocket formation and response for target receivers. can be increased. In addition, box transmitters can increase the range of wireless power transfer. Multiple PCB 1104 layers, due to the higher density of antenna elements 1106, provide a range and amount can be increased. The PCB 1104 layer can connect to a single microcontroller 1110 and/or a dedicated microcontroller 1110 per antenna element 1106 . Similarly, RFIC 1108 can control antenna elements 1101 as shown in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the box shape of transmitter 1101 can increase the working ratio of wireless power transfer.

2. antenna element
[0364] Antenna elements 1106 may be directional and/or omnidirectional and may include planar antenna elements, patch antenna elements, dipole antenna elements and any other antenna suitable for wireless power transfer. . Suitable antenna types can include, for example, patch antennas, which can have a height of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches and a width of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches. The shape and orientation of the antenna elements 1106 may vary depending on the desired characteristics of the transmitter 1101, the orientation may be flat in the X, Y and Z axes, and various any orientation type and combination. The material of antenna element 1106 may include any suitable material capable of enabling RF signal transmission with high efficiency, good heat dissipation, and the like. The amount of antenna elements 1106 can vary in relation to the desired range and power transfer capability at transmitter 1101, with more antenna elements 1106 providing greater range and higher power transfer capability.

[0365] Antenna elements 1106 may include antenna types suitable for operating in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz. This is because these frequency bands comply with Part 18 (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Devices) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules. Antenna elements 1106 can operate at independent frequencies to enable pocket-forming multi-channel operation.

[0366] Further, the antenna elements 1106 can have at least one polarization or polarization selection. Such polarizations can include vertical polarization, horizontal polarization, circular polarization, left-hand polarization, right-hand polarization, or a combination of polarizations. Polarization selection can vary depending on the characteristics of transmitter 1101 . Further, antenna elements 1106 can be located on various sides of transmitter 1101 . Antenna elements 1106 can operate in single arrays, paired arrays, quadruple arrays, and any other suitable configuration that can be designed according to the desired application.

[0367] In some implementations, the antenna elements 1106 can be tightly packed across the sides of the printed circuit board PCB1104. The RFIC 1108 can be connected to multiple antenna elements 1106 . Multiple antenna elements 1106 can surround a single RFIC.

3. radio frequency integrated circuit
[0368] RFIC 1108 may receive the RF signal from MC 1110 and split the RF signal into multiple outputs, each output linked to an antenna element 1106. For example, each RFIC 1108 can be connected to four antenna elements 1106 . In some implementations, each RFIC 1108 can be connected to 8, 16 and/or multiple antenna elements 1106 .

[0369] RFIC 1104 may include multiple RF circuits that may include digital and/or analog components such as amplifiers, capacitors, oscillators, piezoelectric crystals, and the like. The RFIC 1104 can control characteristics of the antenna elements 1106 such as gain and/or phase for pocket formation and manage this through direction, power levels, and the like. The phase and amplitude of pocketing at each antenna element 1106 can be adjusted by the corresponding RFIC 1108 to produce the desired pocketing and transmit null steering. Additionally, RFIC 1108 can be connected to MC 1110, which can utilize digital signal processing (DSP), ARM, PIC class microprocessors, central processing units, computers, and the like. Fewer RFICs 1108 present in transmitter 1101 can accommodate desired features such as weaker control of multi-pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and lower cost implementations. In some implementations, RFIC 1108 may be coupled to one or more MCs 1110 , which may be included in separate base stations or transmitters 1101 .

[0370] In some implementations of the transmitter 1101, the phase and amplitude of each pocket formation at each antenna element 1106 may be adjusted by the corresponding RFIC 1108 to produce the desired pocket formation and transmit null steering. can. A single RFIC 1108 coupled to each antenna element 1106 can reduce processing requirements, increase control over pocket formation, and provide multiple pocket formation and higher granularity at lower load on the MC 1110. It can allow for pocket formation and a greater number of multi-pocket formation and higher response. Additionally, multiple pocketing can charge a greater number of receivers and allow better trajectory for such receivers.

[0371] RFIC 1108 and antenna element 1106 can operate in any suitable configuration that can be designed according to the desired application. For example, transmitter 1101 can include antenna element 1106 and RFIC 1108 in a flat configuration. Subsets of 4, 8, 16, and/or any number of antenna elements 1106 can be connected to a single RFIC 1108 . The RFIC 1108 can be integrated directly behind each antenna element 1106, and such integration can reduce losses due to shorter distances between components. In some implementations, rows or columns of antenna elements 1106 can be connected to a single MC 1110 . An RFIC 1108 connected to each row or column allows for a lower cost transmitter 1101 that can create pocketing by changing the phase and gain between rows or columns. In some implementations, RFIC 1108 can output 2 volts to 8 volts of power for receiver 1120 to obtain.

[0372] In some implementations, a cascade configuration of RFICs 1108 may be implemented. A flat transmitter 1101 using a cascaded configuration of RFICs 1108 can provide better control over pocket formation and can increase response to target receivers 1106, due to multiple redundancy of RFICs 1108. , higher reliability and accuracy can be achieved.

4. microcontroller
[0373] MC 1110 may include a processor running 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 provides the mathematical manipulation of information signals, which can be modified or improved in some way, to create discrete time, discrete , and/or other discrete domain signal representations. DSPs can measure, filter and/or compress continuous real-world analog signals. The first step is to convert the signal to analog format by sampling the signal and then digitizing it with an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which can convert the analog signal into a stream of discrete digital values. to digital form. MC 1110 may also run Linux and/or any other operating system. MC 1110 can also connect to Wi-Fi to provide information over network 1140 .

[0374] The MC 1110 can control various characteristics of the RFIC 1108, such as time release of pocket formation, direction of pocket formation, bounce angle, power strength, and the like. Additionally, MC 1110 can control multiple pocket formation for multiple receivers or for a single receiver. Transmitter 1101 can enable distance discrimination for wireless power transfer. Additionally, MC 1110 can manage and control communication protocols and signals by controlling communication component 1112 . The MC 1110 can process information received by the communications component 1112, which tracks the receivers and focuses the radio frequency signals 1142 (ie, energy pockets) to the receivers. can send and receive signals to and from Other information may also be transmitted from and to receiver 1120 over network 1140, and such information may include authentication protocols, among other things.

[0375] MC 1110 may communicate with communication component 1112 through a serial peripheral interface (SPI) and/or an inter-integrated circuit ( ^I2C ) protocol. SPI communication can be used for short distance single master communication, for example in embedded systems, sensors and SD cards. Devices communicate in master/slave mode, in which the master device initiates data frames. Multiple slave devices are enabled using individual slave select lines. I ² C is a multi-master, multi-slave, single-ended, serial computer bus used to attach low-speed peripherals to computer motherboards and embedded systems.

5. Communication component
[0376] The communication component 1112 may include, among others, Bluetooth technology, infrared communication, Wi-Fi, FM radio, and combinations thereof. MC 1110 can determine the optimal time and location for pocketing, including the most effective trajectory to transmit pocketing to reduce losses due to obstacles. Such trajectories can include direct pocketing, bounce, and distance discrimination of pocketing. In some implementations, the communication component 1112 can communicate with multiple devices, which can include receivers 1120 , client devices, or other transmitters 1101 .

6. power supply 1101
[0377] The transmitter 1101 can be powered by a power supply 1114, which can include an AC power supply or a DC power supply. The voltage, power and current strength provided by power supply 1114 can vary depending on the power that needs to be transmitted. Conversion of power to radio signals may be managed by MC 1110 and performed by RFIC 1108 . RFIC 1108 can utilize multiple methods and components to generate radio signals at a wide variety of frequencies, wavelengths, intensities and other characteristics. As an exemplary use of a wide variety of methods and components for radio signal generation, oscillators and piezoelectric crystals can be used to generate and modify radio frequencies at different antenna elements 1106 . In addition, various filters can be used to smooth the signal and amplifiers can be used to increase the transmitted power.

[0378] Transmitter 1101 can emit RF power waves pocketing with a power capacity from a few Watts up to a predetermined number of Watts as required by a particular rechargeable electronic device. . Each antenna can manage a certain power capacity. Such power capacity can be related to the application.

7. housing
[0379] In addition to housing, independent base stations can include MCs 1110 and power supplies 1114, so that several transmitters 1101 can be managed by a single base station and a single MC 1110. . Such capability allows the transmitter 1101 to be placed in a wide variety of strategic locations such as ceilings, decorations, walls, and the like. Antenna element 1106 , RFIC 1108 , MC 1110 , communication component 1112 and power supply 1114 can be connected in multiple configurations and combinations, which can depend on the desired characteristics of transmitter 1101 .

[0380] FIG. 23 illustrates a wireless power transfer system 2300 comprising a portable transmitter 2301 having a power plug that can connect the portable wireless transmitter to one or more power outlets, according to an exemplary embodiment. Portable wireless transmitter 2301 can include antenna elements in a flat configuration. Portable wireless transmitter 2301 can be connected to a power source through one or more power plugs 2370, and such power plugs 2370 can comply with national and/or regional standards. Power plug 2370 may be intended to connect portable wireless transmitter 2301 to one or more power outlets in walls, floors, ceilings and/or electrical adapters.

[0381] To increase the portability of the portable wireless transmitter 2301, the power plug 2370 can be foldable, telescoping, microminiature, and the like. Such features allow for reduced size for shipping and pocketing. Portable wireless transmitter 2301 can be contained within housing 2306 . The housing can provide additional protection against water, heat, sand, insects, shock, vibration, and other adverse conditions that can threaten the integrity of the portable wireless transmitter 2301. As such, the housing 2306 can be made using multiple materials that can provide the properties described above.

