Authentication management of offline devices in wireless power transfer systems

Abstract

This disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for updating authentication information or other configuration information in offline devices of a wireless power system. An example of this detailed description relates to updating authentication information (one or more of the following: public keys, private keys, block lists, allow lists, or authentication message schemas). A first wireless power device may obtain a newer version of the authentication information from a second wireless power device after successful authentication of the second wireless power device. The first wireless power device may update its local storage to store the newer version of the authentication information. The technology of this disclosure enables authentication information updates to propagate in a wireless power system that includes one or more offline devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 503,475, filed on May 20, 2023.

[0002] [Technical Field] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless power supply, and some aspects relate to the authentication and configuration of offline devices in a wireless power supply system.

Background Art

[0003] A wireless power supply system includes a power transmitter (PTX, sometimes referred to as a wireless power transmission device) and a power receiver (PRX, sometimes referred to as a wireless power reception device). The power transmitter includes a primary coil that generates an electromagnetic field in an electrical power state, and when a secondary coil is placed in the electromagnetic field of the primary coil, it induces a voltage in the secondary coil of the power receiver. The induced voltage can generate power for a load or for use by a rectifier that supplies power to the load. Thus, the power transmitter can wirelessly transmit power to the power receiver using the inductive coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil. The power receiver can receive wireless power and provide it to a load of an electrical product (such as a motor, a heating element, an electronic device, or a power storage device, etc.). A device (sometimes referred to as a device) can include a power transmitter, a power receiver, or both. For example, a first device (such as a kitchen stove) can include one or more power transmitters. A second device (such as a kitchen device) can include a power receiver together with a load.

[0004] A wireless power system may include equipment from different manufacturers. For example, a first piece of equipment including a power receiver may be manufactured by a first manufacturer, while a second piece of equipment including a power transmitter may be manufactured by a second manufacturer. Manufacturers may implement common specifications to ensure that each power transmitter or power receiver is compatible with the others. Common specifications may specify communication protocols, circuit designs, and wireless power functions. Failure of a wireless power device (such as a power transmitter or power receiver in the first piece of equipment) to comply with the common specifications may damage wireless power devices in other pieces of equipment. Furthermore, incompatible wireless power devices may damage other components of each piece of equipment or the environment in which the equipment operates.

[0005] To mitigate the risks of incompatible wireless power devices, manufacturers may conduct product testing to ensure proper implementation of the specifications. Manufacturers can participate in manufacturer registration to demonstrate that they have successfully tested and complied with the specifications. The specifications may define certifications that allow one device to verify that another device is from a registered manufacturer and that power transmitters or power receivers in other devices are compatible with the specifications. Certifications may also be referred to as certification mechanisms, certification procedures, certification protocols, or other similar terms. Devices that cannot be certified may be manufactured by manufacturers that do not fully support the features of the specifications. To enable successful certification, devices from registered manufacturers may store certification information (such as private keys, registration information, configuration settings, or certification software, etc.). [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] The systems, methods, and apparatus of this disclosure each have several inventive embodiments, and no single embodiment among them alone assumes any desired attribute disclosed herein.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method performed by a first wireless power device includes the step of storing a first version of authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device. The method further includes the steps of detecting a second wireless power device and authenticating the second wireless power device using a first authentication message exchange based at least in part on the first version of authentication information. The method further includes the steps of obtaining a second version of authentication information from the second wireless power device after the authentication of the second wireless power device has been successful and storing the second version of authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device for use with subsequent authentication message exchanges.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method performed by a second wireless power device includes the step of storing authentication information in the local storage of the second wireless power device. The method further includes the step of authenticating a first wireless power device based at least in part on the authentication information. The method further includes, after successful authentication of the first wireless power device, the step of providing the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information, based on the determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power device.

[0009] In one embodiment, a first wireless power device comprises a power transmission coil configured to transmit or receive wireless power from a second wireless power device. The first wireless power device further comprises local storage configured to initially store a first version of authentication information. The first wireless power device further comprises a controller configured to detect the second wireless power device and authenticate the second wireless power device using a first authentication message exchange based at least in part on the aforementioned first version of authentication information. The controller is further configured to retrieve a second version of authentication information from the second wireless power device after successful authentication of the second wireless power device. The controller is further configured to store the second version of authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device for use with subsequent authentication message exchanges.

[0010] In one embodiment, a second wireless power device comprises a power transmission coil configured to transmit or receive wireless power from the second wireless power device. The second wireless power device further comprises local storage configured to store authentication information. The second wireless power device further comprises a controller configured to authenticate the first wireless power device at least in part on the authentication information. The controller is further configured to provide the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information after successful authentication of the first wireless power device, based on a determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power device.

