Camera with reduced image noise caused by wireless charging

Abstract

An example method includes receiving, by a mobile computing device, electrical power via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and selectively adjusting, by the mobile computing device, one or more parameters of the wireless charging link in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives the electrical power via the wireless charging link compared to wireless charging with the unadjusted one or more parameters.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Some computing devices include cameras capable of capturing still and / or video images. Additionally, some computing devices may include wireless charging functionality to charge or power each computing device without requiring a charging cable between each computing device and a charging source. Summary of the invention

[0002] In general, the techniques of the present disclosure are intended to reduce noise in images captured by a camera of a wirelessly powered or charged computing device. An example device may be wirelessly charged by converting a wireless energy signal (e.g., an AC magnetic field) into an electrical signal, which is then used to charge a battery of the device or other electrical components of the device. In some examples, one or more parameters of the wireless energy signal may undesirably cause noise in images captured by the camera of the example device. According to one or more techniques of the present disclosure, an example device may selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless energy signal in response to the activation state of the camera. For example, when the camera is activated when the device is wirelessly charged, the device may adjust the frequency of the wireless energy signal so that the image captured by the camera when the device is wirelessly charged at the adjusted frequency includes less noise than the image captured by the camera when the device is wirelessly charged at the unadjusted frequency. In this way, the device can reduce the amount of noise in the image captured by the camera without having to suspend wireless charging.

[0003] In one example, a method includes: receiving electrical power, by a mobile computing device, via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and selectively adjusting, by the mobile computing device, one or more parameters of the wireless charging link in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives electrical power via the wireless charging link than wireless charging with the unadjusted one or more parameters.

[0004] In another example, a mobile computing device includes a camera; a wireless power receiver; at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by the at least one processor to: cause the wireless power receiver to receive power via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and in response to an activation state of the camera, selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives electrical power via the wireless charging link than wireless charging with the unadjusted one or more parameters.

[0005] In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor of a mobile computing device to: cause a wireless power receiver of the mobile computing device to receive electrical power via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives electrical power via the wireless charging link than wireless charging with the unadjusted one or more parameters.

[0006] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example computing system having an example computing device configured to wirelessly receive power from an example wireless charging device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device 10 configured to adjust a wireless charging link based on an activation state of a camera, according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 is an image including noise that may be caused by wireless charging according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations of an example computing device configured to adjust a wireless charging link based on an activation state of a camera in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 is a flow diagram illustrating example operations of an example computing device for selectively adjusting a wireless charging link in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example computing system 1 in which an example computing device 10 is configured to wirelessly receive power from an example wireless charging device 11 in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1The computing system 1 is an example computing system including a computing device 10 and a wireless charging device 11. In other examples, the computing system 1 may also include other external devices, such as a server device, a network or other camera devices.

[0013] exist Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , computing device 10 may be a mobile phone. However, computing device 10 may also be any other type of mobile computing device, such as a camera device, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a gaming system, a media player, an e-book reader, a television platform, a car navigation system, or a wearable computing device (e.g., a computerized watch, computerized glasses, computerized gloves).

[0014] like Figure 1 As shown in , computing device 10 includes user interface device (UID) 12. UID 12 of computing device 10 can be used as an input device of computing device 10 and as an output device. UID 12 can be implemented using various technologies. For example, UID 12 can be used as an input device using a presence-sensitive input screen, such as a resistive touch screen, a surface acoustic wave touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, a projected capacitive touch screen, a pressure-sensitive screen, an acoustic pulse recognition touch screen, a micro radar, or other presence-sensitive display technology. UID 12 can be used as an output (e.g., display) device using any one or more display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a dot matrix display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, an electronic ink, or a similar monochrome or color display that is capable of outputting visible information to a user of computing device 10.

[0015] The UID 12 of the computing device 10 may include a presence-sensitive display that can receive tactile input from a user of the computing device 10. The UID 12 may receive an indication of tactile input by detecting one or more gestures from the user of the computing device 10 (e.g., the user touches or points to one or more locations of the UID 12 with a finger or stylus). The UID 12 may present output to the user, for example, at the presence-sensitive display. The UID 12 may present the output as a graphical user interface that may be associated with the functionality provided by the computing device 10. For example, the UID 12 may present various user interfaces of components of a computing platform, operating system, application program, or service (e.g., an electronic messaging application, an Internet browser application, a mobile operating system, etc.) that is executed at the computing device 10 or accessible by the computing device 10. The user may interact with the corresponding user interface to cause the computing device 10 to perform operations related to the functionality. According to the technology of the present disclosure, when the computing device 10 is operating in an image capture mode, the user interface (UI) module 21 of the computing device 10 may utilize the UID 12 to show the image preview 16.

