WO2019089030A1

WO2019089030A1 - Wireless charging modules

Info

Publication number: WO2019089030A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/059739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew L. Wiltzius
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2017-11-02
Filing date: 2017-11-02
Publication date: 2019-05-09

Abstract

An example wireless charging module comprises a frame comprising rails to enable connection of the frame to an enclosure of a computing device, a door coupled to the frame and arranged to control access to an interior of the frame, and a charging surface arranged within a portion of the frame and through which charge is to be wirelessly transferred to devices inserted into the frame.

Description

WIRELESS CHARGING MODULES

BACKGROUND:

[0001] Certain devices, such as electric devices, may use power sources, such as batteries, to perform certain functions. At times, it may be possible to reintroduce charge into depleted batteries by, for example, connecting the batteries to an adapter that is plugged into a power outlet. Recently, options have been made available for wirelessly charging devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] Various examples will be described below by referring to the following figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an example wireless charging module;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an example wireless charging module door;

FIG. 3 shows an example wireless charging module door and locking mechanism;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example wireless charging surface;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device and an example mobile device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an example enclosure;

FIGS. 7 A and 7B illustrate example methods of wirelessly charging devices.

[0003] Reference is made in the following detailed description to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, wherein like numerals may designate like parts throughout that are corresponding and/or analogous. It will be appreciated that the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale, such as for simplicity and/or clarity of illustration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] At times, devices (e.g., electronic devices) may operate using a portable power source, such as a battery. Portable power sources may be rechargeable, such that after depletion of stored charge, charge may be reintroduced into the portable power source and stored therein. The reintroduction of charge into a power source (referred to alternatively as "charging") may be accomplished by establishing a connection between an external power source (e.g., a wall outlet) and the portable power source. In an implementation in which the portable power source comprises a battery, charge may be reintroduced into the battery using an adapter that may be plugged into a wall outlet. The adapter may be capable of converting the alternating current (AC) power from the wall outlet into direct current (DC) power transmitted to the battery. The battery may receive the DC power and store charge therefrom within storage cells.

[0005] Charging a portable power source by creating a connection with (e.g., plugging the portable power source into) an adapter may be inconvenient. By way of illustration, different adapters may have different types of connectors (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB type-C, Thunderbolt, etc.). Additionally, the different connectors may have a non-symmetric profile, such that the connectors are to be inserted into ports in certain pre-defined orientations. As such, attempts to line up a connector with a port (e.g., so as to insert a connector into a port) may be futile if the connector is not in the proper orientation. This may be particularly challenging in low light conditions, by way of example.

[0006] Furthermore, as different devices may use different adapters, users may thus be compelled to have a number of different adapters to charge the different devices. For example, a first device may charge using a micro USB adapter, a second device using a USB type-C adapter, and a third device using a proprietary adapter.

[0007] With the foregoing in mind, it may be desirable, therefore, for devices and methods that enable charging of portable power sources with greater ease and less complexity than some wired approaches.

[0008] As used herein, and for consistency, the term "battery" is used to refer to portable power sources. This use is not intended to limit the application of claimed subject matter to implementations that comprise batteries, however. Indeed, implementations of portable power sources including, for example, capacitors (e.g., supercapacitors), by way of non-limiting example, are contemplated by the present disclosure. With this in mind, one method of charging batteries without creating a physical connection between a device and an adapter can include inductive charging, referred to herein as wireless charging. To be clear, however, wireless charging is not necessarily limited to inductive charging. Indeed, other examples of wireless charging may include capacitive charging, resonant capacitive charging, magnetodynamic charging, and electromagnetic (e.g., RF and light) charging, by way of non-limited example. In the case of inductive charging, wireless charging may use electromagnetic induction between a device (e.g., comprising a battery) and a charging station. For example, the charging station may include a primary coil through which current may be pulsed (e.g., may resonate). Changes in current in the primary coil may produce an electromagnetic field. Current may be engendered in a secondary coil in the device while placed within the electromagnetic field. The engendered current in the secondary coil may be used to store charge within the battery of the device.