[0382] FIG. 24 illustrates a wireless power transfer system 2400 comprising a transmitter 2401 in which multiple power plugs connect the portable wireless transmitter to a wide variety of power sources and/or electrical adapters, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 24 shows a portable wireless transmitter 2401 showing various power plugs, such power plugs can include a USB adapter 2470b and a cigarette lighter plug 2470c. USB adapter 2470b can be used to receive power from any device that has a USB port. These devices can include laptops, smart TVs, tablets, and the like. Cigarette lighter plug 2470c can be used to receive power from any cigarette lighter socket, such as those used in automobiles. Additionally, portable wireless transmitter 2401 can include a wide variety of power plugs 2470a, and such power plugs 2470a can vary depending on the end use.

[0383] FIG. 25 shows a wireless power transfer system 2500 in which the transmitter 2501 can include a button 2572 that can create at least one energy pocket 2504 on the top surface when activated. A smart phone 2552 operatively coupled to a receiver (not shown), when placed on such a surface, can wirelessly receive power by utilizing the energy pocket 2504 described above. This configuration for wireless power transfer 2500 may be advantageous whenever smartphone 2552 is unable to communicate its location to transmitter 2501, for example, whenever smartphone 2552 is completely out of power. . Communication can refer to the transmission of information, represented as data, from one computer to one or more computers or processors in a wireless power transfer system. The data takes the form of a series of bytes, where each byte is 8 binary bits and each binary bit is the numeric value '0' or '1'. Bits are communicated electrically or electronically from one computer to another by representing '0' and '1' as separate or different voltage or current or phase or frequency values. Bits are wirelessly communicated from one computer to another by representing '0' and '1' as radio frequency (RF) energy. Additionally, smartphone 2552 can charge faster due to its proximity to transmitter 2501 . A further advantage of this configuration is that if the user decides to remove smartphone 2552 from the surface of transmitter 2501 (after smartphone 2552 has accumulated a minimum charge to establish communication with transmitter 2501), the smartphone 2552 2552 is still able to receive power wirelessly through pocketing. As such, the mobility of smart phone 2552 may not be compromised.

B. An exemplary method of transmitting power
[0384] FIG. 12 is a method for determining a receiver position 1200 using antenna elements. The method for determining receiver position 1200 can be a set of programmed rules or logic managed by the MC. The process may begin step 1201 by acquiring a first signal using a first subset of antennas from the antenna array. The process can be followed immediately by switching to a different subset of antenna elements and acquiring a second signal using a second subset of antennas in next step 1203 . For example, a first signal can be acquired by a row of antennas and a second acquisition by a column of antennas. A row of antennas can provide horizontal orientation, such as azimuth in a spherical coordinate system. A column of antennas can provide a vertical orientation, such as elevation. The antenna elements used to acquire the first and second signals can be aligned in a linear, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal orientation. The first and second subsets of antennas can be aligned in a cruciform configuration to cover degrees around the transmitter.

[0385] Once both the vertical and horizontal values have been measured, the MC, in the next step 1205, determines appropriate values of phase and gain for the vertical and horizontal antenna elements used to acquire the signal. can be determined. Appropriate values for phase and gain can be determined by the relationship of the position of the receiver to the antenna. The values can be used by the MC to tune the antenna elements to form an energy pocket that can be used by the receiver to charge the electronic device.

[0386] To aid in the calculation of the appropriate values for the antenna elements, data regarding the initial values of all antenna elements at the transmitter can be calculated and pre-stored for use by the MC. At the next step 1207, after the appropriate values for the vertical and horizontal antennas used to acquire the signal have been determined, the process uses the stored data to determine the appropriate values for all antennas in the array. can be continued by determining the The stored data may include initial test values of phase and gain for all antenna elements in the array at different frequencies. Different sets of data can be stored for different frequencies and the MC can select the appropriate data accordingly. In a next step 1209, the MC can then tune all antennas through the RFIC to form energy pockets at the appropriate locations.

C. Array subset configuration
[0387] FIG. 13A shows an exemplary embodiment of an array subset configuration 1300A that can be used in a method for determining receiver position. The transmitter can include an array of antennas 1306A. Antenna row 1368A can be used first to acquire the signal transmitted by the receiver. The antenna row 1368A can then transfer the signal to the RFIC, where the signal can be converted from radio to digital and passed to the MC for processing. The MC can then determine the appropriate adjustments for phase and gain in antenna row 1368A to form an energy pocket at the appropriate location based on the receiver position. A second signal may be captured by the antenna column 1370A. Antenna array 1370A can then transfer the signal to the RFIC, where the signal can be converted from a radio signal to a digital signal and passed to the MC for processing. The MC can then determine the appropriate adjustments for phase and gain in antenna column 1370A to form an energy pocket at the appropriate location based on the receiver position. Once the appropriate adjustments for antenna row 1368A and antenna column 1370A are determined, the MC uses the previously stored data for the antennas and uses the results from antenna row 1368A and antenna column 1370A accordingly. By adjusting , appropriate values for the remaining antenna elements 1306A in the array of antennas 1368A can be determined.

D. Transmitter, Transmitter Components, Antenna Tiles, and Transmitter Associated System Configuration 1. Exemplary system
[0388] Figure 13B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an array subset configuration 1300B. In array subset configuration 1300B, both initial signals are captured by two diagonal subsets of antennas. The process follows the same path, whereby each subset is adjusted accordingly. Based on the adjustments made and previously stored data, the remaining antenna elements 1306B of the antenna array are adjusted.

2. flat transmitter
[0389] Figure 14 shows a front view of a flat transmitter 1402 and a rear view of some embodiments. Transmitter 1402 can comprise antenna elements 1406 and RFIC 1408 in a flat configuration. The RFIC 1408 can be integrated directly behind each antenna element 1406, and such integration can reduce losses due to reduced distances between components.

[0390] In one embodiment at transmitter 1402 (ie, view 1), the pocketing phase and amplitude for each antenna element 1406 are adjusted by the corresponding RFIC 1408 to produce the desired pocketing and transmit null steering. can be adjusted. A single RFIC 1408 coupled to each antenna element 1406 can reduce processing requirements, increase control over pocket formation, and provide multiple pocket formation and higher granularity at lower load on the MC 1410. It can allow pocket formation and thus a higher number of multi-pocket formations and a higher response. Additionally, multiple pocketing can charge a greater number of receivers and allow better trajectory for such receivers. RFIC 1408 can be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 can be included in a separate base station or transmitter 1402, as described in the embodiment of FIG.

[0391] In another embodiment (ie, view 2), a subset of the four antenna elements 1406 may be connected to a single RFIC 1408. Fewer RFICs 1408 present in transmitter 142 can accommodate desired features such as weaker control of multi-pocketing, lower granularity levels, and lower cost implementations. RFIC 1408 can be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 can be included in a separate base station or in transmitter 1402, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG.

[0392] In another embodiment (ie, view 3), transmitter 1402 may include antenna element 1406 and RFIC 1408 in a flat configuration. A row or column of antenna elements 1406 can be connected to a single MC 1410 . Fewer RFICs 1408 present in transmitter 1402 can accommodate desired features such as weaker control of multi-pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and lower cost implementations. An RFIC 1408 connected to each row or column can allow for a lower cost transmitter 1402 that can create pocketing by changing the phase and gain between rows or columns. RFIC 1408 can be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 can be included in a separate base station or transmitter 1402, as described in the embodiment of FIG.

[0393] In some embodiments (ie, view 4), transmitter 1402 can include antenna elements 1406 and RFIC 1408 in a flat configuration. In this exemplary embodiment, a cascade configuration is shown. Two antenna elements 1406 can be connected to a single RFIC 1408, which can be further connected to a single RFIC 1408, which can be connected to a final RFIC 1408, which can be further connected to one or more can be connected to the MC1410 of A flat transmitter 1402 using a cascaded configuration of RFICs 1408 can provide greater control over pocket formation and increase response for target receivers. Furthermore, due to the multiple redundancy of RFIC 1408, higher reliability and accuracy can be achieved. RFIC 1408 can be coupled to one or more MCs 1410, and microcontroller 1410 can be included in a separate base station or transmitter 1402, as described in the embodiment of FIG.

3. Multiple printed circuit board layers
[0394] FIG. 15A can include multiple PCB layers 1204A that can include antenna elements 1506A to provide greater control over pocket formation and can increase response for target receivers. A possible transmitter 1502A is shown. Multiple PCB layers 1504A can increase the range and amount of power that can be transferred by transmitter 1502A. PCB layer 1504A can be connected to a single MC or a dedicated MC. Similarly, the RFIC can be connected to antenna element 1506A as shown in the above embodiments. An RFIC can be coupled to one or more MCs. Additionally, the MC can be included in a separate base station or transmitter 1502A.

4. box type transmitter
[0395] Figure 15B shows a box transmitter 1502B that can include multiple PCB layers 1504B therein. Box transmitter 1502B can include antenna elements 1506B that provide greater control over pocket formation and can increase response for target receivers. Additionally, box transmitter 1502B can increase the range of wireless power transfer. Multiple PCB layers 1504B can increase the range and amount of RF power waves that can be wirelessly transferred and/or broadcast by transmitter 1502B due to the higher density of antenna elements 1506B. PCB layer 1504B can connect to a single MC or a dedicated MC per antenna element 1506B. Similarly, the RFIC can control antenna element 1506B as shown in the above embodiments. Furthermore, the box shape of transmitter 800 can increase the working ratio of wireless power transfer. As such, the box transmitter 1502B can be located on multiple surfaces such as desks, tables, floors, and the like. Additionally, box transmitter 1502B can include several configurations of PCB layers 1504B that can be oriented in the X, Y, or Z axes, or any combination thereof. An RFIC can be coupled to one or more MCs. Additionally, the MC can be included in a separate base station or transmitter 1502B.