[0016] Computing device 10 may include various input devices. For example, computing device 10 may include camera 30. Camera 30 may be an optical instrument for recording or capturing images. Camera 30 may capture individual still photos or a sequence of images that make up a video or movie. Camera 30 may be a physical component of computing device 10. Camera 30 may perform various functions, such as capturing one or more images, focusing on one or more objects, and utilizing various flash settings, etc.

[0017] The computing device 10 may include a power module 20 and a camera module 22. The modules 20 and 22 may perform operations described using software, hardware, firmware, or a mixture of hardware, software, and firmware that resides at and / or executes at the computing device 10. The computing device 10 may execute modules 20 and 22 with one or more processors. The computing device 10 may execute modules 20 and 22 as virtual machines executed on underlying hardware. The modules 20 and 22 may be executed as services or components of an operating system or computing platform. The modules 20 and 22 may be executed as one or more executable programs at the application layer of the computing platform. For example, as one or more network services running on a network in a network cloud, the UID 12 and modules 20 and 22 may be otherwise arranged to be remotely accessible to the computing device 10 and remotely accessible to the computing device 10.

[0018] The camera module 22 may perform various tasks to manage the operation of the camera 30. For example, the camera module 22 may control the activation state of the camera 30 (e.g., turning the camera 30 on or off) and control specific functions of the camera 30 of the computing device (e.g., based on input received at the UID 12). As one example, in response to input received at the UID 12 (e.g., a user starting a video call), the camera module 22 may turn the camera 30. As another example, in response to input received at the UID 12, the camera module 22 may cause the camera to "snap" or capture a still image or start / stop recording a video image.

[0019] The wireless power receiver 32 may include various hardware components configured to wirelessly receive power from another device (e.g., the wireless charging device 11). In some examples, the wireless power receiver 32 may be capable of wireless charging according to a standard such as the Qi wireless power transmission system standard or a version of any other wireless charging standard. In the case where the wireless power receiver 32 is capable of inductive wireless charging, the wireless power receiver 32 may include one or more transformer coils capable of converting an AC magnetic field (e.g., the wireless charging link 34) into a DC electrical signal and a rectifier capable of converting the AC electrical signal into a DC electrical signal.

[0020] Power module 20 may perform various tasks to manage power at computing device 10. For example, power module 20 may control operation of wireless power receiver 32 to facilitate wireless charging of computing device 10 (e.g., enabling charging of a battery and / or powering components of computing device 10 without plugging computing device 10 into a charger).

[0021] Wireless charging device 11 refers to any device that can wirelessly provide power to one or more other devices. Examples of wireless charging device 11 include, but are not limited to, mats, power banks, vehicle armrests, brackets, desktops, etc. Figure 1 As shown in the example of , the wireless charging device 11 may include a wireless power transmitter 33 and a power module 21 .

[0022] The wireless power transmitter 33 may include various hardware components configured to wirelessly transfer power to one or more other devices (e.g., computing device 10). In some examples, the wireless power transmitter 33 may be capable of wireless charging according to a standard such as the Qi standard (Qi Wireless Power Transfer System, Version 1.2.3, February 2017) or any other wireless charging standard. In the case where the wireless power transmitter 33 is capable of inductive wireless charging, the wireless power transmitter 33 may include one or more coils (e.g., wireless charging link 34) capable of converting an AC electrical signal into an AC magnetic field. The wireless power transmitter 33 may obtain the AC electrical signal from one or more batteries integral to or external to the wireless charging device 11 (e.g., via an inverter), a power outlet (e.g., a power mains outlet, a USB plug on another device, a cigarette lighter plug in a vehicle, etc.), or any other power source.

[0023] Power module 21 may perform various tasks to manage wireless charging provided by wireless charging device 11. For example, power module 21 may control the operation of wireless power transmitter 33 to facilitate wireless charging of computing device 10 (e.g., enabling charging of a battery and / or powering components of computing device 10 without plugging computing device 10 into a charger).

[0024] The wireless power transmitter 33 may transmit power to the wireless power receiver 32 via a wireless power charging link 34. In some examples, the wireless power charging link 34 may include an AC magnetic field having a specific operating frequency. The term "operating frequency" may refer to the oscillation frequency of the power signal, which may be an oscillating magnetic flux surrounded by a primary coil (e.g., one or more coils within the wireless power transmitter 33).

[0025] In the Qi standard, the operating frequency is generally in the range of 87 to 205 kHz. Power module 21 can control the amount of power transmitted to computing device 10 by adjusting the operating frequency of wireless charging link 34. In some examples, a lower operating frequency can result in a greater amount of power transmitted, while a higher frequency can result in a smaller amount of power transmitted.

