Wireless power transmission system with adaptive dynamic safety management

Abstract

To provide methods and systems for safely and effectively supplying wireless power.SOLUTION: A power transmission system generates a delta signal by repeatedly calculating a difference in power between power of light beam 17 emitted by a transmitter 10 and an amount of power received at a receiver 15 and dynamically generates a time delay, which is a time period shorter than the maximal exposure duration relating to safe exposure durations for a power level of the delta signal. If the time delay is exceeded, the system changes an operational parameter of the system, such as terminating the beam. Because of limitations to building a perfect timing system, the system is built to be more sensitive to time delays having longer safe exposure durations, with large delta signals having short safe exposure durations being responded to immediately and without significant regard to the time delay.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of safety systems in wireless power transmission systems, and more particularly to preventing damage caused by beams generated by the transmission of power beams radiated by a transmitting device.

Background Art

[0002] In the art, many wireless power systems have been proposed. However, such systems are not yet commercially viable in terms of being able to transmit sufficient power to operate portable electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops over a reasonable distance for office or home environments, in accordance with safety regulations. Such devices often require a large charging power exceeding 10 W.

[0003] The need for wireless power transmission systems has generally been accepted as a long - standing need, perhaps since the pioneering research of Nikola Tesla in the early 20th century. Some of the proposed wireless power systems are based on the transmission of electromagnetic beams to photovoltaic cells or antennas on a receiver, and others are based on the transmission of ultrasonic beams or other types of power beams to the receiver.

[0004] Such proposed transmitting devices are referred to in the present disclosure as "transmitters" and can supply power to a receiver using a laser beam or another high - energy beam. The "receiver" referred to in the present disclosure typically refers to an electronic device remote from the transmitter and powered by the transmitter. Converts the received beam into usable energy and enables charging of the battery or power supply to the electronic circuit without the need to plug the device into a physical socket and is provided with a photovoltaic cell for enabling charging of the battery or power supply to the electronic circuit. In such a system, the transmitter can identify the receiver by receiving the retroreflection of the transmitted beam from the receiver, and / or by receiving wireless communication from the receiver. Typically the room where a receiver requiring charging is expected to be found is scanned by a laser beam emitted by the transmitter at a low power setting, or by a separate RF or ultrasonic beam, or by any other means such as a camera. When the transmitter finds the receiver, the transmitter can direct its entire beam, using a scanning mirror, towards the receiver identified for charging.

[0005] Typically, the beam power emitted by the transmitter is only allowed to collide with humans or other sensitive objects or devices for a very short time or at a very low power setting . Such restrictions are set by government regulations such as current US regulation CFR21~1040 and other similar approved regulations. In normal use, such a collision with a human or other sensitive object or device can only occur if the power beam is misdirected , or if there is an intrusion of the beam by a human or other object. In either case, there is a difference between the power transmitted and the power received by the receiver. Therefore such a system must be able to confirm that most of the power of the beam emitted by the transmitter is absorbed by the receiver , and must also be able to respond quickly if this situation changes, such as when an object is placed in the path of the beam . ​​​​

[0006] Some prior art systems have several problems, which may imply unacceptable safety risks in certain situations In systems where the position of the receiver is known to the transmitter, especially when the receiver is placed in an optically complex environment such as a home environment the beam can be absorbed or reflected by objects in the path between the transmitter and the receiver Since many objects are sensitive to damage by laser beams, any part of the beam that "gets lost" in the path to the receiver can pose a danger For example, if a transparent object such as a window is in the path between the transmitter and the receiver, it can reflect a part of the beam passing through it in an unknown direction This situation can occur when the transmitter supplies power to the receiver through a transparent window The window may not be able to handle such a high power level and may be damaged or cracked as a result In addition, a transparent surface can transmit a part of the beam towards unintended objects Also, the transmitter may accidentally direct the beam towards flammable objects, increasing the risk of damage related to fire Furthermore, in systems where multiple transmitters are used, the reflected beams can intersect with the beams emitted by different transmitters, even in a system where direct intersections are prevented This can lead to unintended and even more dangerous results because the power at the intersection may be stronger than that allowed by safety requirements In addition, if the beam is accidentally directed towards an unintended surface, that surface can reflect the beam and the beam can be directed in an undesirable direction around the room

[0007] Or the surface can split the beam in random directions, thereby increasing the sensitivity to a higher level which may lead to more dangerous results In addition, if the beam is accidentally directed towards an unintended surface, that surface can reflect the beam and the beam can be directed in an undesirable direction around the room Or the surface can split the beam in random directions, thereby increasing the sensitivity to a higher level An object or device can be exposed to the beam. Thus, regardless of whether it is a perfectly reflecting or only partially reflecting, or an absorptive material, in particular, all surfaces such as mirrors, people, animals, cameras, glass surfaces, metal surfaces, and sensitive equipment, etc., can pose a dangerous situation if the beam is accidentally directed at them. Furthermore, typically, the beam profile can change as the beam propagates, with the beam diameter, optical quality, viewing angle, and other parameters also changing, and the allowable exposure can be a function of the power density of the beam, making it difficult to determine the allowable duration of exposure to that power. The changes in the beam profile and diameter are often a function of the detection range, and the wavelength of the beam can change with the laser temperature. Thus, in prior art systems, it was necessary to compare the power losses over time taking into account the changes in the values of each detection range and other laser oscillation parameters. In WO2017 / 158605 for “System for Optical Wireless Power Supply”, WO2017 / 179051 for “System for Optical Wireless Power Supply”, and WO / 2019 / 064305 for “Fail-safe Optical Wireless Power Supply”, all of which are co-owned and have the co-inventors of this application, various system features and methods for implementing the safe operation of such an optical wireless power transmission system for use with a single or multiple receivers are described.

[0008] Moreover, typically, the beam profile can change as the beam propagates, where the beam diameter, optical quality, viewing angle, and other parameters also change, and the allowable exposure can be a function of the power density of the beam, making it difficult to determine the allowable duration of exposure to that power. The changes in the beam profile and diameter are often a function of the detection range, and the wavelength of the beam can change with the laser temperature. Thus, in prior art systems, it was necessary to compare the power losses over time taking into account the changes in the values of each detection range and other laser oscillation parameters.

[0009] “System for Optical Wireless Power Supp ly” for WO2017 / 158605, “System for Optica l Wireless Power Supply” for WO2017 / 1790 51, and “Fail-safe Optical Wireless Power S upply” for WO / 2019 / 064305, all of which are co-owned and have the co-inventors of this application, various system features and methods for implementing the safe operation of such an optical wireless power transmission system for use with a single or multiple receivers are described. ​​​​​​​​​It is. Other publications also consider various aspects of the safe operation of such systems. However, the prior art does not directly consider how to efficiently implement an accurate methodology for how safety procedures interact with the quantitative requirements of various safety regulations, and the compliance of the system therewith. has not been considered.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a system and method that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of currently available power transmission systems, and in particular, that can minimize the risk of laser oscillation towards sensitive objects or prohibited areas without unduly restricting the intended use of the system, and thus provides an efficient and unobstructed transmission of power.

[0011] The disclosure of each publication described in this section and other sections of this specification is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. into this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A system is disclosed for safely and effectively supplying a beam of wireless power from a transmitter to at least one receiver. The power difference between the power of the beam radiated by the transmitter and the amount of power received at the receiver is calculated, and it is presumed that the power is redirected during its passage from the transmitter to the receiver, and thus this represents a safety threat to people, animals or objects within the path of the redirected beam portion. The control system is designed to accurately respond to a wide range of loss power signals for both an indication suggesting that a small amount of power is being lost during the wireless power supply to the receiver and a high level of beam loss indicating an obstacle between the transmitter and the receiver device. This system includes a transmitter device and a receiver device ​ Even though there can be a wide range of levels of power loss that can occur between them, it is adapted to provide reliable protection. to be.

[0013] To calculate the amount of power lost between the transmitter and the receiver device, the level of power radiated by the transmitter is typically measured by a power meter, and the level of power received at the receiver device is similarly measured using receiver power measurement or any of the systems or methods described below. A signal representing the difference between these two power levels is calculated and may hereafter be referred to as the Δ signal or the loss power signal. The main problem that must be solved is related to the regulatory limits of power exposure allowed in such a system as a function of the exposure time considered to be safe. Thus, very high levels of stray power are only allowed if the exposure time to that power level is very short before the safety mechanism in the system terminates the exposure. On the other hand, very low levels of exposure can be allowed for very long periods, even for several hours or days, due to the very low power levels before the safety mechanism of the system terminates the exposure.

[0014] In a typical real - world scenario, even for an assumed constant power, the Δ signal does not show a constant level. This is because in addition to a generally stable supply of power from the transmitter to the receiver, noise interference or transient and non - dangerous beam obstructions can cause the Δ signal to rise and fall. When these temporary noise - like changes in the Δ signal are received by the system, the system determines whether the change in the Δ signal is due to the transmitter emitting power onto a surface other than the receiver cell. to the power level before the safety mechanism in the system terminates the exposure. of the exposure time to that power level is very short. On the other hand, very low levels of exposure can be allowed for very long periods, even for several hours or days, due to the very low power levels before the safety mechanism of the system terminates the exposure.

