Power circuit apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus comprising a power transmitting device comprising an antenna, power circuitry configured to provide power via the antenna for wireless charging of a power receiving device, and a processor, the processor is configured to analyze at least the signal from the antenna to determine a presence of a power receiving device proximate to the power transmitting device and to determine a presence of a foreign matter (FO) proximate to the power transmitting device. Wherein the processor is configured to control the power circuitry to interrupt or not initiate the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device based on one or both of the analysis of the signal and the power provided by the power circuitry indicating that the power transmitting device is proximate to the foreign matter. In response to the analysis of the signal indicating that an FO removal event has occurred, the processor is configured to control the power circuitry to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiving device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus, and more specifically, to an apparatus comprising a power transmitting device, an antenna, and a power circuit system. This disclosure also relates to a method for controlling said apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless charging of accessories can be convenient for users. Near Field Communication (NFC) can be used to perform wireless charging (WLC) of small battery-powered accessories. During the ongoing charging activity, the power transmitter performs regular presence checks on the power receiver and foreign objects (FOs, i.e., metal or other NFC tags) that are very close to the power transmitter. Typically, upon detection of an FO, the power transmitter will stop the ongoing charging activity due to safety risks (e.g., overheating) or to avoid damage to the FO (e.g., excessive exposure to high magnetic field strength). Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0004] Electric transmitting device, comprising:

[0005] antenna,

[0006] A power circuit system configured to provide power via the antenna for wireless charging of a power receiving device, and

[0007] A processor configured to analyze signals from the antenna to determine the presence of a power receiving device near the power transmitting device and to determine the presence of a foreign object (FO) near the power transmitting device.

[0008] The processor is configured to perform the following operations:

[0009] Based on the analysis of the signal and one or both of the power supplied by the power circuit system indicating that the power transmitting device is near a foreign object, the power circuit system is controlled to interrupt or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device.

[0010] In response to the analysis of the signal indicating that an FO removal event has occurred, wherein the FO removal event includes the FO no longer being close to the power transmitter while the power receiver remains close to the power transmitter, the power circuitry is controlled to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the analysis of the signal indicating that the power transmitting device is near a foreign object is determined by the processor being configured to perform one or both of the following operations:

[0012] Based on information in the signal from the antenna indicating the power received by the power receiving device and information indicating the power provided by the power circuit system, a reduction in the efficiency of power transmission between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device is determined; and

[0013] Determine the rate of change of the power supplied by the power circuit system for wireless charging of the power receiving device that is above a threshold.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to, based on the analysis of the signal, indicate that the power transmitter is approaching the power receiver and that no FO is approaching the power receiver, control the power circuitry to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to control the power circuitry system to interrupt or prevent the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device, including the processor being configured such that:

[0016] If the analysis of the signal indicates that the time for the power transmitting device to provide power to the power receiving device for wireless charging is close to FO, then the processor is configured to control the power circuit system to interrupt the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device; and

[0017] If the analysis of the signal indicates that the power transmitter is near the FO and at a later time the power receiver is also determined to be near the power transmitter in addition to the FO, the processor is configured to control the power circuitry not to initiate the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiver, at least when the FO is determined to be near the power transmitter.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to: as part of the analysis of the signal indicating that the FO removal event has occurred, compare one or more signals received from the antenna with a predetermined signature, the predetermined signature representing a signal expected from the antenna in the case that the foreign object is not near the power transmitter but the power receiver is near the power transmitter; and determine the FO removal event based on the comparison.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the device includes an antenna loading measurement circuit system configured to measure an antenna voltage from the antenna in response to a current supplied to the antenna, wherein the comparison includes a comparison of the antenna voltage with a predetermined signature, wherein the predetermined signature includes at least one antenna voltage characterizing when the foreign object is not near the power transmitting device but the power receiving device is near the power transmitting device.

[0020] In one or more examples, the antenna voltage is affected by electromagnetic coupling between the antenna and one or more devices and / or foreign objects near the antenna.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the predetermined signature includes characterizing when the foreign object is not near the power transmitting device but the power receiving device is near the antenna voltage range of the power transmitting device.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the device includes an antenna load measurement circuit system configured to measure an antenna voltage from the antenna in response to a current supplied to the antenna, wherein the antenna load measurement circuit system is configured to determine an in-phase I component and a quadrature Q component of the antenna voltage, and wherein the comparison includes a comparison of the I component and the Q component of the antenna voltage with a predetermined signature, and wherein the predetermined signature is based on the I and Q components characterizing when the foreign object is not near the power transmitting device but the power receiving device is near the power transmitting device.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to determine that the FO removal event has occurred based on the following condition: after the power circuit system is controlled to interrupt the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device, the I component and the Q component of the antenna voltage are within the threshold tolerance of the I component and the Q component of the predetermined signature.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to determine the predetermined signature based on one or more measurements of the corresponding antenna voltage at a time when the analysis of the signal indicates that the power transmitter is approaching the power receiver but not that a foreign object is approaching the power transmitter.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to store a plurality of predetermined signatures, and the comparison is used to determine whether the I component and the Q component of the antenna voltage match any of the plurality of predetermined signatures.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to store in memory the plurality of predetermined signatures, each having a confidence score, wherein, based on a match between the antenna voltage and any of the plurality of predetermined signatures, the processor is configured to establish communication between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device. In response to a successful establishment of the communication phase, the processor is configured not to decrease the confidence score of the corresponding signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures. In response to a failure to establish the communication, the processor is configured to decrease the confidence score of the corresponding signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures. In one or more examples, the confidence score is used, for example, by comparing with a minimum confidence score to determine whether to retain or remove the corresponding signature from the plurality of predetermined signatures from the memory.