5. Irregular arrays for various types of products
[0396] Figure 16 shows a diagram of an architecture 1600 for incorporating a transmitter 1602 into different devices. For example, a flat transmitter 1602 can be applied to a television 1646 frame or across a soundbar 1648 frame. Transmitter 1602 can include multiple tiles 1650 having antenna elements and RFICs in a flat configuration. The RFIC can be embedded directly behind each antenna element and such integration can reduce losses due to reduced distances between components.

[0397] For example, the television 1646 may have a bezel around the television 1646 that includes a plurality of tiles 1650, each tile consisting of a certain number of antenna elements. For example, if there are twenty tiles 1650 around the bezel of television 1646, each tile 1650 can have twenty-four antenna elements and/or any number of antenna elements.

[0398] In tile 1650, the phase and amplitude of each pocket formation at each antenna element can be adjusted by the corresponding RFIC to produce the desired pocket formation and transmit null steering. Selected RFICs coupled to each antenna element can reduce processing requirements, increase control over pocket formation, and reduce the load on the microcontroller for multiple pocket formation and higher granularity. It can allow for pocket formation and thus a higher number of multi-pocket formations and a higher response. Additionally, multiple pocketing can charge a greater number of receivers and allow better trajectory for such receivers.

[0399] The RFIC may be coupled to one or more microcontrollers and may be included in a separate base station or tile 1650 within the transmitter 1602. Rows or columns of antenna elements can be connected to a single microcontroller. In some implementations, fewer RFICs are present in transmitter 1602 to accommodate desired features such as weaker control of multi-pocket formation, lower granularity levels, and lower cost implementations. be able to. An RFIC connected to each row or column may enable cost reduction by having fewer components, as fewer RFICs are required to control each of the transmitters 1602 . RFICs can generate pocket-forming power transmission waves by varying the phase and gain between rows or columns.

[0400] In some implementations, the transmitter 1602 can employ a cascaded configuration of tiles 1650 that include RFICs, which can provide greater control over pocket formation and target receivers. can increase the response for Furthermore, higher reliability and accuracy can be achieved from RFIC multiple redundancy.

[0401] In one embodiment, multiple PCB layers containing antenna elements can provide greater control over pocket formation and increase response for the target receiver. Multiple PCB layers can increase the range and amount of power that can be transferred by transmitter 1602 . The PCB layers can be connected to a single microcontroller or a dedicated microcontroller. Similarly, the RFIC can be connected to the antenna elements.

[0402] The box transmitter 1602 can include multiple PCB layers inside, can include antenna elements that provide greater control over pocket formation, and can increase the response for the target receiver. can. Additionally, box transmitter 1602 can increase the range of wireless power transfer. Multiple PCB layers can increase the range and amount of RF power waves that can be wirelessly transferred and/or broadcast by transmitter 1602 due to the higher density of antenna elements. The PCB layers can be connected to a single microcontroller or a dedicated microcontroller per antenna element. Similarly, the RFIC can control the antenna elements. The box shape of transmitter 1602 can increase the working ratio of wireless power transfer. As such, the box transmitter 1602 can be located on multiple surfaces such as desks, tables, floors, and the like. Further, box transmitters can include several configurations of PCB layers that can be oriented in the X, Y and/or Z axes, or any combination thereof.

6. multiple antenna elements
[0403] FIG. Antenna elements 1706 may form an array by arranging antenna rows 1768 and antenna columns 1770 . The transmitter configuration can include at least one RFIC 1708 that controls characteristics of the antenna elements 1706 such as gain and/or phase for pocket formation, which can be managed through direction, power level, and the like. An array of antenna elements 1706 can be connected to the MC 1710, which determines the optimal time points for pocket formation, including the most effective trajectory to transmit the pocket formation, to reduce losses due to obstacles. and position can be determined. Such trajectories can include direct pocketing, bounce, and distance discrimination of pocketing.

[0404] The transmitter device can utilize the antenna elements 1706 to determine the location of the receiver in order to determine how to adjust the antenna elements 1706 to form an energy pocket at the appropriate location. can. The receiver can send a train signal to the transmitter to provide information. The training signal can be any conventional known signal that can be detected by antenna element 1706 . The signal transmitted by the receiver can contain information such as phase and gain.

7. Enhanced wireless power transmitter configuration
[0405] Figure 26 shows a block diagram of an enhanced wireless power transmitter 2601 that can be used for wireless power transfer, according to an embodiment. Transmitter 2601 includes a housing 2674, at least two or more antenna elements 2606, at least one receive (Rx) RF integrated circuit (RFIC) 2626, a plurality of transmit (Tx) RF integrated circuits (RFIC) 2608, at least one digital A signal processor (DSP) and/or microcontroller 2610 and/or a communication component 2612 may be provided. Microcontroller 2610 can be included in a separate base station or transmitter 2601 . The RF input signal 2642 can be generated using a power supply 2614 and a local oscillator chip (not shown) using piezoelectric material, or other such as from frequency chips, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. from a wireless source (not shown).

[0406] The housing 2674 can be made from any material that can allow transmission and/or reception of signals or waves, for example, plastic or hard rubber. Antenna elements 2606 may include antenna types for operation in frequency bands such as 900 MHz, 2.5 GHz or 5.8 GHz. This is because these frequency bands comply with Part 18 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules, Industrial, Scientific, and Medical Devices. Antenna elements 2606 can include vertical or horizontal polarization, right or left polarization, elliptical polarization, and/or other polarizations, and combinations of polarizations. Antennas can be omnidirectional and/or directional. Omni-directional antennas are a class of antennas that radiate radio power uniformly in all directions in a plane. A directional antenna in a wireless power transmitter that can have its direction or phase adjusted to control where wireless energy pockets are available in the 3D physical space within the transmitter's power range. It can be an array. Antenna types can include, for example, patch antennas, which can have heights from about 1/8 inch to about 8 inches and widths from about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches. Other antenna element 2606 types that can be used include metamaterial-based antennas, dipole antennas, and planar inverted-F antennas (PIFAs), among others.

[0407] Transmitter 2601 may include multiple arrangements in which antenna element 2606 may be connected to RX RFIC 2626 or TX RFIC 2608. FIG. Arrangements can include different configurations such as a dedicated row or column of antenna elements 2606 coupled to Rx RFIC 2626 and at least two or more rows or columns of antenna elements 2606 coupled to Tx RFIC 2608 . The Rx RFIC 2626 contains a unique chip for adjusting the phase and/or relative magnitude of the RF input signal 2642 collected from the dedicated set/configuration of antenna elements 2606 for reception of the RF input signal 2642. be able to. The Rx RFIC can be designed to include hardware and logic elements specifically dedicated to receiving and processing the RF input signal 2642, which are not included as components of the TX RFIC 2608.

[0408] In this embodiment of the enhanced wireless transmitter, 24 RFICs can be connected 2674 to the antenna elements 2606, and a dedicated receiver for the RF input signal 2642 is included in the configuration and operation of the transmitter 2601. Accordingly, it can be configured to enable operation of the Rx RFIC when operatively coupled to a dedicated row of at least two or more antenna elements 2606, eg, eight antenna elements 2606. The remaining 23 Tx RFICs 2608 can be operatively coupled to sets/configurations of antenna elements 2606, excluding the antenna elements used to receive RF input signals 2642 by Rx RFICs. The Tx RFIC can rely on control signals from the microcontroller 2610 to couple to the transmit antenna elements 2606 .

[0409] The microcontroller 2610 implements control of the Rx RFIC 2626 and switches the Rx RFIC 2626 with switching control that allows monitoring of reception separately from transmission without duplication in the operation of the Rx RFIC 2626 and Tx RFIC 2608. It can contain its own algorithms that enable the operation. The RF input signal 2642 can be sampled as soon as the Rx RFIC 2626 can be allowed to receive by switching control in the microcontroller 2610 .

[0410] After operation of the Rx RFIC 2626, the Tx RFIC 2608 can perform wireless power transfer to the receiver. Microcontroller 2601 may select columns of antenna elements 2606, rows of antenna elements 2606, or any interpolation of placement of antenna elements 2606 for coupling to Tx RFIC 2608, depending on the location from which wireless power is transmitted. can.

[0411] The microcontroller 2610 can also process information sent by the receiver through the communication component 2612 to determine the optimal time and location for pocket formation. Communication component 2612 can be based on standard wireless communication protocols, which can include Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi or ZigBee®. In addition, communication component 2612 can be used to transfer other information such as device or user identifiers, battery level, location or other such information. Other communication components 2612 are also possible, including radar, infrared cameras, or sound devices for acoustic triangulation of the electronic device's location.

[0412] Figure 27 shows a transmitter arrangement 2701 of antenna elements 2706 that can be coupled to a dedicated Rx RFIC 2762, according to an embodiment. Transmitted by the receiver processed by the communication component regarding the positions where the RF input signal can be received and the determination of the optimal time and position for pocket formation, which can improve the efficiency of wireless power transfer. Based on this information, the microcontroller 2710 can select the Tx RFIC and placement of the antenna elements 2706 to maximize the transmit performance of the transmitter. Microcontroller 2710 can send switching control signals to Rx RFIC 2726 coupled to either antenna column 2706b or antenna row 2706a to include antenna elements 2706 that receive RF input signals. After reception and processing of the signal by the Rx RFIC 2726, the remaining antenna elements 2706 can be coupled to the Tx RFIC using multiple configurations of antenna elements 2706 as a result of the interpolation step. The interpolation step can be performed by the microcontroller 2710 using an ARM microprocessor within the microcontroller 2710 to control the operation of the Tx RFIC and improve the wireless power transfer performance of the transmitter. orient it to the appropriate position.

[0413] The antenna element 2706 connected to the Rx RFIC 2726 can reduce processing requirements and increase control over pocketing, allowing multiple pocketing and higher granularity with less load on the microcontroller 2710. It can allow for pocketing and thus a higher number of multipocketing responses for transmission. Additionally, multiple pocketing can charge a greater number of receivers, allow better trajectory for such receivers, and can provide a less expensive embodiment.