[0015] In a typical real - world scenario, even for an assumed constant power, the Δ signal does not show a constant level. This is because in addition to a generally stable supply of power from the transmitter to the receiver, noise interference or transient and non - dangerous beam obstructions can cause the Δ signal to rise and fall. When these temporary noise - like changes in the Δ signal are received by the system, the system determines whether the change in the Δ signal is due to the transmitter emitting power onto a surface other than the receiver cell. In addition to a generally stable supply of power from the transmitter to the receiver, noise interference or transient and non - dangerous beam obstructions can cause the Δ signal to rise and fall. When these temporary noise - like changes in the Δ signal are received by the system, the system determines whether the change in the Δ signal is due to the transmitter emitting power onto a surface other than the receiver cell. If these changes such as temporary noise in the Δ signal are received by the system, the system determines that the change in the Δ signal is due to the transmitter emitting power onto a surface other than the receiver cell. ​shows a situation where the emitted beams are colliding, and thus, it can be concluded that beam generation is causing damage to any object in the path of the beam that has collided with something, or that has been reflected from a surface that is not its target. Therefore, the correct response is to either terminate the beam or, if not, suppress the increase in the Δ power reading. On the other hand, if the increased Δ results from such a noise phenomenon, these changes in power loss may appear significant to the system, but the Δ signal may return to an acceptable low level within a short time, and if that short time is shorter than the allowable exposure time to that power level, this would not require the system to terminate laser oscillation or modify other transmission parameters to reduce the Δ signal. The guidelines disclosed in this application define the maximum time exposure allowed as a function of the loss power level between the transmitter and the receiver. One feature of the systems and methods of the present disclosure is to determine a "standby period" or delay time (hereinafter referred to as T ), which is dynamically set according to the level of the Δ signal. This standby period is the period during which the system delays in response to the power loss indicated by the Δ signal to avoid premature stopping of the system, and this may not be mandatory. T must be less than or equal to the maximum allowable duration of the power loss measured by the Δ signal, as defined by the regulations. Also, the delay time may be a dynamic function of the power emitted from the transmitter, in addition to the difference as indicated by the Δ signal.

[0016] One feature of the systems and methods of the present disclosure is that a "standby period" or delay time (hereinafter referred to as T ), which is dynamically set according to the level of the Δ signal, is determined. This standby period is the period during which the system delays in response to the power loss indicated by the Δ signal to avoid premature stopping of the system, and this may not be mandatory. T delay is the period during which the system delays in response to the power loss indicated by the Δ signal to avoid premature stopping of the system, and this may not be mandatory. T must be less than or equal to the maximum allowable duration of the power loss measured by the Δ signal, as defined by the regulations. Also, the delay time may be a dynamic function of the power emitted from the transmitter, in addition to the difference as indicated by the Δ signal. is the period during which the system delays in response to the power loss indicated by the Δ signal to avoid premature stopping of the system, and this may not be mandatory. T delay must be less than or equal to the maximum allowable duration of the power loss measured by the Δ signal, as defined by the regulations. Also, the delay time may be a dynamic function of the power emitted from the transmitter, in addition to the difference as indicated by the Δ signal. must be less than or equal to the maximum allowable duration of the power loss measured by the Δ signal, as defined by the regulations. Also, the delay time may be a dynamic function of the power emitted from the transmitter, in addition to the difference as indicated by the Δ signal. may also be a dynamic function of the power emitted from the transmitter.

[0017] In addition, an "event clock", also known as a timing system, typically monitors T d elay and functions as a timer system to ensure that the event clock does not exceed T delay . The "event clock" typically includes an amplification system or a frequency - selective signal processor and typically receives a Δ signal as its input signal. Alternatively, the input signal may be a signal output by a receiver power meter, and thus, a large output signal will represent at least a majority of the beam reaching the receiver. If the Δ signal changes, whether increasing or decreasing, and T needs to be recalculated, the "event clock" is reset with the new T . Since several objects may remain in the beam path despite other transient changes, the new T may be calculated as a function of the differential power accumulated during any of the immediately preceding T

[0018] periods calculated for a wireless transmission event. A non - limiting example is when a first partially transparent object is placed in the beam path and then a second partially transparent object is additionally placed in the beam path. In this case, the system must calculate a new T delay that matches the new amount of power lost between the transmitter and the receiver. However, the system may have to consider the amount of power accumulated before the first partially transparent object placed the second partially transparent object for this new T . delay . The new T delay is calculated as a function of the differential power accumulated during any of the immediately preceding T delay periods calculated for a wireless transmission event. A non - limiting example is when a first partially transparent object is placed in the beam path and then a second partially transparent object is additionally placed in the beam path. In this case, the system must calculate a new T that matches the new amount of power lost between the transmitter and the receiver. However, the system may have to consider the amount of power accumulated before the first partially transparent object placed the second partially transparent object for this new T . In this case, the system must calculate a new T that matches the new amount of power lost between the transmitter and the receiver. However, the system may have to consider the amount of power accumulated before the first partially transparent object placed the second partially transparent object for this new T delay . However, the system may have to consider the amount of power accumulated before the first partially transparent object placed the second partially transparent object for this new T . delay There may be cases where the system has to consider the amount of power accumulated before the first partially transparent object placed the second partially transparent object for this new T . ​

[0019] The ambient level of the Δ signal typically reflects a clear beam path between the transmitter and the receiver without significant obstacles that would block a sufficient portion of the beam and collide with the receiver device. When the Δ signal drops to the ambient level, T may be calculated without considering previous power losses. This may indicate that there are no significant beam obstructions that need to be considered for the beam exposure duration. delay previously To illustrate, if an object is removed from the beam path and the Δ signal drops to the ambient level, and the Δ signal remains below the ambient level for some time, the system may conclude that the beam power accumulated in that object is no longer significant. Because that object has been out of the beam path for a considerable time, and thus, even if reinserted, a new delay time should be started. However, if the Δ signal drops to the ambient level before the established or calculated time, this indicates that the object has re-entered the beam path, and thus accumulated laser damage may occur, so T should not be reset. To illustrate, if an object is inserted into the beam path for some time, removed, and then reinserted, due to the short interval when the object was not in the beam path, and thus, if the total exposure time of the object to the transmitter's beam is not considered, the object may receive accumulated damage Therefore, T may be a function of the overall exposure of the object to the beam.

[0020] However, if the Δ signal drops to the ambient level before the established or calculated time, this indicates that the object has re-entered the beam path, and thus accumulated laser damage may occur, so T should not be reset. To illustrate, if an object is inserted into the beam path for some time, removed, and then reinserted, due to the short interval when the object was not in the beam path, and thus, if the total exposure time of the object to the transmitter's beam is not considered, the object may receive accumulated damage delay should not be reset. To explain this, if an object is inserted into the beam path for some time, removed, and then reinserted, due to the short interval when the object was not in the beam path, and thus, if the total exposure time of the object to the transmitter's beam is not considered, the object may receive accumulated damage Therefore, T may be a function of the overall exposure of the object to the beam. Therefore, T delay may be a function of the overall exposure of the object to the beam.

[0021] This means that when the object is reinserted, a new Tdelay In contrast to the situation in which it is calculated it is.

[0022] In designing a complete system, i.e., a system that can monitor a slow and weak Δ signal and at the same time respond to a very rapid change in the Δ signal, due to the limitations, the current system is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby period indicating low power loss between the transmitter and the receiver, or an event having T Therefore, events having a very slow change need to be monitored and amplified with a greater gain than the signals occurring at high frequencies, which are requirements for high-level Δ signals. Such a configuration provides a great advantage to the system in the efficient management of safety judgments related to stray light beam exposure. is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby period indicating low power loss between the transmitter and the receiver, or an event having T is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby delay Therefore, events having a very slow change need to be monitored and amplified with a greater gain than the signals occurring at high frequencies, which are requirements for high-level Δ signals. Such a configuration provides a great advantage to the system in the efficient management of safety judgments related to stray light beam exposure. is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby period indicating low power loss between the transmitter and the receiver, or an event having T is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby

[0023] Furthermore, in another embodiment of the system of the present disclosure, if the delta signal exhibits a loss of power beyond the saturation level, the event clock may be bypassed, or alternatively, the timing system needs to be modified very quickly so that the event clock becomes essentially irrelevant, and the control system anticipates the need to calculate a new T for a new significant delta signal, and without any delay, terminates the laser oscillation or modifies different operating parameters of the system, and a saturation level may be selected. This is because delta signals beyond the saturation level are potentially very dangerous. is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby period indicating low power loss between the transmitter and the receiver, or an event having T delay is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby period indicating low power loss between the transmitter and the receiver, or an event having T is configured to be biased in the direction of monitoring and amplifying low-level Δ signals that change only over a long period of time, as long as the frequency range that a frequency-selective signal processor or amplification system can optimally amplify or monitor does not cause an unexpected situation that suddenly jumps the Δ signal. In this way, a long standby is obtained, and since the maximum exposure duration for these power losses is extremely short, an event clock is required for a response time that does not use it. Therefore, the calculated T dela y is so short as to be negligible, a difference that is indistinguishable from each other. Therefore, the frequency response of the amplification system related to the event clock may be configured to shift its passband to lower frequencies, and the frequencies related to the power exceeding the saturation level signal must be responded to without essentially requiring the timing operation of the event clock for this reason, providing significant amplification at lower signal frequencies. This adjustment of the normally expected frequency response of the amplifier or processor enables the system to cover the required large dynamic range. This adjustment of the normally expected frequency response of the amplifier or processor enables the system to cover the required large dynamic range.

