Wireless charging interference mitigation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to wireless charging interference mitigation. An electronic device such as a portable electronic device is disclosed that has wireless power receiving circuitry. A vehicle has a vehicle remote keyless system that transmits a beacon. A key receives the beacon and responds with a key code to unlock a door and enable a vehicle ignition in the vehicle. In the presence of a wireless power transfer operation, there is a risk that a wireless power signal will interfere with the key's reception of the beacon. To ensure that the beacon is satisfactorily received, a condition is detected that there is a risk of interference, and a corresponding interference mitigation operation is performed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on October 23, 2020, entitled "Wireless Charging Interference Mitigation" and with application number 202080081613.6.

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 868120, filed May 6, 2020; U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 868077, filed May 6, 2020; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 931469, filed November 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to vehicle systems, and more specifically to the interaction between a vehicle's remote keyless system and a wireless power system. Background Technology

[0004] Vehicles are sometimes equipped with a remote keyless system. A remote keyless system allows users to wirelessly control door locks and vehicle ignition using an electronic key that operates on wireless communication frequencies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Using a remote keyless system in the presence of other wireless devices can present challenges. For example, wireless power systems operating nearby can degrade the performance of the remote keyless system if not carefully monitored.

[0006] This invention discloses an electronic device, such as a portable electronic device, having a wireless power receiving circuit. During wireless power transfer operation, a wireless power signal is transmitted from a wireless power transmitter circuit to the wireless power receiver circuit to charge a battery in the electronic device. A vehicle has a vehicle remote keyless system that transmits a vehicle remote keyless system beacon. The key receives the beacon and responds with a key code to unlock the door and activate the vehicle ignition. The wireless power transmitter circuit may be located near the vehicle. During wireless power transfer operation, there is a risk that the wireless power signal from the wireless power transmitter circuit may interfere with the key's reception of the vehicle keyless system beacon.

[0007] To ensure that the beacon is received satisfactorily, conditions with potential interference are detected, and corresponding interference mitigation operations are performed.

[0008] Interference risk detection involves detecting beacons for a vehicle's remote keyless system, detecting key codes emitted by the key in response to received beacons, monitoring vehicle location and comparing measured device locations with stored vehicle location information, monitoring whether electronic devices are wirelessly paired with the vehicle, using inertial measurement units or other input-output devices to determine whether electronic devices are undergoing motions representing vehicle movement, and / or other operations used to determine when an interference risk exists.

[0009] Interference mitigation operations are used to ensure that the vehicle's remote keyless system can be used to operate the vehicle. Interference mitigation operations include prompting the user to disable or automatically suppress wireless power transfer operations, adjusting the waveform of the transmitted wireless power signal, adjusting the frequency of the transmitted wireless power signal (e.g., to a frequency at least different from the wireless beacon frequency), and allowing the key to receive the transmitted beacon and other operations that may allow wireless power transfer operations to occur simultaneously with the vehicle's remote keyless system operation. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system with a vehicle and a key according to the implementation plan.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary electronic device according to the implementation plan.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an illustration of an exemplary system with wireless power transfer capability and vehicle remote keyless system capability according to the implementation plan.

[0013] Figure 4 To operate according to the implementation plan Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the exemplary operations involved in a system of the type shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] The vehicle is equipped with a remote key system that allows the user to wirelessly enable operations such as unlocking and ignition. The vehicle system has one or more beacon transmitters to emit wireless vehicle remote keyless system beacons. The user has a key to detect the beacon. The key can be a key fob, key card, or a key system built into other equipment such as a watch or cellular phone.

[0015] An exemplary vehicle remote keyless system beacon is a wireless signal typically operating at frequencies from 125 kHz to 134 kHz, more generally in the range of 100 kHz to 145 kHz. In response to the detection of a signal (hereinafter referred to as the beacon from the vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitter), the key transmits a key signal using a radio frequency signal. An exemplary key transmits a wireless signal at frequencies from 300 MHz to 1000 MHz. In some examples, the key signal represents a key code that enables the remote key system to unlock the doors and activate the vehicle's ignition. The user can then enter the vehicle through the unlocked doors and start the engine by pressing the start button in the vehicle.

[0016] Electronic devices located in or near a vehicle (e.g., within 10m or 20m) have wireless power transmitting circuitry that transmits wireless power signals to compatible devices. Examples of compatible devices include watches, cellular phones, removable battery cases, and other battery-powered electronic devices with wireless power receiving circuitry. In some embodiments, the electronic device in or near the vehicle transmitting wireless power is an accessory that draws power from the vehicle's power outlet, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging device (e.g., a charging pad or other accessory coupled to a power source in the vehicle). A removable battery case in or near the vehicle can also be used as a wireless power transmitter (e.g., when the battery case is located in or near the vehicle, the battery case circuitry can act as a transmitter, simultaneously transmitting power to a cellular phone or other electronic device coupled to the battery case). Wireless power signals can be transmitted, for example, at frequencies from 110kHz to 205kHz. The wireless power signals are received by wireless power receiving circuitry and used to charge the battery in a portable electronic device.

[0017] The transmitted wireless power signal may have the same or a similar frequency as the beacon associated with the vehicle's remote keyless system. In some cases, wireless power transmission therefore carries the risk of interfering with the beacon transmitted by the vehicle's remote keyless system. This could affect the user's ability to unlock the door and start the vehicle using the key. To prevent undesirable interference between wireless power operation and vehicle remote keyless system operation, detection operations can be used to detect the presence of potential interference conditions. If the risk of interference is detected, actions can be taken to mitigate the impact of wireless power transmission on the operation of the vehicle remote keyless system. In this way, the user will be able to operate the vehicle satisfactorily using the key. In some cases, wireless power transmission operation can coexist with vehicle remote keyless system operation, meaning that both the vehicle remote keyless system and the wireless charging system can operate in the presence of each other.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a system diagram illustrating an exemplary system that includes a vehicle and an associated wireless key device. (Example:) Figure 1As shown, system 10 includes vehicle 20. Vehicle 20 includes a body, motor, steering system, brakes, and other vehicle components. Vehicle 20 can be a car, truck, motorcycle, or other vehicle.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 20 includes a wireless key system, such as a vehicle remote keyless system 28. System 28 includes an RF transmitter 22, an RF receiver 24, and processing circuitry 26 (sometimes referred to as control circuitry). The RF transmitter 22 uses an antenna (see, for example, antenna 30) to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to key 44. The beacon can be transmitted at any suitable beacon frequency. As an example, the beacon can be transmitted at frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

[0020] Radio frequency receiver 24 uses an antenna (see, for example, antenna 30) to receive radio frequency key codes from key 44 at frequencies ranging from 315 MHz to 435 MHz, 300 MHz to 1000 MHz (1 GHz), or other suitable key code frequencies. Processing circuitry 26 controls the operation of system 28 and other systems in vehicle 20, such as vehicle system 32. Vehicle system 32 includes door locks, ignition system, and other devices controlled by processing circuitry 26. For example, key system 28 can unlock doors and activate vehicle ignition in response to receiving a key code from key 44.

