Wireless power system for use in areas with varying levels of human presence

Abstract

A novel system for ensuring reliable operation of a laser power supply and information dissemination system using a receiver placed in a facility frequented by the public, such as a store or public office that uses information displays. The system employs a wireless power transmitter with a detector. The detector determines whether the facility is operating during normal business hours, when people are present and may disrupt its normal operation, or during low or no occupancy, typical of a closed facility, in what is referred to as an "after-hours" mode, allowing the system to reliably operate. Operations that must be reliably performed include receiver charging, display updates, device maintenance, and software updates. The system can detect the presence of human activity directly or indirectly through the shutdown of services such as lighting and air conditioning in the area.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure describes laser technology relating to the field of remote information display and exchange in areas with public access, particularly as applied to commercial information displays in sales areas and stores where public access may impede the transmission of information, and generally to the field of wireless power transmission using lasers. [Background technology]

[0002] Commercial environments such as stores and other public buildings could benefit greatly from the ease with which a plethora of electronic information or sales aid devices, such as display screens, electronic shelf labels, various sensors, digital cameras, etc., could be deployed within the establishment. Such systems could display digital content to customers, collect valuable data, and provide the establishment with high revenue and low cost of ownership. Display screens could present information about products (whether price or content such as nutritional value), advertisements, warnings, and updates such as product discount availability or expiration dates, while sensors could detect human presence, temperature, and electronic signals.

[0003] Location awareness is used in many existing screen, sensor, or camera devices, such as smartphones, which can transmit their location and can also display dynamic content based on location. Wireless laser tags are another remote information delivery system that provides remote tracking, such as those shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,229,017 by E Richley et al., entitled "Laser Locating and Tracking System for Externally Activated Tags," and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2015 / 0022321 by D.K. Lefevre, entitled "Long-Range Electronic Identification System."

[0004] Devices such as information screens, sensors, cameras and similar devices that enable automatic location and information exchange in public places have great monetary value to the operators of such places.

[0005] Patent application IL289682, entitled "Laser-Activated Display Device," which has common ownership and common inventorship with the present applicant, describes a system that uses fluorescence detection or other forms of detection with a laser beam to ensure reliable communication and control of devices deployed in public places. However, when such an information transmission system uses a laser beam to convey information from a base station to display units deployed within an area, the system is limited by the presence of people or their shopping carts in the area. Therefore, if there are a large number of people who may block the laser beam, the transfer of relevant information may be hindered and malfunctions may occur. In addition, updating information or maintenance of the display device may be affected by the presence of people constantly crossing the path of the laser beam.

[0006] The disclosure of each publication mentioned in this section and other sections of the specification is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,229,017 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2015 / 0022321 Summary of the Invention

[0008] This disclosure seeks to provide novel systems and methods that overcome at least some of the drawbacks of prior art systems and methods. This disclosure describes a novel exemplary system for ensuring reliable functioning of a system for laser power supply and information propagation in an area where such action is required. It is emphasized that the term "area" as used and claimed in this disclosure refers to the region of three-dimensional space in which the system is installed, and is intended to refer not only to the "floor space" area but also to the available height of that area. Several such systems are described in the above-referenced patent application IL289682 for the purpose of updating display devices in facilities frequented by the public, such as stores and public offices that use information displays. These systems employ wireless power transmitters with detectors to determine whether the facility in which the system is installed is operating in a situation typical of normal business hours, where people are present that could disrupt its normal operation, or whether the facility is closed and has low or no occupancy, a situation in which the system can reliably operate in what is referred to as an "off-hours" mode. This allows for optimization of operation, but requires specific adaptations of the device to enable such operation. The types of operations that must be ensured include charging energy storage devices in displays within the system installation area, updating the displays, periodic maintenance of the devices, and software updates as needed.

[0009] In what may be considered a typical situation, out-of-hours activity may be detected by a simple light sensor, as the lights may be switched off when the facility closes. Alternatively, the system may be connected to one of the IT data storage modules or to the facility's infrastructure control, from which information about occupancy is obtained (e.g., information from computer systems, from power to the lighting system, or to the alarm system, or to the air conditioning system).

[0010] In after-hours mode, devices may be configured differently because there are typically fewer beam-breaking events. Specifically, in after-hours mode, ambient conditions change much more slowly, so that if the line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver on the display device is broken, it is expected to remain broken for a longer period than "normal business hours," and if the line of sight is clear, it is expected to remain clear for an extended period, such as over the course of a night or weekend, allowing proper communication over the link.