[0024] The calculations can be performed using digital electronics, but analog electronics or other physical processes may also be used. Analog amplifiers can represent integration, summation, window-sum, and delay. Other components such as capacitors, inductors, and other electronic components can also be used, either in combination with digital electronics or without requiring digital electronics to perform some or all of the calculations.

[0025] Each Δ signal has an allowable exposure time set to reflect T delay . When Δ changes, the event clock or amplification system must be reset to a new waiting time in order to continuously adjust to the maximum waiting time allowed for the power loss currently indicated by the Δ signal before the power beam must be reduced. The event clock or amplification system must be reset to a new waiting time in order to continuously adjust to the maximum waiting time allowed for the power loss currently indicated by the Δ signal before the power beam must be reduced. The event clock or amplification system must be reset to a new waiting time in order to continuously adjust to the maximum waiting time allowed for the power loss currently indicated by the Δ signal before the power beam must be reduced. The event clock or amplification system must be reset to a new waiting time in order to continuously adjust to the maximum waiting time allowed for the power loss currently indicated by the Δ signal before the power beam must be reduced. The event clock or The timer may not have a sufficiently fast response time for signals that change very rapidly, and thus, a rapid but potentially significant signal change may appear delayed in the amplifier's output signal, and thus, the clock may not be reset sufficiently quickly. However, if there is a dramatic increase in the Δ signal, the system may not be able to maintain a short allowable delay time meaningfully, that is, despite the lack of ability to amplify signals requiring such high-frequency response sufficiently quickly, the large power level of the Δ signal is sufficient for the controller to respond, despite the low amplification at these high frequencies, and enables the controller to respond quickly enough to cause a safe stop before reaching the allowable exposure time. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. It should be understood that a significant change in the Δ signal can be a dynamic value proportional to the Δ signal itself. However, if there is a dramatic increase in the Δ signal, the system may not be able to maintain a short allowable delay time meaningfully, that is, despite the lack of ability to amplify signals requiring such high-frequency response sufficiently quickly, the large power level of the Δ signal is sufficient for the controller to respond, despite the low amplification at these high frequencies, and enables the controller to respond quickly enough to cause a safe stop before reaching the allowable exposure time. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. It should be understood that a significant change in the Δ signal can be a dynamic value proportional to the Δ signal itself. However, if there is a dramatic increase in the Δ signal, the system may not be able to maintain a short allowable delay time meaningfully, that is, despite the lack of ability to amplify signals requiring such high-frequency response sufficiently quickly, the large power level of the Δ signal is sufficient for the controller to respond, despite the low amplification at these high frequencies, and enables the controller to respond quickly enough to cause a safe stop before reaching the allowable exposure time. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. It should be understood that a significant change in the Δ signal can be a dynamic value proportional to the Δ signal itself.

[0026] The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. delay The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored. The additional features of the described system relate to how to handle external noise or anomalies in the signal. To ignore such external noise or signal anomalies, such as changes that occur quickly enough that the system does not need to recognize and respond to them as noise, the system does not need to determine whether to respond in real time and can generate an average of the received signal over a variable period. The average calculation can be used to determine whether the change in the signal is short enough to be ignored or whether the Δ signal has actually changed significantly, and thus, it is necessary to reset the event clock to reflect the new T forced by the new Δ signal. This allows changes that occur over a significantly short period to be ignored.

[0027] It should be understood that a significant change in the Δ signal can be a dynamic value proportional to the Δ signal itself. This is in contrast to the situation where, when most of the power is lost, the Δ signal indicates a very small power loss and where a small change in the Δ signal does not require a new time period to be calculated meaning that in this case, the small change is more significant and thus a new time period is generated by an event clock or a frequency selection processor.

[0028] According to an alternative procedure, a predefined Δ value may be used such that a new period is always generated whenever the Δ signal changes by that predefined value.

[0029] Thus, T delay is calculated dynamically at a high repetition rate and takes into account real-time changes in the delta signal. The value of T at any given point in time is a function delay of the values of the delta signal measured at different recent points in time. For example, T at time T is generally a function of the delta signal at time T and subsequently at time T delay ensuring continuous monitoring of transmission safety in the most efficient way. n A timer or amplification system must be configured to meaningfully track low-amplitude signals

[0030] because the waiting period or delay time of the timer must be long enough for the amplification system or timer to meaningfully track and respond. This delay time or waiting period is necessary to allow the system to ignore false detection alarms from noise spikes and thus to avoid the system continuously and erroneously turning the laser on and off.

[0031] ​​​On the one hand, when a large Δ is indicated, the allowable exposure time for such a large power loss is very short. Therefore, if a large number of beams are shown to be unknown, the system may have to respond very quickly in accordance with regulations. The system needs to reset a timer or event clock to the maximum allowable period of this large power loss, and the time until the delay time is reached and elapsed may be very short. Therefore, the system must very quickly determine whether a large Δ has been acquired by a short-term anomaly such as noise or a butterfly flying through the beam path, or whether there is actually an intrusion into a dangerous beam path. It is difficult to construct a safety system that responds to a large signal dynamic range quickly enough and has such a large operating bandwidth. On the other hand, the system must continuously monitor very low power signals and at the same time not be saturated by very high power signals, so the required signal dynamic range is very large. In addition to this large dynamic range, the system also needs to have a large response bandwidth to maintain the ability to monitor very low-level signals over a long period of time while not losing the ability to respond very quickly when a high-level signal occurs. Such a system is sensitive to noise when a low signal is detected and is limited by bandwidth and phase

[0032] delay when a high-speed response is required. According to an implementation of an exemplary system described in the present disclosure that meets the above requirements, a power meter in a transmitter that measures the laser output power by the transmitter, and in a receiver range. In addition to this large dynamic range, the system also needs to have a large response bandwidth to maintain the ability to monitor very low-level signals over a long period of time while not losing the ability to respond very quickly when a high-level signal occurs. Such a system is sensitive to noise when a low signal is detected and is limited by bandwidth and phase delay when a high-speed response is required. is sensitive to noise when a low signal is detected and is limited by bandwidth and phase delay when a high-speed response is required.

[0033] According to an implementation of an exemplary system described in the present disclosure that meets the above requirements, a power meter in a transmitter that measures the laser output power by the transmitter, and in a receiver -meter that measures the laser output power by the transmitter, and a power meter in the receiver A power meter that measures the input laser power to the receiver, and both A control unit that receives both signals from both power meters, and the power When the difference between the power radiated from the transmitter and the power received by the receiver exceeds a threshold value, prevent danger A power reduction switch that turns off the beam or redirects it to prevent danger is provided The stem is described

[0034] The danger prevention system may have the following characteristics

[0035] The system is configured to overestimate the power radiated by the transmitter in at least most situations, thereby ensuring that errors and noise are taken into account by supporting a safe approach The system is configured to overestimate the power radiated by the transmitter in at least most situations, thereby ensuring that errors and noise are taken into account by supporting a safe approach The system is configured to overestimate the power radiated by the transmitter in at least most situations, thereby ensuring that errors and noise are taken into account by supporting a safe approach

[0036] The system is configured to underestimate the power received by the receiver in at least most situations, thereby ensuring that errors and noise are taken into account by supporting a safe approach The system is configured to underestimate the power received by the receiver in at least most situations, thereby ensuring that errors and noise are taken into account by supporting a safe approach The system is configured to underestimate the power received by the receiver in at least most situations, thereby ensuring that errors and noise are taken into account by supporting a safe approach

[0037] The system has a transfer function between the actual difference between the power radiated from the transmitter and the power received by the receiver and the actual response of the laser system typically due to a decrease in power, and this transfer function is set not to have an "instantaneous response" characteristic For example, when the difference between the measured power radiated from the transmitter and the measured power received by the receiver is small compared to an acceptable level, delay the response, thus reducing the influence of noise For example, when the difference between the measured power radiated from the transmitter and the measured power received by the receiver is small compared to an acceptable level, delay the response, thus reducing the influence of noise For example, when the difference between the measured power radiated from the transmitter and the measured power received by the receiver is small compared to an acceptable level, delay the response, thus reducing the influence of noise When the difference between the measured power radiated from the transmitter and the measured power received by the receiver is small compared to an acceptable level, delay the response, thus reducing the influence of noise Reduce

[0038] When the transfer function is expressed as laser power or gain in the phase delay space, it is as follows It has the characteristics of

[0039] When the difference signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, it responds to the power lost from the system exceeding that threshold and has a negative gain in that the laser power is reduced.

[0040] It has a delay that responds to the difference signal of a predetermined value calculated as given by the following formula .

[0041]

Equation

[0042] It has a saturation level with respect to P transmitter and P receiver defined as the level of the difference between them, where an increase of 1 dB or more at that level results in a decrease in P transmitter and P receiver essentially the same as the decrease in P without such an increase transmitter and the decrease in P transmitter also causes .

