Communication protocol for implementing services in a wireless power transfer network

Abstract

An apparatus in a wireless power transfer network, the apparatus comprising a processor to form a first message in an application layer of an application of the apparatus. The first message comprises a plurality of attributes. A first attribute of the first message identifies a wireless power transfer service of the wireless power transfer network. A second attribute identifies the application of the apparatus that generated the first message. A third attribute identifies a destination application for receiving the first message. The apparatus is to send the first message to the destination application identified by the third attribute of the first message. The application layer message structure / format and standard message exchange sequence is generic enough to enable different control, management and value added services in a wireless power transfer network. New services can be derived from the combination of the generic frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various aspects of the disclosed embodiments generally relate to wireless power transmission networks or wireless power grids, and more specifically, to application-layer communication protocols for implementing wireless power transmission services in wireless power transmission networks. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless power transfer (WPT), wireless power transmission, wireless energy transmission (WET), or electromagnetic power transfer refers to the transmission of electrical energy without wires as a physical link. In a wireless power transfer system or wireless power transfer network (WPTN), a transmitter device generates a time-varying electromagnetic field driven by electricity from a power source. This electromagnetic field transmits electricity across space to a receiver device. The receiver device extracts power from the electromagnetic field and supplies it to electrical loads.

[0003] To enable effective communication between the controller application and different wireless power transmission devices or smart devices in the wireless power transmission network, a communication frame structure needs to be defined at the application layer. Wireless power transmission devices also need to report to the wireless power controller after executing wireless power transmission commands. Therefore, a message exchange sequence capable of successfully implementing specific wireless power transmission services is also required.

[0004] Current protocols used to establish communication between devices in short-range communication networks include Bluetooth. TM Zigbee TM Thread TM and Z-Wave TM These protocols are designed for specific use cases, and their application layer protocol messages / commands and message exchange sequences are constructed for those specific use cases. These protocols do not provide sufficiently general standard message exchange sequences and application layer message structures / formats to implement diverse control, management, and value-added services in wireless power transmission networks.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved apparatus and methods to effectively implement application layer communication for wireless power transmission services in wireless power transmission networks. Thus, it is desirable to provide methods and apparatus that at least address some of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The disclosed embodiments relate to an application-layer communication protocol or architecture for implementing wireless power transmission services in a wireless power transmission network. The disclosed embodiments enable wireless power transmission devices in a wireless power transmission network to communicate with each other in a standardized manner. The above and other objectives are achieved through the spirit of the independent claims. Other advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the first aspect, the above and other objects and advantages are achieved by means of an apparatus in a wireless power transmission network. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor configured to form a first message in the application layer of an application of the apparatus. The first message includes a plurality of attributes. A first attribute of the first message identifies a wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network. A second attribute identifies the application of the apparatus that generated the first message. A third attribute identifies a destination application for receiving the first message. The apparatus is configured to send the first message to the destination application identified by the third attribute of the first message. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application layer message frame structure or communication protocol and standard message exchange sequence that has sufficient versatility to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0008] In one possible implementation of the device, the processor is further configured to receive a second message in the application layer of the device. The second message includes multiple attributes. A first attribute of the second message defines a response to the first message. A second attribute identifies the application that generated the second message. A third attribute identifies the application of the device used to receive the second message. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transmission services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0009] In one possible implementation of the device, one or more of the first and second messages include at least one other attribute related to the wireless power transmission service. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transmission services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequences.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the device, the first message includes a variable number of attribute fields. The number of attribute fields depends on the specific wireless power transfer service being implemented. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transfer services in a wireless power transfer network.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the device, one or more of the first message and the second message include one or more attributes selected from sequence number, number of parameters, parameter list, error code, and reason attribute. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transmission services in wireless power transmission networks.

[0012] In one possible implementation of the apparatus, the apparatus is used to initiate a wireless power transmission service in the wireless power transmission network. The wireless power transmission service includes one or more of the following: wireless power service scheduling, remote hardware control, determining interoperability between wireless power transmission devices in the wireless power transmission network, mobility detection characteristics of transmitters and receivers in the wireless power transmission network, error and fault reporting, and initiating and terminating wireless power transmission services or sessions. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message structure or format and standard message exchange sequences that are sufficiently versatile to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the apparatus, the apparatus is used to add one or more attributes to the first message to implement any particular wireless power transmission service in the wireless power transmission network. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message structure or format and standard message exchange sequences that are sufficiently versatile to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0014] In one possible implementation of the device, the device is a wireless power transmission device, such as a wireless power transmission transmitter and / or a wireless power transmission receiver. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a complete application-layer communication protocol solution that focuses on the needs of the wireless power transmission network.