[0021] The key circuit 40 of key 44 includes antenna circuitry (see, for example, antenna 42), radio frequency receiver 34, and radio frequency transmitter 36. Key circuit 40 also includes processing circuitry 38 (sometimes referred to as control circuitry) and other components (e.g., battery, optional display, buttons, etc.). The processing circuitry 38 of key circuitry 40 uses radio frequency receiver circuitry such as receiver 34 and associated antenna (see, for example, antenna 42) to monitor incoming vehicle remote keyless system beacons. In response to beacon detection, processing circuitry 38 can automatically use radio frequency transmitter circuitry such as radio frequency transmitter 36 to transmit a corresponding key code to system 28 at a frequency of 315MHz to 435MHz, 300MHz to 1000MHz, or other suitable key code frequencies. System 28 adjusts vehicle system 32 upon receiving the key code. For example, system 28 can unlock doors and activate the ignition system in vehicle system 32 in response to receiving the key code.

[0022] Wireless power signals can be transmitted between a wireless power charger (e.g., a pad) and a battery-operated device (e.g., a telephone) in the presence of key 44 and vehicle 20. These wireless power signals can potentially interfere with key 44's reception of the beacon, thereby preventing the user from opening and operating vehicle 20. To help ensure satisfactory operation of the vehicle's remote keyless system, interference risk detection operations can be used to detect when conditions indicating interference risk exist, and appropriate interference mitigation operations can be performed in response.

[0023] It can be used Figure 2 Equipment of the type shown is used to transmit and / or receive wireless power signals. Figure 2 Some or all of the circuitry of the device 50 can be used to form an electronic device for use in or near a vehicle. The electronic device can transmit and / or receive wireless power. For example, a battery housing can transmit and optionally receive wireless power, charging accessories such as charging pads or discs can transmit wireless power, cellular phones, tablets, watches, laptops, and other electronic devices can wirelessly receive power and optionally wirelessly transmit power, etc. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device formed by the circuitry of the exemplary device 50 includes a wireless power transmitting circuit 62, in other embodiments, a wireless power receiving circuit 70, and in still other embodiments, both a wireless power transmitter circuit and a wireless power receiver circuit. Generally, the device 50 can be used with cellular phones, watches, tablets, laptops, accessories such as computer styluses or other input-output devices, other portable electronic devices, devices as part of an embedded system in vehicle 20, removable housings for electronic devices (e.g., removable covers for tablets, removable battery housings for cellular phones or other portable devices, etc.), wireless charging pads or discs, keys (see example...) Figure 1 In the key 44) and / or other electronic equipment.

[0024] Figure 2 The electronic equipment 50 includes optional components. One or more of these optional components may be omitted to reduce the cost and complexity of the equipment 50. For example, when the equipment 50 is used to form part of the vehicle 20, the equipment 50 includes components such as vehicle controls (see, for example, other circuitry 88) that are different from those when the equipment 50 is used to form a key 44 or a user's cellular phone (as an example). Figure 2 A schematic diagram is presented as an example.

[0025] like Figure 2As shown, device 50 includes control circuitry 52. ​​Control circuitry 52 is used to control the operation of device 50. This control circuitry may include processing circuitry associated with a microprocessor, power management unit, baseband processor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, and / or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having processing circuitry. The processing circuitry implements desired control and communication characteristics in device 50. For example, the processing circuitry may be used to control wireless power operation, process sensor data and other data, process user input, process negotiation between devices, send and receive wireless communications (e.g., commands, beacons, sensor measurements, and other data), perform measurements, monitor battery status, control battery charging, and otherwise control the operation of device 50.

[0026] Control circuitry 52 may be configured to perform operations within apparatus 50 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware, and / or software. Software code for performing system operations is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) within control circuitry 52. ​​This software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, program instructions, commands, or code. Non-transitory computer-readable storage media may include non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), one or more hard disk drives (e.g., disk drives or solid-state drives), one or more removable flash drives, or other removable media. Software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may execute on processing circuitry of control circuitry 52. ​​Processing circuitry may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with processing circuitry, one or more microprocessors, a central processing unit (CPU), or other processing circuitry.

[0027] Equipment 50 includes input-output circuitry, such as that provided by Figure 2The input-output device 76 is shown. Input-output device 76 may include output devices such as a display 78, a speaker for emitting sound, and other devices 84 (e.g., haptic output devices, etc.). Satellite navigation system circuitry in device 76, such as a Global Positioning System receiver 82, may be used to collect information about the current position and velocity of equipment 50. Sensor 80 may include an image sensor, an optical proximity sensor, a three-dimensional image sensor formed by a light emitter projecting a beam of light and a corresponding image sensor detecting the point where the projected beam strikes an object, a camera flash component, and / or other circuitry for emitting and / or detecting light, an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, radio frequency circuitry (such as radar circuitry and / or other radio frequency circuitry for detecting the position and movement of an object), a microphone for collecting sound, a touch sensor, a button, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, and / or other circuitry for detecting user input and measuring environmental data. Sensor 80 may include an inertial measurement unit (e.g., an accelerometer, compass, and / or gyroscope) for measuring the position, orientation, and / or movement of equipment 50. In some cases, satellite navigation system receivers and / or accelerometers or other inertial measurement unit (IMU) circuitry can detect when equipment 50 is traveling within a range of speeds associated with a motor vehicle (e.g., when vehicle 20 is traveling between 20 and 80 miles per hour), when equipment 50 experiences acceleration changes within a predetermined range indicative of the vehicle 20's travel along a road, when equipment 50 is traveling along a marked road, and / or when equipment 50 is otherwise characterized by physical activities (position, orientation, and / or movement) indicative of operation within a moving vehicle (e.g., when equipment 50 is characterized by parameters indicative of vehicle travel). The IMU can also monitor the movement of equipment 50 when the user moves away from the vehicle after parking. For example, measurements from the IMU in equipment 50 (e.g., a device carried by the user) can be used to detect when the vehicle has stopped and the user has moved a certain distance away from the vehicle, such as 10 meters, making interference mitigation potentially unnecessary.

[0028] like Figure 2As shown, device 50 includes a battery, such as battery 86, to provide power to device 50 and, if necessary, to transmit wireless power. Communication circuitry 54 includes radio frequency transmitter circuitry 58 (e.g., a transmitter that can be tuned to a desired transmission frequency, sometimes referred to as a tuned transmitter) and / or radio frequency receiver circuitry 56 (e.g., a receiver that can be tuned to a desired reception frequency, sometimes referred to as a tuned receiver). Transmitter circuitry 58 uses an antenna (see, for example, antenna 60) to transmit wireless signals. Receiver circuitry 56 uses an antenna (see, for example, antenna 60) to receive wireless signals. In some configurations, wireless power transmitting coils and / or wireless power receiving coils (see, for example, coils 68 and 72) are used, otherwise used for processing wireless power signals, with receiver circuitry 56 receiving wireless signals and / or transmitter circuitry 58 transmitting wireless signals. Configurations in which antenna 60 is separate from coils 68 and 72 can also be used. Separate antennas and coils shared with the wireless power transmitting circuitry can be used with the receiver and transmitter circuitry and are therefore sometimes referred to as part of the wireless transmitter and wireless receiver circuitry forming device 50. Wireless communication can be conducted at any suitable frequency (e.g., when circuit 54 is used as a system such as...). Figure 1 The frequencies associated with the operation of the vehicle's remote keyless system (system 28) include frequencies such as 100kHz to 145kHz associated with keyless system beacons, frequencies of 300MHz to 1000MHz associated with key code transmission from the key, and / or other frequencies associated with wireless local area networks (e.g., 2.4GHz, 5GHz, other WiFi). ® Frequency, millimeter wave frequencies (e.g., frequencies above 10 GHz), cellular phone frequencies (e.g., frequencies from 700 MHz to 2.7 GHz and / or below 700 MHz and / or above 2.7 GHz), personal area network frequencies (e.g., frequencies for Bluetooth), and other frequencies. ® The radio frequency (2.4 GHz) and / or other radio frequencies used to support wireless communication between corresponding electronic devices are used to transmit and / or receive.