[0043] The saturation level is defined as a power loss level that exceeds a predetermined default power loss, such as 10 mW, in a typical home charging environment. In an exemplary saturation level, the T according to the previously cited regulation is less than about 5 microseconds, slightly longer than the maximum allowable exposure duration at 10 mW, and a response time of 5 microseconds corresponds to a frequency response of 200 Khz. Thus, according to the last criterion above, this means that when the system exhibits a power loss exceeding this saturation level, the value of T delay is negligible, and thus the response times at these high power losses cannot be distinguished from each other and must be executed at the same high speed. Therefore, if a higher value of the saturation level is selected, the response to all events requiring a faster response time will be the same. This enables the use of a system that responds to high-frequency signals even when the frequency position of its bandpass is low. In this way, a large signal dynamic range is considered while maintaining a large effective bandwidth. The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise. There are two advantages to the minimum delay time. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe. The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise. delay There are two advantages to the minimum delay time. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe. The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise. There are two advantages to the minimum delay time. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe. The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise. There are two advantages to the minimum delay time. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe. There are two advantages to the minimum delay time. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe.

[0044] The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise. The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise. The response of the system to a delta signal that requires a fast response time exceeding the selected saturation level usually does not involve a delay mechanism (also called an event clock) at all. This eliminates the need to distinguish such high-amplitude delta signals that are prone to noise.

[0045] The minimum delay time has two advantages. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe. The minimum delay time has two advantages. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe. The minimum delay time has two advantages. The system can use the delay to reduce the influence of noise and prevent the transmitted power from decreasing due to errors, while at the same time keeping the system safe.

[0046] Accordingly, the following systems are provided in accordance with an exemplary implementation of the apparatus described in this disclosure. are provided.

[0047] A system for supplying wireless power to at least one receiver, the system comprising: (a) a transmitter adapted to radiate a beam of wireless power; (b) a power meter configured to generate a first signal corresponding to the power level of the radiated beam; ( c) a detector associated with the at least one receiver and configured to generate a second signal corresponding to the power of the beam received by the receiver; (d) at least one controller, the at least one controller being configured to: (i) generate a time T less than a maximum safe exposure time for a difference in power measured by the power meter and the detector; (ii) dynamically generate a new T if the difference in power changes by more than a significant amount; (iii) adapt to modify at least one operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the difference in power if T is exceeded. is exceeded. del ay is exceeded. d elay is exceeded. delay is exceeded. is exceeded. .

[0048] Such a system may include a frequency selective signal processor that processes a signal corresponding to the difference in power prior to the generation of T. In any case, if the difference exceeds a predefined power level, the controller may be configured to respond without waiting for T to be exceeded before modifying the operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the delta signal. delay is exceeded. is exceeded. is exceeded, the controller may be configured to respond without waiting for T is exceeded before modifying the operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the delta signal. delay is exceeded. Alternatively, the frequency selective processor may have a passband that is at the maximum level of the predicted difference signal. configured to block frequencies significantly lower than the range required to respond within the required period.

[0049] According to yet another implementation, the frequency selection processor has a frequency response curve that is shifted to a frequency lower than the frequency indicated by the center of the frequency range required to provide amplification over the range of exposure durations predicted from the power transmission system. configured. In such a case, the shift of the frequency response curve can increase the amplification for low-level power difference signals so that the processor can respond to changes in these low-level signals. Additionally, the shift of the frequency response curve may increase the amplification to low-level power difference signals, such that these low-level power difference signals can generate a processor output high enough to exceed the noise level to trigger the laser safety routine.

[0050] In any of the systems described above, the controller may be further configured to calculate T as a function of previously generated difference signals. In that case, a difference signal below a given ambient level may indicate that there is no significant beam obstruction between at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. If so, the generation of T is not significantly based on previous difference signals if the difference signal has been below the ambient level for a given amount of time. delay delay

[0051] Further, in any system including a controller configured to calculate T as a function of previously generated difference signals, the system drops below a given level. delay And calculate T for signals exceeding the ambient level delay either by, or if the difference signal exceeds a predefined level, respond regardless of T delay to be configured to respond to difference signals exceeding the ambient level. Alternatively, the system may calculate T for signals below the predefined level and exceeding the ambient level, or modify the operating parameters of the transmitter to reduce the delta signal so as to be configured to respond to any difference signal exceeding the ambient level. delay

[0052] In any of the systems described above, the frequency selection processor may comprise an amplifier. Furthermore, in any of such systems, if the elapsed time from step (i) exceeds T d elay step (iii) may be executed.

[0053] Furthermore, in other embodiments of the systems described above, modifying at least one operating parameter of the transmitter may include modifying the power level of the beam, completely ending laser oscillation, changing the beam profile of the emitted beam, blocking the beam, steering the beam to a different position by using a scanning mirror, scanning an area around the current scanning position to accurately align the beam with the receiver, and recording the scanning position of the position indicating an object in the beam path, including at least one of:

[0054] According to another exemplary implementation of the apparatus described in the present disclosure, at least one receiver is provided with safety ​​​​​​​​A method for providing wireless power is further provided, the method comprising: (a) transmitting power from at least one transmitter to at least one receiver; (b) generating a first signal corresponding to a power level radiated by the at least one transmitter; (c) generating a second signal corresponding to the power level received by the at least one receiver; (d) generating a difference signal, the difference signal being the difference between the second signal and the first signal; (e) generating a period T that is less than a maximum exposure duration related to a safe exposure duration for the power indicated by the difference signal; (f) monitoring whether the difference signal has changed by a predetermined amount, and returning to step (e) if it has changed; (g) if T is exceeded, modifying at least one operating parameter of the wireless power supply to reduce the difference signal. In this method, the system may respond to a difference signal that exceeds a predetermined level without using T to determine a period to wait before modifying at least one operating parameter of the wireless power supply. Additionally, T may be calculated by averaging the difference signal over a time amount that depends on the power level indicated by the difference signal such that a difference signal indicating a high power level has a shorter averaging time than a difference signal indicating a low power level. In yet another implementation of the system of the present disclosure, a laser is transmitted from a transmitter to at least one receiver. delay delay

[0055] delay delay

[0056] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​A system for transmitting power is described, and this system includes a hazard prevention system which includes a power monitor for measuring the optical power of the laser emitted from the transmitter, and a power sensor for measuring the optical power of the laser at the at least one receiver. Here, the hazard prevention system is configured to reduce or terminate the output of the laser after a time delay after the occurrence of the increase in the difference between the measured values of the power monitor and the power sensor, and the time delay is measured in seconds and the power sensor, and the time delay is measured in seconds after the occurrence of the increase in the difference, and the time delay is measured in seconds

[0057]

Number

[0058] Yet another exemplary system describes a system for supplying safe wireless power to at least one receiver, and this system includes (a) a transmitter adapted to emit a beam, (b) a power meter for measuring the power level of the emitted beam, (c) a detector associated with the receiver, the detector being configured to detect at least a part of the beam received at the receiver, and (d) a frequency selection signal processor where the frequency selection signal processor is configured to, for the difference in power measured by the power meter and the detector, a period T that is shorter than the maximum exposure duration related to the safe exposure duration and the frequency selection signal processor is configured to, for the difference in power measured by the power meter and the detector, a period T that is shorter than the maximum exposure duration related to the safe exposure duration and the frequency selection signal processor is configured to, for the difference in power measured by the power meter and the detector, a period T delay ​​​​​generating an output signal representing (ii) T delay occurs monitoring the elapsed time since it was generated, and when T delay is exceeded, reducing the difference by modifying at least one operating parameter of the transmitter, and is configured to wherein the frequency selection processor is configured to have a response characteristic such that when the output signal exceeds a first predetermined level, the frequency selection processor modifies the operating parameters of the system without performing significant processing parameters of the system.

[0059] In such a system, the frequency selection processor may have a frequency response biased towards low frequencies, whereby a difference signal associated with an exposure duration significantly longer than the allowable exposure duration level of power exposure having a level below a second predetermined level and exceeding a first predetermined level is amplified more than a signal exceeding the first predetermined level. level

[0060] Finally, according to yet another embodiment of these systems, a system for supplying safe wireless power to at least one receiver is provided, the system comprising: (a) a transmitter adapted to radiate a beam of wireless power; (b) a power meter configured to generate a first signal corresponding to the power level of the radiated beam; (c) a detector associated with the at least one receiver and configured to generate a second signal corresponding to the power of the beam received by the receiver; (d) at least one controller, wherein the at least one controller is configured to: (i) an accumulated exposure allowance for a power level related to the power difference measured by the power meter and the detector is provided power level and is related to at least one of the receivers, and is configured to generate a second signal corresponding to the power of the beam received by the receiver; (d) at least one controller and is provided with, and the at least one controller is configured to: (i) the power meter and the detector measured by an energy of allowable cumulative exposure with respect to the power level related to the power difference ​(ii) determining the energy limit if the difference changes by more than a significant amount; (iii) dynamically generating an energy limit; and (iii) when said energy limit is exceeded, modifying at least one operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the difference. It is adapted to do so.