[0011] One advantageous feature of the disclosed system is the use of an energy storage device, such as a rechargeable battery or supercapacitor, in the transmitter, allowing the transmitter to continue operating even in the absence of an external power supply. This feature is useful for systems that rely on power to the lighting system being turned off during off-hours periods when lighting is no longer needed. Since this is the period during which the transmitter can most reliably communicate with the display-receiver device, it is important that power is available for off-hours operation, which can be provided by a charged battery or supercapacitor.

[0012] Tasks that the system can perform more efficiently and safely in off-hours mode without human interference that would disrupt communications between the base station and the deployed devices include powering a transmitter from a rechargeable battery or supercapacitor, powering or recharging a remotely located receiver device, updating data for display on a receiver device, performing routine maintenance or calibration procedures on a remote receiver device or transmitter, updating firmware or software on a remote receiver device or transmitter, etc.

[0013] The described implementation of recharging remotely located receiver devices is particularly advantageous because it avoids transmitting power recharging beams during times when there may be significant human presence in the area, and in particular because it allows transmitting power recharging beams during times when there is negligible or no human presence in the area, even when there is no power source to power the transmitter (because the power is cut off during "off hours" when there is no power demand in the area, and the transmitter then continues to operate using its rechargeable battery).

[0014] That is, according to an exemplary implementation of the system described herein, there is provided a system for wireless power transmission to an area having either a first or second characteristic condition that requires a first or second operating mode of the system, respectively, and the system comprises: (i) a safety system to ensure the safe transmission of wireless power within the area; (ii) at least one transmitter adapted to transmit wireless power to at least one receiver; Including, At least one transmitter (a) a wireless power emitter adapted to transmit a power beam of wireless power to at least one receiver; (b) a beam steering unit adapted to precisely direct the power beam towards the at least one receiver; (c) a power source powered by an external power supply; (d) a rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged from a power source; and (e) a detector for monitoring area-specific characteristic conditions to enable either the first or second operating modes of the system; (f) a microprocessor adapted to control the operation of the system; Including, Upon receiving a signal from the detector indicating that the area has changed from a first characteristic condition to a second characteristic condition, the system performs the following actions: (iii) transmitting a wireless power beam to at least one receiver; (iv) powering the transmitter from a rechargeable battery; and (v) performing periodic maintenance tasks for the wireless power transfer system; and (vi) updating the software and firmware of the microprocessor of the wireless power transfer system; and (vii) updating the data provided to at least one receiver; and (viii) performing a self-test of the wireless power transfer system; and (ix) performing calibration tests on safety systems; It will be possible to do at least two of the following:

[0015] In such a system, the characteristic conditions of the area monitored by the detector are: (a) an indication of a given level of human activity within an area; (b) the level of light in the area; (c) the status of power to the lighting system; (d) the condition of the intrusion alarm system installed in the area; (e) the condition of the air conditioning system installed in the area; or (f) an indication from a predetermined lighting schedule that lighting is off or reduced at the current time; It may be at least one of:

[0016] The area in which the above-mentioned system may be used may be a place of business for the sale of goods, and the characteristic status of the area may be selected to indicate whether the place of business is open to the public or closed to the public. In addition, the detector may be adapted to determine signs of human activity in the area, even if the person is outside the effective transmission range of the system.

[0017] In the above system, the indication of human activity in the area may be determined either from a direct measurement of human activity in the area or from an indication of the condition of the area generated to allow for the level of human activity in the area.

[0018] Additionally, an external power supply may be provided from the lighting circuitry in the area, so that even if the lighting in that area is turned off while the system is switched to the second operating mode, the system's functions may continue to run using the transmitter's rechargeable battery as the system's power source.

[0019] Additionally, in any of these systems, the level of light within an area may be predetermined to provide light for human activity.

[0020] In the transmitter, the wireless power emitter may be a laser, the power beam may be a laser beam, and the beam directing unit may include a directivity control mirror.