[0011] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described herein are given in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, embodiments, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] Similar reference numerals and names in various drawings refer to the same elements. Note that relative dimensions in drawings may not be to scale.

[0013] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an exemplary wireless power system including a power transmitter and a power receiver.

[0014] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a state diagram of a wireless power system.

[0015] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a message diagram illustrating public key infrastructure (PKI)-based authentication.

[0016] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exemplary authentication between a power transmitter and a power receiver.

[0017] [Figure 5A] Figure 5A shows a scenario in which authentication between two wireless power devices is based on the first version of the authentication information.

[0018] [Figure 5B] Figure 5B shows a scenario in which the first wireless power device can receive an updated version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device.

[0019] [Figure 5C] Figure 5C shows a scenario in which the first wireless power device can provide an updated version of the authentication information to the third wireless power device.

[0020] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of authentication information.

[0021] [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of updating authentication information.

[0022] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a scenario in which an updated version of authentication management can propagate among a plurality of wireless power devices operating within a common location.

[0023] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a flowchart accompanying an exemplary operation of a first wireless power device according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a flowchart accompanying an exemplary operation of a second wireless power device according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another flowchart accompanying an exemplary operation of a wireless power device according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a block diagram of an exemplary device for use in a wireless power system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The following description is directed to several implementations for the purpose of explaining the inventive aspects of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in many different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any means, apparatus, system, or method for transmitting or receiving wireless power.

[0028] A wireless power system includes wireless power devices such as a power transmitter (PTX, sometimes referred to as a wireless power transmitter) and a power receiver (PRX, sometimes referred to as a wireless power receiver). In some implementations, the power transmitter may include a primary coil mounted on a countertop, or a primary coil embedded in or manufactured on a surface where a power receiver may be located. The power receiver may be configured to wirelessly receive power from the power transmitter. Some embodiments of this disclosure are based on a kitchen environment. For example, the power transmitter may be part of kitchen appliances such as a stove, countertop, or range, and the power receiver may be part of cordless appliances such as a cordless blender, kettle, toaster, or cooking container, among other examples.

[0029] Each wireless power device (such as a power transmitter or power receiver) may have the ability to authenticate other wireless power devices (the other power transmitter or power receiver), and vice versa. Authentication typically involves messaging, which may be called an authentication message exchange. For example, an authentication message exchange may include the communication of keys, certificate digests, challenges, responses, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, in some implementations, each authentication may be bidirectional, allowing each wireless power device to authenticate other wireless power devices.

[0030] Some wireless power devices are manufactured as offline devices. Offline devices are devices that do not have a network interface for accessing wide area networks such as internet-connected networks. Removing the network interface can reduce the cost of such devices. Typically, offline devices are manufactured with initial configuration information that can include authentication information used to authenticate other wireless power devices. There are advantages to updating the configuration information from time to time. For example, the authentication information may be updated to include newly registered manufacturers. In another example, the authentication information may be updated to revise or include a block list of untrusted appliances or manufacturers to prevent damage from wireless power devices that do not comply with specifications. If a private key is hacked or exposed, physical harm may occur if the device does not comply with the standards. In such situations, it is desirable to update the authentication information to include a revocation list or instructions for devices that should not be authenticated. Updating offline devices is cumbersome for end users. For example, field service can utilize local cables, memory cards, component replacement, or other user interactions. Some devices do not have these capabilities. Adding a manual update mechanism may require additional design considerations or technical expertise, potentially increasing the cost and manufacturing process of the equipment.

[0031] This disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for updating authentication information or other configuration information in an offline device of a wireless power system. While the examples in this detailed description relate to updating authentication information, the same technique can be used to update other types of information in an offline device (among other examples, configuration settings, firmware, or protocols). In some implementations, authentication information may include a root public key, a private key associated with the manufacturer or device, a blocklist, an allowlist, an authentication message schema, etc. A first wireless power device may have an older version of the authentication information. For example, a previous version may have been the latest version at the time of the first wireless power device's original manufacture, but it may be replaced by a newer version developed after the original manufacture date. A second wireless power device, on the other hand, was manufactured at a later date and may contain a newer version of the authentication information. According to aspects of this disclosure, the first wireless power device can obtain the newer version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device after successful authentication of the second wireless power device. The first wireless power device can update its local storage to store the second version of the authentication information. Therefore, the first wireless power device can benefit from the updated authentication information even if the first wireless power device is an offline device that does not have a network interface.

