Methods and systems for wireless power delivery

Abstract

A method for wireless power delivery preferably includes: determining transmitter-receiver proximity, evaluating transmission parameters, and / or transmitting power based on a transmission plan. A system for wireless power delivery preferably includes multiple receivers and one or more transmitters.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 17 / 006,242, filed on August 28, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] This application relates to U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 706,131, filed December 6, 2019, which is a partial continuation of U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 415,664, filed May 17, 2019, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, which claims to have been filed on June 6, 2017. The rights to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 515,962 filed on June 7, 2017, and U.S. Application Serial No. 62 / 516,572 filed on June 7, 2017, and U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 415,664 is also a partial continuation of U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 539,288 filed on August 13, 2019, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 295,684 filed on March 7, 2019, and U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 2 95,684 claims the rights to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 640,269, filed March 8, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 729,860, filed September 11, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 772,052, filed November 27, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 772,425, filed November 28, 2018. U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 539,288 was also filed on November 27, 2019. The filing of U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 698,196 is a partial continuation of U.S. Application Serial No. 16 / 698,196, which claims the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 773,935, filed November 30, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 888,817, filed August 19, 2019, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 817,063, filed March 12, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This invention generally relates to the field of wireless power delivery, and more particularly to new and useful methods and systems in the field of wireless power delivery.

[0005] background

[0006] Typical wireless power delivery systems limit themselves to beamforming configurations, which may not provide high-performance results. Therefore, there is a need in the field of wireless power delivery to create new and useful methods and systems for wireless power delivery. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0008] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the method.

[0009] Figure 1B This is a schematic diagram of the elements of an embodiment of the method.

[0010] Figure 1C yes Figure 1B A schematic diagram illustrating examples of the elements depicted.

[0011] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the system.

[0012] Figure 2B-2C These are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of the transmitter and receiver of the system.

[0013] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of the system.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example element of the method.

[0015] Description of preferred embodiments

[0016] The following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred embodiments, but is intended to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention.

[0017] 1. Overview.

[0018] A method for wireless power delivery preferably includes: determining transmitter-receiver proximity S100, assessing transmission parameters S400, and / or transmitting power based on a transmission plan S700 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1A and / or Figure 3 (As shown). A system for wireless power delivery preferably includes multiple receivers and one or more transmitters (e.g., such as...). Figure 2A-2D(As shown). In embodiments in which the system includes multiple transmitters, the method may optionally include one or more elements, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 706,131, filed December 6, 2019, entitled "Method and System for Wireless PowerDelivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; for example, the method may be performed as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 706,131, but wherein the element described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 706,131 as 'determining transmission parameter values ​​S200' may alternatively be performed as described herein with respect to 'assessing transmission parameters S400' (and / or may include one or more elements described herein while retaining, for example, one or more elements described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 706,131). However, the system and / or method may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements. This method is preferably executed using the system described above, but may be additionally or alternatively executed using any other suitable system.

[0019] Determining the power transmission setup for efficient wireless power delivery using typical methods and systems can be difficult and / or time-consuming. The evaluation of candidate power transmission setups can be a slow process (e.g., requiring 1–100 ms or more). Furthermore, power transmission setups typically involve a large number of parameters, and therefore the search space can be very large, effectively preventing its complete exploration. In addition, the components of the system and its surroundings can move frequently, potentially invalidating previous solutions and requiring new searches. Considering these problems, the inventors have discovered that a solution determined quickly (e.g., a solution leading to power transmission within a threshold range of the limit or optimal result) can outperform a globally optimal solution found only after a long search.

[0020] 2. Benefits.

[0021] This method can significantly reduce the time required to determine acceptable and / or desired power delivery settings. First, the method can include performing a local search or a random global search, which typically finds a sufficient solution in much less time than a deterministic global search. Furthermore, the method can include performing a multivariate and / or multi-objective search based solely on an objective function of a subset of receivers (e.g., a group of receivers, such as receiver pairs), which typically finds a sufficient solution in much less time than a multivariate or multi-objective search based on an objective function of all those receivers (e.g., where multiple optimal configurations of different receiver groups can subsequently be employed to achieve satisfactory power delivery to many receivers), particularly for a large number of receivers (e.g., a number of receivers greater than a threshold, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 5-10, 10-30, greater than 30, etc.). This reduction in search time often yields very superior energy delivery results (e.g., in systems with altered element orientation).

[0022] Secondly, the evaluation of power transmission settings can be time-consuming, for example, due to the need to configure the transmitter according to the settings, (e.g., at one or more receivers) measure the results of power transmission using those settings, and / or transfer the results between different entities (e.g., transmitting results from receivers to transmitters). To reduce this time consumption, the method may optionally include estimating and / or caching the evaluation (e.g., the results) and / or relevant information (e.g., for one or more receivers currently being considered, such as the receiver currently performing an optimization search, and for any other suitable receivers in the system, such as any other receiver with a wireless communication link to the transmitter), thereby allowing for a rapid lookup of estimated and / or cached values ​​instead of a full evaluation.

[0023] Third, employing power transmission optimization techniques (e.g., real-time optimization techniques, such as optimization of transmission parameters based on measurements associated with parameters) can excite and / or maintain super-gain behavior in receiver and / or transmitter antennas, regardless of potential variations in environment and / or system configuration. Furthermore, the use of pure-tone (and / or substantially pure-tone) signals for power transmission makes the use of such super-gain antennas feasible, despite the narrow bandwidth (e.g., partially impedance bandwidth) typically associated with such antennas (e.g., generated by high-energy evanescent fields typically generated in and / or around them). Super-gain antennas can exhibit significantly higher gain than typical antennas, thereby enabling, for example, increased power transmission rates and / or reduced receiver and / or transmitter sizes. However, methods and systems can additionally or alternatively provide any other suitable benefits.

[0024] 3. System.

[0025] The transmitter of the system preferably includes one or more transmitting elements (e.g., elements configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation, such as RF and / or microwave power), such as transmitting antennas. The antennas and / or other transmitting elements can be narrowband elements (e.g., quality factors greater than a threshold, such as 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 500, 30-100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or greater than 1000, etc.), wideband elements (e.g., quality factors less than a threshold, such as 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 1-5, 5-15, 15-30, 30-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or less than 1, etc.) and / or have any other suitable bandwidth. The transmitting element may optionally include one or more frequency adaptation elements (e.g., configured to control the transmitting and / or resonant frequencies of the transmitting element). In some embodiments, the transmitter includes one or more elements, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled “Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery” (e.g., concerning the transmitter of a system), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0026] The transmitting element preferably includes multiple controllable (e.g., adaptive) transmitting elements (e.g., loops, monopoles, dipoles, etc.), such as phase and / or amplitude controllable elements. For example, the transmitting element may define one or more controllable (e.g., adaptive) antenna arrays (e.g., linear arrays, planar arrays, three-dimensional arrays, etc.; phased arrays, electronically controllable arrays, etc.).

[0027] The transmitting element preferably comprises multiple active elements (e.g., elements configured to be actively driven by a feed line, such as antennas), more preferably comprising independently controllable active antennas (e.g., where each active antenna can be controlled independently of all other active antennas in the system; where multiple groups of active antennas can be controlled together, where each group can be controlled independently of all other groups; etc.). In a first variation, the amplitude and / or phase of each active antenna when driven can be controlled independently (e.g., by a separate IQ modulator or phase shifter for each active antenna). In a second variation, the active antennas are divided into one or more antenna groups, where the antennas of one group are controlled together (e.g., by a single IQ modulator or phase shifter for each group). For example, the antennas of a group can have a fixed phase offset relative to each other (e.g., zero offset, where all antennas in the group have the same phase as each other; non-zero offset; etc.) (e.g., where the fixed phase offset is defined by the difference in trace length between the IQ modulator or phase shifter and each antenna). However, the active antennas can be additionally or alternatively configured in any other suitable manner.