[0021] According to yet another implementation of the system described herein, there is further provided a system for wireless power transmission to areas having different levels of human activity, comprising: The system is (i) a safety system to ensure the safe transmission of wireless power within the area; (ii) at least one transmitter adapted to transmit wireless power to at least one receiver; Including, At least one transmitter (a) a wireless power emitter adapted to transmit a power beam of wireless power to at least one receiver; (b) a beam steering unit adapted to precisely direct the power beam towards the at least one receiver; (c) a power source powered by an external power supply; (d) a transmitter rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged from a power source; and (e) a detector for monitoring characteristic conditions related to the level of human activity within the area; (f) a microprocessor adapted to control the operation of the system; Including, Upon receiving a signal from the detector indicating that the characteristic condition of the area has changed to one that indicates that the level of human activity is likely to have fallen below a predetermined level, the system may take the following actions: (iii) transmitting a wireless power beam to at least one receiver; (iv) powering the transmitter from a transmitter rechargeable battery; and (v) performing periodic maintenance tasks for the wireless power transfer system; and (vi) updating the software and firmware of the microprocessor of the wireless power transfer system; and (vii) updating the data provided to at least one receiver; and (viii) performing a self-test of the wireless power transfer system; and (ix) performing calibration tests on safety systems; It will be possible to do at least two of the following:

[0022] In such a system, the characteristic conditions monitored by the detectors and related to the level of human activity in the area are: (a) the level of light in the area; (b) the status of power to the lighting system; (c) the condition of the intrusion alarm system installed in the area; (d) the condition of the air conditioning system installed in the area; or (e) an indication from a predetermined lighting schedule that lighting is off or reduced at the current time; It may be at least one of:

[0023] Additionally, at least one receiver may have a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the transmitted wireless power beam.

[0024] In any of these systems, the wireless power emitter may be a laser and the power beam may be a laser beam. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

[0026] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a typical appearance of an area of ​​an exemplary commercial environment (in this case, a store aisle), showing many electronic devices installed in appropriate locations on shelves. A laser transmission system must communicate with these devices, and the illustration shows many people circulating during normal business hours. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows the same area as FIG. 1, but after normal business hours and without shopper interference, thus providing visual access to the display device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram that schematically illustrates elements of an exemplary wireless power transmitter of the system described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Reference is first made to FIG. 1, which diagrammatically illustrates an area of ​​an exemplary commercial environment (in this case, a store display aisle) during normal business hours. The view is taken from the location of the transmitting unit. The setting of FIG. 1 shows a number of electronic devices 101 installed in appropriate positions on shelves. The operation of such devices and their functionality may be similar to that described in the above-referenced patent application IL289682. Such devices may include display screens, location sensors, temperature sensors, imaging or inspection equipment that allows for determining the number of products still remaining on the shelves, or an indication or estimation of the number of purchasers in the vicinity of the device, or any other functionality that such intelligent devices may be called upon to perform in such a setting. For simplicity, in the remainder of this disclosure, such devices 101 will be referred to as "receivers."

[0028] The multiple receivers 101 may be supplied with power and information or operating instructions by a transmitter. The transmitter may advantageously use a collimated laser beam (not shown in FIG. 1 ) to transmit power to the receivers. Such transmission devices are often ceiling-mounted to ensure optimal visibility of the monitored area, although any other suitable mounting location may be used. Other modes of addressing and communicating with receivers are known in the art, and this application is not intended to be limited to the method described in IL289682. During normal business hours, some of the multiple receivers 101 may periodically be blocked from the transmitter's view by obstacles such as people or shopping carts, as depicted in FIG. 1 . This blocked view may completely prevent a task from being performed, or, even worse, may allow a task to be initiated but abort it mid-way, resulting in situations ranging from a simple inability to perform the task to a dangerous situation. The latter situation may arise, for example, if a task is erroneously recorded as having been accomplished when the recorded results are inaccurate because the task was interrupted mid-way. As a result, certain operations related to receiver functionality or maintenance may be difficult to perform during normal business hours.

