Techniques for communicating capabilities in wireless charging system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to techniques for communicating capabilities in a wireless charging system. An electronic device may transmit a self-identifying message indicating its capability as a wireless power transmitter to a nearby device.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 501,852 filed on November 3, 2023 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 584,799 filed on September 22, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to power systems and, more particularly, to wireless power systems for charging electronic devices. Background Art

[0003] In a wireless charging system, a wireless power transmitting device transmits wireless power to a wireless power receiving device. The wireless power receiving device uses the wireless power to charge batteries and / or power components. Under some conditions, electromagnetic energy between the wireless power transmitter and the receiver system can be received at nearby devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] A wireless power transfer system is capable of operating in proximity to a wireless communication device. The wireless power system includes a power transfer device that transmits a first wireless power signal to a power receiving device during a wireless power transfer session. During the wireless power transfer session, when in proximity to the wireless power transfer system, the wireless communication device may attempt to perform near field data communication with the power transfer device.

[0005] The control circuit for the power transmission device may periodically transmit an identification message indicating that the power transmission device operates as a wireless power transmission device rather than as a near field data communication device. The control circuit for the wireless communication device may abandon the execution of near field data communication with the power transmission device based on the received identification message, thereby improving coexistence by avoiding unnecessary actions when preparing to execute near field data communication (such as activating the near field communication circuit and the user interface indicating the execution of near field data communication for the application). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless power system according to some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative wireless power system with a wireless power transmitting tablet computer and an associated wireless power receiving computer stylus, according to some embodiments.

[0008] Figure 3 is a side view of an illustrative wireless power system capable of operating in proximity to a wireless communication device in accordance with some embodiments.

[0009] Figure 4is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless communication device according to some embodiments.

[0010] Figure 5 is a timing diagram illustrating how an exemplary wireless power transmission device may transmit a self-identification message during a wireless power transfer session in accordance with some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 6 is a flow chart of illustrative operations for operating a wireless power transfer apparatus according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 7 is a flow chart of illustrative operations for operating a wireless communication device in proximity to a wireless power transfer system, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless power system (sometimes also referred to as a wireless charging system) is shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the wireless power system 8 includes one or more wireless power transmission devices such as a wireless power transmission device 12, and one or more wireless power receiving devices such as a wireless power receiving device 24. The wireless power system 8 may also be sometimes referred to herein as a wireless power transfer (WPT) system 8 or a wireless power system 8. The wireless power transmission device 12 may also be sometimes referred to herein as a power transmitter (PTX) device 12 or simply PTX 12. The wireless power receiving device 24 may also be sometimes referred to herein as a power receiver (PRX) device 24 or simply PRX 24.

[0014] The PTX device 12 includes a control circuit 16. The control circuit 16 is mounted within a housing 30. The PRX device 24 includes a control circuit 38 mounted within a corresponding housing of the PRX device 24. The exemplary control circuit 16 and the control circuit 38 are used to control the operation of the WPT system 8. The control circuit may include a processing circuit that includes one or more processors, such as a microprocessor, a power management unit, a baseband processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), an application-specific integrated circuit with a processing circuit, and / or other processing circuits. The processing circuit implements the required control and communication features in the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. For example, the processing circuit may be used to control power to one or more coils, determine and / or set power transfer levels, generate and / or process sensor data (e.g., to detect foreign objects and / or external electromagnetic signals or electromagnetic fields), process user input, handle negotiations between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24, send and receive in-band and out-of-band data, make measurements, and / or otherwise control the operation of the WPT system 8.

[0015] The control circuits in the WPT system 8 (e.g., the control circuits 16 and / or 38) are configured to perform operations in the WPT system 8 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuits), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations in the WPT system 8 is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) in the control circuits of the WPT system 8. Software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, program instructions, instructions, or code. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), one or more hard disk drives (e.g., a disk drive or a solid-state drive), one or more removable flash drives, or other removable media, etc. The software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be executed on the processing circuits of the control circuits 16 and / or 38.

[0016] The PTX device 12 may be a standalone power adapter (e.g., a wireless charging pad or charging puck that includes power adapter circuitry), may be a wireless charging pad or puck that is connected to a power adapter or other equipment via a cable, may be an electronic device (e.g., a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a computer monitor containing an embedded computer, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, a media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device; a smaller device such as a wristwatch device, a pendant device, a headset or earpiece device, a device embedded in glasses, goggles, or other equipment worn on a user's head, or other wearable or miniature device; a television, a computer display that does not contain an embedded computer, a gaming device, a navigation device, a voice-controlled speaker connected to wireless Internet, a home entertainment device, a remote control device, a game controller, a peripheral user input device, a wireless base station or access point, equipment that implements the functionality of two or more of these devices; or other electronic equipment), may be equipment that has been incorporated into furniture, a vehicle, or other systems, may be a removable battery box, or may be other wireless power transmission equipment. An exemplary configuration in which the PTX device 12 is an electronic device (such as a tablet computer) is described herein as an example.

[0017] The PRX device 24 may be: an electronic device such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a computer monitor containing an embedded computer, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, a media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device; a smaller device such as a wristwatch device, a pendant device, a headset or earpiece device, a device embedded in glasses, goggles, or other equipment worn on the user's head, or other wearable or miniature devices; a wireless tracking tag; a television, a computer display that does not contain an embedded computer, a gaming device, a navigation device, a voice-controlled speaker connected to wireless Internet, a home entertainment device, a remote control device, a game controller, a peripheral user input device, a wireless base station or access point, equipment that implements the functions of two or more of these devices; or other electronic equipment. An exemplary configuration in which the PRX device 24 is a peripheral user input device or generally an accessory to the PTX device 12 (such as a computer stylus) is described herein as an example.

[0018] The PTX device 12 may be connected to a wall outlet (e.g., an AC power source), may be coupled to the wall outlet via an external power adapter, may have a battery for supplying power, and / or may have another power source. In a specific implementation in which the PTX device 12 is coupled to the wall outlet via an external power adapter, the adapter may have an AC to DC power converter that converts alternating current (AC) power from the wall outlet or other power source into direct current (DC) power. If desired, the PTX device 12 may include a DC-DC power converter for converting DC power between different DC voltages. Additionally or alternatively, the PTX device 12 may include an AC-DC power converter 14 that generates DC power from AC power provided by the wall outlet (e.g., in a specific implementation in which the PTX device 12 is connected to the wall outlet without an external power adapter). The DC power may be used to power the control circuit 16. During operation, a controller in the control circuit 16 uses the power transmission circuit 22 to transmit wireless power to the power receiving circuit 46 of the PRX device 24.