[0027] In some examples, after the communication phase is successfully established, the processor may be configured to perform one of the following: i) increase the confidence score of the corresponding signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures, or ii) keep the confidence score of the corresponding signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures unchanged.

[0028] In one or more examples, the antenna voltage indicates the antenna impedance.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to perform the analysis of the signal from the antenna to determine the presence of the foreign object approaching the power transmitting device by configuring the processor to:

[0030] The processor provides the transmission of one or more messages for the power receiving device and receives one or more response messages during the time when the power circuit system is providing power for wireless charging, wherein the processor is configured to extract information from the one or more response messages indicating the power being received by the power receiving device and to determine the change in the power being received by the power receiving device relative to the power being provided by the power circuit system.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the processor is configured to analyze the signal from the antenna to determine the presence of a power receiving device approaching the power transmitting device and to determine the presence of a foreign object approaching the power transmitting device by the processor being configured to measure the impedance change of the antenna and compare the change with predetermined information.

[0032] In one or more examples, the device is an NFC device, and the device is a wireless charger.

[0033] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling a device is provided, the device including a power transmitting device, the power transmitting device comprising: an antenna; a power circuit system configured to provide power via the antenna for wireless charging of a power receiving device; and a processor, wherein the method includes the processor performing the following operations:

[0034] Analyze the signal from the antenna to determine the presence of the power receiving device near the power transmitting device and to determine the presence of foreign objects near the power transmitting device.

[0035] Based on the analysis of the signal, the power transmitting device is instructed to approach the foreign object FO, and the power circuit system is controlled to interrupt or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device.

[0036] In response to the analysis of the signal indicating that an FO removal event has occurred, wherein the FO removal event includes the FO no longer being close to the power transmitter while the power receiver remains close to the power transmitter, the power circuitry is controlled to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver.

[0037] While this disclosure allows for various modifications and alternatives, the features of this disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described are also possible. All modifications, equivalents, and alternative embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims are also covered.

[0038] The foregoing discussion is not intended to represent every exemplary embodiment or every implementation within the scope of the present or future claims. The following description of the accompanying drawings and detailed description further illustrate various exemplary embodiments. A more comprehensive understanding of these exemplary embodiments can be achieved by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a device including a power transmission device;

[0041] Figure 2 The diagram shows the measured antenna voltage according to an embodiment, illustrating the use of the antenna voltage as a predetermined signature;

[0042] Figure 3 An example is shown where the measured antenna voltage is used as a predetermined signature according to another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 4 Indicate Figure 1 An example timeline of device operation; and

[0044] Figure 5 Show operation Figure 1 Example methods for the device. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Examples of this disclosure relate to a device configured to provide wireless charging and a method for controlling the wireless charging process. This disclosure provides a device and method for more effectively restarting the wireless charging process, which can improve the user experience and make wireless charging of the device more intuitive.

[0046] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a device 100 configured for near-field communication (NFC) is shown, including a power transmitter 102. The power transmitter 102 includes an antenna 104. The antenna 104 may be a single antenna 104 for both receiving and transmitting signals and / or power, or may include multiple antennas, each for one or more of the following: receiving and / or transmitting signals and / or power. The antenna 104 may be configured to be inductively coupled to the antenna of a power receiver 108 to enable power transfer, allowing one device to charge another. In this example, wireless charging provided by the device is provided as part of the NFC protocol. However, the functionality of the disclosure herein can be applied to and / or integrated with other wireless communication protocols. The antenna 104 may be configured to operate at a specific frequency or frequency range suitable for NFC. For example, the antenna may be configured to operate at 13.56 MHz. NFC technology utilizes combined in-band communication between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108 to enable power transfer. The master device or power transmitter 102 is often referred to as a “WLC poller”. The secondary device or power receiving device 108 is generally referred to in the art as a "WLC listener" or "Correspondence of Interest (COI)". In this disclosure, the terms power transmitting device 102 and power receiving device 108 will be used.

[0047] The device 100 also includes a power circuit system 106 configured to provide power via antenna 104 for wireless charging of the power receiving device 108.

[0048] Figure 1The device also includes a processor 110. The processor 110 is configured to analyze signals received from the antenna 104 to determine the presence of a power receiver 108 near the power transmitter 102. It should be understood that, in one or more examples, the power transmitter 102 may be a wireless charger, and the power receiver 108 may be a device to be charged. Therefore, the device 100 may include a wireless audio earphone case, and the power receiver 108 may be a wireless audio earphone. In other examples, the power receiver 108 may include a stylus, and the device 100 may include a holder for the stylus. In such examples, the power receiver 108 may be housed or stored within the device 100. In other examples, the power receiver may include wireless headphones or a mobile phone, or other portable battery-powered accessories (e.g., wearable devices, earphones, smart glasses, styluses).

[0049] The processor 110 is also configured to analyze signals received from the antenna 104 to determine when a foreign object (FO) 112 approaches the power transmitter 102. FO 112 can be considered any other device / object that approaches the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108 and affects charging activity between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108 exceeding a threshold level. In some examples, FO 112 may include NFC devices such as credit cards, tickets, transit cards, and mobile phones. In other examples, FO 112 may be a non-NFC device, such as a metallic object affecting RF coupling between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108.