[0009] In one case, such as due to an interest in freeing up space on a surface, there may be a desire to arrange a wireless charging station (referred to herein as a wireless charging module) so as to be off of the surface. For example, an example wireless charging module may be arranged within an enclosure (e.g., a case) of a computing device. Cases may include drive bays, for instance, and it may be possible to arrange a wireless charging module within a free drive bay, for instance. Consequently, rather than charging a device on a work surface, (e.g., and potentially occupying work space), the device may instead be charged within a case.

[0010] Furthermore, arranging a wireless charging module within an enclosure of a computing device may be sufficient to provide some level of theft deterrence, such as by hiding a device. In addition to visual deterrence, there may be a desire to secure a device that is being charged within a wireless charging module. In one implementation, for example, it may be possible to lock a device within a wireless charging module. One implementation of a wireless charging module, for example, may include a locking door. The door may include a mechanical lock, such as may be opened using a key, a combination, or other like mechanisms. In one case the lock may be electronic, such that the locking and unlocking may be controlled via electronic mechanisms, such as an electronic keypad, an electronic biometric reader, a computing device into which the wireless charging module is installed, etc. Other example electronic locks may include biometric locks, such as may respond to a fingerprint, voice signals, or retinal image, by way of non- limiting example.

[0011] As noted above, there may be a desire to avoid using different connection standards (e.g., micro USB and USB type-C) to charge different devices. Similarly, there may be a desire for a wireless charging module that may be capable of charging devices using different wireless charging standards. For instance, example wireless charging standards may include the inductive Qi standard by the Wireless Power Consortium and the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) standard of the AirFuel Alliance. It may be desirable, therefore, to have a wireless charging module capable of charging using both the Qi standard and the PMA standard, by way of example. In one implementation, this may be achieved using swappable charging pads (e.g., portions of a charging surface to enable wireless charging, such as using wire coils), thus allowing a wireless charging module to charge using different standards. And those different standards may be used potentially at a same time (e.g., through the use of different charging pads, charging pads that are capable of switching standards, etc.).

[0012] While a device is charging within a wireless charging module, such as within an enclosure of a computing device, there may be a desire to still be able to interact with the device being charged, such as receiving notifications from the device being charged (e.g., without, for example, having to unlock a module door and remove the device, etc.). Additionally, there may be a desire to transmit signals between the computing device and the device being charged. For instance, in one case, there may be a desire to conduct an APPLE FACETIME, GOOGLE HANGOUTS, or MICROSOFT SKYPE call through the software and/or hardware of the device being charged. In such a case, it may be possible to use software and/or hardware of the computing device in conjunction with that of the device being charged to conduct the aforementioned call. Thus, for instance, a headset of the computing device may be used to receive voice signals from a user, the voice signals may be transmitted (e.g., wirelessly) to the device being charged, where they may be handled, such as transmitted on to another participant in the call. Similarly, voice signals may be received at the device being charged (e.g., from another participant in the call), transmitted (e.g., wirelessly) to the computing device, where they may be outputted via the headset. It should be appreciated that signals transmitted between the computing device and the device being charged are not necessarily limited to signals representative of notifications and calls. Additionally, video signals, signals representative of data for programs (e.g., signals indicative of a clock application, a calendar application, etc.) may also be transmitted between the computing device and the device being charged, by way of non-limiting illustration.