[0414] Figure 28 shows a block diagram 2800 of an Rx RFIC 2808 in an enhanced wireless power transmitter, according to an embodiment. RF input signals received by antenna element 2806, which is receive-only and is operatively coupled to Rx RFIC 2808, activate microcontroller 2810 depending on the position from which they may be radiated to the transmitter. The RF input signal can then be frequency sampled by an array of downconverters contained in the Rx RFIC 2808, where the frequency range of the RF input signal of about 2.4 GHz or about 5.6 GHz is converted to a new frequency. A range of RF signals can be shifted.

[0415] The downconverter 2876 may include a local oscillator (not shown) that provides a signal at a predetermined frequency that is mixed with the RF input signal to produce a sum-heterodyne and a difference-heterodyne, from which one of the heterodynes can be filtered to provide the desired output frequency. In this embodiment, a signal of approximately 5.8 GHz can be downconverted to an output signal of approximately 5.0 GHz. The 5.0 GHz output signal from downconverter 2876 can then be provided to addressing line (A20) 2878 at 10 MHz for processing by microcontroller 2810 . The enhanced wireless power transmitter can receive on one frequency, say 2.4 GHz, and transmit on a higher frequency, say 5.7 GHz.

[0416] The microcontroller 2810 is enabled to send a control signal to the Rx RFIC 2808 of about 1 msec or about 100 μsec, depending on how fast it can receive the RF input signal, every 1 msec. , or about 10 times per second for 1 msec. If the RF input signal can be received constantly, eg, every 10 μsec, updates can be performed up to about 1000 times per second.
In the microcontroller 2810, a unique algorithm can enable sampling of the signal coming from each A20 2878 and an ARM microprocessor (not shown) to transmit wireless power to the appropriate location of the receiver. The necessary Tx RFIC coupled to the determined set/configuration of antenna elements 2806 can be driven to do so. Using an ARM microprocessor can reduce cost, heat and power usage, as may be desirable for electronic devices that are powered or charged using wireless power transfer. The ARM microprocessor's instruction set architecture may allow for higher processing power and energy efficiency for the microcontroller 2810 .

8. Configuring multiple transmitters
[0417] FIG. Transmitter 2901 can comprise one or more antenna elements 2906, one or more radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) 2908, a communication component 2912, and a housing 2974 in which all the components described above can be allocated. can. The base station 2980 can comprise one or more microcontrollers 2910, a power supply 2914, and a housing 2974 into which all the components described above can be allocated. Components within the wireless power system 2900 and base stations can be fabricated using metamaterials, microprinting of circuits, nanomaterials, and the like.

[0418] Base stations 2980 can be located at a variety of locations, where transmitters 2910 can remain connected to base stations 2980. Such connections can include a wide variety of connections, which can include coaxial cables, telephone cables, LAN cables, wireless connections, among others. The connection between base station 2980 and transmitter 2910 is intended to establish a link between RFIC 2908 and microcontroller 2910 and a power supply 2914 connection.

[0419] The microcontroller 2910 can control various features of the RFIC 2908, such as time release of pocket formation, method of pocket formation, bounce angle, power intensity, and the like. Additionally, the microcontroller 2910 can control multiple pocketing for multiple receivers or for a single receiver. Further, microcontroller 2910 can manage and control communication protocols and signals by controlling communication component 2912 . A protocol can refer to a method of conversion between low-level information data such as binary bits or bytes and high-level information data such as numeric digits, alphanumeric characters, characters, punctuation marks, numbers, or characters in an ASCII table. . A protocol can also have an expected format or pattern of information data over time. Thus, the microcontroller 2910 can drive the above features in several transmitters 2901 simultaneously.

[0420] The base station 2980 can be supplied with a power supply 2914, which in turn can power the transmitter 2901. Power source 2914 may include an AC power source or a DC power source. The voltage, power and current strength provided by power supply 2914 can vary depending on the power that needs to be transmitted. The conversion of power to radio signals can be managed by microcontroller 2910 and performed by RFIC 2908 . RFIC 2908 can utilize multiple methods and components to generate radio signals in a wide range of frequencies, wavelengths, intensities and other characteristics.

[0421] As an exemplary use of a wide variety of methods and components for radio signal generation, oscillators and piezoelectric crystals can be used to generate and modify radio frequencies at different antenna elements 2906. In addition, various filters can be used to smooth the signal and amplifiers can be used to increase the power transmitted. However, in some embodiments, the charging technique of the present invention is not limited to RF transmission techniques, but includes additional techniques for transmitting energy to receiving devices. Here, the receiving device converts the transmitted energy into electrical power. Exemplary forms of energy that can be converted into electrical power by the receiving device can include ultrasound, microwaves, resonant and induced magnetic fields, laser light, infrared, or other forms of electromagnetic energy. In the case of ultrasound, for example, one or more transducer elements can be arranged to form a transducer array that transmits ultrasound waves towards a receiving device, which receives the ultrasound waves, Converts ultrasonic waves into electric power. In the case of resonant and induced magnetic fields, a magnetic field is produced in the transmitter coil and converted into electrical power by the receiver coil. Further, RFIC 2908, microcontroller 2910, communication component 2914 and remaining electronic components can be integrated into solid state circuitry to increase the reliability of wireless power system 2900. FIG. Other techniques for increasing the reliability of electronic components may be used.

[0422] FIG. Base station 3080 can enable operation of different transmitters 3001 in different rooms or area coverage. Each transmitter 3001 can operate at different frequencies, power strengths and different ranges. Further, each transmitter 3001 can provide power to multiple receivers. In addition, the base station 3080 can enable single operation of all transmitters 3001, thus using each transmitter 3001 as a single transmitter to provide a higher capacity for wireless charging. can be provided.

[0423] FIG. A base station 3180 can enable operation of different transmitters 3101 in different rooms or area coverage. Each transmitter 3101 can operate at different frequencies, power strengths and different ranges. Further, each transmitter 3101 can provide power to multiple receivers. Further, the base station 3180 can enable single operation of all transmitters 3101, thereby providing higher capacity for wireless charging by using each transmitter 3101 as a single transmitter. can be provided. Additionally, transmitter 3101 can be plugged into lighting socket 3184 . Such lighting sockets 3184 can increase the places where the transmitter 3101 can be installed.

III. Receiver - System and Method for Receiving and Utilizing Wireless Power TransferA. Receiver device components
[0424] Referring to FIG. 11, which illustrates the architecture of a system 1100 for wireless charging client devices, according to an exemplary embodiment, systems 1100 may each include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A transmitter 1101 and a receiver 1120 can be provided. The ASIC of receiver 1120 may comprise printed circuit board 1122 , antenna element 1124 , rectifier 1126 , power converter 1129 , communication component 1130 and/or power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 1132 . Receiver 1120 can also include a housing into which all required components can be assigned. The various components of receiver 1120 can include or be manufactured using metamaterials, microprints of circuits, nanomaterials, and the like.

1. Antenna Elements Antenna elements 1124 may include antenna types suitable for operating in frequency bands similar to those described for antenna element 1106 of transmitter 1101 . Antenna elements 1124 may include vertical or horizontal polarization, right or left polarization, elliptical polarization, or any other suitable polarization, and any suitable combination of polarizations. Using multiple polarizations can be advantageous in devices where there is no preferred orientation during use or where the orientation may change continuously over time, such as a smart phone or portable game console. In contrast, for devices with well-defined expected orientations, such as two-handed video game controllers, there may be a preferred polarization of the antennas, which allows a given Polarization ratio can be specified. Suitable antenna types may include patch antennas having a height of about 118 inches to about 6 inches and a width of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches. A patch antenna can have the advantage that the polarization can depend on the connectivity, ie the polarization can change depending on which side the patch is fed from. This may further demonstrate the advantage that a receiver, such as receiver 1120, can dynamically change its antenna polarization to optimize wireless power transfer. Different antenna, rectifier or power converter configurations are possible for the receiver as described in the embodiments herein.

2. rectifier
[0425] The rectifier 1126 can convert an alternating current (AC) that periodically reverses direction to a direct current (DC) that takes on a non-negative value. Due to the alternating nature of the input AC sine wave, the rectification process alone produces a DC current that is non-negative but consists of current pulses. The rectifier output can be smoothed by an electronic filter to produce a constant current. Rectifier 1126 may include diodes and/or resistors, inductors and/or capacitors that rectify the alternating current (AC) voltage produced by antenna element 1124 to a direct current (DC) voltage.

[0426] In some implementations, the rectifier 1126 may be a full wave rectifier. A full-wave rectifier can convert the entire input waveform to one of a fixed polarity (positive or negative) at its output. Full-wave rectification can convert both polarities of the input waveform to pulsating DC (direct current), resulting in a higher average output voltage. Two diodes and a center-tapped converter and/or four diodes in a bridge configuration and any AC source (including converters without center taps) can be used for the full-wave rectifier. For single-phase AC, if the converter is center-tapped, a full-wave rectifier using two diodes in back-to-back fashion (cathode/cathode or anode/anode, depending on the required output polarity) can be formed. Twice as many windings may be required in the secondary converter to get the same output voltage as in the bridge rectifier, but the power rating does not change. The rectifier 1126 can be placed as close to the antenna element 1124 as technically possible to minimize losses. After rectifying the AC voltage, a power converter 1129 can be used to rectify the DC voltage.