[0032] In some aspects of this disclosure, authentication information can be updated among several wireless power devices within a location (such as different kitchen appliances used with a wireless power system in a kitchen environment). When one or more wireless power devices interact with other wireless power devices, authentication information can be propagated to the other wireless power devices. As newer wireless power devices are introduced to the location and various wireless power devices are used with each other, the various wireless power devices can be updated with the latest authentication information, such as the authentication information of the newer wireless power device.

[0033] Certain implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential benefits: Certification (potentially including bidirectional certification) can ensure that detected wireless power devices are certified by a trusted authority and confirmed to implement the wireless power specifications. The use of certified wireless power devices can reduce the occurrence of damage that may result from wireless power devices that are not certified to comply with the wireless power specifications. The technology of this disclosure enables offline devices to benefit from updated certification information. Certification information may be updated as a result of changes in certification procedures, changes in manufacturer registration, or the discovery of unreliable equipment, among other examples. Furthermore, the ability to update certification information can be added to offline devices without incurring additional costs associated with network interfaces or complex network communication configurations or protocols. Finally, the technology disclosed can improve the user experience and reliability when using wireless power devices.

[0034] Figure 1 shows an exemplary wireless power system 100, including a power transmitter 102 and a power receiver 118. In Figure 1, dashed lines represent communications to distinguish them from solid lines, which represent electrical circuit lines.

[0035] The power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 118 are two types of wireless power devices used together. The power transmitter 102 includes a primary coil 104 and a power transmitter (PTX) controller 108. The primary coil 104 may be associated with a power transmitter circuit 106 (sometimes referred to as a power signal generator or driver circuit). The primary coil 104 may be a wire coil that transmits wireless power (also referred to as wireless energy). The primary coil 104 may transmit wireless energy using an induced or resonant magnetic field. The power transmitter circuit 106 may include components (not shown) for preparing wireless power. For example, the power transmitter circuit 106 may include one or more switches, drivers, series capacitors, rectifiers, inverters, or other components. In some implementations, the power transmitter circuit 106, the PTX controller 108, and other components (not shown) may be collectively referred to as a power transmitter unit 110. Part or all of the power transmitter unit 110 may be embodied as an integrated circuit (IC) implementing features of the present disclosure for controlling and transmitting radio power to one or more wireless power receivers. The PTX controller 108 may be implemented as a microcontroller, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other suitable electronic device.

[0036] Power supply 112 supplies power to the power transmitter unit 110. In some implementations, power supply 112 may convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. For example, power supply 112 may include a converter that receives AC power from an external power source and converts the AC power to DC power used by the power transmission circuit 106. Alternatively or additionally, components of the power transmitter circuit 106 (such as an inverter) may convert DC power to AC power. Power supply 112 may be integrated as part of the power transmitter 102 or may be located outside of the power transmitter 102.

[0037] In some implementations, the power transmitter 102 causes the power supply 112 to adjust the DC output voltage of the power supply 112. For example, the PTX controller 108 can set the DC voltage of the power supply 112 based on information received from the power receiver 118 (such as a value indicating the requested power). The power transmitter 102 can receive power configuration information from the power receiver 118 and use that information to set parameters (such as the DC output voltage of the power supply 112). The power transmitter 102 can receive power configuration information during various operating states, such as discovery state or power state. In some implementations, the power transmitter 102 includes a DC-DC converter (not shown) between the power supply 112 and the power transmitter circuit 106 to control the variable DC output voltage.

[0038] The PTX controller 108 is connected to a first communication interface 114. The first communication interface 114 is connected to a first communication coil 116. In some implementations, the first communication interface 114 and the first communication coil 116 may be collectively referred to as the first communication unit 122. In some implementations, the first communication unit 122 may support short-range radio frequency communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth® (BT). NFC is a technology in which data transfer is performed at a carrier frequency of 13.56 megahertz (MHz). The first communication unit 122 may also support any suitable communication protocol. The first communication unit 122 may include modulation and demodulation circuits for wireless communication via the first communication coil 116. Alternatively or additionally, the PTX controller 108 may use frequency, amplitude, current, or voltage modulation of the wireless power signal to communicate via an in-band communication link (not shown) including a primary coil 104. The first communication interface 114 differs from a network interface in that it is not configured to access the device's network. Rather, the first communication interface 114 is configured for local communication from the power transmitter 102 to a power receiver such as the power receiver 118. Some wireless power devices may include both a communication unit (such as the first communication interface 114) and a network interface (not shown). For example, a “smart device” may have a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface for communicating with a Wi-Fi® network, or a cellular network interface for communicating with a wireless wide area network (WWAN). As described herein, an offline device may include a communication unit (such as the first communication interface 114) for peer communication with another wireless power device, but may not include a network interface for communication with a network.