[0029] The wireless power circuit 62 may be included in the electronic device 50. For example, a vehicle 20, a key 44, a cellular phone, a watch, a battery casing, and / or other electronic devices may optionally include the wireless power transmitting circuit 64 and / or the wireless power receiving circuit 70. The wireless power transmitting circuit 64 has an inverter 66 that provides an AC drive signal (current) to a coil 68 to generate a wireless power signal (AC electromagnetic field). The wireless power signal can be received using a wireless power receiving circuit in a receiving electronic device.

[0030] The receiving electronic device may have a wireless power receiving circuit, such as a wireless power receiving circuit 70 equipped with 50. Figure 2 The circuitry 70 of the exemplary electronic device 50 includes a coil 72 and a rectifier 74. One or more coils 72 are used to receive wireless power signals and induce corresponding currents in the coils 72. The rectifier 74 is used to rectify the current in the coils 72 to charge a battery 86 and / or otherwise power the circuitry in the device 50.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram of an exemplary system 8 that includes a vehicle remote keyless system and wireless power circuitry. Figure 3 System 8 includes a vehicle 10A, a key 10B, electronic devices 10C, and electronic devices 10D. If needed, other electronic systems may include a remote keyless vehicle system and wireless power circuitry. Figure 3 System 8 is presented as an example.

[0032] Figure 3 Vehicle 10A can be such as Figure 1 The vehicles 20, and may include Figure 2 Equipment of the type shown. Vehicle 10A includes vehicle equipment such as a remote keyless vehicle system 100 (see example...). Figure 1 System 28). For example... Figure 3 As shown, the battery housing, wireless charging accessories (e.g., a charging pad or charging disc that receives wired power from vehicle 10A), or other electronic devices 10D may be located within vehicle 10A. In some cases, the electronic devices 10D are located outside vehicle 10A but near vehicle 10A (e.g., at a location within 10m of vehicle 10A, such as location 10D'). Device 10D includes a wireless power transmitting circuit 102 and optionally includes additional electrical equipment (see, for example, an optional wireless power receiving circuit with wireless power circuit 62 and...). Figure 2 Other electronic equipment 50). During wireless power transfer operation, the wireless power transmitting circuit 102 can be used to transmit wireless power signals received by the wireless power receiving circuit 106 in the electronic device 10C (e.g., charging the battery in the device 10C). The key 10B includes a key circuit 104 (see, for example...). Figure 1 The key circuit 40 may include additional components (e.g., display, cellular transceiver circuit, wireless LAN circuit, sensors, etc.). The key 10B may be a key fob, key card, key embedded in a watch, cellular phone, tablet computer or other portable electronic device, or other suitable wireless vehicle key.

[0033] Electronic device 10C includes wireless power receiving circuitry 106 (see example...) Figure 2 The wireless power circuit 62 and the wireless power receiving circuit 70) may include other circuits (e.g., Figure 2The electronic device 10C may be a portable electronic device, such as a cellular phone, tablet computer, watch, or other electronic device.

[0034] To receive wireless power from the wireless power transmitting circuit 102, a user can place the device 10C such that the wireless power receiving circuit 106 is sufficiently close to the wireless power transmitting circuit 102 to receive the wireless power signal (e.g., within a distance of less than 10 cm, less than 2 cm, less than 1 cm, or other suitable distance, or in direct contact such that the wireless power receiving device is adjacent to the wireless power transmitting device). For example, if the circuit 102 is associated with a charging surface (e.g., the surface of a wireless power charging pad, a vehicle console surface, or other built-in vehicle surface overlapping the wireless power coil), the device 10C can be placed on the charging surface such that the wireless power receiving coil in the circuit 106 overlaps with one or more corresponding wireless power transmitting coils in the circuit 102. As another example, if the circuit 102 forms part of a removable battery housing with wireless power transmitting capability, a user can place the device 10C in the removable battery housing such that the wireless power receiving coil of the circuit 106 is electromagnetically coupled to one or more associated wireless power transmitting coils in the circuit 102.

[0035] Wireless power can be transferred when circuit 106 and wireless power transmitting circuit 102 are placed adjacent to each other or otherwise positioned close enough to allow wireless power signals to be transmitted from circuit 102 to circuit 106. During wireless power transmission, an inverter in circuit 102 drives an AC drive signal (e.g., a signal at a frequency in the range of 110 kHz to 205 kHz or other suitable frequency) through one or more wireless power transmitting coils in circuit 102 to transmit the wireless power signal to circuit 106. The AC drive signal can be a square wave signal, a sine wave signal, a signal with an asymmetrical waveform, a pulse with any suitable duty cycle, or other suitable AC signal. Circuit 106 uses corresponding coil and rectifier circuitry to receive the wireless power signals and convert them into a power supply voltage for device 10C (e.g., to charge the battery in device 10C and / or power other circuits in device 10C).

[0036] Vehicle 10A uses a remote keyless system 100 to wirelessly transmit vehicle remote keyless system beacons. For example, these beacons may have frequencies in the range of 100 kHz to 145 kHz (as an example). Key 10B uses key circuitry 104 to monitor the transmitted beacons, and if a beacon is received, key 10B, in response, uses key circuitry 104 to transmit a corresponding key code to the remote keyless system 100. If key 10B is far from vehicle 10A or if interference is present, key 10B will not receive the beacon.

[0037] The presence of a wireless power signal associated with the power transfer from circuit 102 to circuit 106 may cause interference, which could prevent key circuit 104 from satisfactorily receiving wireless beacons from system 100. To mitigate the situation where key 104 cannot receive beacons from system 100, the control circuit of system 8 detects when interference is present or may be present and takes appropriate action to mitigate the undesired interference effects.

[0038] The user may carry device 10C and key 10B (and in some cases, key 10B may be implemented on device 10C). Because key 10B and device 10C are typically very close (e.g., because both key 10B and device 10C are in the user's pocket and / or because key 10B and device 10C are carried in the user's bag), interference risks can be detected by detecting the condition that key 10B is close to device 10A (in which case device 10C may also be close to device 10A and circuit 102) and / or by detecting the condition that device 10B is close to device 10A (in which case key 10B may also be close to device 10A and circuit 102). These interference situations may occur whether circuit 102 is embedded in vehicle 10A or otherwise associated with vehicle 10A, or whether circuit 102 is in the battery casing or is separated from vehicle 10A and coupled to device 10C or other devices otherwise associated with device 10C.

[0039] The control circuit of system 8, which performs interference risk detection and interference mitigation operations, includes control circuitry such as... Figure 2 The control circuit 52 includes a control circuit containing a wireless power transmission circuit 102 located in an electronic device (e.g., a device 10D, which is separate from and located in or near the vehicle 10A), a control circuit located in a key 10B, and / or a control circuit located in an electronic device 10C. The control circuits in the different devices communicate wirelessly and / or using a wired communication path (where applicable).