[0050] It should be understood that proximity to the power transmitting device 102 may include a distance at which FO 112 can couple energy to / from antenna 104, thereby affecting charging activity beyond a threshold level. The tolerance to foreign object 112, represented by the “threshold level,” may be defined as part of a protocol or predetermined in any other way. Such coupling of FO 112 can be detected as a load on antenna 104. The load on the antenna can be characterized by measuring the voltage or voltage change on antenna 104 when antenna 104 is energized to provide wireless charging. In this example, the device includes an antenna load measurement circuitry system 114 for measuring antenna characteristics, such as voltage, indicating the load on antenna 104. Device 100 also includes a memory 116 for storing the measured characteristics of antenna 104, such as voltage. In some examples, memory 116 may be volatile and / or non-volatile memory for storing a database or table. The proximity of the power receiving device 108 to the power transmitting device 102 can be determined by measuring the antenna load and / or by communication between the device 100 or the power transmitting device 102 and the power receiving device 108.

[0051] Conversely, for the power receiving device 108, absence of proximity to the power transmitting device 102 can be defined as separation, in which case the power transmitting device is configured not to provide charging for the power receiving device 108. For the foreign object 112, absence of proximity to the power transmitting device 102 can be defined as separation, such that FO 112 has a negligible or below-threshold effect on the load on the antenna 104 of the power transmitting device 102.

[0052] It should be understood that the coupling between antenna 104 and power receiving device 108 is achieved by means of electromagnetic coupling known in the art for wireless charging systems.

[0053] Figure 1 The processor 110 is configured to analyze at least the signal from the antenna 104, and based on the analysis of the signal, instruct the power transmitter 102 to approach the foreign object 112. The processor 110 is configured to control the power circuitry 106 to interrupt wireless charging (if charging is already in progress) or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiver 108 (if wireless charging has not yet started). This level of control prevents undesirable power consumption in the power transmitter 102 and avoids undesirable power absorption by the FO 112 that could lead to undesirable effects such as overheating or excessive power consumption. Controlling the power transmitter 102 in this way improves the efficiency and performance of the device 100. In some examples, processor 110 may also be configured to analyze the power supplied by power circuitry system 106 and, based on the analysis of the power supplied by power circuitry system 106, instruct power transmitter 102 to approach foreign object 112. Processor 110 may also be configured to control power circuitry system 106 to interrupt wireless charging (if charging is already in progress) or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of power receiver 108 (if wireless charging has not yet started).

[0054] In some examples, the processor 110 may determine the signal analysis indication that the power transmitter 102 is approaching the foreign object 112 by monitoring multiple different parameters. In some examples, the processor 110 may be configured to determine a reduction in the efficiency of power transmission between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108. The efficiency may be determined based on information transmitted between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108. In some examples, the information may be transmitted and / or received by the antenna 104 and may include information related to the power transmitted by the power transmitter 102 and information indicating the actual power received by the power receiver 108. In other examples, the information related to the power transmitted by the power transmitter 102 may be obtained directly from the power circuit system 106.

[0055] In other examples, the processor may be configured to determine the rate of change of power supplied by the power circuitry 106 for wireless charging of the power receiver 108 above a threshold. The rate of change of power supplied by the power circuitry 106 may be based on multiple circuit parameters monitored by the processor 110, such as, but not limited to, the current, voltage, or power supplied by the power circuitry 106 to the antenna 104. In some examples, the processor 110 may be configured to control the power circuitry 106 to interrupt or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiver 108 when the rate of change of power exceeds a predetermined threshold. In some examples, the threshold may be based on a predetermined voltage threshold, and in other examples, it may be based on a threshold current. It should be understood that these changes in power supplied by the power circuitry 106 may indicate the presence of FO 112. In some examples, the proximity of the power transmitter 102 to the foreign object 112 may reduce the total circuit impedance and may cause an unintended increase in absorbed power.

[0056] When the analysis of the signal indicates that an FO removal event has occurred, that is, when FO 112 is no longer close to the power transmitter 102 while the power receiver 108 remains close to the power transmitter 102, the processor 110 is configured to control the power circuit system 106 to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver 108.

[0057] In this configuration, FO 112 is removed, preventing it from interfering with the charging process. This can be detected by determining the antenna load using the antenna load measurement circuitry system 114. Determining that the power receiver 108 remains close can be achieved through communication with the power receiver 108 or by monitoring the antenna load. Therefore, the signals from the antenna 104 analyzed by the processor 110 may include communication signals from the power receiver 108 or antenna load measurement signals. This functionality advantageously allows charging of the power receiver 108 to resume once the foreign object 112 is removed, without any further input or action from the user. This improves the overall effectiveness of the wireless charging system and enhances the user experience.

[0058] Processor 110 may have additional functions. For example, in some examples, processor 110 is configured to, based on the analysis of the signal, instruct the power transmitter 102 to approach the power receiver 108 and, if no FO 112 approaches the power receiver 108, control the power circuitry 106 to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver 108. In such examples, wireless charging is initiated only when the power receiver 108 approaches the power transmitter 102 and no FO 112 is present.