[0019] The power transmission circuit 22 may have a switching circuit (such as an inverter circuit 26 formed by a transistor) that is turned on or off based on a control signal provided by the control circuit 16 to form an AC current signal through one or more wireless power transmission coils (such as the wireless power transmission coil 32). These coil drive signals cause the coil 32 to transmit wireless power. In a specific implementation in which the coil 32 includes a plurality of coils, the coils may be disposed on a ferromagnetic structure, arranged in a planar coil array, or may be arranged to form a coil cluster (e.g., two or more coils, 5 to 10 coils, at least 10 coils, 10 to 30 coils, less than 35 coils, less than 25 coils, or other suitable number of coils). In some specific implementations, the PTX device 12 includes only a single coil 32.

[0020] When AC current passes through one or more coils 32, an alternating electromagnetic (e.g., magnetic) field (wireless power signal 44) is generated, which is received by one or more corresponding coils (such as wireless power receiving coil 48 in PRX device 24). In other words, one or more of coils 32 are inductively coupled to one or more of coils 48. PRX device 24 may have a single coil 48, at least two coils 48, at least three coils 48, at least four coils 48, or other suitable number of coils 48. When the alternating electromagnetic field is received by coil 48, a corresponding (alternating) current is induced in coil 48. AC signal 44 for transmitting wireless power may have any suitable frequency, such as 128kHz, 326kHz, 360kHz, 105kHz to 210kHz, 100kHz to 400kHz, 1MHz to 100MHz, 1MHz to 20MHz, 13.56MHz, etc. In some configurations, the power transmission frequency may be determined by communication between devices 12 and 24. In other configurations, the power transmission frequency may be fixed.

[0021] Rectifier circuits such as rectifier circuit 50 (which includes rectifying components such as synchronous rectifier transistors arranged in a bridge network) convert AC signals received from one or more coils 48 (received alternating current signals associated with wireless power signals 44) into DC voltage signals for powering the PRX device 24. Wireless power signals 44 are sometimes referred to herein as wireless power 44 or wireless charging signals 44. Coils 32 are sometimes referred to herein as wireless power transmission coils 32 or wireless power transmission coils 32. Coils 48 are sometimes referred to herein as wireless power transmission coils 48 or wireless power receiving coils 48.

[0022] The DC voltage generated by the rectifier circuit 50 (sometimes referred to as the rectifier output voltage Vrect) may be used to charge a battery such as the battery 34, and may be used to power other components in the PRX device 24, such as the control circuit 38, input-output (I / O) devices 36, etc. The PTX device 12 may also include input-output devices, such as the input-output device 28. The input-output device 36 and / or the input-output device 28 may include input devices for collecting user input and / or taking environmental measurements, and may include output devices for providing output to the user.

[0023] For example, the input-output device 28 and / or the input-output device 36 may include a display (screen) for creating visual output, a speaker for presenting output as an audio signal, a light-emitting diode status indicator light and other light-emitting components for emitting light that provides status information and / or other information to the user, a tactile device for generating vibration and other tactile output, and / or other output devices. The input-output device 28 and / or the input-output device 36 may also include sensors for collecting input from the user and / or for measuring the surrounding environment of the WPT system 8. In the example described herein where the PTX device 12 is a tablet computer and the PRX device 24 is a computer stylus, the input-output device 28 includes a touch-sensitive and / or force-sensitive display that displays an image and detects that the PRX device 24 contacts and / or presses the display.

[0024] Figure 1 The example in which the PRX device 24 includes a battery 34 is merely illustrative. If desired, the electronic device may include a supercapacitor for storing charge instead of a battery. For example, the PRX device 24 may include a supercapacitor in place of the battery 34. The battery 34 may therefore sometimes be referred to as a power storage device 34 or a supercapacitor 34.

[0025] The PTX device 12 and / or the PRX device 24 may communicate wirelessly using in-band or out-of-band communication. Implementations using in-band communication may utilize, for example, frequency shift keying (FSK) and / or amplitude shift keying (ASK) techniques to transmit in-band data between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. Coils 32 and 48 may be used simultaneously for wireless power and in-band data transmission. The wireless transceiver (TX / RX) circuit 20 may modulate the wireless charging signal 44 to apply FSK or ASK communication, and the wireless transceiver circuit 40 may demodulate the wireless charging signal 44 to obtain the data being transmitted. Implementations using in-band communication may also utilize load modulation for communication. For example, the NFC near-field communication standard specifies techniques for wireless power transmission and wireless data communication at 13.56 MHz. Implementations using out-of-band communication may utilize, for example, hardware antenna structures and communication protocols (such as Bluetooth) to transmit out-of-band data between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. Power may continue to be wirelessly transmitted during out-of-band data transmission. Implementations using out-of-band communications may also employ NFC standard protocols for data communications, as proposed by the NFC Forum. Wireless transceiver circuitry 20 may wirelessly transmit and / or receive out-of-band signals to and / or from PRX device 24 using an antenna of device 12 (e.g., separate from coil 32).

[0026] The control circuit 16 in the PTX device 12 has a measurement circuit 18 that can be used to perform measurements of one or more characteristics external to the PTX device 12. For example, the measurement circuit 18 can detect external objects on or near the charging surface of the housing of the PTX device 12. The charging surface can be formed by a flat outer surface of the upper housing wall or peripheral sidewall of the device 12 or can have other shapes (e.g., concave or convex, etc.). Although for clarity in FIG. Figure 1 1 is shown as being separate from the power transmission circuit 22, but the measurement circuit 18 may form part of the power transmission circuit 22 if desired.

[0027] The measurement circuit 18 may detect foreign objects (such as coils, paper clips, and other metallic objects), may detect the presence of the PRX device 24 (e.g., the circuit 18 may detect the presence of one or more coils 48 and / or magnetic core materials associated with the coils 48), and / or may detect the presence of other power transmission devices near the PTX device 12 and / or the WPT system 8. The measurement circuit 18 may also be used to make sensor measurements using capacitive sensors, may be used to make temperature measurements, and / or may be otherwise used to gather information indicating whether a foreign object, power transmission device, power receiving device, or other external object (e.g., the PRX device 24) is present on or near the coil 32 of the PTX device 12. If desired, the PRX device 24 may include the measurement circuit 42. The measurement circuit 42 may perform one or more of the measurements performed by the measurement circuit 18 (e.g., for or using the coils 48 on the PRX device 24).