[0040] Figure 4 The text shows that it can be used in the following ways: Figure 3 The exemplary interference detection and mitigation operations performed in System 8.

[0041] During operation of box 200, the control circuitry of system 8 (e.g., electronic devices, such as device 10C, device 10D and / or...) Figure 3Other circuits in the system perform detection operations. During these detection operations, the control circuitry monitors the operation of system 8 to detect conditions associated with the possibility that the wireless power signal from circuit 102 will interfere with the vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by system 100. If no interference possibility is detected (e.g., if the control circuitry determines that the wireless power signal from circuit 102 is unlikely to cause interference that would prevent key 10B from receiving the beacon), no action is required (e.g., wireless power transmission can continue uninterrupted). However, in response to the detection of interference possibility, the control circuitry of system 8 (e.g., electronic devices such as device 10C, device 10D, and / or...) Figure 3 Other circuitry within block 202 can take action to mitigate interference during operation. Specifically, interference mitigation operations can be performed by control circuitry during operation of block 202. Mitigation operations help remove factors that generate interference, thereby improving the key circuitry 104's reception of beacons and the transmission of wireless key codes for those beacons.

[0042] In the implementation scheme, the control circuits of device 10C, device 10D and / or other control circuits of system 8 use one or more interference detection techniques.

[0043] In a first exemplary arrangement of the first embodiment, sometimes referred to as a synchronous detection scheme, the control circuitry of device 10C, device 10D, or other circuitry in system 8 uses an RF receiver circuit (see, for example, circuit 54) to monitor the presence of a wireless beacon transmitted by the remote keyless system 100. A coil or separate wireless receiving structure (e.g., a separate antenna, a separate coil, one, two, or three quadrature coils, such as a coil used as an antenna separate from the wireless power receiving coil) serving as an antenna for the beacon signal and sometimes also for receiving and / or transmitting wireless power signals, and the associated RF receiver circuitry are included in other equipment in device 10C, device 10D, or system 8. The receiving structure and RF receiver circuitry are configured to receive the beacon at the wireless beacon frequency (e.g., frequencies from 100 kHz to 145 kHz) and are therefore used for automatically monitoring beacon transmission. If desired, the RF receiver used to monitor the beacon signal can receive and analyze digital data in the beacon signal to help confirm that the beacon signal is associated with the remote keyless system.

[0044] The wirelessly transmitted beacon has a limited range (e.g., less than 20 meters). If a beacon is detected during operation of block 200, it can be inferred that the detection circuitry that detected the beacon (e.g., the antenna and associated RF receiver circuitry of device 10C, device 10D, or other circuitry in system 8) is close to system 100 (e.g., within 20 meters, as an example). For example, in response to the detection of a beacon from system 100 using the antenna and RF receiver circuitry in device 10C or device 10D, which are sensitive to wireless signals in the range of 100 kHz to 145 kHz, device 10C or device 10D can infer that device 10C and / or device 10D are within the wireless beacon range of vehicle 10A and system 100. The RF receiver can be a null-difference circuit, a heterodyne circuit, or other tuned demodulator. Circuit 102 and device 10D are in or near vehicle 10A. Therefore, by detecting that device 10C or device 10D is within the wireless range of the beacon of system 10, device 10C or device 10D can infer that device 10C and / or device 10D are sufficiently close to circuits 100 and 102 of vehicle 10A, creating a risk that any transmission of wireless power from circuit 102 to circuit 106 will generate a wireless power signal that will interfere with the wireless beacon signal transmitted by system 100 and thus affect the reception of the wireless beacon signal by key 10B.

[0045] In a second exemplary arrangement of the first embodiment, device 10C or device 10D uses a wireless receiver circuit (see example...). Figure 2 The radio frequency receiver circuit 56 of the communication circuit 54 in the system monitors the presence of a wireless key code. When key 10B receives a wireless beacon from system 100, key circuit 104 responds by transmitting a key code (e.g., a key code at a frequency of 315MHz to 435MHz, 300MHz to 1000MHz, or other suitable key code frequency). The wireless receiver circuit of device 10C or device 10D has an antenna and a radio frequency receiver configured to detect the transmission of the key code by key 10B. When the key code is detected, device 10C or device 10D can infer that key 10B is within range of system 100 (because key 10B may have transmitted the key code in response to receiving the beacon), and can infer that device 10C or device 10D is close to key 10B and system 100 (because device 10C or device 10D is receiving the transmitted code). By detecting that key 10B may have been triggered by a nearby vehicle, device 10C or device 10D can determine that the presence of a wireless power transmission operation (e.g., receiving wireless power from wireless power transmitting circuit 102 by wireless power receiving circuit 106) will result in a risk of unwanted interference, for example, by affecting key 10B's reception of beacon signals.

[0046] In the second embodiment, it may sometimes be referred to as asynchronous detection technology, envelope detection technology, or peak detection technology, in the control circuits of device 10C, device 10D, or other circuits in system 8 (e.g., Figure 2 Circuit 54) includes a radio frequency signal peak detector circuit to monitor the presence of a wireless beacon transmitted by the remote keyless system 100. The communication circuitry of device 10C or device 10D may, for example, include a receiver circuit 56 having analog and / or digital circuitry configured to implement the peak detector. The peak detector is configured to measure peak values ​​in the transmitted or received wireless power signal that are above a baseline level in the absence of a beacon signal. For example, in an arrangement where the peak detector is coupled to a wireless power receiving coil otherwise used to receive the wireless power signal, the peak detector may detect signal peaks corresponding to a beacon from system 100 that appear to be above the wireless power signal in the coil. One, two, or three separate quadrature coils may also be used to receive the signal. If the measured signal amplitude (e.g., the maximum measured value of the inter-peak voltage of a sample of the received signal at the beacon frequency) exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined amount above the wireless power signal level or other baseline amount), the control circuitry may infer the presence of a beacon signal.

[0047] In the second embodiment, the RF receiver circuitry of device 10C or device 10D uses a receiving configuration (e.g., a shared antenna, a separate antenna, a shared wireless power receiving coil, a coil shared between wireless power transmission and wireless signal reception operations, or a separate coil) and an associated RF signal peak detector to monitor a signal at the beacon frequency characterized by an amplitude exceeding a predetermined threshold (e.g., a predetermined peak voltage). If desired, a bandpass filter can be coupled in series between the antenna and the peak detector. The bandpass filter can be configured to block all signals except those within the possible range of the beacon signal frequency. For example, a bandpass filter can allow signals in the range of 100 kHz to 145 kHz to pass through, and may have a first passband at 125 kHz (corresponding to a 125 kHz beacon) and a second passband at 134 kHz (corresponding to a 134 kHz beacon) and / or may be additionally configured to filter out signals other than those at the beacon frequency. If a beacon is transmitted, the peak detector will detect a wireless signal exceeding a predetermined threshold, and in response to detecting that the peak signal strength at the beacon frequency has exceeded the predetermined threshold (predetermined peak voltage), it can be inferred that a beacon signal is being transmitted.