[0059] An example of how the antenna load measurement circuit system 114 can be used to determine the effect of the FO 112 and / or the power receiving device 108 on the load of the antenna 104 will now be described. Figure 2 and 3 Examples of antenna voltages measured using two different embodiments are shown. Figure 2 An embodiment is shown in which only the value of the antenna voltage 200 is measured, and Figure 3 An embodiment in which the antenna voltage 300 is measured in the IQ plane is shown (which will be described in more detail later). Figure 2 Three characteristic antenna voltages indicating the type of device / object approaching power transmitter 102 are schematically shown. These characteristic antenna voltages may be referred to as “predetermined signatures” 202, 206, 210, respectively, indicating the type of device and / or object approaching power transmitter 102. The signatures may be stored in memory 116. It should be understood that, in this example, antenna voltage 200 indicates the impedance of antenna 104 or the load on antenna 104. It should be understood that the impedance of antenna 104 may be a function of the antenna’s self-impedance and the coupling effect between antenna 104 and power receiving device 108 and / or FO 112. In some examples, processor 110 may be configured to measure changes in the impedance of antenna 104 (e.g., by measuring changes in the measured antenna voltage 200) and compare said changes with predetermined information. Changes in the impedance of antenna 104 may indicate additional loading due to the proximity of FO 112 to power transmitter 102. Alternatively, a change in the antenna voltage 200 or therein may indicate poor electromagnetic coupling between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108, which may indicate that a foreign object 112 is near the power transmitter 102.

[0060] The three pre-signatures include:

[0061] 1) Power receiver signature 202 detected. Power receiver signature 202 includes an indication that foreign object 112 is not near power transmitter 102 but power receiver 108 is near the antenna voltage 200 of power transmitter 102.

[0062] 2) FO signature 206 is detected, which includes an indication of when only FO 112 is present near the power transmitter 102 or may also indicate when both FO 112 and power receiver 108 are near the antenna voltage 200 of the power transmitter 102.

[0063] 3) A free air signature 210 was detected, which includes an antenna voltage 200 indicating when there is no foreign object 112 approaching the power transmitter 102.

[0064] It should be understood that the predetermined signatures 202, 206, and 210 may be based on averages obtained from multiple samples. It should also be understood that each of the three predetermined signatures includes a range indicated by double-headed arrows 204, 208, and 212. These value ranges take into account environmental factors and manufacturing tolerances, which allows the range of antenna-loaded measurements to indicate the same presence / absence of the power receiving device / FO.

[0065] It should also be understood that Figure 2 The magnitude of the voltage for each predetermined signature shown (i.e., each predetermined signature along...) Figure 2 The relative lateral position of the axes in the diagram is merely an illustrative example for understanding. That is, the "free air detected" signature 210 is not always lower than the "detected power receiving device" signature 202, and vice versa. In fact, the predetermined signatures 202, 206, and 210 can be characterized by different voltage ranges or discontinuous voltage ranges.

[0066] In some instances, the antenna load shift measured between the values ​​defined by predetermined signatures 202, 206, and 210 represents different events, as will be described below:

[0067] When processor 110 determines that the antenna voltage includes a value that transitions from the state of detecting free air signature 210 to detecting power receiver signature 202, it can be determined that power receiver 108 has become close to power transmitter 102. In this case, processor 110 can be configured to cause power circuitry 106 to provide power for wireless charging.

[0068] When processor 110 determines that the antenna voltage changes from detecting power receiver signature 202 to detecting FO signature 206, it can be determined that FO 112 is presented to or near power transmitter 102. In this case, device 100 is configured to stop wireless charging in power circuitry 106 if wireless charging is currently in progress. Similarly, when processor 110 determines that the antenna voltage changes from detecting power receiver signature 202 to detecting free air signature 210, processor 110 can stop wireless charging in power circuitry 106 because power receiver 108 is not present. In some examples, processor 110 of device 100 can determine that antenna voltage 200 includes detecting FO signature 206, and that antenna voltage 200 will change when power receiver 108 also becomes near power transmitter 102, but antenna voltage 200 will not be one of the predetermined voltages associated with detecting power receiver signature 202. In this case, processor 110 can be configured to control power circuitry 106 such that wireless charging is not initiated due to the presence of FO 112. After wireless charging stops, device 100 can be configured to periodically monitor antenna voltage 200 to determine when the measured antenna voltage 200 is again within the detected power receiver signature 202, which can be considered as including the FO removal event mentioned above. Wireless charging can be automatically resumed after processor 110 determines that antenna voltage 200 is again within voltage range 204 including the detected power receiver signature 202 (which indicates that only power receiver 108 is near power transmitter 102).

[0069] Return to Figure 1 The antenna loading measurement circuit system 114 is configured to measure the voltage 200 on the antenna 104 in response to the current supplied to the antenna 104. It should be understood that the antenna voltage 200 is affected by electromagnetic coupling between the antenna 104 and one or more devices (e.g., power receiving device 108) and / or foreign objects 112 that are close to the antenna 104.

[0070] The comparison of antenna voltage 200 includes a comparison of antenna voltage 200 with predetermined signatures 202, 206, and 210, wherein the predetermined signatures 202, 206, and 210 include at least one antenna voltage characterizing when a foreign object 112 is not near the power transmitter 102 but the power receiver 108 is near the power transmitter 102. As described above, this signature can be considered as detecting the power receiver signature 202.