[0029] For example, the following non-limiting list of actions may be difficult, impossible, or unsafe to complete during normal business hours when people may be in close proximity to the system: Mapping receivers in commercial areas. Regular reboots. Many devices reboot every few hours to avoid various common programming errors and bugs by clearing memory and running tests. Because the power supply to the device may be turned off during such a reboot, it is best to perform these routine reboots during "off-hours" periods. Transmitter software updates, typically done safely by turning the laser off before the update and turning it back on after the update. -Receiver software updates. Powering the transmitter from an alternative power source, as the external power source, which is wired power from the building infrastructure, may not be operational outside of normal business hours. Adapt the transmitter's cooling temperature stabilization to the "AC Off" setting. During normal business hours, the ambient temperature in commercial areas is typically regulated to a range of 15°C to 30°C, but outside of these hours the ambient temperature can fluctuate between -10°C and 60°C depending on the external climatic conditions in which the commercial area is located and the parts of the commercial area exposed to them. This may require the device itself to operate an internal cooling or heating system to maintain an acceptable operating temperature for the transmitter's internal components. · Varying power levels. Higher power levels may be allowed during off hours when there are no people in the area. · Changing the power schedule, for example by spending more or less time on each receiver. Self-test: This is also an operation that is best performed in "after hours mode." Maintenance Tasks Room mapping ·Report to Home Parameter update ·calibration Priority changes. Some clients may require a different power scheme during off-hours mode. For example, alarm sensors may require power during off-hours, while advertising screens and sensors may not.

[0030] To overcome this problem, the system of the present disclosure is configured to attempt to avoid performing tasks that may be hindered or unreliable when there is a high probability of obstructions, such as the situation in Figure 1. Such tasks are more preferably executable when the environment is essentially or completely clear of intrusions, as in the exemplary scenario shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates the scenario of Figure 1, but after normal store operating hours. As can be seen from Figure 2, the transmitter may have an uninterrupted connection with the receiver 101 because the receiver 101 is now clear of any obstructions.

[0031] The simplest way to achieve the goal of avoiding interference by shoppers and their shopping carts is to restrict the execution of the problematic task to specific times when the store is closed. In this disclosure, this mode of operation is known as “after-hours” mode, the contents and operation of which are described in more detail below. Qualcomm Inc., U.S. Published Patent Application US2014 / 0292269, entitled “Timing and Charging Control for Wireless Power Charging,” describes a short-range RF wireless charging system programmed with a user schedule of permissible charging times that takes into account energy rates and work or school schedules, among other factors, when the space is likely to be empty or low in occupancy. In contrast to the system in that reference, a novel aspect of the operating method of the system described herein is contemplated: programming the system to execute critical tasks not during specific pre-programmed times, but based on real-time observation of the extent of activity occurring, and to execute these tasks only outside of hours when activity is actively detected to be below a predetermined level that allows the tasks to be performed satisfactorily. This latter window of operation is essential for 24-hour establishments, and is considered to fall within the definition of “after-hours mode,” even during opening hours. In an additional or alternative scenario, task execution can be enabled by associating detected environmental conditions, such as the presence or absence of lighting, air conditioning, or other services provided in an area, with the understanding that these conditions are activated depending on the range of activities occurring. Thus, for example, detecting the absence of lighting in an area can be associated with the absence of a need for lighting after normal business hours.

[0032] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which is a block diagram that schematically illustrates elements of an exemplary wireless power transmitter of the system described herein.

[0033] The transmitter 100 transmits power and / or provides information / operating instructions to the receiver 101 .

[0034] Transmitter 100 includes a microcontroller (MCU) 106 and an "out of hours" sensor 109. Out of hours sensor 109 allows MCU 106 to determine whether the system is currently in "normal operating mode" or "out of hours mode." The manner in which sensor 109 operates is described below.

[0035] During normal operation mode, the MCU 106 causes the laser source 104 to emit the laser beam 103 and causes the beam steering module 105 to accurately point the laser beam 103 at the photovoltaic (PV) cells 114 of the receiver 101. The term "accurately" is understood to mean that the beam steering module is accurate enough and the laser beam is sufficiently collimated so that the beam strikes the receiver's photovoltaic cells without excessive beam power incident on locations other than the PV cells. The MCU 106 may also cause the beam steering module 105 to point the laser beam 103 in different scan directions to search the surrounding area for obstacles or the receiver 101.

[0036] During normal operation, the MCU 106 receives power from a power supply 108, which is typically supplied from the mains. To provide the most unobstructed view of the relevant area in a commercial environment, the transmitter 100 may be mounted from the ceiling. This therefore requires the provision of a mains power feed point next to each intended transmitter location. Providing a dedicated mains power feed point in the ceiling is an expensive procedure, particularly for newly installed systems in existing buildings. Therefore, the mains power supply for the transmitter 100 and its internal power supply 108 is most conveniently provided by connecting it to the power supply for the setting's existing lighting system or to other suitable ceiling-mounted infrastructure operating within the setting, such as the power supply line for an air conditioning system. This significantly reduces installation costs, as a separate mains power supply for the wireless transmission system is not required and connection to the lighting system is usually easier. As a temporary measure or in low-cost situations, it is even possible to mount the system in a lamp socket.