[0061] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0062]

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Fig. 5A

Fig. 5B

Fig. 5C

Fig. 6A

Fig. 6B

Fig. 7

Fig. 8A

Fig. 8B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] Next, referring to FIG. 1, a typical setup of a wireless power supply system is shown. A transmitter 10 with a beam generator 12 such as a laser is shown, and an optical beam 17 is directed towards a receiver 15. To measure the power level of the laser beam emitted by the transmitter, the system includes a first power meter 13 called a transmit power meter. The transmit power meter 13 may be placed inside the transmitter 10 or in the beam path at the exit of the transmitter. This power meter samples the emitted beam at a high sampling rate, for example, at a frequency of 5 kHz or higher, so that changes in the power of the emitted beam can be obtained by the system in real time without delay. Typically, the receiver 15 includes a photovoltaic cell 16, which can convert the optical energy of the beam into electrical energy that can be used to charge or power devices associated with the receiver. If a portion of the beam is directed towards a surface other than the power absorption aperture of the receiver, stray light beams can cause damage caused by dangerous lasers. Regardless of whether it reflects completely, only partially, or absorbs, mirrors, human bodies, animals, cameras, glass surfaces,

[0064] Typically, the receiver 15 includes a photovoltaic cell 16, which can convert the optical energy of the beam into electrical energy that can be used to charge or power devices associated with the receiver. Typically, the receiver 15 includes a photovoltaic cell 16, which can convert the optical energy of the beam into electrical energy that can be used to charge or power devices associated with the receiver. Typically, the receiver 15 includes a photovoltaic cell 16, which can convert the optical energy of the beam into electrical energy that can be used to charge or power devices associated with the receiver. Typically, the receiver 15 includes a photovoltaic cell 16, which can convert the optical energy of the beam into electrical energy that can be used to charge or power devices associated with the receiver. Typically, the receiver 15 includes a photovoltaic cell 16, which can convert the optical energy of the beam into electrical energy that can be used to charge or power devices associated with the receiver. All surfaces, such as metal surfaces and highly sensitive devices, are at risk of being accidentally exposed to a beam, which can lead to dangerous situations. In such cases, dangerous situations may occur.

[0065] Thus, a second power meter 14 associated with the receiver, i.e., the receiver power meter may be incorporated to measure whether the receiver is receiving all or at least a majority of the beam directed at it. This allows the system to determine whether a significant portion or any part of the beam is potentially being directed elsewhere with dangerous consequences. The receiver power meter 14 may receive a portion of the beam from a beam splitter (not shown) disposed within the receiver, or in other cases, a galvanometer, voltmeter, or photovoltaic cell itself may be used as the power meter within the receiver. The portion of the beam received by the receiver power meter is proportional to the beam power incident on the receiver. The receiver power meter 14 may receive a portion of the beam from a beam splitter (not shown) disposed within the receiver, or in other cases, a galvanometer, voltmeter, or photovoltaic cell itself may be used as the power meter within the receiver. The portion of the beam received by the receiver power meter is proportional to the beam power incident on the receiver. The system also includes a controller 18. The controller 18 receives a signal 14 representing the amount of power detected by the receiver from the receiver power meter 14. The controller also receives a signal 13 representing the amount of power of the laser beam 17 emitted from the transmitter 10 from the transmit power meter 13. The controller 18 compares the signal 14 of the beam detected by the detector 14 with the signal 13 representing the amount of power emitted by the laser 12. If the difference between these measured powers is significant, a significant amount of power emitted by the transmitter is received. For example.

[0066] The system also includes a controller 18. The controller 18 receives a signal 14 representing the amount of power detected by the receiver from the receiver power meter 14. The controller also receives a signal 13 representing the amount of power of the laser beam 17 emitted from the transmitter 10 from the transmit power meter 13. sig The controller also receives a signal 13 representing the amount of power of the laser beam 17 emitted from the transmitter 10 from the transmit power meter 13. The controller also receives a signal 13 representing the amount of power of the laser beam 17 emitted from the transmitter 10 from the transmit power meter 13. sig The controller 18 compares the signal 14 of the beam detected by the detector 14 with the signal 13 representing the amount of power emitted by the laser 12. If the difference between these measured powers is significant, a significant amount of power emitted by the transmitter is received.

[0067] The controller 18 compares the signal 14 of the beam detected by the detector 14 with the signal 13 representing the amount of power emitted by the laser 12. sig The controller 18 compares the signal 14 of the beam detected by the detector 14 with the signal 13 representing the amount of power emitted by the laser 12. If the difference between these measured powers is significant, a significant amount of power emitted by the transmitter is received. sig If the difference between these measured powers is significant, a significant amount of power emitted by the transmitter is received. If the difference between these measured powers is significant, a significant amount of power emitted by the transmitter is received. It is unknown by the signal device, and therefore, since it may have collided with a surface other than the receiver device that can cause damage, an indication of a dangerous situation can be generated by the system. Accordingly, the system continuously performs a check to confirm the level of the unknown power. If the level exceeds a predefined threshold, the controller responds by modifying the power level of the beam, completely terminating the laser oscillation, changing the beam profile of the emitted beam, blocking the beam, and typically steering the beam to a different position, for example, towards a beam dump, attempting to more accurately align the beam with the receiver by directly scanning the area around the current scanning position and, if a position where the differential signal decreases during scanning is found, instructing the transmitter to use that more optimal scanning direction, recording the scanning position at the location indicating an object in the beam path, and causing at least one of the other operating parameters of the system to be changed, so as to reduce or eliminate the unknown beam power. During laser oscillation, the reduced level of power that collides with the receiver is generally associated with an object crossing the beam path.

[0068] Accordingly, the controller should be able to modify the laser output according to the level of power indicated as a loss between the transmitter and the receiver device to protect such an object that has entered the beam path. Sampling of the power at the transmitter and the receiver indicates changes in the portion of the received beam, such that the laser output can be adjusted according to the power level indicated as a loss between the transmitter and the receiver device to protect such an object that has entered the beam path. the laser output can be adjusted according to the power level indicated as a loss between the transmitter and the receiver device to protect such an object that has entered the beam path. To ensure that it can be obtained quickly enough to comply with safety regulations that impose protection it should be run at a sufficiently high speed. For both the low leakage power that occurs over a long period of time and the high leakage power that requires a fast time response of the system in order to be reduced quickly enough the meaning of the sampling rate of the system's ability to respond accurately in time is explained below. The following explains the meaning of the sampling rate.

[0069] Next, referring to Figure 2, one specific regulation for the allowable exposure duration at different laser beam power levels is shown. The specific graph shown shows the maximum allowable exposure level in dbm for exposure to illumination with a wavelength of 1050 nm and a beam diameter of 7 mm, having a Gaussian profile. The horizontal axis is the amplifier or processor to properly handle the implicit response time by the maximum exposure time allowed for the plotted exposure level, shown in Hz the bandwidth required by the amplifier or processor. is shown in Hz.

[0070] The system shown in Figure 1 is the difference between the part of the beam that is unknown, i.e., the signal received by the detector and the amount of power radiated by the transmitter, and thus the part that can collide with humans or other objects within the field of view must ensure that it does not exceed the guidelines for the maximum allowable exposure duration permitted by various national regulations. The curve in Figure 2 is from Title 21, Volume 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations, revised as of April 1, 2018, obtained [Reference: 21 CFR 1040.10]. This graph shows the allowable exposure time, expressed as the effective frequency of the response of the measurement system as a function of the power level to which the object is exposed, in dbm, for a 7 m m Gaussian beam at a wavelength of 1050 nm. is shown.

[0071] As the power level of the beam increases, the allowable exposure time decreases. Therefore, for high-power If the controller indicates that most of the beam power is unknown, the system parameters need to be corrected very quickly. Alternatively, if the controller indicates that only a very small portion of the beam power is missing, as shown in Figure 2, a longer time is allowed to elapse before the controller has to instruct the laser to adjust or deflect the beam. Therefore, for example, for the 7 mm beam shown in Figure 2, when the power level is 0 dbm (1 mW), the allowable exposure time according to the regulations referred to above is about 10 seconds. Therefore, the bandwidth of the control loop required to respond within those 10 seconds should be extended to at least 0.1 Hz. Similarly, for the same beam with a power of 10 dbm, the allowable exposure time is about 5 ms so the bandwidth of the control loop required to respond within that time should be extended to at least 200 Hz.

[0072] To provide more non-limiting examples of these protection levels and show how the required protection level depends on some parameters of the beam, a circular beam with a diameter of 10 mm and a uniform beam profile, which is a preferred beam profile for conversion to electrical energy by a photovoltaic cell, is used in a system with a wavelength of 1050 nm. If the system indicates that the power of 6.8 milliwatts is unknown, the beam needs to be terminated within 1 second.

[0073] On the one hand, when the beam profile is Gaussian, if the system indicates that only 5. 35 milliwatts are missing, the laser beam must end or be corrected within 1 second.

[0074] Similarly, for a similar system using a Gaussian beam with a diameter of 7 mm, if it indicates that only 3.3 milli watts of the beam are unknown, that beam must end within 1 second.