[0026] In some examples, in addition to wirelessly transmitting power from the wireless charging device 11 to the computing device 10, the wireless charging link 34 may also enable information to be exchanged between the wireless charging device 11 and the computing device 10. For example, the wireless power receiver 32 may modulate the amount of power drawn from the power signal (e.g., the oscillating magnetic flux surrounded by the primary coil (e.g., one or more coils within the wireless power transmitter 33)). The power module 21 of the wireless charging device 11 may detect this as a modulation of the current through the coil of the wireless power transmitter 33 and / or the voltage across the coil of the wireless power transmitter 33. In other words, the power module 20 and the power module 21 may provide a communication channel between the computing device 10 and the wireless charging device 11 using an amplitude modulated power signal.

[0027] In some cases, it may be desirable to utilize camera 30 while wirelessly charging computing device 10. For example, it may be desirable to utilize computing device 10 in the case where wireless charging device 11 is an angled charging stand, and thus utilize camera 30 to make a video call or otherwise capture an image. However, the operation of wireless charging link 34 may negatively impact the operation of camera 30. For example, the operation of wireless charging link 34 at certain operating frequencies may cause horizontal line noise in images captured by camera 30.

[0028] According to one or more techniques of the present disclosure, the computing device 10 may selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link 34 based on the activation state of the camera 30. For example, in response to the camera 30 being activated (e.g., powered on), the power module 20 may selectively change the operating frequency of the wireless charging link 34 to avoid an operating frequency that negatively affects the operation of the camera 30. In some examples, these frequencies may be known frequencies that are predetermined and stored by the computing device as a list of frequencies to be avoided during the operation of the camera 30. In some examples, these frequencies may be determined online (e.g., at runtime). For example, the computing device 10 may determine that the current operating frequency has a negative impact on the operation of the camera 30, and therefore selectively change the operating frequency. In some examples, machine learning may be used to perform a determination of whether the current operating frequency has a negative impact on the operation of the camera 30.

[0029] In some examples, computing device 10 may not have direct control over the parameters of wireless charging link 34. For example, the operating frequency of wireless charging link 34 may be set by power module 21 of wireless charging device 11. As discussed above, power module 21 may adjust the operating frequency of wireless charging link 34 to control the amount of power transferred to computing device 10. Therefore, computing device 10 may communicate with wireless charging device 11 to adjust the parameters of wireless charging link 34. For example, to adjust the operating frequency of wireless charging link 34, power module 20 may adjust the amount of power requested to be transferred. In response to receiving the request, power module 21 may adjust the operating frequency of wireless charging link 34 to accommodate the adjusted amount of power.

[0030] Power module 20 may detect the adjusted operating frequency of wireless charging link 34 and determine whether the adjusted frequency is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of camera 30. If the adjusted frequency is not included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of camera 30, power module 20 may suppress the request to adjust the amount of power to be transferred. If the adjusted frequency is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of camera 30, power module 20 may continue to adjust the amount of power to be transferred until the operating frequency of wireless charging link 34 is not included in the list. In this way, power module 20 may be able to reduce noise in images captured by camera 30 when computing device 10 is receiving power via wireless charging link 34.

[0031] In some examples, computing device 10 may temporarily stop power transmission while camera 30 is active and / or while camera 30 is taking pictures or recording video. For example, as opposed to changing to a different operating frequency, computing device 10 may deactivate wireless charging link 34 in response to camera 30 being activated. Similarly, if camera 30 has been activated, computing device 10 may refrain from establishing wireless charging link 34 until the camera is deactivated. In some examples, computing device 10 may determine that camera 30 is active whenever camera 30 is generating image data. In other examples, computing device 10 may determine that camera 30 is active only when camera 30 is taking pictures or recording video (i.e., computing device 10 may not determine that camera 30 is active when camera 30 is used as a viewfinder or no picture data is being stored).

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device 10 configured to adjust a wireless charging link based on an activation state of a camera according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 The context of System 1 is described Figure 2 computing device 10. Figure 2Only one particular example of computing device 10 is illustrated, and many other examples of computing device 10 may be used in other instances. Figure 2 In the examples of , computing device 10 may be a wearable computing device, a mobile computing device, or any other computing device that includes or controls a camera and is capable of wireless charging. Figure 2 The computing device 10 of the example computing device 10 may include a subset of the components included in the example computing device 10, or may include Figure 2 Additional components not shown.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown in the example of , the computing device 10 includes a user interface device 12 ("UID 12"), one or more processors 40, one or more input devices 42, one or more communication units 44, one or more output devices 46, one or more storage devices 48, a wireless power receiver 32, and a battery 34. The input device 42 includes a camera 30. The storage device 48 of the computing device 10 also includes a power module 20, a UI module 21, a camera module 22, and a parameter list 24. The power module 20, the UI module 21, and the camera module 22 can rely on information stored as the parameter list 24 at the storage device 48. In other words, as described in more detail below, the power module 20, the UI module 21, and the camera module 22 can be operated by the processor 40 to perform read / write operations on the information stored as the parameter list 24 at the storage device 48. The power module 20, the UI module 21, and the camera module 22 can access the information stored in the parameter list 24 to perform the functions of the computing device 10.