3. power converter
[0427] The power converter 1129 can be a DC/DC converter that can help provide a constant voltage output and/or can help boost the voltage to the receiver 1120. In some implementations, the DC/DC converter can be a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). A MPPT is an electronic DC/DC converter that converts a higher DC output to the lower voltage required to charge a battery. A typical voltage output can be from about 5 volts to about 10 volts. In some embodiments, power converter 1129 can include an electronic switched mode DC/DC converter that can provide high efficiency. In such cases, a capacitor can be included before power converter 1129 to ensure that sufficient current is provided to operate the switching device. When charging an electronic device such as a phone or laptop computer, an initial high current may be required that can exceed the level required to actuate the operation of an electronic switched mode DC/DC converter. In such cases, a capacitor can be added to the output of receiver 1120 to provide the additional energy needed. Lower power can then be provided as needed to provide the appropriate amount of current, e.g. 1/80 of the power can be used.

[0428] In one embodiment, a plurality of rectifiers 1126 may be connected in parallel to the antenna elements 1124. FIG. For example, four rectifiers 1126 can be connected in parallel to antenna element 1124 . On the other hand, some additional rectifiers 1126 can be used. This configuration can be advantageous because each rectifier 1126 only needs to handle 1/4 of the total power. If 1 Watt is delivered to the electronic device, each rectifier 1126 may only need to handle 1/4 Watt. Since using multiple low power rectifiers 1126 can be less costly than utilizing one high power rectifier 1126 while handling the same amount of power, the configuration significantly reduces costs. can be done. In some embodiments, the total power handled by rectifier 1126 can be combined into power converter 1129 . In other embodiments, there may be one power converter 1129 for each rectifier 1126 .

[0429] In other embodiments, multiple antenna elements 1124 may be connected in parallel to a rectifier 1126, after which the DC voltage may be regulated through a power converter 1129. In this example, four antenna elements 1124 can be connected in parallel to a single rectifier 1126 . This configuration can be advantageous because each antenna element 1124 may only handle ¼ of the total power. Further, since the signals may not cancel each other out, the configuration may allow the use of a single rectifier 1126 and antenna elements 1124 of different polarizations. Due to the above properties, the configuration may be suitable for electronic client devices that have orientations that are not well defined or that change over time. Finally, the configuration may be advantageous when using antenna elements 1124 of equal polarization and configured for phases that do not differ significantly. However, in some embodiments, there may be one rectifier 1126 per antenna element 1124 and/or multiple rectifiers 1126 per antenna element 1124 .

[0430] In an exemplary implementation, the outputs of multiple antenna elements 1124 can be combined and connected to parallel rectifiers 1126, and the outputs of the rectifiers 1126 can be further combined into one power converter 1129. can be implemented. There can be 16 antenna elements 1124 whose outputs can be combined in four parallel rectifiers 1126 . In other embodiments, the antenna elements 1124 can be subdivided into groups (eg, four) and connected to separate rectifiers 1126 .

[0431] In yet another embodiment, a configuration can be implemented in which groups of antenna elements 1124 can be connected to different rectifiers 1126, which in turn can be connected to different power converters 1129 as well. In this embodiment, each of four groups of antenna elements 1124 (each containing four antenna elements 1124 in parallel) can be independently connected to four rectifiers 1126 . In this embodiment, the output of each rectifier 1126 can be directly connected to power converters 1129 (four total). In other embodiments, the outputs of all four rectifiers 1126 can be combined before each power converter 1129 to handle the total power in parallel. In some embodiments, the combined output of each rectifier 1126 can be connected to a single power converter 1129 . This configuration can be advantageous in that it allows greater proximity between the rectifier 1126 and the antenna element 1124. FIG. This property may be desirable as it allows keeping losses to a minimum.

4. Communication component
[0432] A communication component 1130, as with the transmitter 1101, can be included in the receiver 1120 for communication with the transmitter or to other electronic devices. In some implementations, the receiver 1120 uses the built-in communication components of the device to communicate to a given transmitter 1120 based on requirements provided by the processor, such as battery level, user-predefined charging profiles, and the like. can be used. Transmitter 1101 includes one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 1104, one or more antenna elements 1106, one or more radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC) 1108, one or more microcontrollers (MC ) 1110 , a communication component 1112 , and a power source 1114 . Transmitter 1101 can be housed in a housing in which all required components for transmitter 1101 can be allocated. Components within transmitter 1101 can be fabricated using metamaterials, microprints of circuits, nanomaterials and/or any other materials. The types of information communicated by the communication components between the receiver and transmitter include, but are not limited to, power level at the battery, signal strength and power level received at the receiver, timing information, phase and Includes gain information, user identification information, client device rights, security-related signaling, emergency signaling, and authentication exchanges.

5. PMICs
[0433] A power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 1132 is an integrated circuit and/or system block in a system-on-chip device for managing the power requirements of the host system. PMIC 1132 may include battery management, voltage regulation and charging functions. PMIC 1132 may include a DC/DC converter to enable dynamic voltage scaling. In some implementations, the PMIC 1132 can provide up to 95% power conversion efficiency. In some implementations, the PMIC 1132 can be integrated in combination with dynamic frequency scaling. The PMIC 1132 may be implemented in battery powered devices such as mobile phones and/or portable media players. In some implementations, the battery can be replaced with an input capacitor and an output capacitor. The PMIC 1132 can be directly connected to the battery and/or capacitor. A capacitor may not be implemented when the battery is charged directly. In some implementations, the PMIC 1132 can be coiled around the battery. PMIC 1132 may include a power management chip (PMC) that acts as a charger and is connected to the battery. The PMIC 1132 can use pulse frequency modulation (PFM) and pulse width modulation (PWM). The PMIC 1132 can use a switching amplifier (Class D electronic amplifier). In some implementations, a power converter, rectifier and/or BLE may also be included in the PMIC 1132.

6. housing
[0434] The housing may be made of any suitable material capable of enabling signal or wave transmission and/or reception, eg, plastic or hard rubber. The housing can be external hardware that can be added to different electronic devices, for example in the form of a case, or it can be integrated within the electronic device.

7. network
[0435] Network 1140 may include any common communication architecture that facilitates communication between transmitter 1101 and receiver 1120. FIG. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that network 1140 can be the Internet, a private intranet, or some hybrid of the two. It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the network components can be implemented on dedicated processing equipment or, alternatively, in a cloud processing network.

A. Configuration for Receivers, Receiver Components, and Systems Related to Receivers1. Multiple rectifiers connected in parallel to antenna elements
[0436] Figure 18A shows a configuration 1800A in which multiple rectifiers 1826A can be connected in parallel to antenna elements 1824A. In this example, four rectifiers 1826A can be connected in parallel to antenna element 1824A. Alternatively, several additional rectifiers 1826A may be used. Configuration 1800A can be advantageous because each rectifier 1826A need only handle 1/4 of the total power. If 1 watt is delivered to the electronic device, each rectifier 1826F may only need to handle 1/4 watt. Using multiple low power rectifiers 1826A can be less expensive than using one high power rectifier 1826A to handle the same amount of power, so the configuration 1800A can significantly reduce costs. In some embodiments, the total power handled by rectifier 1826A can be combined into one DC/DC converter 1828A. In other embodiments, there may be one DC/DC converter 1828A per rectifier 1826A.

2. Multiple antenna elements connected in parallel with a rectifier
[0437] Figure 18 shows a configuration 1800B in which multiple antenna elements 1824B can be connected in parallel to a rectifier 1826B, and then the DC voltage can be regulated through a DC/DC converter 1828B. In this example, four antenna elements 1824B can be connected in parallel to a single rectifier 1826B. Configuration 1800B may be advantageous because each antenna element 1824B has to handle only 1/4 of the total power. Moreover, since the signals may not cancel each other out, the configuration 1800B can allow the use of different polarized antenna elements 1824B with a single rectifier 1826B. Due to the above properties, configuration 1800 may be suitable for electronic devices with orientations that are not well defined or that vary over time. Finally, configuration 1800B can be advantageous when configured for phases that do not differ significantly using equally polarized antenna elements 1824B. However, in some embodiments, there may be one rectifier 1826B per antenna element 1824B or multiple rectifiers 1826 (as shown in FIG. 18A) per antenna element 1824B.

3. Multiple antenna elements connected in parallel to multiple rectifiers
[0438] Figure 19A shows a configuration 1900A in which the outputs of multiple antenna elements 1924A can be combined and connected to parallel rectifiers 1926A, the outputs of which can be further combined in one DC converter 1928A. . Configuration 1900A illustratively shows 16 antenna elements 1924A, and the outputs of the 16 antenna elements 1924A can be combined in four parallel rectifiers 1926A. In other embodiments, the antenna elements 1924A can be subdivided into groups (eg, four groups) and connected to separate rectifiers as shown in FIG. 19B below.

4. Grouping replacement
[0439] Figure 19B shows a configuration 1900B in which groups of antenna elements 1624B can be connected to different rectifiers 1926B, which can also be connected to different DC converters 1928B. In configuration 1900B, each of four groups of antenna elements 1924B (each including four antenna elements 1924B in parallel) can be independently connected to four rectifiers 1926B. In this embodiment, the output of each rectifier 1926B can be directly connected to a DC converter 1928B (four total). In other embodiments, the outputs of all four rectifiers 1926B can be combined before each DC converter 1928B to handle the total power in parallel. In other embodiments, the combined output of each rectifier 1926B can be connected to a single DC converter 1928B. Configuration 1900B may be advantageous in that it allows greater proximity between rectifier 1926B and antenna element 1924B. This property may be desirable as it allows losses to be kept to a minimum.

[0440] A receiver is an electronic device or appliance that can rely on electrical power to perform its intended function, such as a telephone, laptop computer, remote television, children's toy or any other such device. may be embodied in, connected to, or incorporated in. A receiver that utilizes pocketing can be used to fully charge a device's battery while it is "on" or "off", in use or not in use. Furthermore, battery life can be significantly improved. For example, a device operating at 2 Watts utilizing a receiver capable of delivering 1 Watt can increase battery life by approximately 50%. Finally, some devices that currently run on batteries can be fully powered with the receiver, after which the battery may no longer be needed. This last property may be advantageous for devices such as wall clocks, where battery replacement can be cumbersome or difficult to accomplish. The following embodiments provide some examples of how receiver integration can be performed in an electronic device.