[0013] There may also be a desire to use wireless charging modules with a number of different computing devices. By way of example, it may be desirable for computing devices that do not necessarily support newer charging standards (e.g., USB 3.0, USB type-C, and Thunderbolt) to be able to house wireless charging modules. In one implementation, it may be possible to connect a wireless charging module directly to a power supply of a computing device (e.g., via a wiring harness) in order to provide power to devices arranged therein. As such, example wireless charging modules may be usable in a number of different computing devices (e.g., as opposed to being limited to newer devices). [0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless charging module 102 comprising a frame 105, rails 160, a charging surface 1 10, and a door 1 15, such as may secure a device therein. Example devices that may be charged using wireless charging module 102 may include, for example, mobile devices, by way of non- limiting illustration. As used herein, a mobile device comprises a portable power source, such as a battery. Sample mobile devices may thus include phones, such as smartphones, tablets, PDAs, smart watches, ear buds, satellite positioning service (SPS) devices, and the like. In some cases, devices, such as mobile devices, may use a removable battery. Such removable batteries may also be able to charge wirelessly, due to, for instance, inclusion of a secondary coil. Reference to mobile devices in conjunction with wireless charging modules, such as wireless charging module 102, is not done in a restrictive sense. Indeed, the term is intended to encompass any device capable of being able to receive charge wirelessly from a wireless charging module.

[0015] Returning to FIG. 1 , in one implementation, wireless charging module 102 may comprise a frame 105. Frame 105 may comprise rails 160, which may be connectable to a case of a computing device. In one case, rails 160 may engage a mechanism of a case of a computing device (e.g., to allow fixing of frame 105 to a frame of the case). For example, the case (also referred to herein as an enclosure) of the computing device may include a bay into which wireless charging module 102 may be arranged, such as using rails 160. Door 1 15 may be coupled to frame 105 and arranged to control access to an interior of the frame (e.g., to allow access and/or to limit access). For example, FIG. 1 shows door 1 15 in a lowered position such that a front opening (not shown) of wireless charging module 102 is covered. Door 1 15 may be opened, such as shown by the broken line 1 15', in order to provide access to an interior of frame 105.

[0016] Charging surface 1 10 may be arranged within a portion of frame 105. In one case, charging surface 1 10 may be arranged in a lower portion of frame 105. And charging surface 1 10 may be used to wirelessly transfer charge to devices (e.g., mobile devices) inserted into frame 105.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an example door 215 having a locking mechanism, lock 220 and a frame 205. Lock 220 may comprise a mechanical lock that may be locked and unlocked using a key or a combination. In another case, lock 220 may comprise an electronic lock and may thus be locked and unlocked by a computing device in which the wireless charging module (e.g., wireless charging module 102 in FIG. 1 ) is arranged. In cases in which lock 220 is an electronic lock, at times, lock 220 may also be locked and unlocked by manipulation at door 215. For example, in one implementation, lock 220 may comprise a fingerprint reader (or other similar biometric detector) that may control a locked or unlocked state of lock 220. In yet another implementation, lock 220 may comprise an interface (such as on a display panel) through which a combination may be entered to change lock 220 from a locked to an unlocked state, and vice versa.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, door 215 may be arranged to cover an opening (not shown) of frame 205. In one case, a portion of lock 220 may engage with frame 215 in a locked state. In one case, engagement of lock 220 with frame 215 may be enabled electronically, such as by pressing a button on a computing device, interacting with a user interface, etc. In an unlocked state, the portion of lock 220 may release frame 215. The broken circle labeled A is shown in detail in FIG. 3. [0019] FIG. 3 illustrates another implementation of a door and a lock, door 315 and lock 320. FIG. 3 shows that lock 320 comprises a locking mechanism comprising, among other things, a latch. Because the latch may not be visible, dotted lines are used to illustrate a peg 330 (e.g., a mechanism with which the latch may engage) within frame 305 and two possible positions of a latch, as shown by 325a and 325b. Latch 325a shows lock 320 in a locked state. Latch 325b shows lock 320 in an unlocked state. The latch may transition between a locked state (latch 325a) and an unlocked state (latch 325b) in response to a key, a combination, or an electrical signal (e.g., from a computing device) by way of non-limiting example. Of course, it should be understood that the foregoing is merely one example locking mechanism and other types and forms of locks are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a charging surface 410 having a number of receptacles, such as example receptacle 418, into which charging pads, such as charging pads 435a and 435b may be inserted. Charging pads 435a and 435b may be connected to charging surface 410 via a wired connection (e.g., using a wire harness to connect wires from charging surface 410 to wires from charging pads 435a and 435b). However, as illustrated in FIG. 4, contacts may be used in some cases. For instance, charging pad 435b has a charging pad connector 437 which may be arranged to come into contact with charging surface connector 439, while inserted into receptacle 418. Charging surface 410 may be in electrical contact with a power source of a computing device (e.g., a power supply) such as via a wiring harness or a socket on a motherboard of the computing device (see, e.g., FIG. 5). [0021] It may be desirable to swap charging pads, such as charging pads 435a and 435b in order to charge devices using different wireless standards, for example. Thus, in one case, as illustrated by the example in FIG. 4, a charging surface 410 of a wireless charging module may comprise a plurality of charging pads, such as charging pad 435a and charging pad 435b. Additionally, the plurality of charging pads, charging pad 435a and charging pad 435b, may support a plurality of wireless charging standards. By way of example, in one implementation, charging pad 435a may support a first wireless charging standard (e.g., Qi) while charging pad 435b may support a second wireless charging standard (e.g., PMA). Etc. In an example, charging pad 435a may support multiple inductive charging standards while charging pad 435b may support multiple capacitive charging standards.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example computing device 500 having a wireless charging module 502 and an example mobile device 504, such as may be charged within wireless charging module 502. FIG. 5 uses blocks to represent components of computing device 500 and mobile device 504. Though not shown, the various components may be in communication, such as electric communication. For instance, processor 512 may be connected to memory 514 via a bus. Etc.