[0028] Figure 2 2 is a perspective diagram showing how a PRX device 24 may interact with a PTX device 12 in an exemplary configuration, where the PTX device 12 is a tablet computer or other device with a touch screen and the PRX device 24 is a computer stylus or another type of accessory device for the PTX device 12. The computer stylus may be paired with a tablet computer. A user may use the computer stylus (e.g., the PRX device 24) to draw or write on a tablet computer (e.g., the PTX device 12) and provide other input to the tablet computer.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the PTX device 12 includes a housing, such as housing 30. The PTX device 12 also includes a display 52 mounted to the housing 30. The display 52 may be a capacitive touch screen display or a display including other types of touch sensor technology. The touch sensor of the display 52 may be configured to receive input from a computer stylus (e.g., the PRX device 24). If desired, the display 52 may also be force sensitive (e.g., a force sensor input may be generated indicating how hard the PRX device 24 is pressing the display 52).

[0030] Display 52 may be a touch screen display incorporating a conductive capacitive touch sensor electrode layer or other touch sensor component (e.g., a resistive touch sensor component, an acoustic touch sensor component, a force-based touch sensor component, a light-based touch sensor component, etc.) or may be a non-touch sensitive display. Capacitive touch screen electrodes may be formed from an array of indium tin oxide pads or other transparent conductive structures.

[0031] The PRX device 24 may have a cylindrical shape or other elongated body extending along the longitudinal axis 68. The wireless transceiver circuitry 20 in the PTX device 12 and the wireless transceiver circuitry 40 in the PRX device 24 ( Figure 1 ) may support wireless communications via a wireless communications link 62 (e.g., a Bluetooth link). For example, the PRX device 24 may provide wireless input to the PTX device 12 via the link 62 (e.g., information regarding settings in a drawing program or other software running on the PTX device 12, input for selecting a desired on-screen option, input for supplying touch gestures such as stylus flicks to the PTX device 12, input for drawing lines or other objects on the display 52, input for moving or otherwise manipulating an image displayed on the display 52, etc.).

[0032] PRX device 24 may have a tip portion, such as tip 56. Tip 56 may include a conductive elastomeric member that is detected by a capacitive touch sensor of display 52. ​​If desired, tip 56 may include active electronics (e.g., circuitry that transmits a signal that is capacitively coupled to a touch sensor of display 52 and that is detected as a touch input on the touch sensor).

[0033] The shaft portion 58 of the PRX device 24 may couple the tip 56 of the PRX device 24 to an opposite end 60 of the PRX device 24. The end 60 may include a conductive elastomeric member, active electronics (e.g., circuitry that transmits signals in a touch sensor that is capacitively coupled to the display 52 and detected as touch input on the touch sensor), buttons, a metal connector that mates with an external plug, an antenna (e.g., to support the link 62), and / or other input-output components.

[0034] PRX device 24 may include a metal tube or other conductive component in shaft portion 58. The body of PRX device 24 may be formed of metal and / or plastic tubes and other elongated structures. The metal tube or other structure in PRX device 24 may serve as an antenna ground for one or more antennas in PRX device 24. Antenna resonating elements for the antennas may be formed of metal traces on a printed circuit or other dielectric support structure and / or from other conductive structures. The antenna resonating elements may be located in end region 60, along shaft 58, in tip region 56, or in other suitable portions of PRX device 24. The antenna may be used to support wireless link 62. One or more wireless power receiving coils (such as coil 48) may be disposed along shaft 58 so as to overlap with a non-metallic region or other opening (e.g., through which coil 48 operates). Coil 48 may be covered by a dielectric outer tube or covering forming a housing or exterior of PRX device 24. If desired, PRX device 24 may include one or more attachment structures, such as magnet 66. The magnets 66 may help secure the PRX device 24 to an appropriate portion of the PTX device 12 during wireless power transfer (sometimes referred to herein as wireless charging).

[0035] The housing 30 of the PTX device 12, which may sometimes be referred to as a case or box, may be formed of plastic, glass, ceramic, fiber composite materials, metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), other suitable materials, or combinations of any two or more of these materials. The housing 30 may be formed using a unitary configuration in which a portion or all of the housing 30 is machined or molded into a single structure, or may be formed using multiple structures (e.g., an internal frame structure, one or more structures forming an exterior housing surface, etc.). Figure 2 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the housing 30 includes a peripheral conductive side wall 30W surrounding the outer periphery of the PTX device 12 and the display 52. ​​If desired, the housing 30 may include a conductive rear wall 30R opposite the display 52 (e.g., the conductive rear wall 30R may form a rear outer surface, side or surface of the PTX device 12). If desired, the rear wall 30R and the side wall 30W may be formed of a continuous metal structure (e.g., in a one-piece configuration) or by separate metal structures. If desired, openings may be formed in the housing 30 to form communication ports, holes for buttons, and other structures. In another suitable arrangement, the rear wall 30R and / or the side wall 30W may be formed of a dielectric material such as ceramic, plastic, or glass.

[0036] Display 52 may be protected using a display cover layer, such as a layer of transparent glass, light-transmitting plastic, transparent ceramic, sapphire or other transparent crystalline material, or one or more other optically transparent layers. The display cover layer may have a flat shape, a convex curved profile, a shape with flat and curved portions, a layout including a planar main area wrapped around one or more edges (where a portion of one or more edges is bent out of the plane of the planar main area), or other suitable shapes. The display cover layer may cover the entire front face of PTX device 12 (e.g., across the entire front face of PTX device 12). Figure 2 The sidewall 30W may extend from the rear face of the PTX device 12 formed by the rear wall 30R to the display cover layer (e.g., across the entire length dimension of the PTX device 12 parallel to the X-axis and the width dimension of the PTX device 12 parallel to the Y-axis). Figure 2 The display cover layer may extend along the height dimension of the PTX device 12 parallel to the Z axis). In another suitable arrangement, the display cover layer may cover substantially all of the front face of the PTX device 12 or only a portion of the front face of the PTX device 12. An opening may be formed in the display cover layer. For example, an opening may be formed in the display cover layer to accommodate a button, a speaker, a fingerprint sensor, etc. One or more antennas for supporting the wireless communication link 62 may be mounted within the housing 30.

[0037] Housing 30 may have four peripheral edges (e.g., conductive sidewalls 30W). One or more wireless power transmission coils (such as coil 32) may be mounted within housing 30, behind display 52, and adjacent to housing sidewalls 30W (such as at a position adjacent to display 52). Figure 2 64). In the case where the housing sidewall 30W is formed of a conductive material, a dielectric window may be formed in the sidewall (e.g., the region 64 may form a dielectric window for the coil 32 in the sidewall 30W). The coil 32 is mounted behind the dielectric window to allow wireless power to be transferred to the PRX device 24 when the PRX device 24 is placed adjacent to the dielectric window. If desired, the PTX device 12 may include one or more attachment structures, such as magnets 54 positioned along, adjacent to, or overlapping with the region 64. The magnets 54 and / or magnets 66 may help secure the PRX device 24 in place against the region 64 of the sidewall 30W during wireless charging (e.g., a position / orientation in which the coil 32 in the PTX device 12 is sufficiently aligned with the coil 48 in the PRX device 24 to maximize wireless power transfer efficiency).