[0015] According to the second aspect, the above and other objects and advantages are achieved by means of an apparatus in a wireless power transmission network. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a processor configured to receive a first message in an application layer of an application of the apparatus, the first message including a plurality of attributes. A first attribute of the first message identifies a wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network. A second attribute identifies the application that generated the first message. A third attribute identifies the application of the apparatus used to receive the first message. The apparatus is configured to form a second message in the application layer in response to the first message and to send the second message. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application layer message frame structure or communication protocol and standard message exchange sequence that has sufficient versatility to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the device, the device is used to send the second message to the application identified in the second attribute of the first message. Various aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message frame structure or communication protocol and standard message exchange sequence that has sufficient versatility to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0017] In one possible implementation of the apparatus, the apparatus is configured to form the second message by including multiple attributes in the second message. A first attribute of the second message defines a response to the first message. A second attribute identifies the application that generated the second message. A third attribute identifies the application of the wireless power transmission network used to receive the second message. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message frame structure or communication protocol and standard message exchange sequence that has sufficient versatility to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0018] In one possible implementation of the device, the second message includes a variable number of attribute fields, the number of which depends on the specific wireless power transmission service being implemented. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message structure or format and a standard message exchange sequence that are sufficiently versatile to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the device, the device is a wireless power transmission device, such as a wireless power transmission transmitter and / or a wireless power transmission receiver. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide a complete application-layer communication protocol solution that focuses on the needs of the wireless power transmission network.

[0020] According to a third aspect, the above and other objects and advantages are achieved through a wireless power transmission network. The wireless power transmission network includes a first wireless power transmission device and at least one second wireless power transmission device. The first wireless power transmission device is used to form a first message in the application layer of an application of the first wireless power transmission device. The first message includes multiple attributes. A first attribute of the first message identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network, a second attribute identifies the application of the first wireless power transmission device that generated the first message, and a third attribute identifies the destination application of the at least one second wireless power transmission network used to receive the first message. The first wireless power transmission device is used to send the first message to the destination application identified by the third attribute. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transmission services in the wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0021] In one possible implementation of the wireless power transmission network, the at least one second wireless power transmission device includes a processor configured to: receive the first message in an application layer of an application of the at least one second wireless power transmission device; form a second message in the application layer in response to the first message; and send the second message to the application identified by the third attribute of the first message. The second message includes multiple attributes, a first attribute defining a response to the first message, a second attribute identifying the application of the at least one second wireless power transmission device that generated the second message, and a third attribute identifying the application of the first wireless power transmission device that received the second message. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transmission services in the wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the wireless power transmission network, one or more of the first message and the second message are configured to include another attribute related to the wireless power transmission service. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message structure or format and standard message exchange sequences that are sufficiently versatile to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0023] According to the fourth aspect, the above and other objects and advantages are achieved by a method for communication, management, and control at the application layer level in a wireless power transmission network. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a first message at the application layer of an application of a first wireless power transmission device. The first message includes multiple attributes. A first attribute of the first message identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network. A second attribute identifies the application of the first wireless power transmission device that generated the first message, and a third attribute identifies the destination application for receiving the first message. The method includes sending the first message to the destination application identified by the third attribute of the first message. The disclosed embodiments provide an application layer message structure or format and a standard message exchange sequence that has sufficient versatility to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0024] In one possible implementation of the method, the method further includes forming a second message in the application layer of the application of the second wireless power transmission device. The second message includes multiple attributes: a first attribute of the second message defines a response to the first message; a second attribute identifies the application of the second wireless power transmission device that generated the second message; and a third attribute identifies the application of the first wireless power transmission device that receives the second message. The method further includes sending the second message to the application identified by the third attribute of the second message. The general application layer frame structure enables the implementation of existing and new wireless power transmission services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0025] In one possible implementation of the method, the method further includes: performing the wireless power transmission service associated with the first message; forming the first message or the second message, the first message or the second message including at least one other attribute indicating the result of the wireless power transmission service. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message structure or format and a standard message exchange sequence that are sufficiently versatile to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0026] In one possible implementation of the method, the method includes forming one or more of the first message or the second message to include at least one other attribute. The other attribute may be specific to a particular wireless power transmission service being implemented. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message structure or format and standard message exchange sequence that are sufficiently general to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network.

[0027] According to the fifth aspect, the above and other objects and advantages are achieved through a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions. When executed by a processor, the program instructions cause the processor to perform the method according to any one or more possible implementations of the method described herein. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments provide an application-layer message frame structure or communication protocol and standard message exchange sequence that is sufficiently versatile to implement different control, management, and value-added services in a wireless power transmission network. New services can be derived from combinations of the general frame structure and the message exchange sequence.