[0028] The transmitting element may additionally or alternatively include one or more passive antennas (e.g., configured to be electrically coupled and / or resonantly coupled to one or more active antennas, thereby altering the transmitter's transmission characteristics). In one example, the system is configured to control (e.g., via a switch, such as a software-controlled switch; via a component with variable electrical properties, such as a variable capacitor; etc.) the electrical coupling (e.g., connection, resonant coupling, etc.) and / or decoupling of one or more passive antennas to one or more electrical components (e.g., passive components, such as resistors, capacitors, and / or inductors; antennas, such as one or more active antennas and / or other passive antennas; etc.). In a first example, multiple passive antennas may be electrically connected and / or disconnected from each other (e.g., via a switch operable to electrically connect two or more such antennas). In the second example, variable capacitors (e.g., varactors) and / or other variable (e.g., continuously variable) elements are electrically coupled (e.g., electrically connected) to one or more passive antennas, enabling control over the loading of the passive antennas and / or their coupling to other antennas in the array (e.g., other passive antennas, active antennas, etc.) and / or their feed lines (e.g., where changing the properties of one or more variable elements coupled to the antennas can be used to control the net pattern of the array). In a specific example of this second example, the adaptive antenna array includes a single active antenna and multiple passive antennas, one or more of which are electrically coupled to one or more variable elements.

[0029] Although referred to herein as an antenna (e.g., active antenna, passive antenna, etc.), those skilled in the art will recognize that the transmitting element may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable type of transmitting element (e.g., active transmitting element, passive transmitting element, etc.). Although referred to herein as an antenna array, those skilled in the art will recognize that the transmitting element may additionally or alternatively include an array of any other suitable transmitting elements and / or transmitting elements in any other suitable arrangement (e.g., arrangements other than arrays, such as non-periodic arrangements).

[0030] The transmitter is preferably coupled to one or more power sources (e.g., electrically coupled to one or more power sources such as via wire connections; the transmitter is configured to receive power from one or more power sources; etc.). The power source may include a remote power source (e.g., a power grid, an external generator, an external power storage device, etc.) and / or a power storage module (e.g., where the power transmission device includes a power storage module). The power storage module preferably includes a battery, more preferably a secondary battery, but alternatively a primary battery, but may additionally or alternatively include a capacitor (e.g., for rapid discharge in conjunction with the battery), a fuel cell with a fuel source (e.g., a metal hydride), a thermal energy converter (e.g., a thermionic converter, a thermoelectric converter, a mechanical heat engine, etc.) optionally having a heat source (e.g., radioactive material, fuel, and a burner, etc.), a mechanical energy converter (e.g., a vibration energy harvester), a solar energy converter, and / or any other suitable power source. Secondary batteries may have a lithium phosphate chemical composition, a lithium-ion polymer chemical composition, a lithium-ion chemical composition, a nickel metal hydride chemical composition, a lead-acid chemical composition, a nickel-cadmium chemical composition, a metal hydride chemical composition, a nickel-manganese-cobalt chemical composition, a magnesium chemical composition, or any other suitable chemical composition. Primary batteries may have a lithium thionyl chloride chemical composition, a zinc-carbon chemical composition, a zinc chloride chemical composition, an alkaline chemical composition, a nickel hydroxide oxide chemical composition, a lithium-iron disulfide chemical composition, a lithium manganese oxide chemical composition, a zinc-air chemical composition, a silver oxide chemical composition, or any other suitable chemical composition.

[0031] However, the transmitter may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable element in any suitable arrangement.

[0032] The system's receiver may include one or more antennas (e.g., configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by a transmitter). The receiver may optionally include and / or be electrically coupled to one or more client devices (e.g., batteries and / or battery-containing devices, such as smartphones and / or other electrical and / or electronic user equipment) (e.g., configured to deliver electrical power to one or more client devices). The receiver may optionally include one or more buffered energy storage units (e.g., batteries), such as batteries electrically coupled between the antenna and the client device (e.g., between the antenna and an electrical output configured to connect to the client device), which can serve as a buffer between the antenna (which can provide power at non-uniform rates and / or with non-uniform characteristics) and the client device (which may require and / or benefit from a power supply at a substantially constant rate and / or with substantially constant characteristics, and the client device may be temporarily disconnected from the receiver, etc.). In some embodiments, the receiver includes one or more elements, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,628, filed June 6, 2018, entitled “System and Method for Wireless Power Reception” and / or U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled “Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery” (e.g., regarding the receiver of a system), each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0033] The antenna is preferably used to receive power (e.g., electromagnetic radiation transmitted to the receiver, preferably propagating or “far-field” radiation, but additionally or alternatively dissipating or “near-field” radiation) and couple the received power into the receiver.

[0034] Antennas may include directional antennas, omnidirectional antennas, and / or any other suitable antennas. Antennas may include narrowband elements (e.g., quality factors greater than a threshold, such as 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 500, 30-100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or greater than 1000, etc.), wideband elements (e.g., quality factors less than a threshold, such as 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 1-5, 5-15, 15-30, 30-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-300, 300-1000, or less than 1, etc.) and / or have any other suitable bandwidth. In some embodiments, some or all of the transmitter and / or receiver antennas (e.g., active antennas, passive antennas, etc.) comprise one or more tightly coupled arrays of resonators, but may additionally or alternatively comprise loosely-coupled arrays, sparse arrays, single resonators, and / or any other suitable antenna element. Resonators may include resonant circuits, cross resonators, open-loop resonators, electro-inductor-capacitor resonators, other physically small resonators (e.g., small relative to their resonant wavelengths), and / or any other suitable resonators. However, resonators may be configured in other ways.

[0035] The antenna may optionally include multiple arrays (and / or other resonator arrangements) arranged in different orientations, which can function to effectively couple radiation with different polarizations (e.g., orthogonal polarization). In a first embodiment, the antenna includes parallel resonator layers (e.g., parallel resonator arrays), each layer having a different in-plane resonator orientation (e.g., orthogonal orientation, oblique orientation, etc.). In a second embodiment, the antenna includes resonators in a non-parallel plane (e.g., an orthogonal plane, an obliquely oriented plane, etc.). However, the antenna may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable resonators and / or other antenna elements, and may have any other suitable arrangement. The antenna may be made of metamaterial or have any other suitable configuration.

[0036] Although referred to herein as an antenna (e.g., active antenna, passive antenna, etc.), those skilled in the art will recognize that a receiver antenna may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable type of receiving element.

[0037] Transmitters and receivers may be additionally or alternatively configured to transmit and / or receive energy in any other suitable form (e.g., acoustic, optical, etc.) and / or perform any other suitable task. In one embodiment, all or some of the transmitters may additionally serve as receivers and / or all or some of the receivers may additionally serve as transmitters. For example, the system may include multiple equivalent devices, each capable of wirelessly transmitting power to and receiving power from each of the other devices.

[0038] The transmitter and receiver preferably each include a wireless communication module, but may additionally or alternatively include a wired communication module or any other suitable communication module, or the communication module may be omitted. The wireless communication module preferably supports one or more wireless communication protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, RF, IR, Zigbee, Z-wave, etc.) (e.g., using one or more wireless communication protocols to achieve communication). However, the transmitter and receiver may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements.

[0039] The transmitter and receiver preferably have an arbitrary and / or dynamic arrangement relative to each other. In one example, the system includes multiple receivers and a transmitter with fixed positions, each receiver undergoing numerous changes in position and orientation over time (e.g., relative to the transmitter, relative to each other, etc.). The system can optionally be arranged in a setup in which other nearby objects (e.g., obstacles to wireless power transmission) can also have an arbitrary and / or dynamic arrangement relative to the elements of the system. However, the system can define any other suitable arrangement.