[0038] In this example, when it is desired to charge the PRX device 24, the user places the PRX device 24 against the side wall 30W (e.g., with the longitudinal axis 68 of the PRX device 24 parallel to the Figure 2The magnets 54 and / or 66 may snap the PRX device 24 onto the sidewall 30W and may hold the PRX device 24 in place (e.g., in an optimal position / orientation for maximizing wireless power transfer efficiency). When the PRX device 24 is placed adjacent to or against the area 64, the coil 32 on the PTX device 12 is aligned with the coil 48 on the PRX device 24. The coil 32 then transmits wireless power (e.g., Figure 1 The wireless power signal 44) is transmitted to the coil 48 for powering or charging the PRX device 24.

[0039] This example is illustrative and not limiting. In general, the coil 32 may be disposed at any desired location within the PTX device 12. For example, the coil 32 may be disposed within the PTX device 12 at a location overlapping the display 52 (e.g., for charging the PRX device 24 through the inactive area when the PRX device is placed on the display 52), at a location overlapping the other side walls 30W of the PTX device 12, and / or at a location overlapping the rear wall 30R (e.g., for charging the PRX device 24 through the dielectric portion or window of the rear wall 30R when the PRX device is placed on the rear wall 30R). If desired, the PTX device 12 may include multiple coils 32 at different locations within the PTX device 12. If desired, two or more coils 32 in the PTX device 12 may at least partially overlap relative to each other within the same area of ​​the PTX device 12.

[0040] During operation, situations may arise where a given WPT system 8 is in close proximity to other external equipment, such as wireless communication devices. Figure 3 is a side view showing one such situation (e.g., along Figure 2 (Observe in the +X direction). Figure 3 As shown, the exemplary WPT system 8 may include a PTX device 12 (e.g., a tablet computer) and a PRX device 24 (e.g., a computer stylus paired with a tablet computer). External equipment such as a wireless communication device 70 may be positioned close to the WPT system 8 and operated in the vicinity thereof (e.g., within 10 mm, within 75 mm, within 100 mm, etc., such as when the PTX device 12 is placed on a surface below a desktop computer or tablet computer and the wireless communication device 70 has been placed on top of or moved over the PTX device 12). In some examples, the wireless communication device 70 is a smart phone or wristwatch device with NFC capabilities.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, a user (eg, a user of the WPT system 8 and / or the wireless communication device 70) mounts the PRX device 24 to (against) a side wall 30W of the PTX device 12 (eg, with Figure 2The magnets 54 and / or 66 or other alignment and / or attachment structures help hold the PRX device 24 in place against the sidewall 30W of the PTX device 12. When the PRX device 24 is mounted to the sidewall 30W, the PTX device 12 transmits the wireless power signal 44 through the sidewall 30W to the PRX device 24. The power receiving circuit 46 ( Figure 1 ) uses the wireless power signal 44 to charge the battery 34 and / or power components of the PRX device 24.

[0042] While the PTX device 12 is transmitting the wireless power signal 44 to the PRX device 24, a user (e.g., the same user or a different user of the WPT system 8) may move the device 70 over or generally close to the WPT system 8 (e.g., within 100 mm of the WPT system 8). When the device 70 is close to the WPT system 8, the transmission of the wireless power signal 44 may result in unwanted interactions with the device 70. For example, as indicated by arrow 72, at least some of the electromagnetic (field) energy associated with the wireless power signal 44 may be detected by the wireless communication device 70 (e.g., by a coil or other antenna in the wireless communication device 70).

[0043] Specifically, the wireless power signal 44 may be transmitted at one or more frequencies consistent with one or more frequencies at which the wireless communication circuitry on the device 70 operates. In some configurations described herein as illustrative examples, the wireless power signal 44 may be transmitted at a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz (e.g., a frequency band centered around 13.56 MHz and having an appropriate bandwidth that complies with the NFC standard set by the NFC Forum). The wireless communication circuitry of the device 70 may include a near field communication circuit that operates at or near the same frequency (frequency band) as the wireless power signal 44.

[0044] As used herein, the phrases "near field data communication" and "near field communication" refer to communication between wireless systems generally within a certain range, such as communication between antennas that transmit and receive electromagnetic signals within a near field scheme, and NFC (near field communication) refers to an exemplary specific implementation of near field (data) communication, such as when near field (data) communication is implemented in a manner that is compatible or consistent with the NFC standards set by the NFC Forum.

[0045] Continuing with the above illustrative examples, upon detecting electromagnetic (field) energy associated with the wireless power signal 44, the wireless communication device 70 may supply power to (or generally activate) the near field communication circuit and / or perform other actions thereon in an attempt to perform near field data communications with the PTX device 12. As an illustrative example, the corresponding control circuit on the device 70 may activate an application or more specifically a user interface of the application to facilitate near field data communication interaction with the PTX device 12. Configurations in which the application is a public transportation application or a mobile payment application and the user interface may be used to facilitate entry and / or point of sale are sometimes described herein as illustrative examples. If desired, other applications may be prompted by the presence of the detected electromagnetic field.

[0046] However, such interaction between the WPT system 8 and the wireless communication device 70 may not be desired because the PTX device 12 operates in its capacity as a wireless power transmission device rather than as a near-field data communication device. In other words, although the above-mentioned interaction should generally occur based on the wireless communication device 70 detecting an electromagnetic field caused by a near-field data communication device (e.g., a door entry reader, an electronic ticket terminal, a point of sale (POS) terminal, or another device with which the device 70 should be prepared in advance to facilitate appropriate near-field data communication interactions (e.g., presenting a user interface for an appropriate near-field data communication device)), such interaction may be inappropriate when an electromagnetic field caused by the WPT system 8 is detected.

[0047] Therefore, in order to promote coexistence between the wireless communication device 70 and the WPT system 8, it may be necessary for the WPT system 8 to indicate to the device 70 that the PTX device 12 is not operating as a near-field data communication device and / or is operating as a wireless power transmission device. Exemplary details of the PTX device 12 sending an indication of its identity as a wireless power transmission device to the device 70 and / or the device 70 processing the received indication are described herein.