[0037] However, as mentioned above, many maintenance and update tasks for the system cannot be performed during normal operating mode during normal hours, but can only be performed safely and efficiently when the system is operating in out-of-hours mode. If power is supplied from an existing lighting infrastructure or another suitable framework, such as an air conditioning system, the problem arises that during out-of-hours periods when critical transmission system care and maintenance should be performed, the lighting also operates in "out-of-hours" mode, i.e., is turned off completely or left on in a spatially sparse mode, thereby cutting off power to transmitter 100 exactly during the periods when it should be in use.

[0038] To overcome this problem, transmitter 100 may include battery 107, and MCU 106 is programmed to direct the charging of battery 107 during daylight business hours using power from power source 108 connected to a nearby power line (not shown in FIG. 3 ). Thus, even if the power supply to power source 108 is cut off during off-hours periods due to lighting or air conditioning circuits being turned off, the transmission system can continue to operate uninterrupted using power from battery 107, ensuring the safe performance of all operations without limiting the system's dependence on a continuously available mains power source.

[0039] During normal operating mode, the MCU 106 probes the after-hours sensor 109. If the after-hours sensor 109 detects an event indicative of an "after-hours" condition, the MCU 106 causes the system to switch to "after-hours mode."

[0040] The "out of hours" sensor 109 is configured to detect when the environment is considered to be in an "out of hours" state. This may be determined by a motion sensor, a camera system, a light sensor, or by connection to the facility's IT infrastructure or infrastructure (e.g., a computer system, an alarm system, a lighting system, or a data network such as an internal communications system or the Internet). Lighting systems may be monitored either by detecting actual lighting conditions or by detecting power in the lighting supply lines.

[0041] There are a number of ways that the after-hours sensor can detect that the system should switch into after-hours mode: 1. Using a command or external signal, such as activation by a person leaving the area and locking it; 2. Using a clock or schedule; 3. Connecting to sensors such as camera systems to detect human presence; 4. Connection to a light or temperature sensor, 5. Connection to an intrusion alarm system, 6. Sensing power to the lighting system.

[0042] Some of these methods, such as methods 3 and 4 above, rely on sensing the surroundings to determine when after-hours mode can be initiated, while others are based on automatic operation with predetermined programming from other sources.

[0043] When the system is in "after hours" mode, the transmitter and receiver may be configured differently than in a normal business hours configuration, since fewer beam-blocking events are typically experienced. Specifically, during times defined as "after hours," the surroundings change slowly, if at all, so that if the line of sight between the transmitter and receiver is blocked, it is expected to remain blocked for a longer period of time, as opposed to during "normal business hours."

[0044] Scanning the environment to get a clear picture of where fixed receivers are located is easier during "off-hours" mode than during "business hours," when many receivers may be temporarily hidden behind moving people or objects.

[0045] During the “off-hours” mode, the MCU 106 can use the communication system 110 to receive software updates for either the transmitter 100 or the receiver 101 .

[0046] The MCU 106 may initiate a self-test procedure, for example, adjusting the laser 104 to a different power level or changing settings in the beam steering module 105 or other components of the transmitter 100 .

[0047] MCU 106 may also reboot itself, which for safety reasons should only be done while the laser is off, or may initiate a calibration procedure for laser source 104 or a calibration procedure for a sensor in the system, such as sensor 109.

[0048] An additional need for using the present system arises from situations in which a communications network may not be functioning or available. On the one hand, communications networks such as WiFi networks may be turned off during off-hours, which presents a problem for receiving software updates but not for installing them if they have already been downloaded. On the other hand, during normal hours, the network ("WiFi") may be "jammed" or blocked by interference from other wireless sources. Therefore, if the network is not turned off, it may be easier to use the network during off-hours than during business hours.

[0049] Finally, the required service levels may be different during normal business hours than after hours. A short outage of service in after-hours mode may be acceptable, but would not be acceptable if the same issue applied during business hours. So, for example, it may be acceptable, or even wise, for an advertising screen to be turned off during off-hours and on during shopping hours as an energy conservation measure. Similarly, it may be acceptable for a temperature sensor to not work for an hour or two "off-hours," but during normal working hours a non-reporting sensor could be a major problem.