[0028] These and other aspects, implementations, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments described herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the description and drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the disclosed invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and some aspects and advantages will be apparent from the specification or may be learned by practice of the invention. Furthermore, various aspects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the tools and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0029] In the following detailed description of the invention, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1A block diagram of an exemplary wireless power transmission network incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 An exemplary application layer message frame structure protocol incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is illustrated;

[0032] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary system that can be used to implement aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0033] Figure 4 An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 An exemplary application-layer message exchange sequence incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0035] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 An exemplary application layer message sequence incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0037] Figures 8A to 8D An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0038] Figure 9 An exemplary application layer message sequence incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0039] Figure 10A and Figure 10B An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0040] Figure 11 An exemplary application layer message sequence incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0041] Figure 12A and Figure 12B An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0042] Figure 13A and Figure 13B An exemplary application layer message sequence incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0043] Figures 14A to 14E An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0044] Figure 15A and Figure 15B An exemplary application layer message sequence incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0045] Figure 16A and Figure 16B An exemplary application layer message frame structure incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown;

[0046] Figures 17A to 17C A flowchart illustrating a method incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0047] refer to Figure 1 The figure illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary wireless power transfer network or system 100 incorporating aspects of the disclosed embodiments. The wireless power transfer network 100, also referred to as a wireless power transmission network or system, is used to provide wireless power transfer services. These wireless power transfer services may include, but are not limited to, far-field wireless charging. Aspects of the disclosed embodiments relate to a general application layer communication frame structure or protocol for communication, management, and control within the wireless power transfer network (WPTN) 100. Specific frame structures are derived from this general frame structure to implement specific wireless power transfer (WPT) services. The application layer protocol of the disclosed embodiments is sufficiently general to facilitate the implementation of new services within the wireless power transfer network 100.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless power transmission network 100 includes a first wireless power transmission device 102 and at least one second wireless power transmission device 122. Figure 1 In the example, the first wireless power transmission device 102 is shown as a wireless power transmission transmitter device, and the second wireless power transmission device 122 is shown as a wireless power transmission receiver device. However, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the first wireless power transmission device 102 and the second wireless power transmission device 122 may include one or more of a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, or other wireless power transmission devices.

[0049] In one embodiment, the first wireless power transmission device 102 includes a processor 104 for forming a first message S1.1 in the application layer 112 of an application 110 of the device 102. In one embodiment, the application 110 is associated with or used to provide wireless power transmission services.

[0050] like Figure 2As shown, the first message S1.1 includes multiple attributes. As will be further described herein, the first attribute 212 of the first message S1.1 (referred to herein as message type) identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network 100. The second attribute 214 identifies the application 110 of the device 102 that generated the first message S1.1. The third attribute 216 identifies the intended application to which the first message S1.1 is to be sent. As will be further described below, although the first message S1.1 is described herein in conjunction with three attributes, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, message S1.1 may include any suitable number of attributes required to implement a particular wireless power transmission service.

[0051] After the first message S1.1 is generated, the first wireless power transfer device 102 is used to send the first message S1.1 to the target application identified by the third attribute 216 of the first message S1.1. In one embodiment, the first wireless power transfer device 102 may further include a memory 106 and a network interface card (NIC) 108. The memory 106 and the NIC 108 may be coupled to a processor 104, which is used to execute the processes generally described herein. The memory 106 is used to connect to the processor 104 via a system bus, etc., the system bus also having data and address buses for reading and writing data to and from the memory 106, the memory 106 being used to store machine-readable instructions and cache incoming and outgoing messages. The NIC 108 is used to send and receive messages and is also used to connect to the processor 104 via a system bus (not shown).

[0052] Figure 2 An exemplary application-layer message frame structure 200 for message 210 in conjunction with aspects of the disclosed embodiments is shown. In this example, message frame structure 200 includes multiple attributes, including a message type attribute 212, a sender identifier attribute 214, and a receiver identifier attribute 216. In one embodiment, the message type attribute 212 is specific to the wireless power transmission service implemented via message 210 and may also indicate the type of response required for the message.

[0053] Sender identifier attribute 214 identifies the application 110 of the first wireless power transmission device 102 that generated the message and requested a specific wireless power transmission service. Receiver identifier attribute 216 is an identifier for the destination application used to receive the request for the specific wireless power transmission service. Figure 1 In the example, the intended application is application 130 of the second wireless power transmission device 122. Devices in a wireless power transmission network can run multiple applications, therefore it is important to identify the application sending the message, and also to identify the application that should receive the message at the receiving end.

[0054] In one embodiment, the application layer message frame structure 200 further includes at least one parameter 1 attribute 218. The parameter 1 attribute 218 can be any suitable attribute related to the specific wireless power transmission service being implemented. Although Figure 2 The exemplary application layer message frame structure 200 shown includes only four attributes, but the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the application layer message frame structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments may include any suitable number and combination of attributes required to implement a particular wireless power transmission service, as will be further described herein. The number of parameters in the application layer message frame structure 200 is variable, and therefore more attributes, such as error, checksum, and sequence attributes, may be added to the application layer message frame structure 200.

[0055] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a typical system 300 that supports communication between different devices in a network. The application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments targets application layer protocol 302. Figure 3 The examples also illustrate exemplary services 310 that can be implemented on top of application layer protocol 302 and the communication methods presented herein. The application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments is sufficiently general to facilitate the implementation of new services in the wireless power transmission network 100.

[0056] Figure 4 An exemplary message 410 is shown in conjunction with a general application layer message frame structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments. In this example, message 410 includes a message type attribute 412, a sender identifier attribute 414, a receiver identifier attribute 416, and additional parameters 418, which are identified as parameter attributes 1 to N.