[0048] Figure 4 An exemplary wireless communication device 78 is shown. In the exemplary case described herein as an example, Figure 4 The wireless communication device 78 in the embodiment may be placed near the WPT system or generally operate in the vicinity thereof (e.g., may be a wireless communication device capable of operating in the vicinity of the WPT system 8). Figure 3 In other examples, the device 70 ( Figure 3 ) may be a device implemented in other ways (different from Figure 4 Device 78).

[0049] The wireless communication device 78 may include components located on or within the housing of the electronic device. The wireless communication device 78 may include a control circuit 80. The control circuit 80 may include a storage circuit 84, which includes non-volatile and volatile memory. The control circuit 80 may include a processing circuit 82 for controlling the operation of the device 78. The processing circuit 82 may include one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, host processors, baseband processor integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits, central processing units (CPUs), etc. The control circuit 80 may be configured to perform operations in the device 78 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuits), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing operations in the device 78 may be stored on the storage circuit 84 (e.g., the storage circuit 84 may include a non-transitory (tangible) computer-readable storage medium storing software code). The software code may sometimes be referred to as program instructions, software, data, instructions, or code. The software code stored on the storage circuit 84 may be executed by the processing circuit 82. The control circuit 80 may be used to run software, such as an application, on the device 78.

[0050] Device 78 may include input-output devices 86, such as a touch screen (display) 88 and one or more buttons. Control circuitry 80 implements communication protocols, such as NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, cellular, etc. Wireless communication circuitry 90 may support wireless communications (e.g., based on one or more protocols implemented by control circuitry 80). Wireless communication circuitry 90 may include one or more antennas 94 (e.g., conductive coils for near field communications). Wireless communication circuitry 90 (sometimes referred to as wireless circuitry 90) may also include baseband processor circuitry or other processor circuitry, transceiver circuitry, amplifier circuitry, filter circuitry, switch circuitry, radio frequency transmission lines, and / or any other circuitry for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals using antenna 94.

[0051] The wireless communication device 78 can be implemented as: a computing device, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a computer monitor including an embedded computer, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, a media player, or other handheld or portable electronic device; a wearable device, such as a wristwatch device, a pendant device, a headset or earpiece device, a device embedded in glasses or other equipment worn on the user's head, or other wearable or miniature device; a television, a gaming device, a navigation device, an embedded system (such as a system in which electronic equipment with a display is installed in an information kiosk or a car), a voice-controlled speaker connected to the wireless Internet, a home entertainment device, a remote control device, a game controller, a peripheral user input device, a wireless base station or access point, equipment that implements the functions of two or more of these devices; or other electronic equipment.

[0052] As an illustrative example, a configuration in which the wireless communication circuit 90 includes a circuit for supporting near field communication is described herein. Support for near field communication may include compliance with or compatibility with the NFC standard proposed by the NFC Forum. Other types of near field communication are also possible. The near field communication circuit 92 may also include baseband processor circuits or other processor circuits, transceiver circuits, amplifier circuits, filter circuits, switch circuits, radio frequency transmission lines, and / or any other circuits for transmitting and / or receiving radio frequency signals using a near field coil (antenna) for supporting near field communication.

[0053] The wireless communication circuit 90 can transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals within the corresponding radio frequency band. As an example, the near field communication circuit 92 can use one or more frequency bands associated with near field communication (such as a near field communication band centered at 13.56 MHz) to convey (e.g., transmit and / or receive) radio frequency signals. In addition, the frequency bands handled by the wireless circuit 90 (e.g., by non-near field communication circuits therein) can include wireless local area network bands (e.g., Wi-Fi), GPS, cellular, etc.

[0054] In combination Figure 3 In the case described (for example, when device 78 is Figure 3 When placed near the WPT system 8, as in the case of the device 70 in the WPT system 8, the near field communication circuit 92 of the device 78 using the antenna 94 (e.g., coil) can detect the electromagnetic field associated with the wireless power signal 44 (sometimes referred to as electromagnetic energy coupled to the corresponding coil or antenna), as indicated by the arrow 72. Specifically, as part of the field detection operation, the near field communication circuit 92 can detect the electromagnetic energy using the corresponding antenna 94. Based on the detected electromagnetic field, the control circuit 80 can wake up additional circuits, such as supplying power to the near field communication circuit 92 and / or otherwise activating the near field communication circuit 92 to prepare for near field data communication with the source of the detected electromagnetic field. However, because the system 8 is a wireless power transmission system and more specifically the PTX device 12 ( Figure 3 ) is operating as a wireless power transmission device, and therefore, there is no intended near-field data communication between the wireless communication device 78 and the PTX device 12. As a result, the device 78 may activate and continuously supply power to the near-field communication circuit 92 (and take other actions) in preparation for near-field data communication that does not actually occur (e.g., assuming that the PTX device 12 is operating as a wireless power transmission device, near-field data communication is not intended to occur). These actions may increase power consumption of the device 78. In addition, in the event that the device 78 displays a corresponding user interface or activates a software application related to near-field communication in response to the detected electromagnetic field, the user of the device 78 may be confused by the seemingly inappropriate execution of the application and / or user interface.

[0055] To improve the device 78 (or in general, Figure 3 In order to provide for the coexistence between the device 70 in the wireless communication system 10 and the WPT system 8, the WPT system 8 (e.g., the PTX device 12) may transmit an indication that the PTX device 12 is operating as a wireless power transmitter (e.g., in the form of a message 96). The wireless communication circuit 90 using the antenna 94 (e.g., the antenna 94 for the near-field communication circuit 92 or another antenna for non-near-field communication circuits such as Bluetooth communication circuits or Wi-Fi communication circuits) may receive the message 96 containing the operating identity of the PTX device 12 and / or the wireless power transmission function.

[0056] In response to receiving and processing the message 96 using the wireless communication circuitry 90, the control circuitry 80 of the device 78 may forgo one or more actions typically taken to prepare for near-field data communication (e.g., in response to detecting the electromagnetic field of the wireless power signal 44). In this manner, the wireless communication device 78 need not supply power to or otherwise activate the near-field communication circuitry 92, and need not present irrelevant application and / or user interface information when operating in proximity to the WPT system 8. Thus, coexistence between the wireless communication device 78 and the WPT system 8 is enhanced.

[0057] Figure 5 is an exemplary timing diagram showing an exemplary manner in which an identification message 96 may be transmitted by a PTX device 12 for a wireless power transfer session performed between the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24. When including identification information for the sending device, the identification message 96 is sometimes referred to as a self-identification message.