[0048] In the second embodiment, if a beacon is detected, it can be inferred that peak detection circuitry (e.g., the antennas and associated peak detectors of device 10C, device 10D, or other circuitry in system 8) is close to system 100. For example, in response to the detection of a beacon from system 100 using the antennas and RF peak detectors in device 10C or device 10D, which are sensitive to wireless signals in the 100kHz to 145kHz range, device 10C or device 10D can infer that it is within the wireless beacon range of vehicle 10A and system 100. Because circuit 102 is in or near vehicle 10A, device 10C and / or device 10D can infer, based on the detection of the beacon, that device 10C and / or device 10D are sufficiently close to circuits 100 and 102 of vehicle 10A, creating a risk that wireless power transfer from circuit 102 to circuit 106 will interfere with the wireless beacon signal (and thereby prevent key 10B from satisfactorily receiving the wireless beacon signal).

[0049] In a third embodiment, sometimes referred to as an indirect detection technique, information about the presence of interference risk is gathered by monitoring the status of the indicating device 10C in the vicinity of the vehicle 10A. When the device 10C is near the vehicle 10A, the circuit 102 may be within range of the circuit 106. Therefore, wireless power transmission can generate a radio frequency wireless power signal that interferes with the key 10B's reception of beacons from the system 100.

[0050] In the first exemplary arrangement of the third embodiment, the position of vehicle 10A can be monitored (e.g., using satellite navigation system circuitry, such as in device 10C). Figure 2 The GPS receiver 82. Whenever a user parks vehicle 10A, the vehicle's speed decreases from the speed associated with vehicle travel to zero, indicating that the vehicle is parked. By monitoring the speed of receiver 82, control circuitry (e.g., control circuitry in system 8, such as control circuitry in device 10C, and / or other parts of system 8) can determine when vehicle 10A is parked and, based on the location collected by receiver 82, determine the location where vehicle 10A has been parked. The control circuitry of system 8 (e.g., control circuitry in device 10C) can maintain vehicle parking location information indicating the location where vehicle 10A has been parked. During subsequent operations of device 10C, such as... Figure 2The satellite navigation system circuitry of the Global Positioning System receiver 82 can be used to monitor the location of device 10C (e.g., after the user has left vehicle 10A and is walking). The control circuitry of device 10C and / or other control circuitry of system 8 can periodically compare the known location of the user's parked vehicle (vehicle 10A) with the user's known location (the known location of device 10C). If it is determined that device 10C is far from vehicle 10A, it can be inferred that there is no risk that the wireless power reception of device 10C will interfere with the transmission of beacons from vehicle 10A to key 10B. However, in response to determining that device 10C has returned to the vicinity of vehicle 10A, it can be inferred that there is a risk that the wireless power reception of device 10C will interfere with the transmission of beacons from vehicle 10A to key 10B.

[0051] In the second exemplary arrangement of the third embodiment, the control circuit in system 8, such as the control circuit in device 10C, can monitor the communication link established between device 10C and vehicle 10A (e.g., by monitoring the communication circuit in device 10C, such as...). Figure 2 The communication circuit 54 determines whether the device 10C is paired with the vehicle 10A. If any short-range wireless communication link has already been established between the device 10C and the vehicle 10A (e.g., a short-range personal area network link such as Bluetooth), then... ® Links, wireless LAN links such as IEEE 802.11 links, or wireless operations such as Apple CarPlay used to support the ability of device 10C to share with vehicle 10A capabilities. ® Other wireless communication links for operation, near-field communication links at a frequency of 13.56 MHz or other suitable near-field communication frequencies, or other short-range wireless links that wirelessly pair the device 10C with the vehicle 10A) and / or if by establishing a wired communication link (e.g., for supporting wired operation where the capabilities of the device 10C are shared with the vehicle 10A, such as wired Apple CarPlay). ® If device 10C is paired with vehicle 10A, it can be inferred that device 10C is located near vehicle 10A (e.g., device 10C is within 20m of vehicle 10A or other given short distance, and therefore there is a risk of interference).

[0052] In a third exemplary arrangement of the third embodiment, the control circuitry in system 8, such as the control circuitry in device 10C, uses input-output devices (e.g., input-output devices such as sensor 80 and / or satellite navigation system circuitry such as GPS receiver 82) to determine when device 10C is in or near a vehicle. In this case, the control circuitry can, for example, determine when device 10C is characterized by acceleration values, speed values, and other parameters falling within ranges associated with vehicle movement (e.g., parameters associated with vehicle capabilities). For example, consider speed. A user typically walks or runs at speeds less than 10 miles per hour. Therefore, when a user experiences speeds exceeding 10 miles per hour, the user is likely in a moving vehicle. Similarly, acceleration values ​​with predetermined characteristics are associated with vehicle movement (e.g., acceleration values ​​higher than a predetermined minimum acceleration value and lower than a predetermined maximum acceleration value, and characterized by acceleration values ​​varying over time within a predetermined range (due to vehicle movement along the road). If needed, the control circuitry can determine whether the user is on the road or moving along the road (e.g., using map data and satellite navigation system position and / or speed information). Using input-output devices in device 10 (e.g., accelerometers, other inertial measurement unit circuitry, satellite navigation system circuitry, and / or other circuitry), the motion, orientation, and / or position of device 10C can thus be analyzed to determine whether device 10C experiences characteristics indicative of vehicle movement and is therefore likely in vehicle 10A. Techniques such as these can also be used to determine when a user parks the car and is still within 20m or other short distance from the car (e.g., by measuring how many steps the user has taken after parking).

[0053] Any one or more of these exemplary interference risk detection techniques and / or other suitable interference risk detection techniques can be used to detect interference risks and can be used in combination with any one or more suitable interference mitigation techniques.

[0054] An exemplary interference mitigation method that can be used in System 8 involves altering the transmission of a wireless power signal between circuits 102 and 106 to help prevent the wireless power signal from blocking the key 10B from receiving a beacon transmitted by System 100.

[0055] Through the first exemplary embodiment, the control circuitry in device 10C, the control circuitry in device 10A, and / or other control circuitry in system 8 can automatically stop wireless power transmission operation to prevent wireless power signal interference from beacons originating from system 100. For example, wireless power transmission circuit 102 can be shut down in response to a detected interference risk, causing circuit 102 to cease transmitting wireless power signals (e.g., until the risk is no longer detected). Vehicle 10A and / or device 10C can shut down circuit 102 in this manner. For example, device 10C can transmit a power adjustment command to circuit 102, which instructs circuit 102 to reduce the amount of transmission power to zero. Circuit 102 can be completely shut down in this manner, or, if desired, circuit 102 can be instructed to reduce the amount of transmitted power to a small, non-interference level (e.g., less than 10% or less than 3% of the maximum wireless power transmission capability of system 8, as an example). If necessary, the user can be provided with the opportunity to manually shut down (or reduce) power transmission. For example, on-screen options can be provided to the user on the touchscreen display of device 10C, or the user can be prompted to input information to confirm that wireless power transmission should be stopped (or at least that the amount of power transmitted should be reduced to a level to avoid interference or other adjustments to avoid interference). On-screen options may include messages such as “Wireless key operation may be affected by wireless power activity—press here to pause wireless power operation.” Voice prompts, button options, and other input-output arrangements can be used to collect user input indicating that wireless power transmission should be turned off or otherwise limited. A scenario where wireless power transmission is turned off to prevent interference allows operation of vehicle 10A using key 10B, but interrupts wireless power transmission because no wireless power signal is transmitted.