5. Enhanced wireless power receiver configuration
[0441] Figure 33 shows a block diagram of a receiver 3320 that can be used to wirelessly power or charge one or more electronic devices. According to some aspects of this embodiment, the receiver 3320 operates with a variable power supply generated from the transmitted RF technology waves to deliver constant and stable power or energy to the electronic device. can be done. Additionally, the receiver 3320 can use a variable power supply generated from RF waves to power electronic components within the receiver 3320 for proper operation.

[0442] The receiver 3320 can be integrated into an electronic device and the housing can be made of any suitable material that allows transmission and/or reception of signals or waves, such as plastic or hard rubber. can include This housing can be added to a different electronic device, for example in the form of a case, or it can be external hardware that can also be integrated into the electronic device.

[0443] The receiver 3320 can include an antenna array 3386 that can convert RF waves or energy pockets into electrical power. Antenna array 3386 can include one or more antenna elements 3324 operatively coupled to one or more rectifiers 3326 . The RF wave can exhibit a sinusoidal shape within a range of voltage amplitudes and powers that can depend on the characteristics of the transmitter and transmission environment. The transmission environment may be affected by changes in or movement of objects within the physical boundaries, or movement of the boundaries themselves. The environment may also be affected by changes in the transmission medium, such as changes in temperature or humidity. As a result, the voltage or power generated by antenna array 3386 at receiver 3320 may vary. By way of example and not limitation, the alternating current (AC) voltage or power generated by the antenna elements 3324 from the transmitted RF waves or energy pockets ranges from about 0 volts or 0 watts to about 5 volts at 3 watts. can vary up to

[0444] Antenna elements 3324 may include antenna types suitable for operating in frequency bands similar to those described for the transmitter. Antenna elements 3324 can include vertical or horizontal polarization, right or left polarization, elliptical polarization, or other polarizations, and suitable combinations of polarizations. Using multiple polarizations can be advantageous in devices, such as electronic devices, where there is no preferred orientation during use or where the orientation may change continuously over time. Conversely, for devices with well-defined orientations, such as two-handed video game controllers, there may be a preferred polarization of the antennas, resulting in a given ratio of polarizations for multiple antennas. can be specified. Suitable antenna types can include patch antennas, which can have a height of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches and a width of about 1/8 inch to about 6 inches. A patch antenna can have the advantage that the polarization can depend on the connectivity, ie the polarization can change depending on which side the patch is fed from. This proves to be further advantageous as the receiver 3320 can dynamically change its antenna polarization to optimize wireless power transfer.

[0445] Rectifier 3326 may comprise a diode or resistor, inductor, or capacitor to rectify the AC voltage generated by antenna element 3324 to a direct current (DC) voltage. The rectifier 3326 can be placed as close to the antenna element 3324 as technically possible to minimize losses. In one embodiment, the rectifier 3326 can operate in synchronous mode, in which case the rectifier 3326 can include switching elements that can improve the efficiency of rectification. By way of example and not limitation, the output of rectifier 3326 can vary from about 0 volts to about 5 volts.

[0446] An input boost converter can be included in the receiver 3320 that converts the variable DC output voltage of the rectifier 3326 to a more stable DC voltage that can be used by the receiver 3320 and/or components of the electronic device. . Input boost converter 3258 can operate as a step-up DC/DC converter that boosts the voltage from rectifier 3326 to a voltage level suitable for proper operation of receiver 3320 . As an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the input boost converter 3258 can operate with an input voltage of at least 0.4 volts to about 5 volts and produce an output voltage of about 5 volts. Additionally, the input boost converter can reduce or eliminate rail-to-rail deviation. In one embodiment, the input boost converter can exhibit a synchronous topology to increase power conversion efficiency.

[0447] Since the voltage or power generated from the RF wave may be zero at some point in the wireless power transfer, the receiver 3320 can extract the energy or charge from the output voltage generated from the input boost converter. A storage element 3352 can be included for storing the . In this manner, the storage element 3352 can deliver continuous voltage or power through the output boost converter to a load, where the load is an electronic power source that requires continuous powering or charging. It can represent the battery or internal circuitry of the device. For example, the load may be a mobile phone battery that requires constant delivery of 5 volts at 2.5 watts.

[0448] The storage element 3352 may include a battery 3392 that stores power received from the input boost converter 3258 or charge from the power. Battery 3392 can be of various types including, but not limited to, alkaline, nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiHM), and lithium ion, among others. The battery 3392 can present a suitable shape and size to accommodate the receiver 3320, while the charge capacity and cell design of the battery 3392 can depend on load requirements. For example, to charge or power a mobile phone, battery 3392 can deliver a voltage of about 3 volts to about 4.2 volts.

[0449] In another embodiment, storage element 3352 may comprise a capacitor instead of battery 3392 to store and deliver the charge required by the receiver. As an example, when charging or powering a mobile phone, the receiver 3320 can include a capacitor with operating parameters suitable to meet the load requirements.

[0450] The receiver 3320 can also comprise an output boost converter operatively coupled to the storage element 3352 and the input boost converter, where the output boost converter takes into account the impedance and power requirements of the load. can be used for matching. As an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the output boost converter increases the output voltage of the battery 3392 from approximately 3 volts or 4.2 volts to the voltage required by the battery or internal circuitry of the electronic device. can be increased up to about 5 volts. Similar to input boost converters, output boost converters can be based on synchronous topologies to improve power conversion efficiency.

[0451] The storage element 3352 can provide power or voltage to the communication subsystem, which can include low dropout regulators (LDOs), microcontrollers, and electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs). . LDOs can function as DC linear voltage regulators that provide a steady voltage suitable for low energy applications, such as in microcontrollers. A microcontroller can be operatively coupled to EEPROM to store data relating to the operation and monitoring of receiver 3320 . Microcontrollers may also include clock (CLK) inputs and general purpose inputs/outputs (GPIOs).

[0452] In one embodiment, the microcontroller in conjunction with the EEPROM can execute algorithms to control the operation of the input boost converter and the output boost converter according to load requirements. A microcontroller can actively monitor the overall operation of the receiver 3320 by taking one or more power measurements 3388 (ADC) at different nodes. For example, the microcontroller can measure how much voltage or power is being delivered to the rectifier 3326, input boost converter, battery 3392, output boost converter, communication subsystem and/or load. The microcontroller can communicate these power measurements 3388 to the load so that the electronic device can know how much power it can draw from the receiver 3320 . In another embodiment, the microcontroller can control the power or voltage delivered at the load by adjusting the load current limit at the output boost converter based on the power measurement 3388. In yet another embodiment, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm can be executed by the microcontroller to control and optimize the amount of power that the input boost converter can draw from the antenna array 3386.

[0453] In another embodiment, the microcontroller can adjust the power or energy that can be drained from the storage element 3352 based on monitoring the power measurements 3388. For example, if the power or voltage at the input boost converter is too low, the microcontroller can direct the output boost converter to drain the battery 3392 to power the load.

[0454] The receiver 3320 may include a switch 3390 for resuming or interrupting power delivered at the load. In one embodiment, the microcontroller can control the operation of the switch 3390 according to the terms of service subscribed by one or more wireless power transfer users or according to administrator policy.

[0455] FIG. 34 shows a power conversion process 3400 that may be implemented at a receiver during wireless power transfer. According to some aspects of this embodiment, the power conversion process 3400 extracts power from RF waves and/or energy pockets to provide the appropriate voltage or power to internal components of the receiver 108 and electronic device. can enable

[0456] The power conversion process 3400 may begin when the antenna elements 3324 are capable of converting RF waves and/or energy pockets into AC voltage or AC power. At step 3451, a rectifier may rectify this AC voltage or AC power into a DC voltage or DC power. At this stage, the DC voltage or DC power generated in the rectifier can be variable depending on the RF waves and/or the conditions for extracting power from the energy pocket. Thereafter, in step 3453, an input boost converter can boost the DC voltage or DC power obtained from the rectifier to a voltage or power level that can be used by storage elements or other internal components of the receiver. In one embodiment, the input boost converter can receive input from the microcontroller (based on the MPPT algorithm) for adjusting and optimizing the amount of power that can be drawn from the antenna array. At this stage, the regulated and increased voltage at the input boost converter is available directly to the load, but this voltage is not always continuous given the inherent characteristics of RF waves. Sometimes.

[0457] The regulated DC voltage generated by the input boost converter can be used to charge a storage element, where the storage element can take the form of a battery or a capacitor in step 3455. can. The storage element can always maintain an adequate charge level to deliver continuous power to the load. Additionally, the storage element can provide the appropriate power or voltage to the communication subsystem.

[0458] At step 3457, the voltage or power generated by the storage element may be increased by an output boost converter to match the impedance and power requirements of the load. In one embodiment, the microcontroller can set up a current limit in the output boost converter to adjust the amount of power delivered to the load according to the application.

[0459] After the second boost conversion, in step 3459, the output boost converter now uses suitable power to charge or power an electronic device that may be operatively coupled to the receiver. A stable and continuous power or voltage can be supplied to the load within the electrical specification range.

[0460] The microcontroller can control the switch to suspend or resume the delivery of power or voltage at the load according to the terms of service contracted by the wireless power transfer user. For example, if wireless power transfer is a service provided to the user of the receiver, the microcontroller can, through the use of a switch, suspend or resume powering or charging the electronic device according to the user's contract status. . Further, the microcontroller can adjust the operation of the switches based on charging or powering priorities established for one or more electronic devices. For example, the microcontroller may determine that an electronic device coupled to the receiver may require charging and may have a higher priority of charging compared to an electronic device coupled to a suitable receiver. , the switch can be opened if it has a low power supply or charging priority. In this case, the transmitter can direct RF waves toward the receiver coupled to the electronic device with higher charging or powering priority.