[0058] Figure 5 The top diagram of illustrative embodiments shows how a wireless power session, such as session 100, may include signaling between a PTX device 12 and a PRX device 24 associated with various functional capabilities of the devices. Figure 5 The bottom diagram of shows the transmission timing of the identification message 96 relative to the various time periods shown in the top diagram.

[0059] The exemplary wireless charging session 100 includes a ping phase (period) 103 during which the PTX device 12 evaluates whether a potential PRX device 24 is in proximity. If a potential PRX device 24 is in proximity, the PTX device 12 performs a handshake 102 with the PRX device 24 to evaluate parameters for wireless power transfer. During the handshake 102, the PTX device 12 and the PRX device 24 may signal capabilities, such as protocols and supported charging speeds. An exemplary charging standard is the wireless charging specification of the NFC standard.

[0060] After the handshake 102, the PTX device 12 may transmit the wireless power signal 44 to the PRX device 24 over a number of charging cycles (e.g., a first cycle, a second cycle, ..., an Nth cycle) during the charging time period 104. During each charging cycle, the PTX device 12 and / or the PRX device 24 may perform closed-loop communication therebetween to adjust various charging parameters. For example, the PRX device 24 may indicate the amount of power received and the PTX device 12 may adjust its output accordingly.

[0061] During the above-described activity of the wireless power transfer session 100, the PTX device 12 may periodically transmit a self-identification message 96 (e.g., Figure 5 ). Message 96 may be an identification message indicating that the PTX device 12 is operating as a wireless power transmission device rather than a near field data communication device. Thus, when external equipment such as a wireless communication device 70 (e.g., Figure 4 When the device 78 in the wireless power transmission module 44 receives the message 96, the device 70 may take action to refrain from attempting to perform near-field data communications with the PTX device 12, even if the device 70 detects the electromagnetic energy of the wireless power signal 44. The message 96, which may be sent in the form of a data packet, may include information generally identifying the class of the intended receiving device (e.g., a device operating as a near-field data communication device, a device operating as a wireless power transmitting device, etc.), information specifically identifying the PTX device 12 operating in a wireless power transfer operating mode rather than in other possible operating modes in which the PTX device 12 is capable of operating (including a near-field data communication operating mode), and / or other information indicating the current operating identity or function of the PTX device 12.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the example of , the PTX device 12 transmits a first instance 96-1 of the identification message 96 during the object detection ping time period 103. It should be noted that the PTX device 12 may transmit self-identification messages during other time periods in the session 100. For example, during the handshake (time period) 102, in addition to the digital ping signal, the PTX device 12 may also transmit the self-identification message 96. Conceptually, it may be advantageous to transmit the self-identification message during a time period in which the relevant near field communication protocol allows for customized (sometimes referred to as extended or vendor-specific) data packets. The transmission of the message 96 alerts nearby external devices to the presence of the PTX device 12 acting as a wireless power transmission device.

[0063] exist Figure 5In the example of , the PTX device 12 may additionally transmit or broadcast additional instances 96-2, ..., 96-M of the message 96 during the wireless power transfer session 100 (such as at the end of each of the wireless power transfer cycles that collectively span the closed-loop charging time period 104). Specifically, between the end of a first wireless power transfer cycle and the beginning of a subsequent second wireless power transfer cycle, the PTX device 12 may send a synchronization message to the PRX device 24 to synchronize wireless charging operations between cycles. Prior to sending the synchronization message (e.g., at the end of the first wireless power transfer cycle), the PTX device 12 may transmit an instance 96-2 of the message 96 to continue to indicate its operation as a wireless power transfer device. In a similar manner, the PTX device 12 may continue to transmit instances 96-M of the message 96, each instance being transmitted at the end of a corresponding wireless power transfer cycle of the charging operation during the time period 104. If desired, messages other than synchronization messages (e.g., a pseudo read message or another custom message) may be transmitted from the PTX device 12 to the PRX device 24 between adjacent wireless charging cycles, and instances 96-2, ..., 96-M of the message 96 may similarly be transmitted before these other pseudo messages or custom messages. If the PTX device 12 includes out-of-band data transmission circuitry in addition to the wireless charging circuitry, it may additionally or alternatively transmit the self-identification message 96 using an out-of-band signal relative to the wireless power transfer signal.

[0064] Figure 6 The PTX device 12 ( Figure 1 ) is a flow chart of exemplary operations performed to improve coexistence during wireless power transfer. At block 120, the control circuit 16 ( Figure 1 ) can be used in conjunction with the corresponding PRX device 24 ( Figure 1 ) of a wireless power transfer session (such as reference Figure 5 The wireless power transmission circuit 22 ( Figure 1 ) to perform wireless power transfer operations.

[0065] At block 122, the control circuitry 16 may use the wireless power transmission circuitry 22 (e.g., the coil 32 in an in-band communication implementation) or a separate wireless communication circuitry (e.g., an antenna separate from the coil 32 in an out-of-band communication implementation) to transmit an identification message (e.g., a wireless power transmission device) identifying the PTX device 12 as a wireless power transmission device during the wireless power transfer session. Figure 596 in the wireless power transmission session). The control circuit 16 may transmit the identification message at any suitable time with respect to the wireless power transmission session. Specifically, the control circuit 16 may periodically transmit the message 96 across the wireless power transmission session. As an example, at least some adjacent transmission pairs of the message 96 may be sent at a regular periodicity, such as a periodicity on the order of hours (such as 1 hour, 1 hour and 20 minutes, 2 hours, etc.), a periodicity on the order of minutes (such as 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, etc.), a periodicity on the order of seconds (such as 1 second, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.), a periodicity on the order of milliseconds (10 times or 100 times) (such as 75 milliseconds, 100 milliseconds, 250 milliseconds, etc.), or any other suitable periodicity (for example, any other periodicity between 10 milliseconds and 2 hours). If desired, some adjacent transmission pairs of the message 96 may be sent at irregular periodicity. As an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit 16 may transmit the message 96 once at the beginning of the wireless power transfer session (e.g., as the first message transmitted for the wireless power transfer session, in conjunction with the first message transmitted at the beginning of the wireless power transfer session). Figure 5 The digital verification message transmitted during the handshake period 102 in the same time, etc.), and the message 96 may be periodically transmitted during each wireless power transfer cycle during the closed-loop charging period.

[0066] The transmission of identification messages throughout the wireless power transfer session allows the PTX device 12 to indicate its current operating identity as a wireless power transfer device to neighboring devices (e.g., device 70) that may attempt to perform near-field data communications with the PTX device 12. If desired, in other situations (e.g., when the PRX device 24 is decoupled from the PTX device 12, when a near-field data communication application is executing on the PTX device 12, etc.), the device 12 may indicate its current operating identity as a near-field data communication device, for example, to facilitate a neighboring device (e.g., device 70) to perform near-field data communications with the device 12.