[0034] Communication channel 50 may interconnect each of components 12, 20, 21, 22, 24, 30, 32, 34, 40, 42, 44, 46, and 48 for inter-component communication (physical, communicative, and / or operational). In some examples, communication channel 50 may include a power bus, a system bus, a network connection, an inter-process communication data structure, or any other method for communicating data or transferring power.

[0035] One or more output devices 46 of computing device 10 may generate output. Examples of output are tactile, audio, and video output. In one example, output devices 46 of computing device 10 include a presence-sensitive display, a sound card, a video graphics adapter card, a speaker, a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or any other type of device for producing output to a human or a machine.

[0036] One or more input devices 42 of computing device 10 may receive input. Examples of input are tactile, audio, and video input. In some examples, input devices 42 of computing device 10 include a presence-sensitive display, a touch-sensitive screen, a mouse, a keyboard, a voice response system, a camera, a microphone, a sensor, or any other type of device for detecting input from a human or a machine.

[0037] The camera 30 of the input device 42 may be similar and include the Figure 1 The camera 30 may be an optical instrument for recording or capturing images. The camera 30 may capture individual still photos or a sequence of images that constitute a video or movie. The camera 30 may be a physical component of the computing device 10. The camera 30 may include a camera application that acts as an interface between a user of the computing device 10 and the functionality of the camera 30. The camera 30 may perform various functions, such as capturing one or more images, and utilizing various flash settings, etc. In some examples, the camera 30 may be a single camera. In other examples, the camera 30 may include multiple cameras. For example, the camera 30 may include one or more front-facing cameras (e.g., one or more “selfie” cameras) and one or more rear-facing cameras.

[0038] One or more communication units 44 of computing device 10 may communicate with external devices via one or more wired and / or wireless networks via transmitting and / or receiving network signals over one or more networks. Examples of communication unit 44 include a network interface card (e.g., such as an Ethernet card), an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, a GPS receiver, or any other type of device that can send and / or receive information. Other examples of communication unit 44 may include a shortwave radio, a cellular data radio, a wireless network radio, and a universal serial bus (USB) controller.

[0039] UID 12 is similar to Figure 1 UID 12 and can include Figure 1 In some examples, UID 12 of computing device 10 may include the functionality of input device 42 and / or output device 46. Figure 2In an example of , UID 12 may be or may include a presence-sensitive input device. In some examples, the presence-sensitive input device may detect objects at and / or near a screen. As an example range, the presence-sensitive input device may detect objects, such as a finger or stylus, that are within 2 inches or less of the screen. The presence-sensitive input device may determine the location of the screen (e.g., (x, y) coordinates) on which the object was detected. In another example range, the presence-sensitive input device may detect objects that are six inches or less from the screen, and other ranges are possible. The presence-sensitive input device may use capacitive, inductive, and / or optical recognition techniques to determine the location of the screen selected by a user's finger. In some examples, the presence-sensitive input device also uses tactile, audio, or video stimulation as described with respect to output device 46 to provide output to the user, such as at a display.

[0040] Although illustrated as an internal component of computing device 10, UID 12 also represents an external component that shares a data path with computing device 10 for transmitting and / or receiving input and output. For example, in one example, UID 12 represents an internal component of computing device 10 that is located within and physically connected to the external packaging of computing device 10 (e.g., a screen on a mobile phone). In another example, UID 12 represents an external component of computing device 10 that is located outside the packaging of computing device 10 and is physically separated therefrom (e.g., a monitor, projector, etc. that shares a wired and / or wireless data path with a tablet).

[0041] One or more storage devices 48 within computing device 10 may store information for processing during operation of computing device 10 (e.g., computing device 10 may store data (e.g., parameter list 24) that modules 20, 21, and 22 access during execution of computing device 10). In some examples, storage device 48 is temporary storage, meaning that the primary purpose of storage device 48 is not long-term storage. Storage device 48 on computing device 10 may be configured for short-term storage of information as volatile memory, and therefore does not retain stored contents if power is removed. Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory known in the art.