[0071] The second embodiment will now be described, wherein the predetermined signature includes magnitude and phase information. It has been found that using a signature including magnitude and phase information can effectively distinguish different objects and combinations of objects approaching the power transmitting device 102.

[0072] exist Figure 3In this process, the magnitude and phase of the antenna voltage are measured. Figure 3 The IQ plane 300, on which a pre-designated signature is marked, is shown. It should be understood that... Figure 3 In the example embodiment shown, the antenna load measurement circuitry 114 is configured to determine the in-phase (I) component 302 and the quadrature (Q) component 304 of the antenna voltage 300. Predetermined signatures are defined by the I and Q components 306, 310, 314 or the ranges 308, 312, 316 of the I and Q components. In some examples, the ranges 308, 312, 316 of the I and Q components define acceptable tolerances for the I and Q components 306, 310, 314 to account for variations in the measured antenna voltage 300. Figure 3 The examples show predetermined signatures 306, 310, and 314 as points in the IQ plane, and ranges 308, 312, and 316 of the I and Q components as circles forming around the respective predetermined signatures 306, 310, and 314. However, it should be understood that ranges 308, 312, and 316 can describe any arbitrary shape surrounding or approaching the predetermined signatures 306, 310, and 314. In some other examples, ranges 308, 312, and 316 may also include discontinuous regions in the IQ plane.

[0073] In such examples, processor 110 is configured to compare the I and Q components of the measured antenna voltage 300 with I and Q components 306, 310, 314 or ranges of I and Q components 308, 312, 316 defined by a predetermined signature. Processor 110 may be configured to use the comparison to determine which devices / objects are not close to the power transmitting device 102.

[0074] It should be understood that although I and Q values ​​are used in this example, other measurable parameters of the power transmitter 102 or the power receiver 108, such as the RF on / off ringing response or the current supplied by the power transmitter 102, can be used as signatures.

[0075] In order to Figure 2 Comparison, Figure 3 Also shown are the three equivalent pre-signatures listed below:

[0076] 1) Power receiving device signature 306 detected.

[0077] 2) FO signature 314 was detected, and

[0078] 3) Free air signature 310 was detected.

[0079] It should also be understood that the ranges 308, 312 and 314 associated with each of the predetermined signatures 306, 310 and 314 may take into account variations introduced by environmental factors such as temperature changes and measurement uncertainties, and may also take into account manufacturing tolerances.

[0080] It should also be understood that the detection of FO signatures 206 and 314 may include the antenna load value / voltage generated by the simultaneous proximity of both the power receiving device 108 and the foreign object 112 to the power transmitting device 102. In this case, wireless charging will also stop.

[0081] Figure 4 An overview 400 of concurrent timelines 402, 404, and 406 is shown. Timeline 402 shows the state of the power transmitter 102. Timeline 404 shows the voltage measured at different times by the antenna-loaded measurement circuitry system 114 of the power transmitter 102. Timeline 406 shows the time when each measured voltage during timeline 404 is compared with a signature database to identify whether the measured voltage corresponds to one of the predetermined signatures stored in memory 116 accessible by processor 110. When it is determined that no FO 112 or power receiver 108 is near the power transmitter 102, timeline 404 will detect a free-air signature as the initial signature 408.

[0082] It should be understood that when there are no power receiving devices 108 and FO 112 in proximity to the power transmitter 102, the measured antenna voltage 300 will be within the range defined by the detected free air signature 408 (i.e., within the permissible range 312). Box 412 shows the power transmitter 102 or the processor 110 of the power transmitter 102 entering a "proximity detection state" 412.

[0083] At event 410, the user couples or otherwise presents power receiver 108 to power transmitter 102 to, for example, initiate wireless charging of power receiver 108. The presence of power receiver 108 affects the measured antenna voltage 414. Due to the coupling between antenna 104 and power receiver 108, the measured antenna voltage 414 will change and will no longer occupy the area of ​​free-air signature 310 in IQ plane 300. This change in antenna voltage can trigger power transmitter 102 to initiate a communication phase with power receiver 108. The communication phase can be established by power transmitter 102 or directly by processor 110 of device 100. The measured antenna voltage is considered to have detected power receiver signature 306 only when power transmitter 102 successfully detects power receiver 108 approaching power transmitter 102 via the communication phase between power transmitter 102 and power receiver 108.

[0084] In one or more additional examples, processor 110 may be configured to store the measured I and Q values ​​(and possibly a range based on the I and Q values) of antenna voltage 414 as a new signature represented by signature 416 in a database for future reference. Thus, the detected power receiver signatures 202, 306 may include a generic signature designed to indicate the voltage detected when a general power receiver 108 approaches power transmitter 102. However, the stored new signature represents the voltage detected based on the current power receiver in the current environment, thereby providing a more accurate characterization of the specific power receiver 108 that is approaching.

[0085] After confirming that the measured antenna voltage 414 matches the signature stored in memory 116 or a database and that the communication phase between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 108 has been successfully detected, the power transmitter 102 can be configured to then initiate wireless charging, as indicated by block 420. Action 418 indicates that while wireless charging 420 is in progress, the user moves near FO 112 or otherwise presents FO 112 to the power transmitter 102.