6. embedded receiver
[0461] Figure 2OA illustrates an implementation in which a device 2000A, which may represent a typical phone, computer or other device, may include an embedded receiver 2020A. Device 2000A can also include a power source, communication component 2030A, and a processor. Receiver 2020A can utilize pocketing to provide power to the power source from device 2000A. In addition, the receiver 2020A includes a built-in communication component 2030A (e.g., Bluetooth, registered trademark)) can be used.

7. Battery with built-in receiver
[0462] Figure 20B illustrates another implementation in which the device 2000B may include a battery with an embedded receiver 2020B. The battery can receive power wirelessly through pocketing and can be recharged through its own built-in receiver 2020B. A battery can serve as a supply for power or as a backup supply. This configuration can be advantageous in that the battery does not have to be removed for charging. This can be particularly useful in game controllers or in game devices where batteries, especially AA or AAA, can be continuously replaced.

8. External communication component
[0463] Figure 20C illustrates an alternative implementation 2000C in which the receiver 2020C and communication component 2030C may be included in external hardware that may be attached to the device. The hardware can take any suitable form, such as a case that can be placed in a phone, computer, remote controller, etc., and these can be connected through a suitable interface such as Universal Serial Bus (USB). In other embodiments, the hardware can be printed on flexible film, which can then be glued or otherwise attached to the electronic device. This option can be advantageous as it can be produced at low cost and can be easily integrated into various devices. As in previous embodiments, the communications component 2030C may include hardware capable of providing communications to a transmitter or electronic device in general.

9. Receiver casing or housing that connects to USB
[0464] Figure 21A shows hardware in the form of a case that includes a receiver 2102A that can be connected to a smartphone and/or any other electronic device via a flex cable or USB. In other embodiments, the housing or case can be a computer case, phone case and/or camera case, among other such options.

10. PCB on printed film
[0465] Figure 21B shows hardware in the form of a printed film or printed flexible circuit board (PCB) that can include multiple printed receivers 2102B. The print film can be affixed or otherwise attached to an electronic device and can be connected through a suitable interface such as USB. Printed film may be advantageous in that sections can be cut from it to meet specific electronic device sizes and/or requirements. The efficiency of wireless power transfer and the amount of power that can be delivered (using pocketing) can be a function of the total number of antenna elements used in a given receiver and transmitter system. For example, to deliver about 1 Watt at about 15 feet, a receiver may include about 80 antenna elements, while a transmitter may include about 256 antenna elements. Another identical wireless power transfer system (about 1 watt at about 15 feet) may include a receiver with about 40 antenna elements and a transmitter with about 512 antenna elements. Halving the number of antenna elements at the receiver may require doubling the number of antennas at the transmitter. In some cases, it may be cost effective to have a higher number of antenna elements at the transmitter than at the receiver. On the other hand, the opposite can be achieved as long as there are at least two antenna elements at the transmitter (by placing more antenna elements at the receiver than at the transmitter).

II. Antenna Hardware and FunctionalityA. Spacing configuration
[0466] FIG. 22 illustrates internal hardware with which a receiver 2220 can be used to receive wireless power transfer in an electronic device 2252 (eg, smart phone). In some implementations, the electronic device 2252 can include a receiver 2220 that can be embedded around an inner edge of a case 2254 (eg, smart phone case) of the electronic device 2252 . In other embodiments, receiver 2220 can be mounted over the back of case 2254 . Case 2254 can be one or more of a smart phone cover, laptop cover, camera cover, GPS cover, game controller cover and/or tablet cover, among other such options. Case 2254 can be made from plastic, rubber and/or any other suitable material.

[0467] Receiver 2220 may include an array of antenna elements 2224 strategically distributed over the grid area shown in FIG. The case 2254 can include an array of antenna elements 2224 positioned around the edges and/or along the back of the case 2254 for optimal reception. The number, spacing and type of antenna elements 2224 can be calculated according to the design, size and/or type of electronic device 2252 . In some embodiments, there can be a spacing (eg, 1 mm to 4 mm) and/or a metamaterial between the case 2254 containing the antenna element 2224 and the electronic device 2252 . Spacing and/or metamaterials can provide additional gain for the RF signal. In some implementations, metamaterials can be used in creating a multi-layer PCB that mounts within the case 2254 .

B. metamaterial
[0468] The internal hardware can take the form of a printed film 2256 and/or a flexible PCB comprising a plurality of printed antenna elements 2224 (connected together in series, in parallel, or in combination), Different components such as rectifier and power converter elements may be included. Print film 2256 may be adhered or otherwise attached to electronic device 2252 and/or any suitable electronic device, such as a tablet. Print film 2256 may be connected through any suitable interface, such as flexible cable 2258 . Printed film 2256 can exhibit several advantages, one of which is the ability to cut sections from printed film 2256 to meet specific smart mobile device sizes and/or requirements. can do. According to one embodiment, the spacing between antenna elements 2224 for receiver 2220 can range from about 2 nm to about 12 nm, with about 7 nm being most suitable. Further, in some implementations, the optimal amount of antenna elements 2224 that can be used in a receiver 2220 for an electronic device 2252 such as a smart phone can range from about 20 to about 30. On the other hand, the amount of antenna elements 2224 in receiver 2220 can vary according to the design and size of electronic device 2252 . Antenna element 2224 can be made from different conductive materials such as copper, gold and silver, among others. Further, the antenna element 2224 can be printed, etched or laminated onto any suitable non-conductive flexible substrate such as a flexible PCB, among others. The disclosed configuration and orientation of antenna elements 2224 can exhibit better reception, efficiency and performance of wireless charging.

C Internal hardware
[0469] FIG. 32 shows internal hardware 3200, where a receiver 3220 can be used for wireless power transfer in a smart phone 3252. FIG. FIG. 32 shows a first embodiment in which a smartphone 3252 can include a receiver 3220 embedded around the inner edge of the smartphone's 3252 case. Receiver 3220 may include an array of antenna elements 3224 strategically distributed over a grid area. A receiver can refer to a device that includes at least one antenna element, at least one rectifier circuit, and at least one power converter that can utilize an energy pocket for powering or charging a client device. can.

[0470] The number and type of antenna elements 3224 may be calculated according to the design of the smartphone 3252. When charging an electronic device such as a phone (smartphone) or laptop computer, an initial high current may be required that may exceed the minimum voltage required to activate the operation of an electronic switched mode DC/DC converter. be. In such cases, a capacitor (not shown) can be added to the output of receiver 3220 to provide the additional energy needed. A lower power, eg, 1/80 of the total initial power, can then be provided while the phone or laptop is still storing charge. Charging can refer to the conversion of RF energy into electrical energy by the receiver using an antenna. Here, electrical energy can be transmitted to an electrically connected client device through an electrical circuit connection from the receiver, where the transmitted energy is used by the device to charge its own battery or It can be used to power its own functions and/or perform any combination. A client device may refer to any device that receives wireless power from a wireless transmitter through an electrical connection with a wireless power receiver in a wireless power transfer system. A client device shall be a computer, laptop computer, mobile electronic device such as a smart phone, electronic toy, remote control for a television or other consumer device, or any wirelessly powered electronic or electrical device. can be done.

[0471] Finally, a communication component can be included in the receiver 3220 to communicate with a transmitter or other electronic device. transmitter can refer to a device that includes a chip capable of generating two or more RF signals, at least one RF signal being phase-shifted and gain-adjusted with respect to the other RF signal; Substantially all of them pass through one or more RF antennas, which direct a focused RF signal to the target.

[0472] Different antenna, rectifier or power converter arrangements for the receiver are possible, as described in the embodiments below. In particular, internal hardware 3200 in the form of printed film 3256 or flexible printed circuit board (PCB) includes a plurality of printed antenna elements 3224 (connected together in series, parallel or in combination), rectifier 206 and power. Different components such as transducer 3229 elements can be included. The printed film 3256 can be affixed or otherwise attached to any electronic device such as a smart phone 3252 or tablet and connected through any interface such as a flexible cable. Print film 3256 can offer several advantages, one of which is that sections can be cut therefrom to meet specific smart mobile device sizes and/or requirements.

[0473] According to one above, the spacing between antenna elements 3224 for the receiver 3220 can range from 5 nm to 12 nm. On the other hand, the amount of antennas in receiver 3220 can vary depending on the design and size of smart phone 3252 . Antenna element 3224 can be made from different conductive materials such as copper, gold and silver, among others. Further, the antenna element 3224 can be printed, etched or laminated onto any non-conductive flexible substrate such as a flexible printed circuit board (PCB), among others. The disclosed configuration and orientation of antenna elements 3224 can exhibit better reception, efficiency and performance of wireless charging.

[0474] The above method descriptions and process flow diagrams are provided merely as illustrative examples, and require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. not intended to As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the steps in the above embodiments can be performed in any order. Terms such as "then," "then," etc. are not intended to limit the order of steps, but are used merely 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. Additionally, the order of operations can be rearranged. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, or the like. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination can correspond to the function returning to the calling function or main function.

[0475] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits and algorithmic steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. can be done. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and steps have been generally described 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. do not have.

[0476] Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Code segments or machine-executable instructions can represent procedures, functions, subprograms, programs, routines, subroutines, modules, software packages, classes, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters or memory content. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, transferred, or transmitted via any suitable means, including memory sharing, message sharing, token passing, network transmission, and the like.

[0477] The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods are not limitations of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and methods will be described without reference to specific software code, the software and control hardware being designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description herein. It is understood that

[0478] When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code in a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. The steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be embedded in processor-executable software modules that can reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer-readable media 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 can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory processor-readable media may be RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other form of instruction or data structure. can include any other tangible storage medium capable of storing the desired program code in and accessible by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used herein, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disc and Blu-ray disc, wherein disc A disk generally reproduces data magnetically, and a disk optically reproduces data using a laser. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. Moreover, the operation of the method or algorithm resides as one or any combination or set of code and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium that can be incorporated into a computer program product. can be done.