[0040] For client devices with RF-sensitive components (e.g., sensitive electronics), one or more dissipative elements (e.g., dissipating RF power emitted by the power delivery device) may optionally be placed near the RF-sensitive component (and / or any other component where it may be desirable to minimize the incident RF intensity). This arrangement of dissipative elements can cause emission optimization algorithms (e.g., as described below with respect to the method) to avoid emission conditions with high RF intensity near the sensitive component and / or achieve emission conditions without high RF intensity near the sensitive component. Additionally or alternatively, a negative feedback receiver (e.g., in addition to the receivers described above) may optionally be placed near the RF-sensitive component (and / or any other component where it may be desirable to minimize the incident RF intensity). Such a negative feedback receiver preferably includes some or all of the components described above with respect to the receiver (and / or shares some components with the receiver coupled to the client device, such as a wireless communication module). For example, the negative feedback receiver may be substantially the same as the receivers described above (e.g., differing only in the identifiers and / or configurations, such as programming, indicating and / or associated with their proximity to the RF-sensitive component).

[0041] In some embodiments, the system includes one or more elements (and / or the entire system), such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled “Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. However, the system may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements in any suitable arrangement. 4. Method.

[0042] 4.1 Determine the proximity of the transmitter and receiver.

[0043] Determining transmitter-receiver proximity S100 can be used to indicate (e.g., from a transmitter to one or more receivers) the opportunity for wireless power delivery. S100 preferably includes identifying a set of receivers within range of one or more transmitters (e.g., within communication range with the transmitter, communication already established with the transmitter, distance from the transmitter less than a threshold distance, expected to receive power from the transmitter at a rate greater than a threshold, etc.). For example, S100 may include identifying one or more receivers within the transmitter's transmission range (e.g., the range for effective power transmission, considerable power transmission, any measurable power transmission, etc.). Transmitter-receiver proximity is preferably determined using wireless communication (e.g., using wireless communication modules for both the transmitter and receiver). For example, a device may determine the proximity of another device based on the establishment of wireless communication with that device, wireless communication signal strength (e.g., RSSI), information transmitted via a wireless connection, and / or any other suitable indication.

[0044] Determining the proximity of the transmitter and receiver S100 may additionally or alternatively include optical recognition (e.g., detecting a nearby receiver in an image captured by the transmitter's camera), receiving user input (e.g., button press), detecting changes in wireless power delivery, and / or any other suitable element. For example, a transmitter wirelessly transmitting power to a first receiver may detect the presence of a second receiver based on a decrease in the power delivered to the first receiver.

[0045] S100 may additionally or alternatively include determining information about the receiver and / or transmitter. This information may include device type (e.g., model number, serial number, etc.), power requirements (e.g., battery charging status, current power consumption, etc.), possible dwell time in the vicinity (e.g., typical, planned, predicted, etc.), possible location stability while in the vicinity (e.g., stationary on a table, moving in a user's clothing pocket, etc.), device location (e.g., based on trilateration / triangulation, optical recognition, line-of-sight proximity sensor, device IMU readings, device GPS readings, etc.), and / or any other suitable information. However, S100 may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements or be performed in other ways.

[0046] 4.2 Assess launch parameters.

[0047] The evaluation of transmission parameters S400 is preferably used to determine one or more sets of transmission parameter values ​​(transmission configuration) that enable effective power transmission (e.g., from transmitter to receiver). S400 is preferably performed in response to determining the transmitter-receiver proximity S100, and may additionally or alternatively be performed in response to determining changes in transmission performance and / or requirements. However, S400 may additionally or alternatively be performed at any other suitable time. Transmission parameters may include: the transmission phase of one or more antennas (e.g., relative to a reference phase, such as the transmission phase of a reference antenna) and / or the transmission amplitude, beamforming parameters (e.g., beam orientation (e.g., angles describing beam orientation, such as azimuth and polar angles)), other spatial parameters (e.g., the location and / or orientation of high and / or low intensity excitation regions), super-gain excitation parameters (such as super-gain receiver type, location, and / or orientation), passive antenna parameters (e.g., resistance, capacitance, and / or inductance coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., electrical component coupling parameters)), and / or any other suitable parameters. In the first example, the transmit parameters include the transmit phase and / or amplitude for each active antenna of one or more active antennas and / or antenna groups (e.g., hardware-defined groups, software-defined groups, etc.), preferably for each active antenna of a transmitter or multiple transmitters (e.g., in an antenna array, such as a phased antenna array or other adaptive antenna array). In the second example, the transmit parameters include beamforming parameters associated with one or more beamforming networks defined by the antennas (e.g., Rotman lenses, Butler matrices, etc.) (e.g., each antenna in one or more antenna groups (e.g., software-defined antenna groups) defines a separate beamforming network). In the third example, the transmit parameters include super-gain excitation parameters associated with one or more super-gain structures (e.g., antennas, arrays, etc.) defined by the antennas of the transmitter and / or receiver (e.g., each antenna in one or more antenna groups (e.g., hardware and / or software-defined antenna groups) defines a separate super-gain structure). However, the transmit parameters may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable parameters.

[0048] The evaluation of transmission parameters S400 may optionally include determining one or more antenna groups (e.g., software-defined antenna groups), which can be used to reduce the dimension of the transmission parameter space (e.g., a space defined by transmission parameters that differs from the physical space defined by the location and / or orientation of objects within a spatial region (e.g., a room)). For example, the dimension of the transmission parameter space may be reduced to parameters associated with each antenna group (e.g., transmission phase and / or amplitude, beamforming parameters, super-gain excitation parameters, etc.), rather than independently controlling parameters associated with each active antenna (e.g., transmission phase and / or amplitude). In a first embodiment, the groups are predefined (e.g., based on the properties of the transmitter; based on the properties of fixed elements near the transmitter (e.g., for a transmitter mounted in a fixed location); etc.). In a second embodiment, the groups are dynamically determined, for example, based on statistical analysis and / or machine learning techniques (e.g., using data determined as described below, such as data associated with the wireless power received at one or more receivers in the system). For example, principal component analysis and / or clustering techniques (e.g., k-means clustering, X-means clustering, spectral clustering, etc.) can be used to determine antenna groups (e.g., where highly correlated antennas and / or antenna parameters are grouped together, antennas in one cluster are grouped together, etc.). However, antenna groups may be determined additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner, or no antenna group may be determined.

[0049] S400 preferably includes performing preliminary evaluation S410, determining receiver group S420, optimizing transmission configuration S430, and / or determining transmission plan S440 (e.g., ...). Figures 1B-1C (As shown). However, the S400 may additionally or alternatively include evaluating the transmission parameters in any other suitable manner.

[0050] 4.2.1 Conduct a preliminary assessment.

[0051] The preliminary evaluation S410 is preferably used to determine a set of mappings between points in the transmit parameter space and the target space (e.g., a space representing power delivery to each receiver), more preferably including points that are close to one or more effective transmit configurations for power delivery to one or more receivers (in the transmit parameter space). S410 is preferably performed in response to determining the transmitter-receiver proximity S100, but may be performed additionally or alternatively at any other suitable time.

[0052] S410 preferably includes evaluating one or more transmission configurations. Preferably, each transmission configuration is evaluated as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled “Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (e.g., as described with respect to determining transmission parameter values ​​S200, and particularly, for example, with respect to evaluating candidate transmission parameter values ​​S220), but may be evaluated additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner. For each transmission configuration evaluated, S410 preferably includes determining and / or buffering a corresponding target spatial value (e.g., the power received at each receiver, such as the power received at each receiver within the transmitter's communication range; a value proportional to such power, such as power delivery efficiency, which can be calculated as the power received at the receiver divided by the transmission power value (e.g., the power transmitted or consumed by the transmitter); etc.).