[0086] Many different methods exist for detecting FO 112, and for the sake of brevity, not all methods are described here. However, in some examples, FO 112 detection may include monitoring a decrease in power transmission efficiency determined by power circuitry 106. Another example includes monitoring sudden changes in current draw and may also include monitoring changes in the impedance of antenna 104, which may result in a measured change in antenna voltage 422. In some examples, when FO 112 is detected, device 100 and / or processor 110 may be configured to stop providing wireless charging 424.

[0087] The voltage detected at box 422 is not the detected power receiver signature 306, and therefore the processor 110 is configured to stop providing wireless charging.

[0088] After wireless charging is paused, the power transmitter 102 monitors the antenna voltage 300 to detect the predetermined signature indicating FO removal event 426.

[0089] This monitoring can be continuous or periodic, while wireless charging for 424 is stopped. The processor 110 can be configured to monitor the antenna voltage 300 by energizing the antenna and monitoring the load generated on the antenna 104, as mentioned above.

[0090] Event 426 shows that FO 112 is removed (while the power receiver 108 remains near the power transmitter 102). The resulting change in the voltage measured on the antenna is shown in 428. The measured voltage, shown in box 428, is then compared with the stored signature shown in box 430, and a match with the stored signature 416 is confirmed. This indicates the presence of the power receiver 108 but without FO 112. The power transmitter 102 is configured to automatically resume charging of the power receiver 108, as shown in box 432, without any additional input from the user, and especially without removing the power receiver 108 from the vicinity of the power transmitter 102.

[0091] Another method is also disclosed for the power transmitting device 102 to determine the presence of different devices and / or foreign objects. In one or more embodiments, the processor 110 is configured to provide the transmission of one or more messages for the power receiving device 108 and to receive one or more response messages during the time the power circuitry system 106 provides power for wireless charging. In some examples, the processor 110 is configured to extract information from the one or more response messages indicating the power that the power receiving device 108 is receiving, and to determine the variation of said power that the power receiving device 108 is receiving relative to the power that the power circuitry system 106 is providing. This allows for FO detection by comparing the expected power received with the actual power received by the power receiving device 108. A significant difference between the expected power received and the actual power received (after taking power transmission efficiency into account) can indicate a foreign object.

[0092] according to Figure 4 For example, processor 110 is configured to determine that an FO removal event has occurred based on the following condition: after the power supply 424 for wireless charging of power receiver 108 is interrupted by control power circuitry 106, the I component 302 and Q component 304 of antenna voltage 300 are within threshold tolerances for the I component and Q component of detected power receiver signature 416. It should be understood that processor 110 is configured to determine that power receiver signature 306 has been detected based on one or more measurements of the corresponding antenna voltage 300 at the time when analysis of the signal indicates that power transmitter 102 is near power receiver 108 but not that foreign object 112 is near power transmitter 102. Therefore, in some examples, when a user first attaches or otherwise presents power receiver 108 to power transmitter 102 during initialization, a signature indicating that only power receiver 108 is near power transmitter 102 is measured and stored.

[0093] It should be understood that multiple pre-defined signatures may be stored in a database / lookup table stored in the memory 116 of device 100, or they may be stored outside device 100, such as on a server accessible to the processor 110 of device 100. In some examples, multiple pre-defined signatures may be stored in tables as shown below: Table 1 shows the signatures of multiple pre-determined detected power receiving devices.

[0094] In this example, multiple predetermined signatures are defined by predetermined voltages 306 in the I and Q planes and associated ranges 308. In some examples, range 308 may also be referred to as an acceptable tolerance (Tol), which may account for external variations due to environmental factors or manufacturing processes. Each of the multiple predetermined signatures may also be provided with a confidence score (C).

[0095] Therefore, each entry in Table 1 has a signature voltage and tolerance value (Tol) and an associated confidence score (C). Thus, each entry in the database / lookup table is qualified by the following:

[0096] ●Measured antenna voltage 300 in phase 302 (I component, e.g., Vmon1,I).

[0097] ●Measure the antenna voltage 300 quadrature phase 304 (Q component, e.g., Vmon1,Q) as a rectangular coordinate;

[0098] ●Tolerance values ​​(e.g., Tol1);

[0099] ● Confidence score.

[0100] It should be noted that the antenna voltage 300 can also be expressed using polar coordinates (quantity and angle). For simplicity, only rectangular coordinates will be discussed here, but those skilled in the art know how to switch between such coordinate systems.

[0101] When power receiving device 108 is detected and processor 110 successfully establishes a communication phase between power transmitting device 102 and power receiving device 108, the detected power receiving device signature 416 is inserted into the table / database only if the signature is not already in the table / database. During signature insertion, the confidence score entry for the signature is initialized to a default confidence score. In some examples, if the antenna voltage matches any of the plurality of predetermined signatures at step 430, this default confidence score is not reduced. In other examples, if the antenna voltage matches any of the plurality of predetermined signatures stored in memory 116 and processor 110 (e.g.) fails to successfully establish a communication phase between power transmitting device 102 and power receiving device 108, the confidence score is reduced. Therefore, whenever the I component 302 and Q component 304 of antenna voltage 300 indicate a match with the corresponding signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures, and when a subsequent communication phase between power transmitting device 102 and power receiving device 108 is not successfully established, the confidence score of the corresponding signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures is reduced. If the confidence score drops below a threshold (e.g., zero), the corresponding signature is removed from the plurality of predetermined signatures from memory 116 or the database.