[0057] Far-field wireless power transfer networks (e.g.) Figure 1 Communication between devices in a wireless power transmission network (100) is unique because it facilitates wireless power transfer from a transmitter (e.g., device 102) to a receiver (e.g., device 122). To facilitate wireless power transfer, several challenges related to management, control, and service delivery in wireless power transmission networks need to be addressed. These challenges include, but are not limited to: facilitating the development of new services in wireless power transmission networks; detecting whether a wireless power receiver is within range of a wireless power transmitter; determining the hardware / software capabilities of wireless power transmission transmitters and receivers; dynamically configuring wireless power transmitters and receivers; associating wireless power transmission receivers with wireless power transmission transmitters at the application layer; error reporting in wireless transmission networks; and achieving interoperability between wireless power transmission transmitters and receivers, especially when the transmitters and receivers are manufactured by different companies.

[0058] refer to Figure 5 The figure illustrates an example of a message exchange sequence using the application layer message data structure 200 of the disclosed embodiment. In this example, the wireless power transmission network 100 includes a first device 102 or a wireless power transmitter device and a second device 122 or a wireless power receiver device 122. To detect the mobility of the wireless power receiver and / or the wireless power transmitter in the wireless power transmission network 100, the wireless power transmitter device 102 periodically sends a message S5.1, such as an "Active Status" message, to the wireless power receiver device 122. Although Figure 5 Only one wireless power receiving device 122 is shown, but the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not limited thereto. In alternative embodiments, the wireless power transmission network 100 may include any suitable number of wireless power receiving devices 122, rather than including one.

[0059] After receiving message S5.1, the wireless power receiving device 122 can respond with another message S5.2, such as "Active Status Confirmation," to confirm the existence of the wireless power receiving device 122. For this service, two new messages S5.1 and S5.2 are required, which can be obtained from... Figure 4 The message frame structure 200 shown is derived from the application layer message frame. The formats of the derived messages S5.1 and S5.2 are as follows: Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown.

[0060] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The specific application message formats of the "Active Status" message S5.1 and the "Active Status Confirmation" message S5.2, derived from the general message frame structure 200, are shown. For example... Figure 6A As shown, the application layer frame structure 200 of message S5.1 includes an "Active Status" message type attribute 602, a sender identifier attribute 604, a receiver or destination identifier 606, and a sequence number identifier 608. The message type attribute 602 includes a specific "Active Status" service request. The sender identifier attribute 604 indicates the application sending the "Active Status" message S5.1, and the receiver identifier 606 indicates the application that will receive the "Active Status" message S5.1. The sequence number attribute 608 can indicate the sequence of a specific message in message exchange. Other attributes can be added to message S5.1, and the order of these attributes can also be changed.

[0061] exist Figure 6BIn the example, the application layer frame structure 200 of message S5.1 includes an "Active Status Confirmation" attribute 622, a sender identifier attribute 624, a receiver identifier 626, and a sequence number 628. In this example, the "Active Status Confirmation" attribute 622 includes a response specific to the "Whether Active Status" message type attribute contained in message S5.1. The sender identifier attribute 624 identifies the application that sent the "Active Status Confirmation" message S5.2, while the receiver identifier 626 identifies the application that will receive the "Active Status Confirmation" message S5.2.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the example, transmitter 102 periodically sends an "Active Status" message S5.1 to receiver 122, and upon receiving the message, receiver 122 responds with an "Active Status Confirmation" message S5.2. In one embodiment, system 100 may include timer 502. Timer 502 can be used to periodically monitor the transmission interval of the "Active Status" message. Within a periodic time interval (denoted as time interval 506) determined by timer 502, the transmitter can be used to send the "Active Status" message.

[0063] In one embodiment, timer 502 or other suitable timing device may be used to monitor whether a response is received within a predetermined time period. If transmitter 102 does not receive a response from receiver 122 within the predetermined time period (denoted as time interval 504) monitored or determined by timer 502, transmitter 102 may be used to retransmit message S5.1. In one embodiment, transmitter 102 may be used to retransmit message S5.1 “N” times, where N is a configurable parameter. After “N” unsuccessful attempts, transmitter 102 may deassociate itself with receiver 122 (506) and terminate any wireless power transmission.

[0064] In a wireless power transmission network incorporating the application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments, the network can shorten the wireless charging response time by providing wireless power to multiple receivers. Figure 7Wireless power dispatching in a wireless power transfer network using the application layer message frame structure 200 of the disclosed embodiment is illustrated. In the wireless power transfer network 700, a wireless power transmitter 702 may have to serve multiple receivers, such as receivers 704 and 706. In this case, if transmitter 702 fully charges wireless power transfer device 704 before serving another wireless power transfer device 706, the system response time will be negatively impacted. Instead, transmitter 702 can generate wireless power transfer schedules to attempt to serve devices 704 and 706 simultaneously based on the generated schedules. However, transmitter 702 implementing wireless power transfer service needs to notify receivers 704 and 706 of the wireless power transfer schedule instances. The application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiment can be used to control the interaction between wireless power transfer transmitter 702 and wireless power transfer receivers 704 and 706. Since a receiving device 706 does not have to wait for transmitter device 702 to fully charge another device 704 before it can receive wireless power, the response time of the wireless power transfer network is reduced. Conversely, time slots can be established to deliver power to different receivers, and the application layer message structure of the disclosed embodiments can be used to control the transmitter and the receiver during the scheduled time slots.