[0053] In some examples, S410 includes performing a search (e.g., a single-valued objective function search) for each receiver (e.g., each receiver within the transmitter's communication range) to determine the optimal transmitter configuration for that receiver. The search is preferably performed without regard to the performance of any other receiver. However, it is preferable to determine and / or cache information related to the performance of other receivers (and / or any negative feedback receivers) during the search (e.g., the power received by other receivers) for subsequent searches, such as searches performed as part of S410 to determine receiver group S420 and / or optimize transmitter configuration S430, etc.). This search can be performed as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (e.g., as described with respect to determining transmitter parameter values ​​S200).

[0054] The search is preferably limited to beam-like patterns (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, e.g., relating to beamforming and / or beam-like patterns), such as a search in the beamforming parameter space (e.g., a search in the space defined by the azimuth and polar angles of the beam-like pattern). Therefore, the search preferably results in determining an estimated angular position for each receiver (e.g., represented by the azimuth and polar angles of the receiver's optimal beam-like pattern), and may optionally result in determining metrics associated with the optimal beam-like pattern (e.g., power received by the receiver, power delivery efficiency, etc.). Since the search space has a finite dimension (e.g., two dimensions corresponding to the azimuth and polar angles, respectively), the search for the beam pattern is preferably a global search (e.g., exhaustive global search, deterministic global search, random global search, etc.), but may additionally or alternatively include local search and / or any other suitable search technique.

[0055] However, the search may additionally or alternatively include searching over transmission configurations not limited to beamform patterns. In some such embodiments, the search is limited to a locally optimal search (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725 ​​regarding S230 of performing a locally optimal search), while in other such embodiments, the search over some or all receivers may include a globally optimal search (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725 ​​regarding S240 of performing a globally optimal search). In such embodiments, the method may optionally include determining (e.g., calculated based on transmission parameters) one or more regions with high RF field strength for the optimized transmission configuration, and based on these regions (or regions), determining location information regarding the receiver to which optimization is performed (e.g., determining that the receiver is likely located near the region of highest intensity).

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the performance of one or more other receivers may be considered during the performance of the search. In the example, the objective function on which the search is based may be a function of the performance of multiple receivers (e.g., a multivariable function of the power received at each receiver and / or any other suitable multivariable function, such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled “Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), and / or the search may be a multi-objective search (e.g., where each objective function is associated with a different receiver or a different set of receivers). In variations where the system includes (e.g., arranged near RF-sensitive components) one or more negative feedback receivers, the power received at one or more negative feedback receivers may be considered during the performance of the search. For example, the objective function may include one or more penalty terms associated with power delivery to one or more negative feedback receivers (e.g., where the objective function value is improved by reducing power delivery to the negative feedback receivers).

[0057] However, S410 may additionally or alternatively include performing a preliminary assessment in any other suitable manner.

[0058] 4.2.2 Determine the receiver group.

[0059] The receiver group determination S420 is preferably used to determine one or more receiver groups that are capable of (e.g., expected to) perform well under the same transmit configuration. Preferably, for each receiver group, it is anticipated that a transmit configuration can be determined that enables fast and / or efficient power transmission (e.g., exceeding a threshold) to each receiver in the respective group.

[0060] S420 is preferably executed in response to S410 (e.g., when S410 completes), but may additionally or alternatively be executed at any other suitable time.

[0061] S420 preferably includes defining a set of receiver groups. Each group preferably includes a small number of receivers (e.g., 2 or 3 receivers), but may additionally or alternatively include a large number of receivers (e.g., 4, 5, 6-10, more than 10, etc.). The set of receiver groups preferably spans all receivers (e.g., each receiver is included in at least one receiver group). Receiver groups may be non-overlapping or overlapping. In some examples, the number of receiver groups is greater than (e.g., much larger, such as more than twice, more than 10 times, etc.) the number of receivers (e.g., each receiver belongs to multiple receiver groups).

[0062] In the first embodiment, each possible combination of one or more desired group sizes is used as a different receiver group. For example, for a desired group size of 2-3 receivers, S420 may include selecting each possible receiver pair and each possible receiver triplet as a different receiver group.

[0063] In a second embodiment, receivers are grouped based on spatial considerations (e.g., receivers that are physically close to each other and / or arranged in a direction similar to the transmitter can be grouped together). In this embodiment, determining receiver groups preferably includes determining subsets of receivers based on spatial considerations (e.g., non-overlapping and / or overlapping subsets), and then selecting receiver groups from those subsets.

[0064] In this embodiment, the proximity of the receivers to each other is preferably determined based on information determined in S410 (e.g., the direction from the transmitter to the receiver, represented by azimuth and polar angles; a proxy for the distance to the transmitter, determined based on power transmission efficiency; etc.). Note that the angle of the beam pattern may not represent the actual location of the receiver, but rather the 'energy transmission direction' from the transmitter to the receiver (e.g., where the beam pattern directs energy to a reflecting element, which then redirects the energy back to the receiver). Therefore, receiver grouping may not be based on actual spatial locations, but rather on locations in the energy transmission space associated with these energy transmission directions.

[0065] However, in this embodiment, receiver proximity may be determined additionally or alternatively based on auxiliary information, such as received signal strength indication (e.g., RSSI determined at the receiver's wireless communication module based on a signal received from the wireless communication module of another receiver), spatial sensors (e.g., spatial sensors of the receiver, transmitter, auxiliary device, etc.), imaging data (e.g., imaging data sampled by the receiver, transmitter, auxiliary device, etc.) and / or any other suitable information (e.g., as described above with respect to determining transmitter-receiver proximity S100).

[0066] In one example of this embodiment, a subset of receivers can be determined based on the angular distance between them. For example, the subset could include all receivers falling within a conical region (with its vertex at the transmitter) having a threshold apex angle (twice the angle from the cone's central axis to its surface), such as 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 5°-15°, 15°-25°, 20°-30°, 30°-45°, 45°-60°, etc. In a variation of this example, the subset can be additionally or alternatively limited based on metrics associated with the receivers (e.g., power, power delivery efficiency, etc.) and / or on the distance between receivers (e.g., distance determined based on auxiliary information), where only receivers within the conical region and within a threshold distance (e.g., spatial distance, difference in power delivery metrics, etc.) are placed in the same subset. In some variations, one or more statistical and / or machine learning techniques are used to determine subsets (and / or receiver groups), such as classification algorithms (e.g., clustering algorithms), preferably based on spatial information (e.g., angular information such as azimuth and / or polar angles, distance information such as power transmission metrics, spatial information determined based on auxiliary information, etc.) and / or their derivatives, and / or based on any other suitable information. Clustering can be performed using, for example, k-means clustering, X-means clustering, spectral clustering, and / or any other suitable clustering technique.

[0067] In this embodiment, each possible combination of one or more desired group sizes selected entirely from a single subset is preferably used as a distinct receiver group. For example, for a desired group size of 2-3 receivers, selecting receiver groups from a subset may include, for each subset, selecting each possible receiver pair and each possible receiver triplet in that subset as a distinct receiver group. However, receiver groups may be determined additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner.

[0068] In the third embodiment, the groups are randomly determined. In the sixth embodiment, all possible receiver groups of one or more specific sizes are used (e.g., all pairs, all triplets, all groups of size 4, etc.).

[0069] In the fourth embodiment (e.g., where S410 preferably includes performing one or more optimizations not limited to a beam pattern, where S430 preferably includes performing multi-objective optimization, etc.), groups are determined as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 539,288, filed August 13, 2019, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 539,288 with respect to 'determining receiver groups S420'). However, receiver groups may be determined additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner.