[0056] In a second exemplary embodiment, circuit 102 is instructed by the control circuitry of system 8 to intermittently transmit wireless power signals. For example, circuit 102 can be configured to switch between a first operating mode and a second operating mode based on a given duty cycle (e.g., a duty cycle of 50%, at least 30%, less than 70%, etc.) when interference mitigation is desired. In the first operating mode, wireless power is transmitted (e.g., the wireless power transmitting circuit 102 is active, and the wireless power receiving circuit 106 is capable of receiving the transmitted wireless power signal). During operation in the first operating mode, interference may be present. However, in the second operating mode, the wireless power transmitting circuit 102 reduces or completely stops wireless power transmission to prevent interference. By selecting an appropriate duty cycle, a beacon can be received by key 10B during the second time period. For example, an appropriate duty cycle provides a second time period long enough relative to the alternating first time period so that the remote keyless system has sufficient interference-free time available for operation without being hindered by wireless power transmission. The first and second time periods can be, for example, 2.5 seconds long (or other suitable lengths, such as at least 2 seconds, at least 3 seconds, less than 5 seconds, etc.). The duration of this second time period (e.g., 2.5s) is sufficient for the vehicle's remote keyless system to complete the handshake operation (typically taking about 30ms to 200ms) and accommodates the polling interval used by the vehicle when sending beacons (which could be, for example, 500ms for some vehicles, 2000ms for others, etc.). In the exemplary configuration, the duty cycle can be variable, meaning the off time can vary between 250ms and 2500ms. An arrangement where the duty cycle is fixed (e.g., the off time has a fixed value between 250ms and 2500ms) can also be used. An appropriate duty cycle provides that the second time period is not so long that a complete restart of the wireless power operation is necessary (e.g., the circulating current is not exhausted), allowing a meaningful amount of wireless power to be transmitted between circuits 102 and 106 to support the operation of the receiving device during the duty cycle while the wireless power transmitter and receiver continue to operate in the vehicle. Therefore, this second exemplary embodiment allows remote keyless system operation and wireless power transfer operation to coexist.

[0057] In a third exemplary embodiment, the interference mitigation operation involves adjusting the inverter 66 to drive the signal to the coil 68 ( Figure 2The parameters associated with the AC drive signal are as follows: The AC drive signal can be, for example, an AC waveform having a frequency f. A first example of a parameter that can be adjusted to reduce interference is the shape of the waveforms used for the AC drive signal and the resulting wireless power signal (e.g., the waveform is a square wave, a sine wave, a symmetrical or asymmetrical waveform with another shape, a pulse train of pulses with a specific duty cycle, and / or other variations in the shape of the current signal flowing through coil 68 and the resulting wireless power signal emitted by circuit 102). A second example of a parameter that can be adjusted to reduce interference is the frequency f of the AC drive signal and the corresponding wireless power signal. The frequency f is in the frequency range of 110 kHz to 205 kHz (as an example). To prevent interference, the frequency f can be shifted to a specific extreme of this range (e.g., 110 kHz or 205 kHz), can alternate between a first frequency and a second frequency in this range, can be repeatedly scanned between the first frequency and the second frequency, can jump between two or more different frequencies in a predetermined or random pattern, and / or can be otherwise adjusted (e.g., to a frequency that is at least different from the beacon frequency and does not interfere with the beacon frequency). The wireless power transfer efficiency of System 8 may be reduced by modifying the coil drive signal and the corresponding transmitted wireless power signal, but the interference problem can be sufficiently reduced by the change in the waveform and / or frequency of the wireless power signal to allow wireless power transmission to coexist with remote keyless system beacons.

[0058] Any one or more of the aforementioned exemplary interference risk detection techniques can be used to detect interference risks and can be used in combination with any one or more of the exemplary interference mitigation techniques.

[0059] In the first implementation, synchronization detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by automatically stopping wireless power transmission.

[0060] In the second implementation, synchronization detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by intermittently transmitting wireless power signals.

[0061] In the third specific implementation, synchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by adjusting the waveform of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0062] In the fourth specific implementation, synchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by adjusting the frequency of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0063] In the fifth specific implementation, asynchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by automatically stopping wireless power transmission operations.

[0064] In the sixth specific implementation, asynchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by intermittently transmitting wireless power signals.

[0065] In the seventh specific implementation, asynchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by adjusting the waveform of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0066] In the eighth specific implementation, asynchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by adjusting the frequency of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0067] In the ninth specific implementation, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique in which the wireless receiver detects the key code, and the interference is mitigated by automatically stopping the wireless power transmission operation.

[0068] In the tenth specific implementation, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique in which the wireless receiver detects the key code, and the interference is mitigated by intermittently transmitting wireless power signals.

[0069] In the eleventh implementation, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique whereby the wireless receiver detects the key code, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the waveform of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0070] In the twelfth embodiment, interference is detected by using an indirect detection technique in which the wireless receiver detects the key code, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the frequency of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0071] In the thirteenth specific implementation, indirect detection technology based on location monitoring is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by automatically stopping wireless power transmission operations.

[0072] In the fourteenth specific implementation, indirect detection technology based on location monitoring is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by intermittently transmitting wireless power signals.

[0073] In the fifteenth specific implementation, an indirect detection technique based on location monitoring is used to detect interference, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the waveform of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0074] In the sixteenth specific implementation, an indirect detection technique based on location monitoring is used to detect interference, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the frequency of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0075] In the seventeenth embodiment, interference is detected by using an indirect detection technique in which the control circuit monitors the communication link established by the device with the vehicle, and the interference is mitigated by automatically stopping the wireless power transmission operation.

[0076] In the eighteenth embodiment, interference is detected by using an indirect detection technique in which the control circuit monitors the communication link established by the device with the vehicle, and the interference is mitigated by intermittently transmitting wireless power signals.

[0077] In the nineteenth embodiment, interference is detected by using an indirect detection technique in which the control circuit monitors the communication link established by the device with the vehicle, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the waveform of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0078] In the twentieth embodiment, interference is detected by using an indirect detection technique in which the control circuit monitors the communication link established by the device with the vehicle, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the frequency of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0079] In the twenty-first embodiment, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique where the input-output circuitry determines when the device is located in the vehicle, and interference is mitigated by automatically stopping the wireless power transmission operation.

[0080] In the twenty-second embodiment, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique in which the input-output circuitry determines when the device is in the vehicle, and interference is mitigated by intermittently transmitting wireless power signals.

[0081] In the twenty-third embodiment, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique in which the input-output circuitry determines when the device is in the vehicle, and interference is mitigated by adjusting the waveform of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0082] In the twenty-fourth embodiment, interference is detected using an indirect detection technique in which the input-output circuitry determines when the device is in the vehicle, and the interference is mitigated by adjusting the frequency of the AC drive signal used by the inverter.

[0083] In the twenty-fifth implementation, synchronization detection is used to detect interference and interference is mitigated by prompting the user for input and adjusting the stop radio power transmission operation in response to the user input.

[0084] In the twenty-sixth implementation, asynchronous detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by prompting the user for input and adjusting the stop radio power transmission operation in response to the user input.