[0065] Figure 7 The exemplary wireless power transfer network 700 shown includes a wireless power transmitter 702 and two wireless receiver devices or apparatuses 704 and 706 (identified as cellular phone 1 and cellular phone 2, respectively). In an alternative embodiment, network 700 may include any suitable number of wireless power transfer receivers, rather than two. Transmitter 702 may serve different receivers 704 and 706 in different time slots. Before initiating power transfer service to a specific receiver 704 or 706, transmitter 702 sends an application layer protocol message S7.1, such as "wake up," to receiver 704. Message S7.1 informs receiver 704 that transmitter 702 is now ready to transfer wireless power to receiver 704, and receiver 704 should be ready.

[0066] After processing message S7.1, receiver 704 sends its acknowledgment, such as "wake-up confirmation," in application layer protocol message S7.2. Message S7.2 notifies transmitter 702 that receiver 704 has received message S7.1 previously sent by transmitter 702. Transmitter 702 sends message S7.3 indicating the start of wireless power transmission, which is acknowledged by receiver 704 in message S7.4. Subsequently, for a defined time period, transmitter 702 transmits wireless power to receiver 704, as shown in S7.5 to S7.8.

[0067] Once receiver 704 receives electrical energy within a predefined time period, transmitter 702 notifies receiver 704 that the time period has ended. Transmitter 702 achieves this by sending another application layer protocol message S7.8, such as "sleep". Receiver 704 acknowledges receipt of message S7.8 sent by transmitter 702 using another application layer protocol message S7.9, such as "sleep confirmation". Transmitter 702 can repeat this same process for another receiver 706.

[0068] Figures 8A to 8D An application layer message frame structure 200 for message sequences used in wireless power dispatching in a wireless power transmission network 700 is shown. Figure 8A The application layer message frame structure of the "wake-up" message S7.1 is shown. Attributes include "wake-up" message type 802, receiver identifier 804, sender identifier 806, and sequence number identifier 808. Figure 8B The application layer message frame structure of the "Wake-up Confirmation" message S7.2 is shown. In this example, the attributes include "Wake-up Confirmation" message type 810, receiver identifier 812, sender identifier 814, and sequence number attribute 816.

[0069] exist Figure 8C In the "Sleep" message S7.8, the attributes of the application layer message frame structure or format include "Sleep" message type 820, receiver identifier 822, sender identifier 824, and sequence number 826. The attributes of the application layer message frame structure of the "Sleep Acknowledgment" message S7.9 include "Sleep Acknowledgment" message type 830, receiver identifier 832, sender identifier 834, and sequence number 836. Application layer message frame structure 200 not only contains the message design required to implement this function but also demonstrates an example sequence of message exchanges. It should be noted that application layer message frame structure 200 is flexible because it can be used to design more specific message structures for the functions described herein, and similarly, other message exchange sequences can be derived.

[0070] Figure 9 This illustrates using the application layer message frame structure 200 of the disclosed embodiment to query devices in a wireless power transmission network. Figure 9 In this example, the wireless power transfer network 900 includes a wireless power transmitter device 902 and a wireless power receiver device 922. In this example, the transmitter device 902 or the receiver device 922 can be used to query different wireless power transfer characteristics of the network 900. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to, hardware / software configuration and the amount of electrical energy collected per unit time. New messages are required to achieve this functionality.

[0071] In one embodiment, transmitter 902 can use a "WPT query" S9.1 message to query the received power level from receiver 922. The response is sent by receiver 922 using a "WPT query response" S9.2 and may include an indication of the received power level. Wireless power transmitter 902 can then determine (920) whether the received power level is greater than a threshold power level. Figure 9 The message exchange sequence shown is one such possible message exchange sequence. This sequence can be changed by introducing another message.

[0072] For example, if the received power level is lower than the threshold power level, Figure 9 The message exchange sequence can be configured to include error messages S9.3. Receiver device 922 acknowledges the error message using "Error Message Acknowledgment" S9.4. Wireless power transmission device 902 can also query other attributes of wireless power transmission network 900.

[0073] Figure 10A and Figure 10B The specific application layer message frame structures of the "WPT Query" message S9.1 and the "WPT Query Response" message S9.2, derived from the general application layer message frame structure 200, are shown. The attributes of the "WPT Query" message S9.1 may include a "WPT Query" message type 930, a sender identifier 932, a receiver identifier 934, a sequence number 936, a number of parameters 938, and a parameter list 940. The attributes of the "WPT Query Response" message S9.2 may include a "WPT Query Response" message type 950, a sender identifier attribute 952, a receiver identifier attribute 954, a sequence number 956, a number of parameters 958, and a parameter list 960.