[0067] Figure 7 is a wireless communication device 70 ( Figure 3 ) is implemented to improve the connection with WPT system 8( Figure 3 ) is a flowchart of an exemplary operation of coexistence of the control circuit 80 and the wireless communication circuit 90. The following describes as an example a device 78 ( Figure 4 )yes Figure 3 70 in the device and performs the combination Figure 7 The operations described are exemplary of the embodiments. If desired, other types of devices 70 may be used in conjunction with Figure 7 The operation described.

[0068] At block 130, wireless communication circuitry 90 of device 78 may communicate with the wireless power transfer session (e.g., Figure 5 The wireless power transfer session 100 in the embodiment of the present invention uses an antenna (e.g., a near field communication antenna 94 in an in-band communication implementation or a separate antenna 94 in an out-of-band communication implementation) to receive an identification message (e.g., a wireless power transfer session 100 in the embodiment of the present invention) that identifies the PTX device 12 as a wireless power transmission device during the reception. Figure 5 Specifically, the identification message may have information indicating that the PTX device 12 operates as a wireless power transmission device and / or a non-near field data communication device.

[0069] Based on the received identification message (e.g., the wireless communication circuit 90 and / or the control circuit 80 processes the received identification message), the control circuit 80 may determine at block 132 that the detected electromagnetic field (energy) associated with the wireless power signal for the wireless power transfer session is not caused by the near-field data communication device (e.g., not caused by the device currently operating as the near-field data communication device), but is caused by the wireless power transfer device (e.g., caused by the device currently operating as the wireless power transfer device). In other words, the control circuit 80 may determine that the received self-identification message indicates whether the wireless power transfer device is operating as a wireless power transfer device or as a near-field data communication device.

[0070] At box 134, the control circuit 80 of the device 78 may abandon one or more actions taken to prepare for near-field data communication that would otherwise be prompted by the detected electromagnetic field (energy) (in the event that the identification message is not received at box 130). More specifically, in one exemplary case, the control circuit 80 may perform near-field data communication with the near-field data communication device based on a determination that the wireless power transmission device is operating as a near-field data communication device based on the identification message. In another exemplary case, which is sometimes described as an example herein, the control circuit 80 may abandon performing near-field data communication with the wireless power transmission device (e.g., abandon actions taken to prepare for near-field data communication) based on a determination that the wireless power transmission device is operating as a wireless power transmission device. As an example, the control circuit 80 may abandon activating the near-field communication circuit 92 (e.g., reducing the power supplied to the near-field communication circuit 92) and / or abandon displaying a signal on the display (e.g., Figure 4 One or more user interfaces indicating near field data communication for applications (such as public transportation applications, electronic ticket reader applications, mobile payment applications, etc.) are presented on the touch screen display 88 in the display.

[0071] At block 136, control circuitry 80 may monitor wireless communication circuitry 90 (eg, antenna 94) for continued receipt of the identification message. Specifically, control circuitry 80 may expect to detect additional instances of the identification message while the wireless power transfer session remains active.

[0072] Thus, in the event that there are additional instances of the identification message (as received and processed), the control circuit 80 may proceed back to block 132 via path 138. Based on any additional instances of the identification message, the control circuit 80 may proceed at block 132 to determine that the electromagnetic field (energy) associated with the wireless power signal for the wireless power transfer session is not caused by the near field data communication device, and may proceed at block 134 to abandon the one or more actions for near field data communication.

[0073] In the absence of any further instances of the identification message (being received and processed), the control circuit 80 may continue to a normal operating state when handling near field data communications via path 140. Thus, at block 142, the control circuit 80 may take one or more actions for near field data communications (e.g., actions taken to prepare for near field data communications) based on the detected electromagnetic field (energy), which in the absence of the identification message may indicate that the detected electromagnetic field (energy) is caused by an external near field data communication device (such as an electronic ticket reader, a payment or point of sale terminal, etc.).

[0074] As used herein, the term "simultaneous" refers to overlapping at least partially in time. In other words, if at least some of the first event occurs at the same time as at least some of the second event (e.g., if at least some of the first event occurs during at least some of the second event, occurs at the same time as at least some of the second event, or occurs when at least some of the second event occurs), the first event and the second event are referred to as "simultaneous" with each other in this article. If the first event and the second event are synchronized (e.g., if the entire duration of the first event overlaps with the entire duration of the second event in time), the first event and the second event can be simultaneous, but if the first event and the second event are asynchronous (e.g., if the first event starts before or after the second event starts, if the first event ends before or after the second event ends, or if the first event and the second event do not partially overlap in time), the first event and the second event can also be simultaneous. As used herein, the term "at..." is synonymous with "simultaneous".

[0075] The foregoing description contemplates the use of self-identification messages to indicate, for example, whether an electronic device is acting as an NFC wireless power transmitter or an NFC data communication terminal. A nearby NFC receiver is required to know this information and initiate the most appropriate device function. It should be noted that the technology of the present invention does not need to involve the transmission of personally identifiable information to work. For example, the self-identification message does not need to indicate the ownership of the transmitting device when the self-identification message is transmitted. Out of an abundance of caution, it should be noted that to the extent that a specific implementation of the wireless charging technology involves the use of personally identifiable information, the implementer should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally considered to meet or exceed industry or government requirements to maintain user privacy.

[0076] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, which includes a wireless power transmission coil and a control circuit, which is coupled to the wireless power transmission coil and is configured to: transmit a wireless power signal to a wireless power receiving device by using the wireless power transmission coil, perform a wireless power transmission operation during a wireless power transmission session; and transmit an identification message indicating the identity of the electronic device during the wireless power transmission session.

[0077] According to another embodiment, the identification message identifies the electronic device as a wireless power transmission device.

[0078] According to another embodiment, the electronic device is capable of operating in a wireless power transfer mode of operation and a near field data communication mode of operation, and the identification message identifies the electronic device as operating in the wireless power transfer mode of operation.

[0079] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to periodically transmit the identification message using the wireless power transfer coil during the wireless power transfer session.

[0080] According to another embodiment, transmitting the wireless power signal occurs during a closed-loop charging period including a plurality of wireless power transfer cycles, and the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the wireless power transfer coil during each of the wireless power transfer cycles.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message at least once during the wireless power transfer session, prior to the closed-loop charging period, using the wireless power transfer coil.