[0023] A computing device 500 may comprise, for example, a desktop computer, a workstation, a laptop computer, a thin client computer, or a point-of- sale (POS) device, by way of non-limiting example. In some implementations, computing device 500 may comprise an enclosure, such as a case of a desktop computer, into which a wireless charging module 502 may be arranged. [0024] Computing device 500 may have a power supply 524, which may be capable of providing power to different components of computing device 500, such as the example components that will be discussed in further detail hereinafter. Example power supplies, such as power supply 524, may plug into a power outlet capable of providing current (e.g., AC power or DC power), which may be provided to components of computing device 500. In one case, power supply 524 may receive AC power (e.g., via a 1 10V wall outlet, a 220V wall outlet, etc.) from a power outlet, and may convert the AC power into DC power for use of components of computing device 500. In some cases, step-down or step-up transformers may be used to arrive at a desirable voltage level for a particular component.

[0025] In one case, wired connections may be made between power supply 524 and the components of computing device 500. For example, drives, such as digital versatile disc (DVD) drives and hard disk drives (HDDs) may connect directly to power supply 524 for operational power. A printed circuit board (PCB), such as a motherboard, (not shown) of computing device 500 may also connect directly to power supply 524 for operational power. A number of components may receive power through a connection to the motherboard. For example, USB ports may connect to connectors of the motherboard via which both data and power may be transmitted. Furthermore, in one implementation, wireless charging module 502 may receive power directly from power supply 524, such as rather than connecting to a motherboard (e.g., via a USB 3.0, USB type-C, or Thunderbolt connector). [0026] Enclosure 506 of computing device 500 may comprise a number of components, such as I/O 508, processor 512, memory 514, and a drive bay 516. While FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which power supply 524, camera 522a, display 540, microphone 542, and biometrics 544 are not arranged within enclosure 506, other implementations may be such that different combinations of components of computing device 500 may be arranged in enclosure 506. For example, in an all-in-one (AIO) implementation of a computing device, the power supply, camera, display, microphone, and biometrics may all be arranged within a unitary enclosure. As such, the arrangement of components shown in FIG. 5 is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0027] Returning to the example of computing device 500, I/O 508 refers to a component for transmitting and receiving signals with external devices (and managing transmittal and reception thereof). For example, in one implementation, I/O 508 may comprise a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware (except not software per se) capable of coordinating transmission and reception of signals via wired interfaces, such as USB, and via wireless interfaces, such as WIFI and BLUETOOTH. In one example, I/O 508 may comprise a portion of a motherboard (e.g., and corresponding software and/or firmware) providing a USB interface, a BLUETOOTH interface, and a WIFI interface. As shall be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, a connection may be made via I/O 508, such as via a wireless interface, to a mobile device 504 arranged within wireless charging module 502, such as for the transmission and reception of data signals, audio signals, video signals, etc. [0028] Processor 512 comprises hardware, such as an integrated circuit (IC) or analog or digital circuitry (e.g., transistors) or a combination of software (e.g., programming such as machine- or processor-executable instructions, commands, or code such as firmware, a device driver, object code, etc.) and hardware. Hardware includes a hardware element with no software elements such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc. A combination of hardware and software includes software hosted at hardware (e.g., a software module that is stored at a processor-readable memory such as random access memory (RAM), a HDD or solid state disk drive, resistive memory, or optical media such as a DVD, and/or executed or interpreted by a processor), or hardware and software hosted at hardware.