[0074] In wireless power transmission networks, wireless power transmitters and wireless power receivers may come from different manufacturers. Interoperability between these devices is a concern. In this context, the "WPT query" message 930 and "WPT query response" message 950 of the disclosed embodiments can be used to implement different wireless power transmission services between these devices and to achieve interoperability between devices manufactured by different companies. For example, refer to... Figure 9Transmitter device 902 can transmit wireless power in the form of electromagnetic waves using X antenna elements. However, receiver device 922 can use X+Y antenna elements. Employing the application layer message structure of the disclosed embodiments, transmitter device 902 and receiver device 922 can agree on a specific arrangement of the antenna elements for better wireless power transmission. Other exemplary query messages may include, but are not limited to, querying other hardware / software (including different algorithms for wireless channel awareness) elements / features. Subsequently, transmitter device 902 and receiver device 922 can agree on an arrangement that better transmits wireless power.

[0075] The application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments can be used to notify the transmitter 102 or receiver 122 in the wireless power transmission network whether a fault exists. (See also...) Figure 11 The figure illustrates an example of error reporting using the application layer message frame structure of the disclosed embodiment. If receiver 122 malfunctions, it should report the malfunction to transmitter 102. Transmitter 102 can then determine whether to stop transmitting wireless power to receiver 122, since receiver 122 is unable to harvest power. Similarly, if transmitter 102 malfunctions, transmitter 102 should notify receiver 122 so that receiver 122 can shut down its power harvesting hardware. The application layer messaging protocol 200 of the disclosed embodiment can incorporate this functionality.

[0076] exist Figure 11 In the example, receiver 122 fails to collect electrical energy correctly and reports an error to transmitter 102 using error report message S11.1. Transmitter device 102 receives error message S11.1 and sends error message acknowledgment message S11.2. Figure 12A and Figure 12B The application layer message data structure for error message S11.1 and error message confirmation message S11.2 is shown.

[0077] like Figure 12A As shown, the frame structure attributes of error report message S11.1 include error message type 1102, sender identifier 1104, receiver identifier 1106, sequence number 1108, and error code 1110. Figure 12B In the frame structure of error message confirmation S11.2, the attributes include error message confirmation type 1120, sender identifier 1122, receiver identifier 1124, and sequence number 1126.

[0078] The application-layer message data structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments can be used to associate / disassociate devices at the application layer. Typically, devices become part of the wireless power transfer network 100 using underlying communication technologies. However, in order to establish a wireless power transfer session, the wireless power receiver device 122 also needs to join a specific transmitter 102 at the application layer. Similarly, when device 122 no longer needs the wireless power transfer service, it may wish to disassociate itself from transmitter 102. Figure 13 illustrates an exemplary wireless power transfer network 1300, whose application-layer message structure and message exchange sequence can implement the aforementioned functionality.

[0079] exist Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the example, receiver device 122, which wishes to join network 1300, sends an application join message S13.1 to transmitter device 102. Transmitter device 102 sends a join response message S13.2 along with a join instruction (e.g., a security key) back to receiver device 122. Receiver device 122 sends a join response confirmation S13.3 to transmitter device 122.

[0080] When receiver device 122 no longer needs the wireless power transmission service, it can send a deassociation request message S13.4 to deassociate itself from transmitter device 102. Transmitter device 102 processes the request and releases resources S13.6. When releasing resources, transmitter device 102 sends a deassociation confirmation S13.5.

[0081] The application layer message structure is as follows: Application Join S13.1, Join Response S13.2, Join Response Confirmation S13.3, Unassociation Request S13.4, and Unassociation Confirmation S13.5. Figures 14A to 14E As shown. The structure of the application join message S13.1 includes application join message type 1302 and sequence identifier 1304. The structure of the join response message S13.2 includes join response message type 1310, sender identifier 1312, receiver identifier 1314, sequence number 1316, security key 1318, and response code 1320. The structure of the join response confirmation message S13.3 includes join response confirmation message type 1330, sender identifier 1332, receiver identifier 1334, and sequence number 1336.

[0082] Figure 14D The structure of the deassociation request message S13.4 shown includes deassociation request message type 1340, sender identifier 1342, receiver identifier 1344, and sequence number 1346. Figure 14E The structure of the disconnection request confirmation message S13.5 shown includes disconnection request confirmation message type 1350, sender identifier 1352, receiver identifier 1354 and sequence number 1356.

[0083] refer to Figure 15A and Figure 15B In one embodiment, the application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiment can be used to terminate a wireless power transfer session. Terminating a wireless power transfer session is crucial because it frees up resources used for power transfer and collection. The system can also switch to a sleep mode to save power. The message exchange sequence shown in FIG15 begins with the transmission of a stop wireless power transfer message S15.1 from receiver device 122 to transmitter device 102. Transmitter device 102 processes (1502) the request to stop the wireless power transfer service. Transmitter device 102 sends a stop wireless power transfer service confirmation message S15.2. Receiver device 122 is then used to stop (1504) the wireless power transfer.