[0070] S420 may optionally include removing one or more receivers from consideration (e.g., receivers for which it is difficult or impossible to achieve sufficiently high power delivery), for example, by not including the receiver in any receiver group. For example, for each receiver (or a subset thereof), if no known transmit configuration achieves an objective function value (for the objective function associated with the receiver under consideration) greater than a threshold (e.g., a predetermined value; a value relative to the receiver's power consumption and / or state of charge; a value relative to other objective function values, such as the average or minimum maximum value of the objective function; etc.), the receiver may be removed from consideration. However, additionally or alternatively, receivers may be removed from consideration based on any other suitable determination.

[0071] In some embodiments, S400 may optionally include determining the receiver group S420 during and / or after optimizing the transmit configuration S430 (e.g., based on the results of one or more optimizations, such as based on objective function values). For example, S420 may be repeated, for instance, to modify the receiver group (and / or determine a new group) based on the results of one or more preliminary optimizations (e.g., where S430 is performed using a relaxed convergence criterion, performed over a short time or multiple cycles, etc.), as exemplified in, for example, U.S. Patent Application 16 / 539,288, filed August 13, 2019, entitled “Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 539,288 regarding determining the receiver group during and / or after performing multi-objective optimization).

[0072] However, S420 may additionally or alternatively include determining the receiver group in any other suitable manner, at any other suitable time, and / or based on any other suitable information.

[0073] 4.2.3 Optimize launch configuration.

[0074] Optimizing the transmit configuration S430 is preferably used to determine one or more high-performance transmit configurations (e.g., a configuration for each receiver group, multiple configurations close to one or more Pareto fronts, etc.). S430 preferably includes: determining a multi-beam configuration S432, selecting a subset of multi-beam configurations S434, and / or performing configuration optimization S436 (e.g., as...). Figure 1C (As shown).

[0075] Determining the multibeam configuration S432 is preferably used to determine the multibeam configuration (e.g., the transmission configuration of several beamform elements that propagate in different directions, such as transmission parameter values ​​that result in such a multibeam transmission pattern) for each receiver group (e.g., each group determined in S420). More preferably, each beamform element of the multibeam pattern points substantially to a different receiver in that group (e.g., if not in terms of actual spatial location, but in 'energy transmission space'). Figure 3 As illustrated by example. However, S432 may additionally or alternatively include determining the multibeam configuration for any suitable subset of the receiver group, and / or determining any other suitable multibeam configuration.

[0076] Preferably, the multibeam configuration is calculated (e.g., rather than based on iterative evaluation of the transmit configuration, such as by power transmission to and communication with the receiver, to determine in part or in whole)). For example, the multibeam configuration can be calculated at the transmitter and / or at a control element that controls the operation of the transmitter and / or communicates with the transmitter. One or more methods can be used to calculate the multibeam configuration (e.g., as described in Balanis, Constantine A. Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design. UK, Wiley, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0077] In the first example, the configuration is calculated using a method based on Fourier transform (e.g., as described in Booker, HG and Clemmow, PC (1950). The concept of an angular spectrum of plane waves, and its relation to that of polar diagram and aperture distribution. Proceedings of the IEE-Part III: Radio and Communication Engineering, 97(45), 11-17, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0078] In the second example, the configuration is calculated using the Woodward-Lawson method (e.g., as described in Woodward, PM (1946). A method of calculating the field over a plane aperture required to produce agiven polar diagram. Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers-Part IIIA: Radiolocation, 93(10), 1554-1558 and / or in Woodward, PM and Lawson, JD (1948). The theoretical precision with which an arbitrary radiation-pattern may be obtained from a source of finite size. Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers-Part III: Radio and Communication Engineering, 95(37), 363-370, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0079] In the third example, an error optimization method is used to compute the configuration. For example, the method may include: determining a desired value (e.g., a field strength value) at a set of locations in space (e.g., determining a spatial sample of the desired radiation pattern at each location in the set); determining candidate configurations; determining values ​​at a set of locations derived from the candidate configurations (e.g., where the resulting values ​​are preferably computed based on the candidate configurations, but may additionally or alternatively be based on values ​​sampled according to the actual emission of the candidate configurations); (e.g., based on the difference between the desired value and the value determined for the candidate configuration) determining an error (e.g., minimum mean square error) associated with the candidate configuration; and (e.g., in the space defined by emission configuration parameters, such as amplitude and / or phase associated with each emission element) performing an optimization technique to minimize the error, which preferably includes (e.g., iteratively selecting new candidate configurations and determining the associated error based on the optimization technique, such as according to an optimization algorithm).

[0080] In the fourth example, a superposition method is used to calculate the configuration. For example, the method may include: for each receiver in the receiver group (e.g., based on the receiver's location, such as based on both the direction and distance from the transmitter to the receiver), (e.g., based on the distance difference between the receiver and each transmitting element) determining the phase offset for each transmitting element of the transmitter; and generating a superposition (e.g., averaging, weighted averaging, etc.) of the phase offsets associated with each receiver.

[0081] In the fifth example, the configuration is calculated using a combination of one or more of the examples above and / or any other suitable method for multi-beam configuration calculation. However, S432 may additionally or alternatively include determining the multi-beam configuration in any other suitable manner.

[0082] S434, which selects a subset of multi-beam configurations, is preferably used to select a high-performance configuration from the multi-beam configurations determined in S432. In an alternative embodiment, S434 is not performed (e.g., each multi-beam configuration determined in S432 can be used in S436). S434 preferably includes determining the performance of each multi-beam configuration determined in S432 and comparing that performance with a threshold performance value.

[0083] Determining the performance of a configuration preferably includes evaluating the configuration as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 001,725, filed June 6, 2018, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (e.g., as described with respect to determining transmit parameter values ​​S200, and particularly, for example, as described with respect to evaluating candidate transmit parameter values ​​S220), but may be performed additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner. For each configuration, the performance of the configuration is preferably evaluated in association with the receivers in the receiver group for which the configuration was generated (e.g., the performance of the configuration is based on a power delivery metric for each receiver in the receiver group); however, the performance of the configuration for other receivers in the system may also be optionally determined (and / or buffered).

[0084] The threshold performance value is preferably determined based on the associated receiver group (e.g., based on the expected achievable power delivery metric for the receivers in that group). For example, for each receiver in the group, the threshold can be determined based on a metric associated with the power transmission to that receiver (e.g., an optimized single-beam or optimized single-receiver power delivery metric for an arbitrary pattern). In a particular example, the threshold is equal to a threshold percentage of the average of the optimized single-beam metric for each receiver in the group (e.g., 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 20%-50%, 50%-75%, 75%-90%, 90%-100%, greater than 100%, etc.) (e.g., in a receiver group with 3 receivers (single-beam power delivery efficiencies of 0.4, 0.6, and 0.7, respectively), the threshold performance value can be equal to 80% of the average power delivery efficiency, which is approximately 0.453).

[0085] However, the threshold performance value may be determined additionally or alternatively based on any other suitable receiver (e.g., based on a metric associated with power transmission to the receiver, such as a single-beam or single-receiver power delivery metric for an optimized single beam or an optimized arbitrary pattern), based on the performance of other multi-beam configurations (and / or any other suitable configuration), based on predetermined values, and / or based on any other suitable information.

[0086] All configurations with performance better than the threshold performance value are preferably included in the selected subset. However, this subset may be selected additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner. For example, the subset may be limited to configurations of the threshold number (e.g., it is possible to exclude configurations with performance better than the threshold value), the subset may be required to include at least the threshold number of configurations (e.g., it is possible to include configurations with performance worse than the threshold value), and / or the subset may be required to include configurations from a group of receivers spanning the receiver set. However, S434 may additionally or alternatively include selecting any other suitable subset in any other suitable manner.