[0029] Memory 514 may comprise volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof. In one implementation, memory 514 may store signals and/or states, such as may be indicative of instructions, and that may be executed by processor 512. Thus, in one case, instructions may be fetched from memory 514 in order to monitor a state of wireless charging module 502. For example, executed instructions may enable a determination to be made as to characteristics of wireless charging module 502 and a mobile device 504 arranged therein. Example characteristics may include, but are not limited to, power drawn by a coil of wireless charging module 502, power transmitted to mobile device 504, rate of charging, charging efficiency, estimated charge time, and charge storage capacity of a battery of mobile device 504, such as power source 558, by way of example. Different functionality of computing devices, such as computing device 500, which is discussed above (and shall be discussed hereinafter) may be performed in response to execution of instructions stored in memory, such as memory 514, by a processor, such as processor 512.

[0030] In some implementations, enclosures, such as enclosure 506, may have portions into which components may be installed, such as for support. By way of example, enclosure 506 may include a portion including mounting structures (e.g., for fixing mechanisms, such as screws) to receive a motherboard (such as according to a particular standard). Enclosure 506 may also include portions into which drives, such as HDDs and DVD drives may be arranged. These portions may be referred to as drive bays, such as drive bay 516. Drive bays may have different sizes, shapes, and orientations, by way of example. For instance, 5.25 inch drive bays may be used for DVD drives, and 3.5 inch drive bays may be used for smart card and memory card readers, USB connector banks, and floppy drives, for example. Thus, in one example, a frame of wireless charging module 502 may be sized to be arranged within a drive bay, such as drive bay 516, of enclosure 506. In any case, other drive bay standards (e.g., other than 5.25" and 3.5") may be used for arranging wireless charging modules within an enclosure and are contemplated by claimed subject matter.

[0031] As discussed above, wireless charging module 502 may comprise a door 515 (such as having a lock 520) and a wireless charging surface 510 (such as having a charging pad 535). And, charge may be transferred between charging pad 535 (of charging surface 510) and wireless charging receiver 556 of mobile device 504. Additionally, in one implementation wireless charging module 502 may comprise a camera 522b. Camera 522b may be desirable, such as providing images of an interior of wireless charging module 502. In one case, camera 522b may be capable of providing images of a display of mobile device 504 to display 540 of computing device 500. In one case, camera 522b may comprise a light sensor and may be capable of sensing light (e.g., indicators, a display, etc. of a mobile device) from mobile device 504. The signals indicative of sensed light may be transmitted, such as to processor 512. Signals from camera 522b may be transmitted responsive to signals received from computing device 500 (e.g., indicative of a button press, etc.)

[0032] Camera 522a may comprise a device capable of capturing light (e.g., recording images and video) encoded as signals within computing device 500, such as electrical signals. The signals may be transmitted to processor 512. For example, it may be desirable to use hardware of computing device 500 in conjunction with functionality of mobile device 504. For example, in one case mobile device 504 may use its camera, camera 550, to authenticate a user and to bypass a lock screen of mobile device 504. At times at which mobile device 504 is charging in wireless charging module 502, camera 522a of computing device 500 may be used to authenticate a user and bypass a lock screen of mobile device 504. By way of further example, in one case camera 522a may be used to conduct a video calling via mobile device 504. Etc.