[0085] In the twenty-seventh implementation, indirect detection is used to detect interference, and interference is mitigated by prompting the user for input and adjusting the stop radio power transmission operation in response to the user input.

[0086] The foregoing describes techniques for using data communication in the context of power transfer operations. This disclosure envisions that power transmitter and receiver circuitry may wish to communicate information such as charging status, charging speed, power transfer level, and other wireless power transfer settings to control power transfer. The aforementioned techniques do not necessarily involve the use of personally identifiable information to function. To some extent, the implementation of such charging technology involves the use of personally identifiable information, and implementers should adhere to privacy policies and practices generally considered to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0087] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, configured to transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving circuit in a wireless power receiving device in or near a vehicle having a vehicle remote keyless system, the vehicle remote keyless system being configured to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to a key and receive a wireless key signal from the key, the electronic device comprising: a wireless power transmitting circuit configured to transmit a wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving circuit to charge a battery in the wireless power receiving device; and a control circuit configured to: detect a condition indicating that the transmission of the wireless power signal will cause interference to the vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and to mitigate the interference in response to detecting the condition.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the wireless power transmitting circuit includes a wireless power transmitting coil, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition using the wireless power transmitting coil.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a wireless circuit with a peak detector configured to use the wireless power transmitting coil to measure the peak wireless signal amplitude at a beacon frequency associated with a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the measured peak wireless signal amplitude at the beacon frequency.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a receiver tuned to a certain frequency, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by using the receiver tuned to the frequency to receive a signal using the wireless power transmitting coil.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and the control circuit is configured to detect the status based on the received vehicle remote keyless system beacon.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

[0093] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive the wireless key signal emitted by the key, and the control circuit is configured to detect the status based on the received wireless key signal.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 300MHz to 1000MHz.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the wireless power transmitting circuit includes a wireless power transmitting coil, the circuit also includes an antenna separate from the wireless power transmitting coil, and the control circuit is configured to use the antenna to detect the condition.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a wireless circuit with a peak detector configured to use the antenna to measure the peak wireless signal amplitude at a beacon frequency associated with a vehicle remote keyless system beacon emitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the measured peak wireless signal amplitude at the beacon frequency.

[0097] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a receiver tuned to a certain frequency, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by using the receiver tuned to the frequency to receive a signal via the antenna.

[0098] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and the control circuit is configured to detect the status based on the received vehicle remote keyless system beacon.

[0099] According to another embodiment, the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

[0100] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive the wireless key signal emitted by the key, and the control circuit is configured to detect the status based on the received wireless key signal.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 300MHz to 1000MHz.

[0102] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate interference by causing the wireless power transmission circuit to alternately adjust the wireless power transmission between a first mode and a second mode according to the duty cycle, wherein the wireless power transmission circuit transmits a given amount of power in the first mode and transmits less than the given amount of power in the second mode.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the wireless power signal has a first frequency, the vehicle remote keyless system signal has a second frequency, and the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by adjusting the first frequency to a different frequency in response to detecting the condition.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate interference by causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to stop the transmission of wireless power signals to the wireless power receiving circuit.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by prompting a user to adjust the wireless power transmission and stopping the transmission of the wireless power signal in response to the user input.

[0106] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, configured to transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving circuit in a wireless power receiving device in or near a vehicle having a vehicle remote keyless system, the vehicle remote keyless system being configured to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to a key and receive a wireless key signal from the key, the electronic device comprising: a wireless power transmitting circuit configured to transmit a wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving circuit to charge a battery in the wireless power receiving device; and a control circuit configured to: detect that the transmission of the wireless power signal, indicated by the vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, will cause interference to the vehicle remote keyless system beacon, and to mitigate the interference in response to detecting the condition.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate interference by alternately adjusting the transmission of the wireless power signal between a first mode and a second mode according to the duty cycle, wherein the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits a given amount of power in the first mode and transmits less than the given amount of power in the second mode.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the wireless power signal has a first frequency, the vehicle remote keyless system signal has a second frequency, and the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by adjusting the first frequency to a different frequency in response to detecting the condition.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by stopping the transmission of wireless power signals between the wireless power transmitting circuit and the wireless power receiving circuit.

[0110] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by prompting a user to adjust the transmission of the wireless power signal and stopping the transmission of the wireless power signal in response to the user input.

[0111] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, configured to receive wireless power from a wireless power transmitting circuit in or near a vehicle having a vehicle remote keyless system, the vehicle remote keyless system being configured to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to a key and receive a wireless key signal from the key, the electronic device comprising: a wireless power receiving circuit configured to receive a wireless power signal from the wireless power transmitting circuit; and a control circuit configured to: detect a condition indicating that the transmission of the wireless power signal will cause interference to the vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and to mitigate the interference in response to detecting the condition.

[0112] According to another embodiment, the wireless power receiving circuit includes a wireless power receiving coil, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition using the wireless power receiving coil.

[0113] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a wireless circuit with a peak detector configured to use the wireless power receiving coil to measure the peak wireless signal amplitude at a beacon frequency associated with a vehicle remote keyless system beacon emitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the measured peak wireless signal amplitude at the beacon frequency.

[0114] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a receiver tuned to a certain frequency, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by using the receiver tuned to the frequency to receive a signal using the wireless power receiving coil.

[0115] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, the control circuit is configured to detect the status based on the received vehicle remote keyless system beacon, and the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

[0116] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive the wireless key signal emitted by the key, the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the received wireless key signal, and the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 300MHz to 1000MHz.

[0117] According to another embodiment, the wireless power receiving circuit includes a wireless power receiving coil, the circuit includes an antenna separate from the wireless power receiving coil, and the control circuit is configured to use the antenna to detect the condition.

[0118] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a wireless circuit with a peak detector configured to use the antenna to measure the peak wireless signal amplitude at a beacon frequency associated with a vehicle remote keyless system beacon emitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the measured peak wireless signal amplitude at the beacon frequency.

[0119] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a receiver tuned to a certain frequency, the control circuit being configured to detect the condition by using the receiver tuned to the frequency to receive signals via the antenna, the receiver being configured to receive a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, the control circuit being configured to detect the condition based on the received vehicle remote keyless system beacon, and the receiver being tuned to a frequency of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

[0120] According to another embodiment, the receiver is configured to receive the wireless key signal emitted by the key, and the control circuit is configured to detect the status based on the received wireless key signal.

[0121] According to another embodiment, the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 300MHz to 1000MHz.

[0122] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmitting circuit in response to detecting the condition. The command causes the wireless power transmitting circuit to alternately adjust the transmission of the wireless power signal between a first mode and a second mode according to a duty cycle. In the first mode, the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits a given amount of power, and in the second mode, the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits less than the given amount of power.

[0123] According to another embodiment, the wireless power signal has a first frequency, the vehicle remote keyless system signal has a second frequency, and the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmitting circuit in response to detecting the condition, the command causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to adjust the first frequency to a frequency different from the second frequency.

[0124] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmitting circuit in response to detecting the condition, the command causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to stop the transmission of the wireless power signal between the wireless power transmitting circuit and the wireless power receiving circuit.

[0125] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by prompting a user input in response to detecting the condition and by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmission circuit in response to the user input, the command causing the wireless power transmission circuit to stop the transmission of the wireless power signal.