[0082] According to another embodiment, messages are exchanged with the wireless power receiving device during a handshake period prior to the closed-loop charging period, and the control circuit is configured to transmit an identification message using the wireless power transmitting coil at the beginning of the handshake period.

[0083] According to another embodiment, the message exchange during the handshake period sets up the wireless power transfer session to comply with a near field communication (NFC) standard.

[0084] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes an antenna separate from the wireless power transfer coil, and the control circuit is configured to periodically use the antenna to transmit the identification message during the wireless power transfer session.

[0085] According to another embodiment the wireless power signal occurs during a closed-loop charging period including a plurality of wireless power transfer cycles, and the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the antenna during each of the wireless power transfer cycles.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the antenna at least once during the wireless power transfer session prior to the closed-loop charging period.

[0087] According to another embodiment, messages are exchanged with the wireless power receiving device during a handshake period prior to the closed-loop charging period, and the control circuit is configured to transmit an identification message using the wireless power transmitting coil at the beginning of the handshake period.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the wireless power signal is at a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz.

[0089] According to an embodiment, an electronic device capable of operating near a wireless power transmission system is provided, the wireless power transmission system comprising a wireless power receiving device and a wireless power transmitting device, the wireless power transmitting device being configured to transmit a self-identification message with the wireless power receiving device during a wireless power transmission operation, the electronic device comprising an antenna, a near-field communication circuit coupled to the antenna, and a control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: receive a self-identification message; determine whether the received self-identification message indicates that the wireless power transmission device is operating as a wireless power transmission device or as a near-field data communication device; perform near-field data communication with the near-field data communication device based on the determination that the wireless power transmission device is operating as a near-field data communication device; and abandon the performance of near-field data communication with the wireless power transmission device based on the determination that the wireless power transmission device is operating as a wireless power transmission device.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to abstain from performing near field data communication by reducing power supplied to the near field communication circuit.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a display, and the control circuit is configured to abstain from performing near field data communication by deactivating a user interface indicating near field data communication for an application.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the application comprises a mobile payment application.

[0093] According to another embodiment, a wireless power receiving device includes an accessory for a wireless power transmitting device and mountable to the wireless power transmitting device.

[0094] According to one embodiment, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided, which include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless power transmission device that performs wireless power transmission operations with a wireless power receiving device, cause the one or more processors to: during a power transfer session, transmit a wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving device using a wireless power transfer coil in the wireless power transmission device; and during the power transfer session, periodically transmit a self-identification message indicating the wireless power transfer function of the wireless power transmission device.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device includes a tablet computer, and the wireless power receiving device includes a computer stylus.

[0096] The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications may be made to the embodiments described. The foregoing embodiments may be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device, comprising: Wireless power transmission coil; and a control circuit coupled to the wireless power transmission coil and configured to: performing a wireless power transfer operation during a wireless power transfer session by transmitting a wireless power signal to a wireless power receiving device using the wireless power transfer coil; and An identification message indicating an identity of the electronic device is transmitted during the wireless power transfer session. 2 . The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification message identifies the electronic device as a wireless power transmission device.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the electronic device is capable of operating in a wireless power transfer mode of operation and a near field data communication mode of operation, and wherein the identification message identifies the electronic device as operating in the wireless power transfer mode of operation. 4 . The electronic device of claim 2 , wherein the control circuit is configured to periodically transmit the identification message using the wireless power transfer coil during the wireless power transfer session.

5. The electronic device of claim 4 , wherein transmitting the wireless power signal occurs during a closed-loop charging time period comprising a plurality of wireless power transfer cycles, and wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the wireless power transfer coil during each of the wireless power transfer cycles. 6 . The electronic device of claim 5 , wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message at least once during the wireless power transfer session and prior to the closed-loop charging period using the wireless power transfer coil.

7. The electronic device of claim 6 , wherein messages are exchanged with the wireless power receiving device during a handshake period prior to the closed-loop charging period, and wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the wireless power transmitting coil at the start of the handshake period. 8 . The electronic device of claim 7 , wherein the message exchange during the handshake period configures the wireless power transfer session to comply with a near field communication (NFC) standard.

9. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: An antenna separate from the wireless power transfer coil, wherein the control circuit is configured to periodically use the antenna to transmit the identification message during the wireless power transfer session.

10. An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein transmitting the wireless power signal occurs during a closed-loop charging time period including a plurality of wireless power transfer cycles, and wherein the control circuit is configured to use the antenna to transmit the identification message during each of the wireless power transfer cycles. 11 . The electronic device of claim 10 , wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the antenna at least once during the wireless power transfer session and prior to the closed-loop charging time period.

12. The electronic device of claim 11 , wherein messages are exchanged with the wireless power receiving device during a handshake period prior to the closed-loop charging period, and wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit the identification message using the wireless power transmitting coil at the start of the handshake period.

13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless power signal is at a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz.

14. An electronic device capable of operating in the vicinity of a wireless power transmission system, the wireless power transmission system comprising a wireless power receiving device and a wireless power transmitting device, the wireless power transmitting device being configured to transmit a self-identification message during a wireless power transmission operation with the wireless power receiving device, the electronic device comprising: antenna; a near field communication circuit coupled to the antenna; and A control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: receiving the self-identification message; determining whether the received self-identification message indicates whether the wireless power transmission device operates as a wireless power transfer device or as a near field data communication device; performing near field data communication with the near field data communication device in accordance with determining that the wireless power transmission device operates as a near field data communication device; and Based on determining that the wireless power transmission device operates as a wireless power transmitting device, performing near field data communication with the wireless power transmitting device is abandoned. 15 . The electronic device according to claim 14 , wherein the control circuit is configured to abandon the execution of the near field data communication by reducing power supplied to the near field communication circuit.

16. The electronic device according to claim 14, further comprising: The display device includes a display device and a control circuit configured to abstain from performing the near field data communication by deactivating a user interface indicating the near field data communication for the application program.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the application comprises a mobile payment application. 18 . The electronic device according to claim 14 , wherein the wireless power receiving device comprises an accessory for the wireless power transmitting device and mountable to the wireless power transmitting device.

19. One or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless power transmitting device performing a wireless power transfer operation with a wireless power receiving device, cause the one or more processors to: During the power transfer session, transmitting a wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving device using a wireless power transfer coil in the wireless power transmitting device; and During the power transfer session, a self-identification message indicating a wireless power transfer function of the wireless power transfer device is periodically transmitted.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media of claim 19, wherein the wireless power transmitting device comprises a tablet computer, and wherein the wireless power receiving device comprises a computer stylus.

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