[0033] Similarly, display 540 and microphone 542 may, in some cases, be used in conjunction with functionality of mobile device 504. Thus, for example, continuing the examples from the preceding paragraph, in cases in which voice is used to authenticate a user and bypass a lock screen of mobile device 504, microphone 542 may be usable to provide voice signals to mobile device 504 to authenticate a user and bypass the lock screen. Additionally, in cases in which a call (e.g., a video call) is conducted using mobile device 504 arranged within wireless charging module 502, microphone 542 may be usable to provide audio signals, via mobile device 504, to enable the voice call.

[0034] In yet another case, other data entry components of computing device 500, such as a keyboard and/or a mouse, may be used in conjunction with mobile device 504. For example, in one case, a keyboard and/or a mouse of computing device 500 may be used to enter a password, key code or other like alphanumerical method that may be used by mobile device 504 to bypass a lock screen. To illustrate, in one case, a numerical pin code may be used to bypass a lock screen of mobile device 504. And while mobile device 504 is charging within wireless charging module 502, the numerical pin code may be entered via a keyboard of computing device 500 to bypass the lock screen of mobile device 504. For instance, mobile device 504 may receive a series of keypresses from computing device 500 and may determine whether the keypresses correspond to the numerical pin code of mobile device 504. If yes, the lock screen may be bypassed. Otherwise, an indication may be provided, such as via display 540, that the entered keypresses do not correspond to the numerical pin code of mobile device 504.

[0035] Display 540 of computing device 500 may be used in conjunction with wireless charging module 502 and mobile device 504. Among other things, indications of notifications of mobile device 504 may be provided via display 540. Signals indicative of images and video from programs of mobile device 504 may also be presented via display 540. Etc. [0036] Computing device 500 may comprise a number of components, such as hardware components, and programs or functionality to enable biometric identification. Example hardware components may include, for example, fingerprint readers and retina scanners, by way of illustration. Biometrics 544 refers to such components and like components capable of enabling biometric- based authentication. Biometrics 544 may also include, for example, combinations of hardware and software capable of providing authentication (e.g., having a key, such as a private key, that may be usable for encryption and decryption of data transmitted and received between computing device 500 and mobile device 504). Consistent with the foregoing, biometrics 544 may be used in conjunction with functionality or operation of mobile device 504. By way of example, a fingerprint reader of computing device 500 may be used to provide access to functionality on mobile device 504 that calls for use of a fingerprint reader. For instance, some applications on mobile device 504 may scan a fingerprint to confirm identity. While mobile device 504 is charging in wireless charging module 502, access to such applications may be gained by using a fingerprint reader of computing device 500.

[0037] In one implementation, access to functionality of mobile device 504 using computing device 500 may be performed in association with a user account of computing device 500 (e.g., whether or not a particular user account is active on computing device 500). For instance, in one case, if mobile device 504 is inserted into wireless charging module 502 while a first user account is logged into computing device 500, then mobile device 504 may not be withdrawn from wireless charging module 502 if the first user account is not logged into computing device 500. Such an approach may provide an extra layer of protection against theft, for example.

[0038] It is to be understood that the foregoing is provided merely by way of illustration and is not to be taken in a limiting sense. Indeed, other uses of the aforementioned components are contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0039] As such, in operation, one example computing device 500 may comprise an enclosure 506 (e.g., a case). Enclosure 506 may comprise a drive bay 516. A wireless charging module 502 may be arranged within drive bay 516 and may further comprise a charging surface 510. A security door 515 may be connected to wireless charging module 502 and may be capable of being locked in a closed position. For example, security door 515 may comprise a lock 520 having a first state (e.g., a locked state) in which lock 520 engages a frame of wireless charging module 520. Lock 520 may also have a second state (e.g., an unlocked state) in which lock 520 releases the frame to allow door 515 to open (e.g., to provide access to an interior of wireless charging module 502, such as to insert a mobile device or remove a mobile device, such as mobile device 504).