[0084] exist Figure 15B In the example, transmitter device 102 sends a stop wireless power transmission message S15.3 to receiver device 122. Receiver device 122 processes the request (1508) and sends a stop wireless power transmission confirmation message S15.4 to transmitter device 102. Transmitter device 102 processes the confirmation message (1506).

[0085] The structure of the Stop WPT message S15.1 used to terminate a wireless power transfer session is as follows: Figure 16A As shown. In this example, the attributes include Stop WPT message type 1602, sender identifier 1604, receiver identifier 1606, sequence number 1608, and reason attribute 1610. The structure of Stop WPT acknowledgment message S15.2 includes Stop WPT acknowledgment message type 1620, sender identifier 1622, receiver identifier 1624, and sequence number 1626.

[0086] As the wireless field matures, the demand for implementing new management, control, or value-added services in wireless power transmission networks will continue to increase. Therefore, a method is needed for communication between entities in a wireless power transmission network, the availability of which can easily provide the ability to easily add new services to such networks. The general application layer data frame structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments provides the arrangement and combination of attributes for implementing existing and new services in a wireless power transmission network 100. To implement a new service in the wireless power transmission network 100, based on the requirements of the service, it can be obtained from... Figure 2 Specific frame structures are derived from the general frame structure 200. The following are other exemplary services that can be implemented in a wireless power transmission network using the application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments.

[0087] Mobility detection: If the wireless power transmitter (e.g., device 102) is unaware of the movement of the receiver device (e.g., device 122) during a power transmission session, the wireless power transmitter 102 will continue to transmit power. The application layer message structure 200 of the disclosed embodiments can be used to implement a lightweight service that enables the transmitter device 102 to determine whether the receiver 122 is still in range.

[0088] Remote WPT Hardware Control: Transmitter 102 may wish to query the electrical energy collected at receiver side 122. Transmitter 102 can use this information to infer whether the hardware / software settings being used are optimal. Based on the received information, transmitter 102 can change the hardware / software configuration settings at the receiver side via wireless power transfer network 100.

[0089] Figures 17A to 17C This is a flowchart illustrating various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. In one embodiment, reference is made to... Figure 17A A method 1700A for communication, management, and control at the application layer level in a wireless power transmission network includes: forming (1702) a first message in the application layer of an application of a first wireless power transmission device. The first message includes multiple attributes, a first attribute identifying a wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network, a second attribute identifying the application of the first wireless power transmission device, and a third attribute identifying a destination application for receiving the first message. The first message is sent (1704) to the destination application identified by the third attribute of the first message.

[0090] like Figure 17A As shown, in one embodiment, method 1700A further includes: forming (1706) a second message in the application layer of the application of the second wireless power transmission device. The second message includes a plurality of attributes, a first attribute of the second message defining a response to the first message, a second attribute identifying the application of the second wireless power transmission device, and a third attribute identifying the application of the first wireless power transmission device for receiving the second message. The second message is sent (1708) to the application identified by the third attribute of the second message.

[0091] refer to Figure 17B In one embodiment, method 1700B further includes: performing (1710) the wireless power transfer service associated with the first message; and forming (1712) the first message or the second message, the first message or the second message including at least one other attribute indicating the result of the wireless power transfer service.

[0092] refer to Figure 17CIn one embodiment, method 1700C may further include: forming (1714) one or more of the first message or the second message; and including (1716) at least one other attribute. The at least one other attribute may be used to identify an aspect of the wireless power transfer service or an attribute of a new wireless power transfer service.

[0093] The disclosed embodiments provide aspects for implementing novel management, control, and value-added services in wireless power transmission networks. The application-layer message data structures and message exchange sequences ensure meaningful communication between devices in the wireless power transmission network, thereby enabling the implementation of existing and new management, control, and value-added services within the wireless power transmission network. Specific frame structures are derived from the general frame structure to implement specific wireless power transmission services. The application-layer protocols of the disclosed embodiments have sufficient generality to facilitate the implementation of new services in wireless power transmission networks.

[0094] Therefore, although the essential novel features of the invention applicable to exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown, described, and pointed out herein, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make various omissions, substitutions, and changes to the form and details of the illustrated devices and methods, as well as the operation of the devices, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the explicit intent herein is that all combinations of those elements that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and / or elements shown and / or described in connection with any form or embodiment of the disclosed invention can be incorporated as general design choices into any other form or embodiment disclosed, described, or suggested. Therefore, the invention is limited only to the scope set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (102) in a wireless power transmission network (100), characterized in that, The device (102) includes a processor (104) for: A first message is formed in the application layer (112) of the application (110) of the device (102). The first message has a specific frame structure derived from the general frame structure of the application layer. The first message includes a plurality of attributes, the number of which depends on the wireless power transmission service requested by the first message. The first attribute of the first message is a message type attribute that identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network (100). The message type attribute is specific to the wireless power transmission service implemented by the first message and indicates the response type required by the first message. The second attribute is a sender identifier attribute that identifies the application (110) of the device (102) that generated the first message. The third attribute is a receiver identifier attribute that identifies the destination application for receiving the first message. The first message is sent to the target application identified by the third attribute of the first message.