[0050] The illustrative embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and its scope will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Numerous specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are described to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not necessary and that the illustrative embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, none of which should be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will also recognize that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described. Rather, the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and that are not in the prior art.

Claims

1. 1. A system for wireless power transmission to an area, comprising: the area has either a first or second characteristic condition, requiring a first or second, respectively, operating mode of the system; The system comprises: a safety system for ensuring safe transmission of wireless power in the area; at least one transmitter adapted to transmit the wireless power to at least one receiver; Including, The at least one transmitter a wireless power emitter adapted to transmit a power beam of the wireless power to the at least one receiver; a beam steering unit adapted to precisely direct the power beam towards the at least one receiver; a power supply powered by an external power source; a rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged from said power source; a detector for monitoring characteristic conditions specific to said area to enable either said first or second modes of operation of said system; a microprocessor adapted to control the operation of said system; Including, Upon receiving a signal from the detector indicating that the area has changed from the first characteristic condition to the second characteristic condition, the system performs the following actions: (i) transmitting a wireless power beam to at least one receiver; (ii) powering the transmitter from the rechargeable battery; (iii) performing periodic maintenance tasks for the wireless power transfer system; and (iv) updating the software and firmware of the microprocessor of the wireless power transfer system; and (v) updating data provided to at least one of said receivers; and (vi) performing a self-test of the wireless power transfer system; and (vii) performing a calibration test on the safety system; The system is capable of performing at least two of the following:

2. The characteristic condition of the area monitored by the detector is (a) an indication of a predetermined level of human activity within the area; (b) the level of light in the area; (c) the state of the power supply to the lighting system; (d) the status of any intrusion alarm systems installed in said area; (e) the status of the air conditioning system installed in the area; or (f) an indication from a predetermined lighting schedule that lighting is off or reduced at the current time; The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one of

3. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the area is a business establishment for selling goods, and the characteristic status of the area is selected to indicate whether the business establishment is open to the public or closed to the public.

4. 4. A system according to claim 1, wherein the detector is adapted to determine signs of human activity in the area even when the person is outside the effective transmission range of the system.

5. 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the indication of human activity in the area is determined either from a direct measurement of the human activity in the area or from an indication of a condition of the area generated to enable the level of human activity in the area.

6. 6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the external power supply is provided from a lighting circuit in the area, so that even if the lighting in the area is turned off while the system is switched to the second operating mode, the functions of the system can still be performed using the transmitter rechargeable battery as the power source for the system.

7. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the level of light in the area is predetermined to provide light for the human activity.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wireless power emitter is a laser and the power beam is a laser beam.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the beam steering unit includes a directivity control mirror.

10. 1. A system for wireless power transmission to areas having different levels of human activity, comprising: a safety system for ensuring safe transmission of wireless power in the area; at least one transmitter adapted to transmit wireless power to at least one receiver; Including, The at least one transmitter a wireless power emitter adapted to transmit a power beam of the wireless power to the at least one receiver; a beam steering unit adapted to precisely direct the power beam towards the at least one receiver; a power supply powered by an external power source; a transmitter rechargeable battery adapted to be recharged from said power source; a detector for monitoring characteristic conditions related to the level of human activity in the area; a microprocessor adapted to control the operation of said system; Including, Upon receiving a signal from the detector indicating that a characteristic condition of the area has changed to one that indicates that the level of human activity is likely to have fallen below a predetermined level, the system takes the following action: (i) transmitting a wireless power beam to at least one receiver; (ii) powering the transmitter from the transmitter rechargeable battery; (iii) performing periodic maintenance tasks for the wireless power transfer system; and (iv) updating the software and firmware of the microprocessor of the wireless power transfer system; and (v) updating data provided to at least one of said receivers; and (vi) performing a self-test of the wireless power transfer system; and (vii) performing a calibration test on the safety system; The system is capable of performing at least two of the following:

11. The characteristic condition monitored by the detector, the characteristic condition being related to the level of human activity in the area, is: (a) the level of light in the area; (b) the status of the power supply to the lighting system; (c) the status of any intrusion alarm systems installed in the area; (d) the condition of the air conditioning system installed in the area; or (e) an indication from a predetermined lighting schedule that lighting is off or reduced at the current time; The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of

12. 12. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one receiver has a rechargeable battery that can be charged by the transmitted wireless power beam.

13. 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the wireless power emitter is a laser and the power beam is a laser beam.

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