[0075] When the wavelength of the beam changes from 1050 nm to 1060 nm, it may be due to a change in the laser temperature. However, for a system indicating that 5.6 milliwatts of power are unknown, the allowable exposure duration for a 10 mm Gaussian beam is 1 second. It should be noted that the term "safe exposure time" regarding exposure to a specific beam power is understood in this disclosure

[0076] to refer to any time less than the maximum allowable exposure time permitted by the regulations in force during use for that beam power. As observed throughout the entire range of the graph in Figure 2, the allowable exposure duration can vary from nanoseconds to tens of hours depending on the level of power lost during the transmission of the laser beam, and the range of monitored power levels varies from a few microwatts to about 10 watts. Therefore, the requirements for a signal processing system capable of processing the response required for a signal representing a missing power of 10 W are that it must have a dynamic range typically exceeding 60 dB and a frequency response extending to approximately 10 MHz corresponding to a response time of about 0.1 microseconds. Such a bandwidth covering up to such high frequencies, combined with the variation in allowable exposure duration depending on the power level lost during laser beam transmission, and the variation in the range of monitored power levels from a few microwatts to about 10 watts, means that the system needs to be carefully designed and calibrated to ensure accurate detection and response to changes in beam power within the specified safety exposure time limits.

[0077] Thus, the requirements for a signal processing system that can process the response required for a signal representing a missing power of 10 W are that it must have a dynamic range typically exceeding 60 dB and a frequency response extending to approximately 10 MHz corresponding to a response time of about 0.1 microseconds. That is, it must have a bandwidth that covers up to such high frequencies and is combined with the above-mentioned characteristics of allowable exposure duration and power level variation. Combined, achieving such a large signal dynamic range is substantially impossible with currently available electronic technology, whether analog or digital. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a system that is sensitive to all power levels within such a large dynamic range of power and responds within the most efficient time given by the regulatory requirements for the predicted maximum power measurement value, i.e., has the ability to respond at a speed of about 100 nanoseconds for the power range of 10W described above. Next, referring to Figure 3, a schematic diagram of the response curve of a prior art amplifier, processor or control system over the entire frequency range shown in Figure 2 is shown. The axes are plotted logarithmically because they include a very large range. In the selected example, the peak amplification spreads around a center frequency of 10 Hz and has a significantly useful response covering two decades or slightly more on both sides of that frequency. This response range is not intended to be limiting and merely shows a typical range illustrative of the problems that the method and system are intended to solve. As shown in Figure 3, the typical time exposure corresponding to the response frequencies where significant amplification exists ranges from about hundreds of microseconds to tens of seconds. The amplification outside that range, or the ability of the amplification system to distinguish the actual signal from the noise level of the signal at the low frequency end of the spectrum, may be too small to provide an appropriate warning about the need to trigger the safety function of the system when the allowable power is exceeded. In practice, the response speed of the amplification system depends only on the electronic response characteristics of the amplification and control circuits.

[0078] Next, referring to Figure 3, a schematic diagram of the response curve of a prior art amplifier, processor or control system over the entire frequency range shown in Figure 2 is shown. The axes are plotted logarithmically because they include a very large range. In the selected example, the peak amplification spreads around a center frequency of 10 Hz and has a significantly useful response covering two decades or slightly more on both sides of that frequency. This response range is not intended to be limiting and merely shows a typical range illustrative of the problems that the method and system are intended to solve. As shown in Figure 3, the typical time exposure corresponding to the response frequencies where significant amplification exists ranges from about hundreds of microseconds to tens of seconds. The amplification outside that range, or the ability of the amplification system to distinguish the actual signal from the noise level of the signal at the low frequency end of the spectrum, may be too small to provide an appropriate warning about the need to trigger the safety function of the system when the allowable power is exceeded. In practice, the response speed of the amplification system depends only on the electronic response characteristics of the amplification and control circuits. Since a very large range is included, it is plotted logarithmically. In the selected example, the peak amplification spreads around a center frequency of 10 Hz and has a significantly useful response covering two decades or slightly more on both sides of that frequency. This response range is not intended to be limiting and merely shows a typical range illustrative of the problems that the method and system are intended to solve. As shown in Figure 3, the typical time exposure corresponding to the response frequencies where significant amplification exists ranges from about hundreds of microseconds to tens of seconds. The amplification outside that range, or the ability of the amplification system to distinguish the actual signal from the noise level of the signal at the low frequency end of the spectrum, may be too small to provide an appropriate warning about the need to trigger the safety function of the system when the allowable power is exceeded. In practice, the response speed of the amplification system depends only on the electronic response characteristics of the amplification and control circuits. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​Instead, the measurement power is sampled to determine whether the system has reached a threshold value. It can also be implemented by the sampling rate.

[0079] The frequency range considered in this example is at a level that can be typical of everyday household situations. It should be emphasized that it is not intended to be limited to any situation.

[0080] Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, define the maximum exposure time allowed by safety regulations. Returning to the level of incorrect beam power exposure related to this, when the level allows the exemplary The range of beam power that allows the exposure time range is for a beam of such a typical size It can be seen that it is in the range from several hundred microwatts to several tens of milliwatts. Therefore Power outside this range is likely not to be amplified sufficiently by the system, and As a result, when the power threshold for a misdirected beam is exceeded for a time longer than the allowed time, the correct Commands for reducing or redirecting the beam cannot be generated for the system. Regarding this lack of response ability, there are two clearly different Situations.

[0081] At the high-power end of the response curve, only very short exposures are allowed, and the amplification system must respond very quickly To stop or redirect the beam transmission if it exceeds its output. However, despite the very low amplification, the situation is more than Compensated by the magnitude of the signal input to the amplifier resulting from a high level of output. Therefore, regarding the apparent insufficient amplification level of the system at these high frequencies There is more than what can be compensated by the magnitude of the signal input to the amplifier resulting from a high level of output. Therefore, regarding the apparent insufficient amplification level of the system at these high frequencies There is also more than what can be compensated by the magnitude of the signal input to the amplifier resulting from a high level of output. Therefore, regarding the apparent insufficient amplification level of the system at these high frequencies Instead, the high signal level provides an output signal sufficient to trigger the safety regulation step for reducing radiation, compensating for its low amplification. However, at the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. Further, although the associated power levels may seem negligible, there is still a maximum regulated period allowed for human exposure to such low powers, and the transmitter's safety system must ensure that its standards are properly adhered to. Further, at these low powers, the system must always be able to respond quickly to a significant increase in leakage power that would trigger safety measures within the allowed exposure time. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level. At the low-power end of the response curve, long exposures are allowed and, at very low regulated powers, many times, sometimes reaching several days, the power level itself does not have a compensation mechanism to compensate for the drawbacks of amplification at such low frequencies, as reflected by the inability of the amplification system to distinguish the signal from the noise level.

[0082] To achieve that purpose, according to a first implementation of the system of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 4, the amplifier is configured such that its frequency response curve is shifted to a frequency lower than the frequency indicated by the center of the frequency range to be processed by the amplifier. To achieve that purpose, according to a first implementation of the system of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 4, the amplifier is configured such that its frequency response curve is shifted to a frequency lower than the frequency indicated by the center of the frequency range to be processed by the amplifier. To achieve that purpose, according to a first implementation of the system of the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 4, the amplifier is configured such that its frequency response curve is shifted to a frequency lower than the frequency indicated by the center of the frequency range to be processed by the amplifier. Due to this shift to lower frequencies, the very small signal generated by the power meter at the low-power levels associated with long allowable exposure periods receives a greater level of amplification above the noise level than would be the case using prior art amplifier selection criteria, and thus compensation is provided for its low signal level, enabling the generation of an output high enough above the noise level to trigger the laser safety routine. Due to this shift to lower frequencies, the very small signal generated by the power meter at the low-power levels associated with long allowable exposure periods receives a greater level of amplification above the noise level than would be the case using prior art amplifier selection criteria, and thus compensation is provided for its low signal level, enabling the generation of an output high enough above the noise level to trigger the laser safety routine. Due to this shift to lower frequencies, the very small signal generated by the power meter at the low-power levels associated with long allowable exposure periods receives a greater level of amplification above the noise level than would be the case using prior art amplifier selection criteria, and thus compensation is provided for its low signal level, enabling the generation of an output high enough above the noise level to trigger the laser safety routine. Due to this shift to lower frequencies, the very small signal generated by the power meter at the low-power levels associated with long allowable exposure periods receives a greater level of amplification above the noise level than would be the case using prior art amplifier selection criteria, and thus compensation is provided for its low signal level, enabling the generation of an output high enough above the noise level to trigger the laser safety routine. Due to this shift to lower frequencies, the very small signal generated by the power meter at the low-power levels associated with long allowable exposure periods receives a greater level of amplification above the noise level than would be the case using prior art amplifier selection criteria, and thus compensation is provided for its low signal level, enabling the generation of an output high enough above the noise level to trigger the laser safety routine. By shifting to 0.1 Hz instead of 0 Hz, in the very low frequency range the amplification is substantially increased, whereby sufficient output signals are provided for these low power stray light beams to operate the beam safety system.

[0083] On the other hand, as described above, at the high power end of the spectrum of the beam power, the shift of the frequency response curve of the amplifier to lower frequencies thereby further reduces the low amplification provided at that end of the spectrum, and the impact on the efficiency of the safety warning system is smaller. Because the signals generated by the high stray light beam power are very large, even with the reduced amplifier sensitivity in that high frequency range, sufficient output is generated to operate the safety system. From this.