[0039] The power receiver 118 may include a secondary coil 120, a rectifier 124, a power receiver (PRX) controller 126, a second communication interface 130, a load controller 134, a load 128, and memory (not shown). In some embodiments, the load 128 may include a drive (not shown) for controlling at least one parameter of the load, such as charging current, speed, or torque. In some implementations, the rectifier 124 may be omitted, for example, when the voltage induced in the secondary coil 120 can directly supply power to the load 128. In some implementations, a series switch (not shown) may be included in series with the secondary coil 120 or in series between the rectifier 124 and the load 128. Although not shown, a load capacitance can be used after the rectifier 124 to reduce the rate of increase in load voltage that occurs when the load 128 suddenly reduces power consumption. Although shown as different components, some components may be packaged or implemented in the same hardware. For example, in some embodiments, the PRX controller 126 and the load controller 134 may be implemented as a single controller. The PRX controller 126, the load controller 134, or any combination thereof may be implemented as a microcontroller, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other suitable electronic device.

[0040] The PTX controller 108 may detect the presence or proximity of the power receiver 118. This detection may occur during a periodic pinning process of the first communication interface 114. During the pinning process, the first communication interface 114 may also supply power to the second communication interface 130 when the power receiver 118 is in proximity to the power transmitter 102. The second communication interface 130 may "wake up" the PRX controller 126 to power it on and send a response signal back to the first communication interface 114. A handshake process may occur before power transmission, during which the PTX controller 108 may receive identification and configuration data from the power receiver 118, among other information. Based on the configuration data, the PTX controller 108 may control the characteristics of the wireless power supplied to the power receiver 118.

[0041] The PRX controller 126 may be operably coupled to a rectifier 124 and a second communication interface 130. The second communication interface 130 may include modulation and demodulation circuits for wireless communication via a second communication coil 132. Thus, the PRX controller 126 may wirelessly communicate feedback information to the PTX controller 108 via the second communication interface 130 to the first communication interface 114 using short-range radio frequency communication such as NFC. Alternatively or additionally, the PRX controller 126 may use load modulation to communicate via an in-band communication link (not shown) including a secondary coil 120.

[0042] The load controller 134 may be operably coupled to the load 128 and the second communication interface 130. The load controller 134 may detect changes in load conditions, such as changes in charging current in a battery charging application. The load controller 134 may also determine a load voltage reference. The load controller 134 may also transmit the load voltage reference, load current, and any other appropriate information to the PRX controller 126 or the second communication interface 130 for communication to the power transmitter 102. The PRX controller 126 may further determine and provide feedback information indicating the measured load voltage available to the load 128. In some feedback messages, the feedback information may include a reference voltage indicating the voltage required for the load 128. In some feedback messages, the feedback information may indicate an error in the output voltage of the load 128. In some feedback messages, the feedback information may include the power required for the load. Although the PRX controller 126 and the load controller 134 are shown separately, they may be included in the same component of the power receiver 118.

[0043] In some implementations, the power transmitter 102, the power receiver 118, or both may be configured to authenticate the other of either the power transmitter 102 or the power receiver 118. One type of authentication is called bidirectional authentication, in which the power transmitter 102 authenticates the power receiver 118, and the power receiver 118 authenticates the power transmitter 102. In some implementations, each authentication may include an authentication message exchange to verify that a second wireless power device possesses a private key issued by a trusted authority. A trusted authority may issue private keys to manufacturers that are certified to comply with the wireless power specification. In some implementations, a trusted authority may include a central node or machine that distributes public and private keys as part of a public key infrastructure (PKI). For example, a trusted authority may issue authentication information (such as a private key) to an accredited wireless power device. The private key has a corresponding public key. The public key or root public key may be provided to any wireless power device configured to authenticate another wireless power device. Using authentication message exchange, wireless power devices (such as a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118) can verify that other wireless power devices possess a private key issued by a trusted authority. While this disclosure describes PKI-based authentication as one type of authentication, other types of authentication (and their respective protocols for authentication message exchange) may be used for the authentication of wireless power devices.

[0044] In some implementations, the private key and one or more root public keys may be stored in secure memory that is installed, fixed, integrated, or otherwise inaccessible within the wireless power device. For example, the power transmitter 102 may include PTX authentication information 136 stored securely so that it cannot be removed or used unless it is used with the PTX controller 108 or other components of the power transmitter 102. Similarly, the power receiver 118 may include PRX authentication information 138 that is securely stored, fixed, installed, integrated, or otherwise inaccessible within the power receiver 118.