[0479] The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein apply to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. be able to. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to the scope of the appended claims and the most consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. given a wide range.

[0480] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments are envisioned. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims (25)

A method for wireless power transfer, comprising:
identifying a plurality of electronic devices, each of the plurality of electronic devices coupled to a respective wireless power receiver and positioned in proximity to a wireless power transmitter;
if the number of the plurality of electronic devices is greater than the number of communication channels available for use with the communication component of the wireless power transmitter,
During a first time, the controller of the wireless power transmitter, based on the position of each of a first electronic device and a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices, (i) the wireless power transmitter; assigning less than all of a first group of antennas to said first electronic device; and (ii) assigning less than all of a second group of antennas of said plurality of antennas assigning to the second electronic device, wherein the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas are distinct;
during a second time different from the first time: (i) transmitting less than all of the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas of the wireless power transmitter to the first electronic; Assigning less than all of the second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device while assigning a third of the plurality of electronic devices instead of devices. and
By sending
transmitting a first radio frequency (RF) power transmission signal via the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a first set of waveform features during the first time period; transmitting to the location of the first electronic device;
a second RF power transmission signal via the second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a second set of waveform features during the first time and during the second time; to the location of the second electronic device;
transmitting a third RF power transmission signal to the third electron via the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a third set of waveform features during the second time period; transmitting to the location of the device;
A method, including said transmitting
substantially simultaneously transmitting the first RF power transmission signal and the second RF power transmission signal during the first time period by the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas, respectively; 2. The method of claim 1, comprising: 2. The method of claim 1, wherein after the first group of antennas is assigned to the first electronic device, the second group of antennas is assigned to the second electronic device. The first set of waveform features includes:
transmitting a first power transfer signal using a first waveform characteristic from a first antenna of the first group of antennas to the location of the first electronic device;
receiving, by the transmitter, first voltage level data based on the first power transmission signal;
transmitting a second power transfer signal using a second waveform characteristic from the first antenna of the first group of antennas to the location of the first electronic device;
receiving second voltage level data based on the second power transfer signal;
whether to use the first waveform feature or the second waveform feature in the first set of waveform features based on a comparison of the first voltage level data and the second voltage level data; and
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is determined by: The second set of waveform features includes:
transmitting a third power transfer signal using a third waveform feature from a first antenna of the second group of antennas to the location of the second electronic device;
receiving, by the transmitter, third voltage level data based on the third power transmission signal;
transmitting a fourth power transfer signal using a fourth waveform feature from a first antenna of the second group of antennas to the location of the second electronic device;
receiving fourth voltage level data based on the fourth power transfer signal;
whether to use the third waveform feature or the fourth waveform feature in the second set of waveform features based on the comparison of the third voltage level data and the fourth voltage level data; 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method is determined by: A comparison of the first voltage level data to the second voltage level data determines that the amount of power transferred to the first electronic device from the first power transmission signal is determined from the second power transmission signal. the first waveform feature is used in the first set of waveform features if it indicates a greater power level compared to the power level transmitted to the first electronic device of
A comparison of the third voltage level data to the fourth voltage level data determines that the amount of power transferred to the second electronic device from the third power transmission signal is from the fourth power transmission signal. 6. The third waveform feature is used in the second set of waveform features when indicative of a greater power level transmitted to the second electronic device compared to the the method of. The communication component is selected from the group comprising Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, Wi-Fi, Frequency Modulation (FM) Radio, Near Field Communication (NFC), and ZigBee® 2. The method of claim 1, operating using a wireless communication protocol. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the location of each of the plurality of electronic devices is determined by the transmitter based on received signal strength measurements (RSSI). 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitter controller comprises a microprocessor operably coupled to the communication component and to circuitry for controlling the plurality of antennas. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennas are planar antennas, patch antennas or dipole antennas. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of antennas are vertically polarized, horizontally polarized, circularly polarized, left polarized, or right polarized. switching the first group of antennas to replace the first electronic device or the third electronic device during a fourth time period based on a determination that a fourth electronic device is not receiving sufficient power; to the fourth electronic device. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first set of waveform features, the second set of waveform features, and the third set of waveform features are different. A transmitter for wireless power transmission, comprising:
a plurality of antennas configured to transmit RF power transmission signals;
a communication component configured to receive a plurality of control signals within a radio frequency range from a plurality of electronic devices positioned proximate to the wireless power transmitter and coupled to each wireless power receiver;
a controller operably coupled to the communication component and to circuitry for controlling the plurality of antennas;
The control device is
if the number of the plurality of electronic devices is greater than the number of communication channels available for use with the communication component of the wireless power transmitter,
During a first time , based on the position of each of a first electronic device and a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices, (i) more than all of the plurality of antennas of the wireless power transmitter assigning a reduced number of a first group of antennas to the first electronic device; and (ii) assigning less than all of a second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device. , the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas are distinct;
during a second time different from the first time: (i) transmitting less than all of the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas of the wireless power transmitter to the first electronic; Assigning less than all of the second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device while assigning a third of the plurality of electronic devices instead of devices. maintains and
transmitting a first radio frequency (RF) power transmission signal via the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a first set of waveform features during the first time period; at said location of the first electronic device,
a second RF power transmission signal via the second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a second set of waveform features during the first time and during the second time; at said location of said second electronic device via said first group of antennas of said plurality of antennas, using a third set of waveform features during said second time, a third to the location of the third electronic device. The transmitter is
substantially simultaneously transmitting the first RF power transmission signal and the second RF power transmission signal during the first time period by the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas, respectively; 15. The transmitter of claim 14, further configured to: The transmitter is
16. The method of claim 15, further configured to assign the second group of antennas to the second electronic device after the first group of antennas has been assigned to the first electronic device. Transmitter as described. The transmitter is
transmitting a first power transfer signal using a first waveform characteristic from a first antenna of the first group of antennas to the location of the first electronic device;
receiving first voltage level data based on the first power transfer signal;
transmitting a second power transfer signal using a second waveform characteristic from the first antenna of the first group of antennas to the location of the first electronic device; ,
receiving second voltage level data based on the second power transfer signal;
whether to use the first waveform feature or the second waveform feature in the first set of waveform features based on a comparison of the first voltage level data and the second voltage level data; and
15. The transmitter of claim 14, further configured to: The second set of waveform features includes:
transmitting a third power transfer signal using a third waveform feature from a first antenna of the second group of antennas to the location of the second electronic device;
receiving, by the transmitter, third voltage level data based on the third power transmission signal;
transmitting a fourth power transfer signal using a fourth waveform feature from a first antenna of the second group of antennas to the location of the second electronic device;
receiving fourth voltage level data based on the fourth power transfer signal;
whether to use the third waveform feature or the fourth waveform feature in the second set of waveform features based on the comparison of the third voltage level data and the fourth voltage level data; and
18. The transmitter of claim 17, determined by: The transmitter is
A comparison of the first voltage level data to the second voltage level data determines that the amount of power transferred to the first electronic device from the first power transmission signal is determined from the second power transmission signal. using the first waveform feature in the first set of waveform features when indicating a greater power level compared to the power level transmitted to the first electronic device of
a comparison of the third voltage level data to the fourth voltage level data determines that the amount of power transferred to the second electronic device from the third power transmission signal is determined from the fourth power transmission signal. using the third waveform feature in the second set of waveform features when indicating a greater power level compared to the power level transmitted to the second electronic device of
19. The transmitter of claim 18 , further configured to: The communication component is selected from the group comprising Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy, Wi-Fi, Frequency Modulation (FM) Radio, Near Field Communication (NFC), and ZigBee® 15. The transmitter of claim 14, operating using a wireless communication protocol. 15. The transmitter of Claim 14, wherein the location of each of the plurality of electronic devices is determined by the transmitter based on received signal strength measurements (RSSI). 15. The transmitter of claim 14, wherein the transmitter controller comprises a microprocessor operably coupled to the communications component and to circuitry for controlling the plurality of antennas. 15. The transmitter of claim 14, wherein the plurality of antennas are planar antennas, patch antennas or dipole antennas. 15. The transmitter of Claim 14, wherein the plurality of antennas are vertically polarized, horizontally polarized, circularly polarized, left polarized, or right polarized. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing one or more programs configured for execution by one or more processors of a wireless power transmitter, comprising:
The one or more programs, when executed by one or more processors, have instructions that cause the transmitter to perform steps;
Said step includes:
identifying a plurality of electronic devices, each of the plurality of electronic devices coupled to a respective wireless power receiver and positioned in proximity to a wireless power transmitter;
if the number of the plurality of electronic devices is greater than the number of communication channels available for use with the communication component of the wireless power transmitter,
During a first time, the controller of the wireless power transmitter, based on the position of each of a first electronic device and a second electronic device of the plurality of electronic devices, (i) the wireless power transmitter; assigning less than all of a first group of antennas to said first electronic device; and (ii) assigning less than all of a second group of antennas of said plurality of antennas assigning to the second electronic device, wherein the first group of antennas and the second group of antennas are distinct;
during a second time different from the first time: (i) transmitting less than all of the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas of the wireless power transmitter to the first electronic; Assigning less than all of the second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device while assigning a third of the plurality of electronic devices instead of devices. and
By sending
transmitting a first radio frequency (RF) power transmission signal via the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a first set of waveform features during the first time period; transmitting to the location of the first electronic device;
a second RF power transmission signal via the second group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a second set of waveform features during the first time and during the second time; to the location of the second electronic device;
transmitting a third RF power transmission signal to the third electron via the first group of antennas of the plurality of antennas using a third set of waveform features during the second time period; transmitting to the location of the device;
non-transitory computer-readable media, including

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