[0042] In some examples, storage device 48 includes one or more computer readable storage media. Storage device 48 can be configured to store a larger amount of information than volatile memory. Storage device 48 can be further configured as non-volatile storage space for long-term storage of information and retain information after power on / off cycles. Examples of non-volatile memory include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM). Storage device 48 can store program instructions and / or information (e.g., data) associated with modules 20, 21, and 22, parameter list 24.

[0043] One or more processors 40 may implement functions and / or execute instructions within computing device 10. For example, processor 40 on computing device 10 may receive and execute instructions stored by storage device 48 to perform the functionality of modules 20 and 22. Processor 40 may execute the instructions of modules 20 and 22 to cause various actions or functions of computing device 10 to be performed.

[0044] The power module 20 and the camera module 22 may be from Figure 1 Additional examples of modules 20 and 22 include Figure 1 The modules 20 and 22 may have similar and some or all identical functions. For example, the power module 20 may manage the charging of the battery 34 using power received via the wireless power receiver 32.

[0045] The parameter list 24 may specify parameters of the wireless charging link to be avoided during operation of the camera 30. For example, the parameter list 24 may include a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera 30. These frequencies may be predetermined and may be a function of various properties of the camera 30. Thus, the frequencies included in the parameter list 24 may be preprogrammed. As discussed above, in some examples, the camera 30 may include multiple cameras. In some such examples, the parameter list 24 may include a separate list for each camera. For example, the parameter list 24 may include a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the front camera of the camera 30 and a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the rear camera of the camera 30. Some example frequencies to be avoided include 24kHz, 35kHz, 47k, 59kHz, 70kHz, 82kHz, 94kHz, 106kHz, 118kHz, 130KHz (e.g., and other 12kHz harmonics), 38kHz, 76kHz, 114kHz, 152kHz, 189kHz (e.g., and other 38kHz harmonics).

[0046] As discussed above and in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure, computing device 10 may selectively adjust one or more parameters of a wireless charging link based on the activation state of camera 30. For example, in response to camera 30 being activated (e.g., powered on), power module 20 may determine whether the parameters of the wireless charging link are included in parameter list 24. If the parameters of the wireless charging link are not included in parameter list 24, the power module may refrain from adjusting the parameters (e.g., selectively not adjusting) based on the activation state of camera 30. However, if the parameters of the wireless charging link are included in parameter list 24, the power module may adjust the parameters of the wireless link to avoid referring to the parameters included in list 24.

[0047] For illustration, if the operating frequency of the wireless charging link is included in parameter list 24, power module 20 may adjust the frequency of the wireless charging link to a frequency not included in parameter list 24. As discussed above, in some examples, power module 20 may not be able to directly control the operating frequency of the wireless charging link. In some such examples, power module 20 may adjust the operating frequency of the wireless charging link by varying the power supplied from the wireless charging source (e.g., Figure 1 The power module 20 may adjust the operating frequency of the wireless charging link based on the amount of power requested by the wireless charging device 11. For example, the power module 20 may request a change in one or both of the voltage and / or current set points. In a specific example where the wireless charging complies with the Qi standard, the power module 20 may adjust the control error value in the control error group.

[0048] As discussed above, the wireless charging source can adjust the operating frequency of the wireless charging link in response to the request for a different amount of power from the power module 20. In this way, the power module 20 can adjust the parameters of the wireless charging link to parameters not included in the parameter list 24, thereby reducing noise in the image captured by the camera 30.

[0049] Additionally, by adjusting the operating frequency, computing device 10 may realize the benefits of reduced noise without having to include camera state activation functionality in wireless charging device 11. Thus, the complexity and cost of wireless charging device 11 may not be increased as a result of these techniques.

[0050] In some examples, computing device 10 may cause camera 30 to capture multiple images when wireless charging is performed at different operating frequencies. In such examples, computing device 10 may combine the images to remove adverse effects caused by the operating frequencies.

[0051] Throughout the disclosure, examples are described in which a computing device and / or computing system may analyze information associated with a computing device even if the computing device receives permission from a user to analyze the information. For example, in the case discussed above in which a computing device may collect or may utilize information associated with a user including voice input or location information indicated by image data, a user may be provided with an opportunity to provide input to control whether a program or feature of the computing device may collect and utilize user information, or to indicate whether and / or how the computing device may receive content that may be relevant to the user. In addition, certain data may be processed in one or more ways before being stored or used by a computing device and / or computing system so that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, stored image data may be processed so that personally identifiable information about a user cannot be determined. Thus, a user may control how information about a user is collected and used by a computing device.

[0052] Figure 3 is an image including noise that may be caused by wireless charging according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As discussed above, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mobile computing device of computing device 10 may adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link to reduce the amount of noise included in images captured by a camera of the mobile computing device when the mobile computing device is receiving power via the wireless charging link.