[0045] In this disclosure, the authentication information may include one or more parameters of the PTX authentication information 136 or the PRX authentication information 138. For example, the authentication information may include one or more public keys provided by a trusted authority. Alternatively and additionally, the authentication information (such as the PTX authentication information 136 or the PRX authentication information 138) may include a blocklist to cause authentication to fail for a particular wireless power device or a set of untrusted wireless power devices. Alternatively and additionally, the authentication information may include an allowlist. In some implementations, the allowlist can reduce the time or messaging overhead required to successfully authenticate a trusted wireless power device or a set of trusted wireless power devices.

[0046] Figure 2 shows a state diagram 200 of a wireless power system. The state diagram 200 shows the operating states in which the wireless power system can operate. When the power receiver is positioned within the operating volume on the interface surface of the power transmitter, the power receiver and power transmitter begin communicating for the purpose of configuring and controlling power transmission. The wireless power system has four associated operating states: standby state 202 (sometimes referred to as the pin state), discovery state 204 (sometimes referred to as the configuration state), connected state 206, and power state 208 (sometimes referred to as the power transmission state). Technical specifications may define how the power transmitter and power receiver can transition between operating states. For example, the wireless power system typically starts in standby state 202, the power transmitter discovers the power receiver, and moves to discovery state 204. In discovery state 204, the power transmitter establishes communication and receives the power receiver's first identification information and its static configuration data. In connection state 206 and power state 208, the power transmitter and power receiver exchange information to agree on and adjust parameters related to wireless power transmission. The system can, if necessary, move to a reinitialization state (not shown) to reinitialize or return to a standby state when communication, power supply, or other activities are no longer taking place. Each of the operating states is briefly described herein for reference.

[0047] In standby state 202, the power transmitter attempts to establish communication with the power receiver. The power receiver may simply be located on the interface surface or may not be present during this operating state. The power transmitter may attempt to communicate or detect the presence of the power receiver. For example, the power transmitter may determine the presence of a suitable power receiver using analog pins, out-of-band communication (such as NFC), digital pins, or any combination thereof. If the wireless power system determines that a power receiver is present (for example, by confirming NFC communication), the wireless power system may transition to discovery state 204.

[0048] In discovery state 204, the power receiver may establish communication 210 with the power transmitter and transmit static configuration information (such as identification and configuration information 212) to the power transmitter. For example, the power transmitter may retrieve static configuration information from the power receiver via NFC communication. The power transmitter and power receiver may use this information to verify that they are using compatible versions of the technical specifications or protocols for wireless power transmission. The power transmitter and power receiver may communicate basic settings or their respective capabilities. From discovery state 204, the wireless power system may transition to connection state 206.

[0049] In connection state 206, the power transmitter and power receiver may exchange further communications to negotiate parameters that govern the power state. For example, power negotiation may occur during connection state 206. After negotiating the parameters, the power transmitter prepares to transmit wireless power, and the power receiver prepares to receive wireless power. However, the power transmitter may await a request or command from the power receiver before transitioning to power state 208. This may be useful, for example, when a cordless device (among other examples, a blender, toaster, mixer, or microwave oven) is configured to be used while holding back user interaction. The user can initiate power state 208 via the power receiver's user interface (e.g., a power switch), and the power receiver communicates with the power transmitter to transition to power state 208.

[0050] This disclosure describes authentication procedures that may occur during discovery state 204 or connection state 206. For brevity, Figure 2 shows authentication 214 occurring as part of discovery state 204. A potential advantage of performing authentication 214 in discovery state 204 or early in connection state 206 is that if authentication fails, some functions of power negotiation in state 206 or power state 208 can be limited or eliminated. In some implementations, if authentication fails, the power transmitter may implement restrictions on wireless power transmission between the power transmitter and the power receiver. For example, the restrictions may include no power or limited power (limited to the maximum power rating).

[0051] Figure 3 shows a message diagram 300 illustrating PKI-based authentication. An exemplary power receiver 118 is certified by a trusted authority 302. The trusted authority 302 may create a public and private key associated with the manufacturer or product model of the power receiver 118. The public and private keys may be based on the root public key of the trusted authority 302, and as a result, the manufacturer's or product model's public key can be verified by the root public key 304. The trusted authority 302 may provide the root public key 304 (or the public key associated with the receiver 118) to the manufacturer of the power transmitter 102. The manufacturer of the power transmitter 102 may store the root public key 304 (or the public keys of one or more receivers) as authentication information 308 in the local storage of the power transmitter 102. The trusted authority 302 may also provide the private key 306 to the manufacturer of the power receiver 118, and the manufacturer can securely store the private key in the power receiver 118. Figure 3 shows a private key 306 for the power receiver 118, but in some implementations, the trusted authority 302 may also generate and provide different public / private key pairs associated with the power transmitter 102. In some implementations, the authentication information 308 may include the private key of the power transmitter 102 (not shown) or other information used for authentication 312. In some implementations, the authentication information 308 may also include or refer to an algorithm for verifying the public / private key pair. In some implementations, the authentication information 308 may include revocation data (such as a blocklist of revoked public / private keys) or explicit authorization (such as an authorized list or indentation information of trusted wireless power devices that do not require authentication).