[0040] Computing device 500 may also comprise a processor 512 and a non- transitory computer readable medium, such as memory 514. Memory 514 may have instructions stored thereon that when executed by processor 512 are to cause processor 512 perform certain functions. For example, in response to execution of instructions, processor 512 may transmit signals to and/or receive signals from mobile device 504 (e.g., which may be arranged in wireless charging module 502). Further, in response to execution of instructions, processor 512 may transmit signals to and/or receive signals from wireless charging pads 535. Additionally, in response to execution of instructions, processor 512 may transmit signals to and/or receive signals from door 515.

[0041] An example computing device 500 may further comprise a wireless interface, such as part of an I/O 508. In one case, the wireless interface may comprise a BLUETOOTH interface. Using the wireless interface, instructions may be executed by processor 512 to transmit and/or receive audio signals, video signals, other data signals (e.g., comprising instructions), or a combination thereof, to and from mobile device 504 (e.g., which may use an I/O 554 to transmit and receive signals with I/O 508 of computing device 500).

[0042] In one example, computing device 500 may comprise a camera 522a and a microphone 542. Camera 522a and microphone 542 may be used to generate audio signals, video signals, or a combination thereof. The audio and video signals may be transmitted to mobile device 504. For example, the transmitted audio and video signals may comprise video signals captured by camera 522a, audio signals captured by microphone 542, or a combination thereof. Likewise, audio and video signals may be received from mobile device 504 and may be displayed by audio/visual components of computing device 500 (e.g., display 540).

[0043] In addition, such as responsive to execution of instructions, signals may be transmitted indicative of biometric identification to mobile device 504, such as via biometrics 544.

[0044] In view of the foregoing, in one implementation it may be desirable for components of computing device 500 to be used in place of (or complementing) components of mobile device 504. Thus, for example, processor 512 of computing device 500 may be used in place of (or may complement) processor 545 of mobile device 504. Furthermore, memory 514 may be used in place of (or may complement) memory 547; microphone 542 may be used in place of (or may complement) microphone 549; camera 522a may be used in place of (or may complement) camera 550; biometrics 544 may be used in place of (or may complement) biometrics 552; etc.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates example wireless charging modules, wireless charging module 602a and wireless charging module 602b being inserted into example drive bays, drive bay 616a and drive bay 616b, of enclosure 606. Thus, in one case, drive bay 616a may comprise a 5.25 inch drive bay and drive bay 616b may comprise a 3.5 inch drive bay. Wireless charging modules 602a and 602b may be connected to a power supply (not shown) arranged within enclosure 606. Wireless charging modules 602a and 602b may receive power through a component of a computing device, such as a motherboard.

[0046] FIG. 7A illustrates an example method, method 700, for charging a mobile device (e.g., wirelessly charging the mobile device within a wireless charging module). At block 705, method 700 may comprise arranging a wireless charging module (e.g., wireless charging module 502 in FIG. 5) within a drive bay of an enclosure of a computing device (e.g., computing device 500 in FIG. 5). At block 710, the wireless charging module may be connected to a power supply (e.g., power supply 524 in FIG. 5) of the computing device. As noted above, at times, it may be desirable to attach wireless charging modules directly to a power supply of a computing device, such as the ability to use wireless charging modules in computing devices without USB 3.0, USB type-C, and Thunderbolt (and like) connections.

[0047] At block 715, example method 700 may include installing a plurality of swappable charging pads (e.g., charging pad 535) within receptacles (e.g., receptacle 418 in FIG. 4) of the charging surface (e.g., charging surface 510 of FIG. 5). The plurality of swappable charging pads may be able to wirelessly transfer charge according to a first wireless charging standard and a second wireless charging standard.