[0126] According to one embodiment, an electronic device is provided, configured to receive wireless power from a wireless power transmitting circuit in or near a vehicle having a vehicle remote keyless system, the vehicle remote keyless system being configured to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to a key and receive a wireless key signal from the key, the electronic device comprising: a battery; a wireless power receiving circuit configured to receive a wireless power signal from the wireless power transmitting circuit to charge the battery; and a control circuit configured to: detect a condition indicating that the transmission of the wireless power signal will cause interference to the vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, and to mitigate the interference in response to detecting the condition.

[0127] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a satellite navigation system circuit configured to collect location information, and the control circuit configured to use the location information to detect the situation.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to save the vehicle parking position collected by the satellite navigation system circuit in response to the parking of the vehicle, and to detect the situation by comparing the current position collected by the satellite navigation system circuit with the vehicle parking position.

[0129] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes a wireless transceiver circuit configured to wirelessly pair with a wireless circuit in the vehicle, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by determining when the wireless transceiver circuit wirelessly pairs with the wireless circuit in the vehicle.

[0130] According to another embodiment, the electronic device includes an inertial measurement unit, and the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by using the inertial measurement unit to detect motions representing the vehicle's movement.

[0131] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by prompting a user to adjust the transmission of the wireless power signal and adjusting the transmission of the wireless power signal in response to the user input.

[0132] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmitting circuit in response to detecting the condition. The command causes the wireless power transmitting circuit to alternately adjust the transmission of the wireless power signal between a first mode and a second mode according to a duty cycle. In the first mode, the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits a given amount of power, and in the second mode, the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits less than the given amount of power.

[0133] According to another embodiment, the wireless power signal has a first frequency, the vehicle remote keyless system signal has a second frequency, and the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmitting circuit in response to detecting the condition, the command causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to adjust the first frequency to a frequency different from the second frequency.

[0134] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmitting circuit in response to detecting the condition, the command causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to stop the transmission of the wireless power signal between the wireless power transmitting circuit and the wireless power receiving circuit.

[0135] According to another embodiment, the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by prompting a user input in response to detecting the condition and by transmitting a command to the wireless power transmission circuit in response to the user input, the command causing the wireless power transmission circuit to stop the transmission of the wireless power signal.

[0136] The foregoing description is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described implementation scheme. The described implementation scheme can be implemented independently or in any combination.

Claims

1. An electronic device configured to transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving circuit in a wireless power receiving device in or near a vehicle having a vehicle remote keyless system, the vehicle remote keyless system being configured to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to a key and receive a wireless key signal from the key, the electronic device comprising: A wireless power transmitting circuit, configured to transmit a wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving circuit; A detector circuit configured to measure the amplitude of a wireless signal at a beacon frequency associated with the vehicle's remote keyless system beacon; and Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: Based on the measured wireless signal amplitude exceeding the baseline level at the beacon frequency associated with the vehicle remote keyless system beacon in the absence of the vehicle remote keyless system beacon, a condition indicating that the transmission of the wireless power signal will cause interference to the vehicle remote keyless system beacon emitted by the vehicle remote keyless system is detected. as well as In response to the detection of the condition, the interference is mitigated.

2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitting circuit includes a wireless power transmitting coil, and wherein the detector circuit is configured to use the wireless power transmitting coil to measure the amplitude of the wireless signal.

3. The electronic device according to claim 2, further comprising: A receiver tuned to a certain frequency, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the condition by using the receiver tuned to the frequency to receive a signal via the wireless power transmitting coil.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the condition based on the received vehicle remote keyless system beacon, and wherein the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

5. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the wireless key signal transmitted by the key, wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the received wireless key signal, and wherein the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 300MHz to 1000MHz.

6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitting circuit includes a wireless power transmitting coil, the electronic device further includes an antenna separate from the wireless power transmitting coil, wherein the detector circuit is configured to use the antenna to measure the amplitude of the wireless signal.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, further comprising: A receiver tuned to a certain frequency, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the condition by using the receiver tuned to the frequency to receive a signal via the antenna.

8. The electronic device of claim 7, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a vehicle remote keyless system beacon transmitted by the vehicle remote keyless system, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the condition based on the received vehicle remote keyless system beacon, and wherein the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 100 kHz to 145 kHz.

9. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the wireless key signal transmitted by the key, wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the condition based on the received wireless key signal, and wherein the receiver is tuned to a frequency of 300MHz to 1000MHz.

10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to alternately adjust the transmission of the wireless power between a first mode and a second mode according to a duty cycle, wherein the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits a given amount of power in the first mode and transmits less than the given amount of power in the second mode.

11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the wireless power signal has a first frequency, wherein the vehicle remote keyless system signal has a second frequency, and wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by adjusting the first frequency to a different frequency from the second frequency in response to detecting the condition.

12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by causing the wireless power transmitting circuit to stop the transmission of the wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving circuit.

13. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by adjusting the transmission of the wireless power signal by prompting a user for input and stopping the transmission of the wireless power signal in response to the user input.

14. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry is configured to detect the condition by identifying a component in the wireless signal amplitude associated with the vehicle remote keyless system beacon based on a comparison between the wireless signal amplitude and the baseline level.

15. An electronic device configured to transmit wireless power to a wireless power receiving circuit in a wireless power receiving device in or near a vehicle having a vehicle remote keyless system, the vehicle remote keyless system being configured to transmit a vehicle remote keyless system beacon to a key and receive a wireless key signal from the key, the electronic device comprising: A wireless power transmitting circuit, configured to transmit a wireless power signal to the wireless power receiving circuit; and Control circuit, the control circuit being configured to: The detection indicates that the transmission of the wireless power signal will cause interference to the vehicle remote keyless system beacon emitted by the vehicle remote keyless system; as well as In response to the detection of the condition, the interference is mitigated by causing the wireless power transmission circuit to alternately transmit the wireless power signal between a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein the second operating mode overlaps with the vehicle remote keyless system beacon.

16. The electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising: A satellite navigation system circuit configured to collect position information, wherein the control circuit is configured to use the position information to detect the condition.

17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the control circuit is configured to: In response to the parking of the vehicle, the vehicle parking location collected by the satellite navigation system circuitry is stored; and The situation is detected by comparing the current location collected by the satellite navigation system circuitry with the vehicle's parking location.

18. The electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising: A wireless transceiver circuit configured to wirelessly pair with a wireless circuit in the vehicle, wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by determining when the wireless transceiver circuit wirelessly pairs with the wireless circuit in the vehicle.

19. The electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising: An inertial measurement unit, wherein the control circuit is configured to detect the condition by using the inertial measurement unit to detect motions representing the vehicle's movement.

20. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the wireless power transmitting circuit transmits a given amount of power in the first operating mode and transmits less than the given amount of power in the second operating mode.

21. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the wireless power signal has a first frequency, wherein the vehicle remote keyless system signal has a second frequency, and wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by adjusting the first frequency to be different from the second frequency.

22. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by stopping the transmission of the wireless power signal between the wireless power transmitting circuit and the wireless power receiving circuit.

23. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein the control circuit is configured to mitigate the interference by adjusting the transmission of the wireless power signal by prompting a user for input and stopping the transmission of the wireless power signal in response to the user input.

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