[0052] In some implementations, the power transmitter 102, the power receiver 118, or both are offline devices. Offline devices do not have the ability to communicate via the network 318. In contrast, network-connected devices (sometimes referred to as smart devices) may have the ability to communicate with a trusted authority 302 via the network 318. In Figure 3, the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 118 are offline devices and do not have the ability to obtain authentication information updates 310 (for the power transmitter 102) or authentication information updates 314 (for the power receiver 118) via the network 318.

[0053] In some implementations, this may refer to a public key or a global set of public keys, a blocklist, an allowlist, etc. Credentials may change over time as trusted authorities 302 or one or more manufacturers update them. For educational purposes, credentials may be referred to as having versions. The version may be based on the version number or date at which the credentials were generated or updated, such as when trusted authorities 302 makes changes to one or more public keys, private keys, revocation data, or allow data.

[0054] In the example in Figure 3, the power transmitter 102 may have an earlier version of the authentication information stored as authentication information 308. The power receiver 118 may have a newer version of the authentication information stored as authentication information 320. According to aspects of this disclosure, following successful authentication 312, the power transmitter 102 may obtain an authentication information update 322 from the power receiver 118. For example, the authentication information update 322 may include a root public key 304, one or more public keys, revocation data, authorization data, an authentication message schema, an update to the authentication algorithm, etc. The authentication information update 322 is based on the authentication information 320 stored in the power receiver 118.

[0055] The scenario in Figure 3 is based on a power receiver 118 having a newer version of the authentication information compared to power transmitter 102, but power transmitter 102 may have a newer version of the authentication information compared to power receiver 118. In some implementations, any wireless power device having the latest version of the authentication information may provide the latest version to other wireless power devices. For example, if power transmitter 102 has a newer version of the authentication information, power transmitter 102 may provide the power receiver 118 with an authentication information update.

[0056] Figure 4 shows an exemplary authentication 312 between a power transmitter 102 and a power receiver 118. The authentication 312 may be bidirectional, with a first part 402 enabling the power transmitter 102 to authenticate the power receiver 118, and a second part 404 enabling the power receiver 118 to authenticate the power transmitter 102. The order of the first part 402 and the second part 404 may be reversed in some implementations. Furthermore, some exemplary authentication 312 may consist of only one of the first part 402 or the second part 404.

[0057] Part 1 402 describes messaging in which the power transmitter 102 authenticates the power receiver 118 using PKI-based authentication after the power receiver 118 provides the power transmitter 102 with first identification information 406 (of the PRX). The power transmitter 102 sends first message 408 to request a certificate chain digest from the power receiver 118. In second message 410, the power receiver 118 communicates the certificate chain digest to the power transmitter 102. The power transmitter 102 can verify the certificate chain digest using its root public key 304 (e.g., from its locally stored credentials). The power transmitter 102 sends third message 414 to the power receiver 118. The third message 414 may be called a challenge. For example, the challenge may include a nonce (e.g., a random string). The nonce may be encrypted using the public key of the power receiver 118. The power receiver 118 can decrypt the challenge 416 and sign a response based on the decrypted nonce and its secret key 306. The fourth message 418 may be called the challenge response. The power transmitter 102 can decrypt and verify the challenge response based on a comparison with the original transmitted challenge.

[0058] The second part 404 can use the same authentication messaging as the first part 402, except that it is in the reverse direction. For example, messages and procedures 422, 424, 428, 430, 434, and 436 are similar to their counterparts described in messages and procedures 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, and 418, except that they are in the reverse direction and use the private key 432 of the power transmitter 102 and the public key 426 of the power receiver 118. Furthermore, the power transmitter 102 may provide the power receiver 118 with the second identification information 420 (of the PTX).

[0059] In the example shown in Figure 4, both the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 118 successfully authenticate another wireless power device in bidirectional authentication 312. In block 440, the power transmitter 102, the power receiver 118, or both may provide or obtain authentication information from the other so that both the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 118 can store the latest version of the authentication information from the authentication data stored in the power transmitter 102 or the power receiver 118.

[0060] In some exemplary implementations of block 440, a first wireless power device (such as a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118) communicates a request message to a second wireless power device (the other of the power transmitter 102 or the power receiver 118) to request an authentication information update. The second wireless power device responds to the request message by communicating the requested authentication information update.