[0102] The use of confidence scores thus enables the removal of specific predetermined signatures that prevent the establishment of a successful communication phase between the power transmitting device 102 and the power receiving device 108. This ensures that only high-quality signatures are retained in the table / database stored in memory 116. It should be understood that, in some examples, the threshold may be set to a non-zero value.

[0103] In some examples, when device 100 is in a "proximity detection state" at 412, FO 112 (e.g., a non-NFC FO such as a coin) is first presented to power transmitter 102. In such examples, after FO 112 has been presented, power receiver 108 is presented to power transmitter 102. This allows processor 110 to establish a communication phase between power transmitter 102 and power receiver 108. The communication phase is successfully established due to the presence of a valid power receiver 108. Upon successful establishment of the communication phase, the following steps may be performed:

[0104] The measured antenna voltage 300 is added to the database as a power receiving device signature 306.

[0105] Device 100 is placed in a charging state, wherein device 100 is configured to provide wireless charging for power receiver 108. However, due to the effect of FO 112 on power transmission or the coupling between antenna 104 and power receiver 108, the presence of FO 112 can only be detected after several charging cycles. Once the presence of FO 112 is detected, the confidence score associated with the corresponding predetermined signature among a plurality of predetermined signatures is reduced, and the corresponding predetermined signature is eventually removed after the confidence score reaches a threshold. Once the corresponding predetermined signature among the plurality of predetermined signatures is removed from memory 116, that particular predetermined signature can no longer initiate a wireless charging step. This allows the system to effectively learn and discard signatures, i.e., the antenna voltage associated with the presence of both FO 112 and power receiver 108.

[0106] When the processor 110 of device 100 matches the measured antenna voltage 300 with a predetermined voltage 306 stored in memory 116, device 100 is then configured to establish a communication phase by communicating with power receiving device 108 via an RF modem (not shown) to confirm the presence of power receiving device 108. It should be understood that this communication phase can be accomplished using a range of different protocols known to those skilled in the art, and therefore will not be described here. It should be understood that this communication phase between power receiving device 108 and power transmitting device 102 will require more energy than simple monitoring of the antenna voltage by the antenna load measurement circuitry system 114.

[0107] If device 100 fails to communicate with power receiver 108 (i.e., device attachment is not confirmed), device 100 is configured to pause or not initiate wireless charging. Additionally, device 100 reduces the confidence score of the corresponding detected power receiver signature 306 indicating the presence of power receiver 108.

[0108] It should be noted that once the confidence score of the detected power receiver signature 306 drops below a predefined threshold (e.g., to zero), the detected power receiver signature 306 can be removed from memory 116. This ensures that database 544 maintains only high-quality "only detected power receiver" signatures 306 and also prevents device 100 from initiating wireless charging for the corresponding signature.

[0109] Ensuring only a predetermined signature that correctly indicates the presence of a power receiver 108 near the power transmitter 102 can reduce the total power consumption of the device 100, because the detection of the power receiver signature 306 initiates a more power-intensive communication process than the simple RF check pulse transmission (pinging) used to monitor antenna voltages 200, 300.

[0110] In some instances, upon detecting the power receiver signature 306, device 100 needs to operate the RF modem (both TX and RX) for a longer period to send NFC communication packets (from device 100) and then receive a returned response from the power receiver 108. However, when in RF polling mode (i.e., verification pulse test), the power transmitter 102 sends only a very short-duration RF pulse, and the interaction of this RF pulse with a nearby antenna (e.g., a coil) of the power receiver 108 is captured as an antenna voltage, which is used as input for further processing without requiring operation of the modem.

[0111] Figure 5 An example method 500 for controlling a device is shown, the device including a power transmitting device comprising: an antenna; a power circuit system configured to provide power via the antenna for wireless charging of a power receiving device; and a processor. The method includes a processor 110.

[0112] At least 502 signals from the antenna 104 are analyzed to determine the presence of a power receiving device 108 near the power transmitting device 102 and the presence of a foreign object 112 near the power transmitting device 102.

[0113] Based on the analysis of the signal and one or both of the power supplied by the power circuit system, the power transmitting device 102 is instructed to approach the foreign object 112, and the power circuit system 106 is controlled to interrupt or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device 108.

[0114] In response to the analysis of the signal indicating that an FO removal event has occurred, wherein the FO removal event includes FO112 no longer approaching the power transmitter 102 while the power receiver 108 remains approaching the power transmitter 102, the control 506 power circuit system 106 provides power for wireless charging of the power receiver 108.

[0115] Unless a specific order is explicitly stated, the instructions and / or flowchart steps in the above figures may be performed in any order. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that while an example set of instructions / methods has been discussed, the material in this specification can be combined in various ways to produce other examples, and should be understood within the context of the detailed description provided herein.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the instruction set / method steps described above are implemented as functional and software instructions embodied in an executable instruction set, which is implemented on a computer or machine programmed with and controlled by the executable instructions. Such instructions are loaded to execute on a processor (e.g., one or more CPUs). The term processor includes a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor module or subsystem (including one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers), or other control or computing device. A processor may refer to a single component or multiple components.

[0117] In other examples, the instruction sets / methods illustrated herein, along with their associated data and instructions, are stored in appropriate storage devices, which are implemented as one or more non-transient machine-readable or computer-usable storage media. Such one or more computer-readable or computer-usable storage media are considered part of an article (or article of manufacture). An article or article of manufacture may refer to any single or multiple manufactured components. Non-transient machine-readable or computer-usable media as defined herein do not include signals, but such media are capable of receiving and processing information from signals and / or other transient media.