2. The device (102) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor (104) is also configured to receive a second message in the application layer (112) of the device (102), the second message including a plurality of attributes, a first attribute of the second message defining a response to the first message, a second attribute identifying the application that generated the second message, and a third attribute identifying the application (110) of the device (102) for receiving the second message.

3. The device (102) according to claim 2, characterized in that, One or more of the first message and the second message include at least one other attribute related to the wireless power transmission service.

4. The apparatus (102) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The device (102) includes a wireless power transmission device.

5. A device (122) in a wireless power transmission network (100), characterized in that, The device (122) includes a processor (124) for: A first message is received in the application layer (132) of the application (130) of the device (122). The first message has a specific frame structure derived from the general frame structure of the application layer. The first message includes a plurality of attributes, the number of which depends on the wireless power transmission service requested by the first message. The first attribute of the first message is a message type attribute that identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network (100). The message type attribute is specific to the wireless power transmission service implemented by the first message and indicates the response type required by the first message. The second attribute is a sender identifier attribute that identifies the application that generated the first message. The third attribute is a receiver identifier attribute that identifies the application (130) of the device (122) that received the first message. In response to the first message, a second message is generated in the application layer (132); Send the second message.

6. The apparatus (122) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device (122) is used to form the second message by including a plurality of attributes in the second message, wherein a first attribute of the second message defines a response to the first message, a second attribute identifies the application (130) that generates the second message, and a third attribute identifies the application of the wireless power transmission network (100) that receives the second message.

7. A wireless power transmission network (100), characterized in that, The system includes a first wireless power transmission device (102) and at least one second wireless power transmission device (122). The first wireless power transmission device (102) is used to form a first message in the application layer (112) of the application (110) of the first wireless power transmission device (102). The first message has a specific frame structure derived from the general frame structure of the application layer. The first message includes a plurality of attributes, the number of which depends on the wireless power transmission service requested by the first message. The first attribute of the first message is a message type attribute that identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network (100). The message type attribute is specific to the wireless power transmission service implemented by the first message and indicates the response type required by the first message. The second attribute is a sender identifier attribute that identifies the application (110) of the first wireless power transmission device (102) that generated the first message. The third attribute is a receiver identifier attribute that identifies the purpose application of the at least one second wireless power transmission device (122) that received the first message. The first message is sent to the target application identified by the third attribute of the first message.

8. The wireless power transmission network (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first wireless power transmission device (102) includes a processor (104), which is further configured to receive a second message in the application layer (112) of the wireless power transmission device (102). The second message includes multiple attributes, a first attribute of the second message defining a response to the first message, a second attribute identifying the application that generated the second message, and a third attribute identifying the application (112) of the wireless power transmission device (102) for receiving the second message.

9. The wireless power transmission network (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The at least one second wireless power transmission device includes a processor (124), the processor (124) being configured to: The first message is received in the application layer (132) of the application (130) of the second wireless power transmission device (122); The second message is formed in the application layer (132); The second message is sent to the application (110) identified by the third attribute of the second message.

10. The wireless power transmission network (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that, One or more of the first message and the second message are configured to include another attribute related to the wireless power transmission service.

11. A method (1700) for communication, management, and control at the application layer level in a wireless power transmission network, characterized in that, include: A first message (1702) is formed in the application layer of the application of the first wireless power transmission device. The first message has a specific frame structure derived from the general frame structure of the application layer. The first message includes multiple attributes, the number of which depends on the wireless power transmission service requested by the first message. The first attribute of the first message is a message type attribute that identifies the wireless power transmission service of the wireless power transmission network. The message type attribute is specific to the wireless power transmission service implemented by the first message and indicates the response type required by the first message. The second attribute is a sender identifier attribute that identifies the application of the first wireless power transmission device that generated the first message. The third attribute is a receiver identifier attribute that identifies the destination application for receiving the first message. Send (1704) the first message to the target application identified by the third attribute of the first message.

12. The method (1700) according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: In the application layer of the application of the second wireless power transmission device, a second message (1706) is formed. The second message includes multiple attributes. The first attribute of the second message defines the response to the first message. The second attribute identifies the application of the second wireless power transmission device that generates the second message. The third attribute identifies the application of the first wireless power transmission device that receives the second message. Send (1708) the second message to the application identified by the third attribute of the second message.

13. The method (1700) according to claim 12, characterized in that, Also includes: Perform (1710) the wireless power transfer service associated with the first message; Form (1712) the first message or the second message, the first message or the second message including at least one other attribute indicating the result of the wireless power transmission service.

14. The method (1700) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, characterized in that, It also includes forming (1714) one or more of the first message or the second message to include at least one other attribute.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions, characterized in that, When the program instructions are executed by the processor, the processor performs the method according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

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