[0087] The configuration optimization step S436 is preferably used to improve multi-beam configurations (e.g., some or all of the configurations selected in S434, the configurations determined in S432, etc.). S436 is preferably performed for each configuration in the subset selected in S434, but may additionally or alternatively be performed for subsets of configurations and / or any other suitable transmission configuration.

[0088] For each configuration to be optimized (e.g., a multi-beam configuration), S436 preferably includes performing optimizations, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 715,266, filed December 16, 2019, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Preferably, the optimization is performed as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 715,266 with respect to 'determining transmit parameter values ​​S200' (e.g., with respect to 'performing a local optimum search S230' and / or 'performing a global optimum search S240'), wherein the configuration to be optimized is preferably used as initial parameter values ​​for one or more optimum searches (e.g., local searches, global searches such as random global searches, etc.).

[0089] Preferably, the configuration is optimized based on a multivariate objective function, which is, for example, a function dependent on the performance of multiple receivers (e.g., receivers in a group of receivers associated with the configuration to be optimized). In a first example, the objective function may be equal to the sum (or average, weighted average, etc.) of the performance metrics (e.g., power, power transmission efficiency, etc.) of each receiver considered (e.g., each receiver in the group); such an objective can be used to maximize the total power transmitted to the receivers in the group. In a second example, the objective function may be equal to the sum (or average, weighted average, etc.) of a nonlinear (preferably sublinear) function of the performance metrics of the receivers considered, such as the sum of the logarithms of each metric; such an objective can be used to prioritize improving the power transmission to the receiver receiving the least power, even if this results in a greater reduction in the power transmission to higher-performance receivers (e.g., prioritizing performance equalization among receivers). In some variations, the objective function may be a weighted sum or average of values ​​associated with the receivers considered. For example, S436 may include increasing the weight associated with receivers that require faster power delivery (e.g., receivers associated with low energy storage states, receivers that provide more power to devices than the receiver is receiving, receivers that provide power to devices with high consequences of power loss, any other suitable receiver priority, etc.) and / or decreasing the weight associated with receivers that do not require fast power delivery (e.g., receivers associated with high energy storage states, receivers that do not provide significant power to any devices, receivers that provide power only to devices with low consequences of power loss, any other suitable receiver priority, etc.); in a particular example, the weight for one or more receivers may be set to zero (e.g., if the receiver is associated with a full energy storage device and / or does not provide power to any other device). In some examples, receiver prioritization can be determined, for instance, as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 715,266, filed December 16, 2019, entitled "Method and System for Wireless PowerDelivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and / or can be determined based on metrics associated with desired power delivery as described below (and / or similar information for determining such metrics as described below). However, S436 may additionally or alternatively include performing optimization based on any other suitable objective function.

[0090] In some embodiments, S436 may include performing one or more multi-objective searches (e.g., as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 539,288, filed August 13, 2019, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," and / or in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 899,473, filed June 11, 2020, entitled "Methods and Systems for Multi-Objective Optimization and / or Wireless Power Delivery," each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, e.g., as described in S430 with respect to U.S. Patent Application 16 / 539,288 and / or U.S. Patent Application 16 / 899,473). For example, for each configuration to be optimized, S436 may include determining a corresponding plurality of high-performance transmit configurations (e.g., configurations approaching one or more Pareto fronts, which are, for example, Pareto fronts for the performance of receivers in the receiver group associated with the configuration to be optimized).

[0091] However, the S430 and / or S436 may additionally or alternatively include optimized launch configurations in any other suitable manner.

[0092] 4.2.4 Determine the launch plan.

[0093] The determination of the transmission plan S440 is preferably used to determine how the transmission power will be transmitted to the receiver. S440 is preferably performed in response to the execution of S430, but may additionally or alternatively be performed at any other suitable time. S440 preferably includes: determining the desired power delivery S441, selecting a set of transmission configurations S442, and / or determining the duration of the transmission configuration S443, but may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements.

[0094] Determining the desired power delivery S441 preferably includes: for each receiver, determining a metric associated with the desired power delivery to that receiver. This metric is preferably the total energy to be delivered, such as the energy required to charge a battery (e.g., the battery of a client device associated with the receiver) to a threshold. Alternatively, the metric can be a power delivery metric, such as the average or minimum power to be delivered (e.g., equal to or greater than the average or minimum expected average power consumption of devices powered by the receiver). However, alternatively, the metric can be any other metric determined based on information such as device energy state and / or consumption, or any other suitable metric. The metric (and / or the information used to determine the metric) is preferably received from the receiver (e.g., via wireless communication) via the transmitter, but can be additionally or alternatively determined in any other suitable manner. S441 is preferably performed for each receiver (e.g., within the communication range of the transmitter), but can be additionally or alternatively performed for any suitable set of receivers.

[0095] In embodiments where the system includes one or more negative feedback receivers, S441 may optionally include determining associated metrics (e.g., as described above) for one or more negative feedback receivers (preferably, for all such receivers). For example, the metrics associated with a negative feedback receiver may be maximum power (e.g., average power averaged over a heat dissipation timeframe, instantaneous power, etc.) and / or total energy delivery values. However, S441 may additionally or alternatively include considering the negative feedback receivers in any other suitable manner.

[0096] S441 may optionally include removing one or more receivers from consideration (e.g., receivers that are difficult or impossible to achieve sufficiently high power delivery), for example by setting the relevant metric for such receiver to zero. For example, for each receiver (or a subset thereof), if no known transmit configuration achieves a target function value (for the objective function associated with the receiver under consideration) greater than a threshold (e.g., a predetermined value; a value relative to the receiver's power consumption and / or state of charge; a value relative to other objective function values, such as the average maximum value of the objective function, the average objective function value, the minimum maximum value of the objective function, the minimum objective function value, etc., of the transmit configurations or subsets thereof determined in S430 (e.g., in S436) based on the objective function; etc.). However, S441 may additionally or alternatively include determining the metric in any other suitable manner.

[0097] The set of transmission configurations selected in S442 preferably includes selection from the transmission configurations determined in S430 (e.g., the optimized configuration generated in S436, the multi-beam configuration determined in S432, and / or the multi-beam configuration selected in S434, etc.). In some examples of performing multi-objective optimization, this may include selection from multiple non-dominated transmission configurations determined in S430 (e.g., each of the multiple non-dominated transmission configurations is associated with a different group of receivers). S442 preferably includes selecting a subset of these configurations. For example, S442 may include selecting transmission configurations with a threshold number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4-9, 10-30, 30-100, etc.) from each of the multiple non-dominated transmission configurations. In a particular example, S442 includes selecting a single transmission configuration from each of the multiple non-dominated transmission configurations.

[0098] Selecting a subset of these configurations (e.g., the optimal subset) may include performing an optimization search (e.g., to determine the optimal subset), wherein the optimal subset is preferably a subset associated with the optimal launch plan (e.g., a subset of configurations for which the optimal launch plan specifies non-zero charging time and / or duty cycle). Performing the search preferably includes evaluating candidate subsets (e.g., evaluating an objective function based on candidate subsets). To evaluate candidate subsets, the power-emitting durations of the candidate subsets may be determined (e.g., as described below with respect to S443), wherein a candidate subset metric may be determined based on these durations (e.g., the sum of durations). For example, the optimization objective of the search may be to minimize the total charging time (e.g., the time required to achieve the desired energy delivery to all receivers). The search may be performed using one or more discrete optimization algorithms (e.g., based on candidate subset metrics), such as grid search (e.g., adaptive grid search), hill climbing algorithm, discrete evolutionary algorithm, and / or any other suitable algorithm. In embodiments where the system includes one or more negative feedback receivers, the search may optionally be constrained based on negative feedback receiver metrics (e.g., where a maximum threshold power and / or energy is not exceeded). However, the optimal subset may be determined additionally or alternatively in any other suitable manner (or any other suitable subset may be selected).