[0053] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating example operations of an example computing device configured to adjust a wireless charging link based on an activation state of a camera in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 System 1 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation of computing device 10 is described in the context of computing device 10 of FIG.

[0054] The computing device 10 may receive electrical power (402) via a wireless charging link with the wireless charging device 11. For example, the power module 21 may generate an alternating current through one or more coils of the wireless transmitter 33, which generates an alternating current magnetic field according to Faraday's law. The magnetic field (e.g., wireless power link 34) is in turn picked up by a coil of the wireless power receiver 32, which transforms the magnetic field back into an alternating current, which the power module 20 may use to charge a battery (e.g., battery 34) or power other components of the computing device 10.

[0055] Computing device 10 may selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link based on the activation state of the camera of computing device 10. For example, power module 20 may determine whether camera 30 is active or has been activated (404). If camera 30 is not active (the "No" branch of 404), power module 30 may selectively adjust the parameters of the wireless charging link without regard to reducing image noise. For example, power module 30 may selectively adjust the parameters of the wireless charging link to maximize the amount of power transferred via the wireless charging link (e.g., to reduce charging time) (408).

[0056] If the camera 30 is active or has been activated (the "yes" branch of 404), the power module 20 may selectively adjust the parameters of the wireless charging link to reduce image noise (406). For example, the power module 20 may determine (e.g., based on measurements performed by the wireless power receiver 32) whether the operating frequency of the wireless charging link (e.g., AC) is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera 30 (e.g., parameter list 24). As an example, the power module 20 may determine that the current operating frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list in which the current operating frequency is precisely included in the list of frequencies to be avoided. As another example, the power module 20 may determine that the current operating frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list in which the current operating frequency is within a certain range or frequency band of frequencies included in the list of frequencies to be avoided (e.g., + / -2kHz, + / -4kHz, + / -5%, etc.).

[0057] If the operating frequency of the wireless charging link is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera 30, the power module 20 may adjust (e.g., reduce or increase) the amount of power (e.g., voltage and / or current set points) requested from the wireless charging device 11. In some examples, the power module 20 may continue to adjust the amount of power requested until the operating frequency is not included in the list of frequencies to be avoided.

[0058] When the camera 30 is no longer active, the power module 20 may selectively adjust the parameters of the wireless charging link without regard to reducing image noise. For example, the power module 20 may change the receive current and voltage set points back to default values.

[0059] As discussed above, in some examples, computing device 10 may optimize for image quality. For example, computing device 10 may adjust the operating frequency to avoid an operating frequency that negatively impacts the operation of camera 30. In other examples, computing device 10 may optimize for both image quality and power transfer. For example, computing device 10 may identify a minimum acceptable image quality level and adjust parameters of the wireless charging link to achieve a maximum power transfer rate that does not cause an image captured by camera 30 to drop below the minimum acceptable image quality level.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating example operations of an example computing device for selectively adjusting a wireless charging link in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1 System 1 and Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation of computing device 10 is described in the context of computing device 10 .

[0061] Figure 5 The operation shown in the figure is Figure 4 An example of operation 406 of , wherein computing device 10 selectively adjusts parameters of the wireless charging link to reduce image noise. Figure 5 As shown in , computing device 10 may determine the current frequency of the wireless charging link ( 502 ). For example, power module 20 may determine the frequency of the alternating current converted by wireless power receiver 32 .

[0062] Computing device 10 may determine whether the current frequency is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera (504). As discussed above, computing device 10 may include multiple cameras, and power module 20 may compare the current frequency of the link to a list (or lists) corresponding to the camera (or cameras) that is active.

[0063] If the current frequency is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided (“yes” branch of 504), computing device 10 may adjust the operating frequency. For example, computing device 10 may adjust the amount of power requested (506). In a specific example where wireless charging complies with the Qi standard, power module 20 may adjust the control error value in the control error group.

[0064] Computing device 10 may then determine the current frequency of the wireless power link (e.g., after the wireless power device has accommodated the request for a change in the amount of power) (502), and determine whether the new current frequency of the wireless power link is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided (504). Computing device 10 may repeat these steps until the current frequency of the wireless power link is not included in the list of frequencies to be avoided (the "No" branch of 504), at which point operations may proceed to Figure 4 Operation 402.

[0065] The following numbered examples may illustrate one or more aspects of the present disclosure:

[0066] Example 1. A method comprising: receiving electrical power, by a mobile computing device, via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and selectively adjusting, by the mobile computing device, one or more parameters of the wireless charging link in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives electrical power via the wireless charging link compared to wireless charging with the unadjusted one or more parameters.