[0084] However, while ensuring that the system responds to high power quickly enough, there is still a functional problem of how to implement this increase in sensitivity at low power. The necessity of quickly responding to a large increase in the detected power remains essentially regardless of whether the detected power is low or high. The response time is expressed in the form of the sampling rate used by the system to measure the power. The shorter the required power measurement response time, the higher the sampling rate the system has to use to measure that power. Thus, even when very low power is detected, a fast response time of the system must be maintained up to the maximum power predicted by the system as the power increases. The sampling rate is typically for the power difference signal indicating a complete beam blockage It can be selected to be more than three times the maximum allowable exposure time. Sampling at this frequency The system using the rate allows monitoring for sudden spikes in the power difference signal for at least one or more samples, thus enabling a short averaging calculation to be performed before a response is obtained, in which case the signal can drop to an acceptable low level.

[0085] On the other hand, the sampling rate may be substantially the same as that corresponding to the maximum allowable exposure time for total loss of the beam, but may be selected to be more than that. The sampling rate may even be selected to be two samples or less within this time limit.

[0086] However, as described above, a faster response time, and thus a higher sampling rate, results in higher sensitivity to noise. As described above, the increase in amplifier sensitivity at low power increases this effect.

[0087] To achieve these objectives, in the system of the present disclosure, an effectively variable sampling rate can be used. The response time is expressed in terms of the sampling rate at which the system measures power. The shorter the required power measurement response time, i.e., the higher the detected false power level, the higher the sampling rate the system must use to measure that power. Thus, to ensure that the maximum power that can be radiated by the system acts within the time limit allowed for that power level, the sampling rate is such that the time between samples is at the maximum system power It must be maintained at a high rate that is typically several times faster than the rate that results in the maximum allowable safe time. However, as already mentioned, a high sampling rate results in excessive sensitivity to noise, and at low radiation powers, the signal generated by the detected power is difficult to extract from the noise level and, in some cases, causes premature activation of the threshold stop or beam steering procedure. To overcome this problem, the control may be designed such that the sampling rate is reduced for the measured low-level power signal and the power signal responds with less urgency. However, the sampling rate must still be maintained above the value necessary to respond within the maximum time allowed for the predicted maximum exposure. When the system power itself is low, the maximum allowable exposure time for the beam is longer, and the sampling rate may not be as frequent, so the change in the power signal does not need to respond within such a short time. The controller may advantageously be configured such that there may be a time delay between receiving an indication of power loss and actually acting on the signal level received by the controller to modify the system. This time delay causes the system to determine whether the detected signal is actually due to a continuous power loss over the entire sampling period, i.e., probably an actual instance of power being diverted somewhere along its transmission path, or whether it is the result of excessive noise detected at those low signal levels.

[0088]

[0089] can be determined. This is achieved by averaging the power signal until the end of the time delay , using the averaged signal to determine whether the threshold has been reached, and whether the laser should be terminated or redirected , or whether the signal is due simply to noise pickup , or due to a transient event, and can be ignored when considering whether the actual safety threshold time has been reached. The time delay is a function of the maximum allowable duration for the power loss detected in the power signal. The delay time must be slightly shorter than the maximum allowable duration of that power loss.

[0090] Next, FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show the advantageous results of this procedure. FIG. 5A is an exemplary plot of the differential power signal obtained as a function of time in a typical detection scenario, i.e., the power level of the beam power lost during transmission. The symbol Δ represents the differential power measured by the difference between the transmitted power and the actual power incident on the receiver. Δ is plotted as a function of the elapsed time t. The average or ambient power levels Δ1 shown in the regions of the graph marked A, C, and E are very low, so the allowed exposure to leakage power at that level is long and extends far beyond the total time shown in the graph of FIG. 5A if no other events with larger levels of differential power occur. The sampling rate is maintained at a sufficiently high rate in response to the need to correspond to a sharp increase in Δ with respect to the maximum power radiated by the system, whereby such an increase in power results in maintaining appropriate safety protection by the system.

[0091] However, T 1sWhen marked as such, an event occurs and, in some cases, partially An object that absorbs short - term invades the path of the transmission beam, raising Δ to level Δ2, and this Is, according to the imposed regulations for a beam having an average power of Δ2, T 1r And T 1S The difference between and T 1r Extends until Has a maximum allowable exposure period. According to the system described herein, for a detected power difference of the order represented by Δ2, a determination by the controller is delayed as to whether the increased Δ represents a significant Change that requires a response from the system. As a result, the sys Tem waits for a delay time before ending the beam to determine whether the change in the signal is a significant or actual signal increase, or whether the spike is caused by Noise within the system or a short - term abnormal reading. The delay is determined by the level of lost power indicated by the system, which, in the case of a medium power level Δ2, extends to T1 So that the time difference between T And T Is a delay that allows the system to wait to establish whether it is necessary to respond to the change in the signal to Δ2 before reaching the allowable exposure time T d To 1s And T 1d The time difference between and is such that the system 1r Reaches Before, it is necessary to establish whether it is necessary to respond to the change in the signal to Δ2. In fact, a jump in the signal to Δ2 marked during period "B" Is such that before reaching T The beam that causes the jump to the power level Δ2 1d Has passed through a fault event and the detected power has returned to its low level again, i.e., to approximately Δ1 at time T2 So that no modification of the operating parameters of the system, such as the end of the beam, is required. T To It can be seen that 1sand T 1d Over the entire period between and, extended up to period C, the control system, as a result of averaging the signals does not trigger the system to remove the laser emission earlier than would otherwise be executed, and the charging service does not end prematurely

[0092] Similarly, at time T 3s a large spike in the loss power is suddenly detected by the system and has a substantially increased detected power level Δ3. Such a power pulse is quickly detected using a prior art control system, and the high level indicates that a large number of beams are unknown and there is a possibility of collision with a dangerous object so (as an example of the action to be taken) the laser oscillation is immediately stopped This is done without considering the pulse length in prior art systems. Using the control system of the present disclosure, the threshold determination is delayed beyond the sampling time to T in order to accurately evaluate the level of danger indicated by the increased power Note that T for this spike in region D is shorter than that for the power increase in region B because the power level 3d is higher and thus the allowable exposure time is shorter Regarding T delay By using such a delayed decision response time, sharp power spikes are averaged over their temporal environment, allowing a waiting period to determine whether the overall average level of the signal falls below the level at which the system needs to stop

[0093] Next, FIG. 5B shows the resulting control signal generated by the power profile shown in FIG. 5A​​​​​​​​ indicates the number. Both a moderate level event as indicated by period "B" and a large jump to Δ3 during period "D" are processed by the system and are averaged before being input into the control system. Here, none of the events trigger the safety threshold, enabling the system of the present disclosure to continue providing the charging service without interference. In this case, in the previous system, the threshold criterion would have been triggered as soon as the first sampling period occurred, and the system would have been stopped.

[0094] Figure 5C shows a situation where a short spike "A" is ignored by the system. This is because the signal rapidly drops to a low level due to signal sampling and subsequent averaging, enabling the determination that no significant change has occurred.

[0095] However, when spike "B" is amplified, the system can determine that this increased Δ signal rapidly exceeds the allowable duration for such an unknown beam power level. Subsequently, the system terminates the laser oscillation, and thus, since no power is received at the receiver, the Δ signal drops to 0 as shown at the end of period "B".

[0096] Next, referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, various scenarios with dangerous situations that may require reduction or conversion of laser transmission to avoid potential laser damage are shown.

[0097] Figure 6A shows an exemplary scenario where person 60 crosses beam 67. In such a case, before the person enters the beam path, the signal received by the receiver power meter is as follows: ​ at a normal high level, and thus the Δ or power loss between the transmitter 61A and the receiver 65A calculated by the controller is low. Thus, the transmitter 61A may direct a full-power beam at the receiver before a person enters the beam.

[0098] Next, when the person 60 enters the beam path 67, the power level received by the detector drops sharply, and thus the difference Δ between the detected power from the transmitter 61A and the detected power at the receiver 65A increases. This means that a high level of power is being dissipated somewhere in the transmission space without reaching the receiver, which potentially indicates high-level exposure to the beam. According to regulations, such high-power exposure must result in a reduction of the stray light beam in a very short time. Due to the large change in power level and the short time within which the system amplifier must respond, there may be cases where the system amplifier cannot accurately process the corresponding signal changes and issue a stop or beam-switching command within the required time. However, the Δ signal is high enough to ensure that the system responds within a short allowable time for such power loss, despite the lack of significant amplification at such high frequencies.

[0099] Next, FIG. 6B shows a scenario where a transparent object 64, or an object that only partially blocks the beam, partially obstructs the beam path. Since the change in the detected power is small, such stray light beam power can be tolerated according to regulations for a relatively

[0100] long period. The characteristic period of this event may be long, which is the case for low-level , the object may be present in the beam path for several minutes or several hundred minutes, and thus the oscillation can continue without interruption. This is because the effective frequency of this power change is too low to be detected. Therefore, the prior art system is not sensitive over such a long period of time to small losses of power between the transmitter and the receiver. However, even if Δ representing the unknown part of the beam is very small and its allowable exposure time is very long, if the power transmission from the transmitter to the receiver extends over a long time, it can exceed the allowable maximum time level.