[0099] Alternatively, S442 may include selecting all transmission configurations determined in S430, such as all optimized configurations generated in S436 (e.g., without excluding any such configurations from consideration). For example, in embodiments where S436 includes performing optimization based on a multivariate objective function rather than performing multi-objective optimization (e.g., generating a single optimized configuration for each receiver group, rather than multiple optimized configurations), all transmission configurations generated in S436 may preferably be selected.

[0100] S442 may optionally include selecting one or more transmit configurations, each associated with a single receiver (e.g., optimized for a single receiver) ('single receiver configuration'). For example, in addition to selecting the transmit configuration as described above (e.g., the configuration generated in S436), S442 may also include selecting a single receiver configuration for each receiver (e.g., each receiver close to the transmitter). Each single receiver configuration is preferably a transmit configuration optimized only based on the performance of the single receiver associated with it (e.g., optimized as described in U.S. Patent Application 16 / 715,266, filed December 16, 2019, entitled "Method and System for Wireless Power Delivery," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) (e.g., optimized during S410 and / or any other suitable time period). However, the single receiver configuration may additionally or alternatively include a configuration associated with the beam pattern determined in S410, and / or may include any other suitable configuration. These single-receiver configurations can be used to make such configurations available as an addition (and / or replacement) to the multi-receiver configurations determined in S430, for example, in cases where the performance of some or all of the multi-receiver configurations is significantly lower than that of the single-receiver configurations that can be used instead.

[0101] Preferably, a duration S443 for determining the launch configuration is performed for a subset of the launch configurations (e.g., the optimal subset selected in S442, candidate subsets considered during the search for the optimal subset performed in S442, etc.). S443 preferably includes solving a linear programming problem.

[0102] For this problem, the constraint is preferably to deliver a desired amount of energy to each receiver (e.g., based on the desired power delivery determined in S441). For example, the constraint for each receiver can be expressed as follows:

[0103]

[0104] Each y j f represents the emission configuration of the subset under consideration. i (y j ) indicates the launch configuration y j The power E transmitted to receiver i i Let t represent the minimum total energy to be delivered to receiver i, and t j Indicates the launch configuration y jThe duration for which a launch should take place (the duration solved by performing S443); preferably, where the sum is obtained over all launch configurations of the subset, but alternatively, where the sum is obtained only over the launch configuration (of the subset), for which the associated set of receivers includes receiver i, and / or the sum is obtained over any other suitable launch configuration. In embodiments where one or more receivers are associated with priority states (e.g., priority categories such as high, medium, or low charging priority; priority ordering; numerical priority scores; etc.), constraints may optionally be modified based on priority states. For example, constraints may be modified such that even if the total launch time for satisfying all receiver metrics increases (e.g., where the launch time required to satisfy high-priority receivers decreases compared to unchanged constraints, but the launch time required to satisfy low-priority receivers increases), the final launch schedule will still prioritize power delivery to high-priority receivers. In embodiments where the system includes one or more negative feedback receivers, the linear programming problem may be additionally or alternatively constrained based on negative feedback receiver metrics (e.g., where the maximum threshold power and / or energy is not exceeded).

[0105] The objective of the linear programming problem is preferably to minimize the total launch time (e.g., the sum of the individual durations t) required to satisfy the constraints. 总 =∑ j t j Linear programming problems can be solved using one or more simplex algorithms, criss-cross algorithms, interior point methods (e.g., path following methods, ellipsoid methods, Karmarkar's algorithm, affine scaling methods, Mehrotra predictor-corrector method, etc.), column generation algorithms, and / or any other suitable linear programming method.

[0106] However, S443 may additionally or alternatively include determining the duration by optimizing a nonlinear function of the duration (or a subset thereof) and / or in any other suitable manner.

[0107] S440 preferably includes determining a launch plan, wherein the plan preferably indicates (e.g., includes) an optimal subset (e.g., selected in S442) and an associated launch duration (e.g., determined in S443) and / or duty cycle (e.g., determined based on the launch duration, e.g., equal to the launch duration of the associated launch configuration divided by the sum of all launch durations) for each launch configuration of the optimal subset. However, S440 may additionally or alternatively include determining any other suitable launch plan in any suitable manner.

[0108] 4.3 Launch power based on launch plan

[0109] Based on the transmission plan, the power transmission S700 can be used to wirelessly deliver power to the receiver. Preferably, the power transmission in S700 is in response to evaluating transmission parameters S400 (e.g., in response to determining the transmission plan S440), but additionally or alternatively, it can be performed at any other suitable time. Preferably, the power transmission in S700 is performed throughout the receiver's dwell time within the transmitter's range, but additionally or alternatively, the power can be transmitted intermittently, according to a schedule, based on receiver operating parameters (e.g., charging state), and / or at any other suitable timing.

[0110] S700 preferably includes cyclically passing through a planned transmission configuration (e.g., an optimal subset of the configurations), more preferably, wherein such cyclical passing is time-weighted according to the plan (e.g., proportional to the associated duration and / or duty cycle). For example, the configuration may cyclically pass through at a predetermined total period frequency, each duration may be divided (e.g., equally divided) into a predetermined number of time slices, and / or the configuration may cyclically pass through at any other suitable rate. Alternatively, the configuration may cyclically pass through without time weighting (and / or any other suitable time weighting), for example, wherein the configuration is removed from the cycle once the desired duration has elapsed. However, S700 may additionally or alternatively include transmitting any suitable time period under any other suitable transmission configuration.

[0111] The power is preferably transmitted as one or more pure tones (or substantially pure tones, such as bandwidths defined to be less than a threshold bandwidth) (e.g., this may be advantageous in embodiments employing one or more super-gain structures and / or other narrow-bandwidth antennas), but may additionally or alternatively be transmitted in any other suitable form (e.g., in embodiments employing wider-bandwidth antennas, in embodiments where communication signals are transmitted along with the power, etc.). In a first specific example, the radiation has frequencies on the GHz scale (e.g., 5-10 GHz, such as 5.8 GHz, and / or greater than 5.8 GHz). In the second specific example, the radiation has frequencies in the MHz range (e.g., 100-500MHz, such as 433MHz and / or less than 433MHz; 700-1100MHz, such as 806-821MHz, 851-870MHz, 896-902MHz, 902-928MHz and / or 935-941MHz; etc.). However, the power may be received additionally or alternatively in any other suitable form.

[0112] S400 (or one or more of its elements) may optionally be repeated during power transmission S700 (e.g., where power transmission is temporarily stopped during transmission parameter re-evaluation). The repeated execution of S400 preferably uses the most recently determined transmission configuration as the initial value, but any other suitable value may be used additionally or alternatively (e.g., other previously determined values, as done during the initial execution of S400). S400 may be repeated in response to detecting a change in transmitted power (e.g., greater than an absolute or relative threshold), detecting movement (e.g., based on receiver and / or transmitter measurements, such as IMU measurements), detecting the proximity of an additional receiver and / or transmitter to the system S100, determining a change in desired power transmission to one or more receivers (e.g., based on updated battery charging information) (e.g., repeating S440 in response to such a change), receiving user input, and may be repeated periodically (e.g., at a predetermined rate; at a dynamically determined rate, such as based on observed and / or expected temporal and / or spatial stability of the system and / or its performance, preferably where lower stability corresponds to a faster rate; etc.), sporadically, randomly, and / or at any other suitable time. However, power may be transmitted in any other suitable manner S700, and the method may additionally or alternatively include any other suitable elements performed in any other suitable manner.