[0067] Example 2. The method of Example 1, wherein selectively adjusting one or more parameters of the wireless charging link comprises adjusting a frequency of the wireless charging link in response to determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera.

[0068] Example 3. The method of any combination of Examples 1 and 2, wherein adjusting the frequency of the wireless charging link comprises adjusting an amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

[0069] Example 4. The method of Example 3, further comprising: in response to determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera after adjusting the requested amount of power, readjusting the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device until the current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera.

[0070] Example 5. The method of any combination of Examples 1-4, wherein adjusting the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device comprises reducing the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

[0071] Example 6. The method of any combination of Examples 1-5, wherein the camera of the mobile computing device is a first camera of the mobile computing device, the method further comprising: in response to an activation state of a second camera of the mobile computing device and determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the second camera, adjusting the frequency of the wireless charging link.

[0072] Example 7. A method according to any combination of Examples 1-6, wherein selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device includes selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to determining that the camera of the mobile computing device is activated when the mobile computing device has received electrical power via the wireless charging link.

[0073] Example 8. A method according to any combination of Examples 1-6, wherein selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device includes selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to determining that the mobile computing device has begun receiving electrical power via the wireless charging link when the camera of the mobile computing device has been activated.

[0074] Example 9. The method according to any combination of Examples 1-8, further comprising: activating the camera for a video call, wherein selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of the camera of the mobile computing device comprises: selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to determining that the camera of the mobile computing device is active.

[0075] Example 10. A mobile computing device comprising: a camera; a wireless power receiver; at least one processor; and at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by the at least one processor to: cause the wireless power receiver to receive electrical power via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and in response to an activation state of the camera, selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives power via the wireless charging link compared to wireless charging with the unadjusted one or more parameters.

[0076] Example 11. A mobile computing device according to Example 10, wherein, to selectively adjust one or more parameters of the wireless charging link, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: adjust the frequency of the wireless charging link in response to determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera.

[0077] Example 12. The mobile computing device of any combination of Examples 10 and 11, wherein to adjust the frequency of the wireless charging link, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to adjust the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

[0078] Example 13. The mobile computing device of any combination of Examples 10-12, further comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to: in response to determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in the list of frequencies to avoid during operation of the camera after adjusting the requested amount of power, readjust the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device until the current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in the list of frequencies to avoid during operation of the camera.

[0079] Example 14. The mobile computing device of any combination of Examples 10-13, wherein to adjust the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to reduce the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

[0080] Example 15. A mobile computing device according to any combination of Examples 10-14, wherein the camera of the mobile computing device is a first camera of the mobile computing device, further comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to: in response to an activation state of a second camera of the mobile computing device and determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in the list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the second camera, adjust the frequency of the wireless charging link.

[0081] Example 16. A mobile computing device according to any combination of Examples 10-15, wherein, to selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to determining that the camera of the mobile computing device is activated when the mobile computing device has received electrical power via the wireless charging link.

[0082] Example 17. A mobile computing device according to any combination of Examples 10-15, wherein, to selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to determining that the mobile computing device has begun receiving electrical power via the wireless charging link when the camera of the mobile computing device has been activated.

[0083] Example 18. A mobile computing device according to any combination of Examples 10-17, further comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to: activate the camera for a video call, wherein, in order to selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of the camera of the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to determining that the camera of the mobile computing device is active.

[0084] Example 19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause at least one processor of a mobile computing device to perform a method according to any combination of Examples 1-9.

[0085] Example 20. A mobile computing device comprising means for performing the method according to any combination of Examples 1-9.

[0086] Example 21. A method comprising any combination of Examples 1-9.

[0087] In one or more examples, the described functions may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes, and may be executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media corresponding to tangible media such as data storage media, or communication media including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another, for example, according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readable media may generally correspond to (1) non-temporary tangible computer-readable storage media, or (2) communication media such as signals or carrier waves. Data storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, codes, and / or data structures to implement the techniques described in the present disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium.

[0088] As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory or any other medium that can be used to store the required program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. Moreover, any connection is appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwaves are used to transmit instructions from a website, server or other remote source, the definition of the medium includes coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwaves. However, it should be understood that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carriers, signals or other transient media, but are directed to non-transient tangible storage media. Disks and optical disks as used herein include compact discs (CDs), laser optical disks, optical optical disks, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks and blue-ray discs, wherein disks usually copy data magnetically, and optical disks use lasers to optically copy data. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[0089] Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general-purpose microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuits. Thus, as used herein, the term "processor" may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementing the techniques described herein. Additionally, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and / or software modules. Moreover, the techniques may be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements.