[0061] In some exemplary implementations of block 440, a first wireless power device (such as a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118) communicates a status message to indicate version or date information of the currently stored version of the authentication information in the first wireless power device. If a second wireless power device determines that it has a newer version of the authentication information, it may communicate an authentication information update to the first wireless power device in response to the status message. Alternatively or additionally, if the second wireless power device determines that it has an older version of the authentication information, it may communicate a request message to the first wireless power device to request a newer version of the authentication information from the first wireless power device.

[0062] In some other exemplary implementations of block 440, the first wireless power unit may communicate a status message to indicate version or date information indicating a first version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power unit. The second wireless power unit may communicate an acknowledgment if the first version matches the version currently stored in the second wireless power unit. In some implementations, an acknowledgment may be implicitly indicated if the second wireless power unit does not respond to the status message or communicates a request to move to the next operating state. Alternatively, if the first version is older than the version currently stored in the second wireless power unit, the second wireless power unit may communicate an authentication information update.

[0063] The exemplary embodiment of block 440 is merely an example, and other protocols and messages for requesting, providing, obtaining, or exchanging authentication information between the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 118 can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art.

[0064] In some implementations, the operation of block 440 may be integrated with the exchange of authentication messages for authentication 312. For example, a message containing the first identification information 406 (of the PRX) may also contain the version number or other indicia of the authentication information stored in the power receiver 118. Similarly, a message containing the second identification information 420 (of the PTX) may contain the version number or other indicia of the authentication information stored in the power transmitter 102. Alternatively or additionally, the version information may be included in, together with, or immediately following, a challenge response (such as challenge response 418 or challenge response 436). In some implementations, an authentication information update or a request for an authentication information update may be communicated following either or both of the challenge responses.

[0065] Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate various scenarios in which authentication information is updated as a result of interaction between a power transmitter 502 and one or more power receivers 518a, 518b, and 518c. Power transmitter 502 may be any power transmitter, such as power transmitter 102 as described with reference to Figure 1 or other figures of this disclosure. Power receivers 518a, 518b, and 518c may be any power receivers, such as power receiver 118 as described with reference to Figure 1 or other figures of this disclosure. In Figure 5A, both power transmitter 502 and the first power receiver 518a have the same first version of the authentication information. In Figure 5B, power transmitter 502 receives an update of the authentication information from the second power receiver 518b. In Figure 5C, power transmitter 502 provides the update of the authentication information to the third power receiver 518c.

[0066] Figure 5A illustrates a scenario in which authentication between two wireless power devices is based on a first version of authentication information. Power transmitter 502 stores the first version 536 of authentication information (in the PTX), and first power receiver 518a stores the first version 538 of authentication information (in the PRX). The first version 536 of authentication information (in the PTX) and the first version 538 of authentication information (in the PRX) may contain several common elements, such as a root public key, one or more public keys of other wireless power devices, a blocklist, an allowlist, or other configuration settings related to authentication. The first version 536 of authentication information (in the PTX) and the first version 538 of authentication information (in the PRX) may also contain several different elements, such as a private key or other non-shared private authentication information. For example, the first version 536 of authentication information (in the PTX) may contain the private key of power transmitter 502, and the first version 538 of authentication information (in the PRX) may contain the private key of first power receiver 518a. Despite having several different secret elements, the first version 536 of the authentication information (in PTX) and the first version 538 of the authentication information (in PRX) may both be referred to as the same first version based on public or shared elements that are the same in both the first version 536 and the first version 538 of the authentication information (in PRX). Alternatively or additionally, authentication information 536 and 538 may be associated with the same version number or date information. The first version 536 of the authentication information (in PTX) and the first version 538 of the authentication information (in PRX) may be used for authentication 540 between the power transmitter 502 and the first power receiver 518a.

[0067] Figure 5B shows a scenario in which the first wireless power device can receive an updated version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device. Power transmitter 502 stores the first version 536 of the authentication information (in the PTX). However, unlike the scenario in Figure 5A, in Figure 5B, the second power receiver 518b may have a second version 544 of the authentication information. The second version 544 of the authentication information may be added to the first version 538 of the authentication information (in the PRX) (as shown in Figure 5B), or it may replace the first version 538 of the authentication information (in the PRX). After successful authentication 542, the second power receiver 518B provides the power transmitter 502 with the second version 544 of the authentication information (shown as an authentication information update message 546). Power transmitter 502 may store the second version of the authentication information (shown as the second version 548 of the authentication information). In the example in Figure 5B, the power transmitter 502 may maintain the first version 536 of the authentication information in local storage (at the PTX) while also storing the second version 548 of the authentication information.