[0118] Example embodiments of the materials discussed in this specification may be implemented, in whole or in part, via networks, computers, or data-based devices and / or services. These may include cloud, internet, intranet, mobile devices, desktops, processors, lookup tables, microcontrollers, consumer devices, infrastructure, or other enabled devices and services. The following non-exclusive definitions are provided as may be used herein and in the claims.

[0119] In one example, one or more instructions or steps discussed in this article are automated. The terms “automation” or “automation” (and similar variations thereof) mean the controlled operation of equipment, systems, and / or processes using computers and / or mechanical / electrical devices without human intervention, observation, effort, and / or decision-making.

[0120] It should be understood that any components referred to as coupled can be directly or indirectly coupled or connected. In the case of indirect coupling, an additional component may be placed between the two components referred to as coupled.

[0121] In this specification, exemplary embodiments have been presented based on a selected set of details. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many other exemplary embodiments, including different selected sets of details, can be practiced. The appended claims are intended to cover all possible exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A device, characterized in that, include: Electric transmitting device, comprising: antenna, A power circuit system configured to provide power via the antenna for wireless charging of a power receiving device, and A processor configured to analyze signals from the antenna to determine the presence of a power receiving device approaching the power transmitting device and to determine the presence of a foreign object (FO) approaching the power transmitting device. The processor is configured to perform the following operations: Based on the analysis of the signal and one or both of the power supplied by the power circuit system indicating that the power transmitting device is near a foreign object, the power circuit system is controlled to interrupt or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device. In response to the analysis of the signal indicating that an FO removal event has occurred, wherein the FO removal event includes the FO no longer being close to the power transmitter while the power receiver remains close to the power transmitter, the power circuitry is controlled to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The analysis of the signal indicates that the power transmitting device is near the foreign object, which is determined by the processor being configured to perform one or both of the following operations: Based on information in the signal from the antenna indicating the power received by the power receiving device and information indicating the power provided by the power circuit system, a reduction in the efficiency of power transmission between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device is determined. as well as Determine the rate of change of the power supplied by the power circuit system for wireless charging of the power receiving device that is above a threshold.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to, based on the analysis of the signal, instruct the power transmitter to approach the power receiver and, if no FO approaches the power receiver, control the power circuitry to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver.

4. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that, The processor is configured to control the power circuitry system to interrupt or prevent the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device, including that the processor is configured such that: If the analysis of the signal indicates that the time for the power transmitting device to provide power to the power circuit system for wireless charging of the power receiving device is close to the FO, then the processor is configured to control the power circuit system to interrupt the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device; and If the analysis of the signal indicates that the power transmitter is near the FO and at a later time the power receiver is also determined to be near the power transmitter in addition to the FO, the processor is configured to control the power circuitry not to initiate the provision of power for wireless charging of the power receiver, at least when the FO is determined to be near the power transmitter.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The processor is configured to: as part of the analysis of the signal indicating that the FO removal event has occurred, compare one or more signals received from the antenna with a predetermined signature, the predetermined signature representing a signal expected from the antenna when the foreign object is not near the power transmitter but the power receiver is near the power transmitter; and determine the FO removal event based on the comparison.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device includes an antenna loading measurement circuit system configured to measure an antenna voltage from the antenna in response to a current supplied to the antenna, wherein the comparison includes a comparison of the antenna voltage with a predetermined signature, wherein the predetermined signature includes at least one antenna voltage characterizing when the foreign object is not near the power transmitting device but the power receiving device is near the power transmitting device.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The predetermined signature includes characteristics of when the foreign object is not near the power transmitting device but the power receiving device is near the antenna voltage range of the power transmitting device.

8. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The device includes an antenna loading measurement circuit system configured to measure an antenna voltage from the antenna in response to a current supplied to the antenna, wherein the antenna loading measurement circuit system is configured to determine an in-phase I component and a quadrature Q component of the antenna voltage, and wherein the comparison includes a comparison of the I component and the Q component of the antenna voltage with a predetermined signature, and wherein the predetermined signature is based on the I and Q components characterizing when the foreign object is not near the power transmitting device but the power receiving device is near the power transmitting device.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The processor is configured to determine that the FO removal event has occurred based on the following condition: after the power circuit system controlling the interruption of the power supply for wireless charging of the power receiving device, the I component and the Q component of the antenna voltage are within the threshold tolerance of the I component and the Q component of the predetermined signature.

10. A method for controlling a device, characterized in that, The device includes a power transmitting device, the power transmitting device comprising: an antenna; a power circuitry configured to provide power via the antenna for wireless charging of a power receiving device; and a processor, wherein the method includes the processor performing the following operations: At least the signal from the antenna is analyzed to determine the presence of the power receiving device near the power transmitting device and to determine the presence of any foreign object near the power transmitting device. Based on the analysis of the signal and one or both of the power supplied by the power circuit system instructing the power transmitting device to approach the foreign object FO, the power circuit system is controlled to interrupt or not initiate the supply of power for wireless charging of the power receiving device, and In response to the analysis of the signal indicating that an FO removal event has occurred, wherein the FO removal event includes the FO no longer being close to the power transmitter while the power receiver remains close to the power transmitter, the power circuitry is controlled to provide power for wireless charging of the power receiver.

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