[0113] Although omitted for brevity, preferred embodiments include every combination and arrangement of various system components and method processes. Furthermore, the various processes of preferred methods can be embodied or implemented, at least in part, as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. Preferably, the instructions are executed by a computer-executable component, preferably integrated with the system. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer-readable medium, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component is preferably a general-purpose or special-purpose processing subsystem, but any suitable special-purpose hardware device or hardware / firmware combination device can additionally or alternatively execute the instructions.

[0114] The accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to preferred embodiments, example configurations, and variations thereof. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, section, step, or portion of code, comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions mentioned in a block may appear in an order other than that shown in the drawings. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart illustrations, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs the specified function or action.

[0115] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the preceding detailed description and from the accompanying drawings and claims, modifications and alterations can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for wireless power transmission, comprising: A first transmission direction for wireless power transmission from the transmitter to the first receiver is determined, wherein the first receiver is associated with a first power reception metric; A second transmission direction, different from the first transmission direction, is determined for wireless power transmission from the transmitter to a second receiver separated from the first receiver, wherein the second receiver is associated with a second power reception metric. Based on the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction, the multi-beam configuration of the transmitter is calculated using at least one of the following: a Fourier transform-based method, a Woodward-Lawson-based method, an error optimization method, or a superposition method, wherein the multi-beam configuration is associated with a multi-beam transmission pattern, the multi-beam transmission pattern including: The first beam is substantially along the first transmission direction; and The second beam is essentially along the second transmission direction; Based on the multi-beam configuration, an optimized configuration of the transmitter is determined, wherein determining the optimized configuration includes evaluating a first power reception metric and a second power reception metric based on each of a plurality of configurations of the transmitter, the plurality of configurations including the multi-beam configuration; and At the transmitter, power is wirelessly transmitted to the first and second receivers, substantially based on the optimized configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of configurations also includes an improved multi-beam configuration determined based on the multi-beam configuration, wherein evaluating the first power reception metric and the second power reception metric based on the improved multi-beam configuration includes: At the transmitter, the transmit power is based on the improved multi-beam configuration throughout the entire time interval; At the first receiver, during the time interval, power transmitted by the transmitter is received; Determine the first amount of power received at the first receiver during the time interval; The first power reception metric is evaluated based on the first power quantity; At the second receiver, during the time interval, the power transmitted by the transmitter is received; Determine the amount of second power received at the second receiver during the time interval; and The second power reception metric is evaluated based on the second power quantity.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first power reception metric is substantially proportional to the power delivery efficiency to the first receiver during the time interval; and The second power reception metric is substantially proportional to the power delivery efficiency to the second receiver during the time interval.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Determining the optimized configuration includes performing an optimal search based on an objective function and the multi-beam configuration. The optimal search includes evaluating an objective function for each of a plurality of transmitter configurations. Specifically, evaluating the objective function for each of the plurality of transmitter configurations includes: At the transmitter, the transmission power is configured based on the transmitter throughout the corresponding time interval; At the first receiver, during the corresponding time interval, the power transmitted by the transmitter is received; Determine the corresponding first power amount received at the first receiver during the corresponding time interval; The first power reception metric is evaluated based on the corresponding first power quantity; At the second receiver, during the corresponding time interval, the power transmitted by the transmitter is received; Determine the corresponding second power amount received at the second receiver during the corresponding time interval; The second power reception metric is evaluated based on the corresponding second power quantity; and The corresponding value of the objective function is calculated based on the first power reception metric and the second power reception metric.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of transmitter configurations include the multi-beam configuration.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The optimal search is a locally optimal search, wherein performing the optimal search includes implementing a gradient-free local search algorithm.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The optimal search includes a random global optimal search.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a plurality of optimized configurations based on the multi-beam configuration, wherein the plurality of optimized configurations include the optimized configuration, wherein, Determining the plurality of optimized configurations includes performing a multi-target optimal search based on the first power reception metric, the second power reception metric, and the multi-beam configuration.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: A charging plan is determined based on the first power reception metric and the second power reception metric, the charging plan including: The first optimized configuration among the plurality of optimized configurations; The first duty cycle associated with the first transmitter configuration; The second optimized configuration among the plurality of optimized configurations; and The second duty cycle associated with the second transmitter configuration; and At the transmitter, power is wirelessly transmitted to the first receiver and the second receiver based on the charging plan.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The method further includes determining a third transmission direction different from the first transmission direction and the second transmission direction for wireless power transmission from the transmitter to a third receiver separate from the first receiver and the second receiver, wherein the third receiver is associated with a third power reception metric. The multi-beam configuration is further determined based on the third transmission direction, wherein the multi-beam transmission pattern also includes a third beam substantially along the third transmission direction; and Determining the optimized configuration also includes evaluating the third power reception metric based on the optimized configuration.

11. A method for transmitting wireless power from a transmitter to a plurality of receivers, the method comprising: Multiple transmission directions are determined, wherein each of the multiple transmission directions is associated with wireless power transmission from the transmitter to different receivers among the multiple receivers; Select a subset of the plurality of receivers, wherein each receiver in the subset is associated with the following: The corresponding launch direction in the subset of the plurality of launch directions; as well as The corresponding power reception metric among multiple metrics; Based on the subset of transmission directions, the multi-beam configuration of the transmitter is calculated using at least one of the following: a Fourier transform-based method, a Woodward-Lawson-based method, an error optimization method, or a superposition method, wherein the multi-beam configuration is associated with a multi-beam transmission pattern, wherein the multi-beam transmission pattern comprises multiple beams, each of which is oriented substantially along a different transmission direction in the subset; Based on the objective function and the multi-beam configuration, an optimal search is performed to determine an optimized configuration for the transmitter, wherein performing the optimal search includes, for each of a plurality of transmitter configurations, evaluating an objective function for that transmitter configuration, wherein the objective function is determined based on the plurality of metrics; and At the transmitter, power is wirelessly transmitted to the subset of receivers, substantially based on the optimized configuration.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, For each of the plurality of transmitter configurations, the objective function evaluated for that transmitter configuration includes: At the transmitter, the transmission power is configured based on the transmitter throughout the corresponding time interval; For each receiver in the subset of receivers: At the receiver, during the corresponding time interval, the power transmitted by the transmitter is received; Determine the corresponding amount of power received at the receiver during the corresponding time interval; and Based on the corresponding power quantity, evaluate the corresponding power reception metric associated with the receiver; and Based on the aforementioned metrics, the corresponding values ​​of the objective function are calculated.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Determining the plurality of launch directions includes: At the transmitter, a series of beam-shaped transmission patterns are generated, each of the series of beam-shaped transmission patterns defining a corresponding beam oriented along the corresponding transmission direction; When the transmitter generates the series of beamform transmission patterns, at each receiver in the subset, the corresponding amount of power received at that receiver is determined; and For each receiver in the subset, a transmission direction for transmitting wireless power to the receiver is determined based on the series of beam pattern transmission patterns and the corresponding power received at the receiver.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The transmitter generates the series of beam-shaped transmission patterns based on the amount of power received at the receivers in the subset.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, For each receiver in the subset, determining the transmission direction for wireless power transmission to the receiver includes selecting an optimal beam pattern from the series of beam pattern transmission patterns, for which power transmission efficiency to the receiver is maximized, wherein the optimal beam pattern transmission pattern is substantially aligned along the transmission direction.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of receivers consists of the subset of receivers.

17. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The optimal search includes local optimal search.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, For any configuration used for the transmitter, each corresponding power reception metric is substantially proportional to the power transmission efficiency of the receiver associated with the corresponding power reception metric using the configuration.

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