[0090] The techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of devices or apparatuses, including wireless handsets, integrated circuits (ICs), or a set of ICs (e.g., a chipset). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of an apparatus configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily need to be implemented by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, the various units may be combined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperable hardware units, including one or more processors as described above in combination with appropriate software and / or firmware.

[0091] Various examples of the disclosure have been described. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions is contemplated. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: receiving electrical power by a mobile computing device via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; as well as In response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, selectively adjusting, by the mobile computing device, one or more parameters of the wireless charging link, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives electrical power via the wireless charging link compared to wireless charging with the one or more parameters not adjusted, wherein selectively adjusting the one or more parameters of the wireless charging link comprises adjusting a frequency of the wireless charging link.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Selectively adjusting the frequency of the wireless charging link includes: In response to determining that a current frequency of the wireless power link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera, the frequency of the wireless power link is adjusted.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Adjusting the frequency of the wireless charging link includes adjusting an amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: In response to determining, after adjusting the requested amount of power, that a current frequency of the wireless power link is included in the list of frequencies to avoid during operation of the camera, readjusting the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device until the current frequency of the wireless power link is not included in the list of frequencies to avoid during operation of the camera.

5. The method according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein: Adjusting the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device includes reducing the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The camera of the mobile computing device is a first camera of the mobile computing device, the method further comprising: In response to an activation state of a second camera of the mobile computing device and determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the second camera, a frequency of the wireless charging link is adjusted.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device includes: In response to determining that a camera of the mobile computing device was active while the mobile computing device was already receiving electrical power via the wireless charging link, the one or more parameters are selectively adjusted.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device includes: In response to determining that the mobile computing device has begun receiving electrical power via the wireless charging link while a camera of the mobile computing device has been activated, the one or more parameters are selectively adjusted.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: activating the camera to conduct a video call, wherein selectively adjusting the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of the camera of the mobile computing device comprises: In response to determining that the motion-computed camera is active, the one or more parameters are selectively adjusted.

10. A mobile computing device comprising: camera; Wireless power receiver; at least one processor; as well as at least one non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions executable by the at least one processor to: causing the wireless power receiver to receive electrical power via a wireless charging link between the mobile computing device and a wireless charging device; and selectively adjusting one or more parameters of the wireless charging link in response to an activation state of the camera, wherein wireless charging via the wireless charging link with the adjusted one or more parameters generates less noise in an image captured by the camera when the mobile computing device receives electrical power via the wireless charging link compared to wireless charging with the one or more parameters not adjusted, wherein to selectively adjust the one or more parameters of the wireless charging link, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to adjust a frequency of the wireless charging link.

11. The mobile computing device of claim 10, wherein: To selectively adjust the frequency of the wireless power link, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: In response to determining that a current frequency of the wireless power link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the camera, the frequency of the wireless power link is adjusted.

12. The mobile computing device of claim 11, wherein: The instructions are executable by the at least one processor to adjust an amount of power requested by the mobile computing device in order to adjust a frequency of the wireless charging link.

13. The mobile computing device of claim 12, further comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to: In response to determining, after adjusting the requested amount of power, that a current frequency of the wireless power link is included in the list of frequencies to avoid during operation of the camera, readjusting the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device until the current frequency of the wireless power link is not included in the list of frequencies to avoid during operation of the camera.

14. A mobile computing device according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein: To adjust the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to reduce the amount of power requested by the mobile computing device.

15. The mobile computing device of any one of claims 10-13, wherein: The camera of the mobile computing device is a first camera of the mobile computing device, and further includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to: In response to an activation state of a second camera of the mobile computing device and determining that a current frequency of the wireless charging link is included in a list of frequencies to be avoided during operation of the second camera, a frequency of the wireless charging link is adjusted.

16. The mobile computing device of any one of claims 10-13, wherein: To selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: In response to determining that a camera of the mobile computing device was active while the mobile computing device was already receiving electrical power via the wireless charging link, the one or more parameters are selectively adjusted.

17. The mobile computing device of any one of claims 10-13, wherein: To selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: In response to determining that the mobile computing device has begun receiving electrical power via the wireless charging link while a camera of the mobile computing device has been activated, the one or more parameters are selectively adjusted.

18. The mobile computing device of any one of claims 10-13, further comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor to: activating the camera to conduct a video call, wherein, To selectively adjust the one or more parameters in response to an activation state of a camera of the mobile computing device, the instructions are executable by the at least one processor to: In response to determining that the motion-computed camera is active, the one or more parameters are selectively adjusted.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed, cause at least one processor of a mobile computing device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

20. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed, cause at least one processor of a mobile computing device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-9.

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