[0048] An example method 750 for wirelessly charging a mobile device may include, as shown at block 755, placing a mobile device within a wireless charging enclosure. At block 755, example method 750 may further include electronically engaging a door (e.g., door 515 of FIG. 5) comprising an electronic locking mechanism (e.g., lock 520 of FIG. 5) of a door of the wireless charging module to engage within a receiving element (e.g., peg 330 in FIG. 3) responsive to reception of signals. For example, signals may be received at an interface of the door (e.g., responsive to keypad presses of a user), signals may be received from a processor of a computing device (e.g., responsive to button or key presses, such as on a keyboard of the computing device), etc. Example method 750 may also include, as shown at block 765, transmitting signals from a light sensor (e.g., camera 522b in FIG. 5) arranged to sense light from the mobile device while received within the interior portion in response to signals received from the computing device,.

[0049] In view of the foregoing, an example wireless charging module may be arranged within an enclosure of a computing device, such as in a drive bay, using rails of the charging module. The wireless charging module may connect directly to a power supply of the computing device. The wireless charging module may comprise a door. The door may be lockable. Furthermore, a charging surface of the wireless charging module may comprise swappable charging pads. In one case, the wireless charging module may support a plurality of wireless charging standards. Also, it may be desirable for signals to be exchanged between a device being charged and a computing device in which the wireless charging module is arranged.

[0050] In the preceding description, various aspects of claimed subject matter have been described. For purposes of explanation, specifics, such as amounts, systems and/or configurations, as examples, were set forth. In other instances, well-known features were omitted and/or simplified so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. While certain features have been illustrated and/or described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and/or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all modifications and/or changes as fall within claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A wireless charging module comprising:

a frame comprising rails to enable connection of the frame to an enclosure of a computing device;

a door coupled to the frame and arranged to control access to an interior of the frame; and

a charging surface arranged within a portion of the frame and through which charge is to be wirelessly transferred to devices inserted into the frame.

2. The wireless charging module of claim 1 , wherein the door comprises a mechanical lock.

3. The wireless charging module of claim 1 , wherein the door comprises an electronic lock.

4. The wireless charging module of claim 1 , wherein the charging surface comprises a plurality of charging pads.

5. The wireless charging module of claim 4, wherein the plurality of charging pads support a plurality of wireless charging standards.

6. The wireless charging module of claim 1 , wherein the charging surface is connected to a power supply of the computing device.

7. The wireless charging module of claim 1 , wherein the frame is sized to be arranged within a drive bay of the enclosure.

8. A method of wirelessly charging a mobile device, the method comprising:

arranging a wireless charging module within a drive bay of an enclosure of a computing device and connecting the wireless charging module to a power supply of the computing device; the wireless charging module having an interior portion with a charging surface arranged therein, the interior portion arranged to receive the mobile device; and

installing a plurality of swappable charging pads within receptacles of the charging surface, the plurality of swappable charging pads being to wirelessly transfer charge according to a first wireless charging standard and a second wireless charging standard.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising electronically engaging an electronic locking mechanism of a door of the wireless charging module within a receiving element responsive to reception of signals.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising, in response to signals received from the computing device, transmitting signals from a light sensor arranged to sense light from the mobile device within the interior portion.

1 1 . A computing device comprising:

a enclosure having a drive bay;

a wireless charging module arranged within the drive bay and comprising a charging surface;

a security door connected to the wireless charging module and to lock in a closed position;

a processor; and

a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by the processor are to cause the processor to:

receive signals from a mobile device to be arranged in the wireless charging module; and

transmit signals to the security door.

12. The computing device of claim 1 1 further comprising:

a wireless interface; and

the non-transitory computer readable medium further has instructions that when executed by the processor are to cause the processor to: transmit audio signals, video signals, or a combination thereof, to the mobile device via the wireless interface.

13. The computing device of claim 12, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium further has instructions that when executed by the processor are to cause the processor to transmit signals to and receive signals from one or a plurality of the wireless charging pads.

14. The computing device of claim 12 further comprising a camera and a microphone, and wherein the audio signals, video signals, or a combination thereof, transmitted to the mobile device comprise video signals captured by the camera, audio signals captured by the microphone, or a combination thereof.

15. The computing device of claim 1 1 , wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium further has instructions that when executed by the processor are to cause the processor to transmit signals indicative of biometric identification to the mobile device.