[0101] In the system of the present disclosure, the amplification of the frequency related to a very slow change and a long-term change of the input signal is increased compared to the prior art system so as to be sensitive to events occurring over a long period of time. Therefore, the combination of these features enables the system to respond accurately over a long period of time despite an increase in sensitivity to noise at these low detection levels.

[0102] Therefore, the controller indicates an increase in the signal related to Δ when a transparent or partially blocking object is in the beam path over a long period of time. Since the allowable level of exposure to such a weak beam can be even several minutes or hours, the controller may be characterized by having a limited response. This enables the controller to continuously accurately monitor this Δ signal over a long period of time so as not to surely exceed the time limit of this power level required by the guidelines.

[0103] In the example shown in FIG. 6B, the maximum allowable time for the power level lost by the Before exceeding the interval, the vase 64 may be removed from the beam path. Thus, the system The delay time or waiting period utilized by the system ensures that no unnecessary changes are made to the system .

[0104] Alternatively, the vase 64 remains in the beam path until it approaches the maximum allowable exposure due to the loss of power at that level, and as a result, before the operation of the stop or beam deflection system becomes necessary If the maximum "waiting period" or delay time allowed almost exceeds, such an action may be necessary before the maximum allowable exposure time is exceeded .

[0105] Thus, the system of the present disclosure ensures that a small loss of power between the transmitter and the receiver is taken into account and that an object crossing the beam for a short time is not as noticed as an object in the beam path for a long time. Further, considering the required large dynamic range , the sensitivity of the system of the present disclosure to the required large dynamic range is achieved .

[0106] Next, referring to FIG. 7, this is a flowchart showing one implementation of the method used when operating the system of the present disclosure .

[0107] In step 701, an "event clock" is started and the system calculates a "waiting period" called T delay and . This is the length of time the system waits from the start point of this "event clock" before ending or redirecting the beam when the Δ signal does not show a significant change , as will be described below. T is regulated and is currently received Δ ​​It is determined according to the allowable exposure time at Δ power. According to one exemplary method, T del ay To calculate, averaging of the delta signal is performed, and the time for which the averaging is performed is less than the maximum allowable period for this power loss. This ensures that the "event clock" is not reset unnecessarily by abnormal readings such as spikes resulting from short noise interference

[0108] In step 702, the Δ signal is continuously measured.

[0109] In step 703, the system determines whether the level of the Δ signal has changed beyond a predetermined quantity shown as Δ ch An increase in the Δ signal indicates that more beam loss has occurred than calculated in step 701, and thus, a different short T must be calculated based on this increase in the Δ signal, and the "event clock" or timing system must be reset to reflect this change. Conversely, a decrease in the Δ signal indicates a decrease in the beam loss occurring, and thus, a newly longer T delay may be calculated based on this decrease in the Δ signal, and the "event clock" or timing system must be reset to reflect this change. delay

[0110] In another embodiment of the system, if the indicated power loss is greater than a predetermined saturation level, beyond which all signals respond in the same way, in this case, the event clock is essentially irrelevant, but since the system should terminate, the system should not delay ​​​​​​​​​​Block or redirect the beam. For example, a delta signal indicating 95% beam blockage can cause the system to respond simultaneously with a delta signal indicating 9 9% beam blockage. The saturation level may be selected at 1 0 W or more, 9 W or more, or other power levels. The saturation level may depend on the environment of the wireless pa rameter system or other parameters.

[0111] In step 704, if no change in the Δ ch signal greater than is shown, the system evaluates whether the current T delay has been exceeded. If not, control returns to step 7 02 and the measurement of the Δ signal continues. On the other hand, if it is shown that T delay has been exceeded, and thus the allowable exposure time required for the current power loss will soon be exceeded , control proceeds to step 705.

[0112] In step 705, the operating parameters of the system are activated to prevent excessive beam exposure, such as by blocking, redirecting the beam, or ending it.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the allowable exposure times permitted for different power levels are shown in accordance with the previously referenced U.S. regulations. FIG. 8A shows the response time required for a beam having a wavelength of 1050 m , and FIG. 8B shows the response time required for a beam having a wavelength of 2600 nm. Thus, the waiting period or delay time of the controller can be set such that the maximum delay before ending the beam or affecting other parameters of the system is within the maximum allowable time for that power loss.

[0114] ​​​​​It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes combinations and sub - combinations of the various features described above, as well as modifications and variations thereof that are not found in the prior art and that would be made by those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Both these modifications and variations are included.

Claims

1. 1. A system for providing wireless power supply to at least one receiver, comprising: (a) a transmitter configured to emit a beam of radio power; (b) a power meter configured to generate a first signal corresponding to the power level of the emitted beam; (c) a detector associated with the at least one receiver, the detector configured to generate a second signal corresponding to the power of the beam received at the receiver; (d) at least one controller; Equipped with The at least one controller (i) a time T less than the maximum safe exposure time for the difference in power measured by the power meter and the detector; ｄｅｌａｙ generating (ii) if the power difference has changed by more than a significant amount, a new T ｄｅｌａｙ Dynamically generating (iii) T ｄｅｌａｙ modifying at least one operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the power difference if configured to: If the power difference is greater than a predetermined level, the controller is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the transmitter without waiting for more than T delay .

2. The system described in claim 1, further comprising a frequency selective signal processor adapted to process a signal corresponding to the power difference.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein an upper frequency limit of the passband of the frequency selective signal processor is set to a frequency corresponding to a response time for limiting exposure to signals corresponding to the predetermined level of power difference.

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the frequency selective signal processor is configured such that its frequency response curve is shifted to frequencies lower than those dictated by a passband required to provide amplification over a range of exposure durations expected from the power delivery system.

5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the shift in the frequency response curve increases amplification for low-level power difference signals relative to amplification for high-level power difference signals such that the frequency selective signal processor can be more responsive to changes in low-level signals.

6. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the shift in the frequency response curve increases amplification for the low-level power difference signal such that the low-level power difference signal may generate a processor output high enough above the noise level to trigger a laser safety routine.

7. The controller calculates T as a function of the difference between the previously generated signals. ｄｅｌａｙ The system of claim 1 , further configured to generate:

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein a signal difference below a predetermined ambient level indicates the absence of significant beam obstructions between the transmitter and the at least one receiver.

9. If the difference signal is below the ambient level for a predetermined time, T ｄｅｌａｙ 10. The system of claim 8, wherein generating {overscore (x)} is not significantly based on previous difference signals.

10. The system detects a T for signals below a predetermined level and above the ambient level. ｄｅｌａｙ or by T for signals above said predetermined level. ｄｅｌａｙ 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to respond to a difference signal that exceeds the ambient level by responding regardless of:

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the system is configured to respond to a difference signal that exceeds the predetermined level by modifying the operating parameters of the transmitter to reduce a delta signal.

12. A system according to any one of claims 2-3 and 5-6, wherein the frequency selective signal processor comprises an amplifier.

13. Modifying at least one operating parameter of the transmitter comprises: modifying the power level of said beam; Completely terminating laser oscillation; Modifying the beam profile of the emitted beam; blocking said beam; directing the beam to different locations by using a scanning mirror to steer the beam; Scanning an area around the current scan position to more precisely align the beam with the receiver; and Recording the scan position where the object is in the beam path The system of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

14. 1. A system for ensuring safe transmission of radio power to at least one receiver, comprising: (a) a transmitter configured to emit a beam of radio power; (b) a power meter configured to generate a first signal corresponding to the power level of the emitted beam; (c) a detector associated with the at least one receiver, the detector configured to generate a second signal corresponding to the power of the beam received at the receiver; (d) at least one controller, (i) generating a time period Tdelay for the difference in power measured by the power meter and the detector that is less than a maximum safe exposure time; and (ii) dynamically generating a new T delay if the power difference changes by more than a significant amount; at least one controller configured to: (e) an event clock configured to monitor the T delay ; Equipped with The system is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the power difference when the event clock indicates that T delay has been exceeded.

15. The system of claim 14, further configured to regenerate Tdelay and reset the event clock with a new Tdelay if the power difference changes by more than a predetermined amount.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the new T delay is calculated as a function of the differential power accumulated during any of the immediately preceding T delay periods.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the event clock includes a frequency selective signal processor and receives the power difference as an input signal.

18. The system of claim 14, wherein T delay is generated based on an input signal derived from a signal output by a receiver power meter.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the system is configured to modify at least one operating parameter of the transmitter to reduce the power difference if the power difference exceeds a predetermined level, without waiting for T delay.

20. A system as described in any one of claims 14 to 18, further configured to generate an average of delta signals received over a period of time and to ignore delta signals that occur for less than a predetermined time.

21. The system described in claim 14, wherein the system has a sampling rate configured to be several times faster than a rate corresponding to the maximum allowable exposure time for complete beam obstruction.

22. The system described in claim 21, wherein the sampling rate is at least three times faster than the rate corresponding to the maximum allowable exposure time for complete beam obstruction.

23. The system of claim 14, further configured to generate an average of the determined power levels over a period of time and determine T delay based on the average.

24. The system described in claim 23, wherein the period over which the average is generated is the maximum allowable exposure time for complete beam obstruction.

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