[0068] In some implementations, the power transmitter 502 may discard or replace the first version and store the second version. In some implementations, the power transmitter 502 may save changes from the first version (delta updates) and update the first version to the second version.

[0069] Figure 5C illustrates a scenario in which the first wireless power device can provide an updated version of the authentication information to the third wireless power device. Continuing the example from Figure 5B, the power transmitter 502 can subsequently interact with a different power receiver (such as the third power receiver 518C). Following authentication 550, the power transmitter 502 can provide the third power receiver 518c with a second version 548 of the authentication information (represented as an authentication information update message 552). The third power receiver 518c can store the second version of the authentication information (represented as the second version 544 of the authentication information).

[0070] Figure 6 shows an exemplary credential information 604 that may be stored in local storage 602. The exemplary credential information 604 may include one or more of the exemplary elements shown in Figure 6. In some implementations, the credential information may include or be associated with version information 622, date information 624, or both. In some implementations, version information 622 or date information 624 is metadata 626 associated with the exemplary credential information 604. A brief description of each exemplary element of the exemplary credential information 604 follows.

[0071] Exemplary credentials 604 may include a root public key 606, for example, if the root public key of a trusted authority changes following key revocation, expiration, or a security threat associated with a compromised root private key.

[0072] The exemplary authentication information 604 may include one or more public keys 608. For example, one or more public keys 608 may be public keys of trusted or related manufacturers.

[0073] Exemplary credentials 604 may include a private key 610. For example, a manufacturer's private key 610 may be renewed by a trusted authority as a result of a breach or expiration. In some implementations, the private key 610 may be encrypted by a private key (or proprietary mechanism) so that it can be shared in credential renewal between devices from the same manufacturer. A potential technical benefit of renewing private keys is that manufacturers can mitigate the risk or actual occurrence of forgery or hacking. Another potential technical benefit is that renewing private keys may allow manufacturers to terminate or invalidate the certification of one or more devices that are later discovered to pose a potential risk.

[0074] The exemplary authentication information 604 may include a blocklist 612. The blocklist 612 may include a list of blocked public keys, manufacturer identifications, device identifications, certificates, or other markings that may be used to block the authentication of one or more wireless power devices. The potential technical benefit of the blocklist is to prevent unauthorized manufacturers or devices from improperly authenticating, thereby mitigating the potential risk from manufacturers or devices that are non-compliant with specifications or that may damage the wireless power system.

[0075] Exemplary authentication information 604 may include revocation data 614. Revocation data 614 may include public key stamps, manufacturer identification information, device identification information, certificates, or other information relating to a manufacturer or device that should not be authorized for authentication. The potential technical benefit of revocation data 614 is that it can prevent authentication by unauthorized manufacturers or devices that no longer comply with the specifications or for which a new public / private key has been issued by a trusted authority.

[0076] Exemplary certification information 604 may include an authorization list 616. The authorization list 616 may include a list of trusted public keys, manufacturer identifications, device identifications, certificates, or other markings that can be used to explicitly authorize the authentication or trust (or, in some cases, no authentication) of one or more wireless power devices. A potential technical benefit of the authorization list 616 is that a manufacturer can explicitly designate one or more manufacturers or devices as trusted. Another potential technical benefit is that the authentication of authorized manufacturers or devices can be streamlined or eliminated, thereby reducing time and communication overhead.

[0077] Exemplary authentication information 604 may include authentication configuration settings 618. For example, authentication configuration settings 618 may be a timeout value, a handshake procedure, or other parameters that modify the authentication procedure. A potential technical benefit of updating authentication configuration settings 618 is that the authentication procedure can be modified based on new developments in the specification, proprietary authentication procedures, or empirical results in order to optimize the authentication procedure.

[0078] Exemplary authentication information 604 may include an authentication message schema 620. For example, the authentication message schema 620 may specify the message format, permitted field values, or structure of one or more messages for authentication message exchange. A potential technical benefit of updating the authentication message schema 620 is the ability to implement protocol changes or software updates based on changes to the authentication protocol in the wireless power specification.

[0079] Other exemplary credentials are also possible, and the elements shown in Figure 6 are provided as a non-exclusive list of exemplary elements that may be included as part of a credential update.

[0080] Figure 7 shows an example of updating authentication information. The example in Figure 7 can be implemented by any wireless power device (such as a power transmitter or power receiver) that receives authentication information updates from another wireless power device.

[0081] In the first embodiment 708, the wireless power device can replace the first version 702 of the authentication information with the second version 704 of the authentication information (indicated by arrow 706). For example, the wireless power device can erase the first version 702 of the authentication information from local storage and store the second version 704 of the authentication information in local storage.

[0082] In the second embodiment 712, the wireless power device may process the authentication information update 710 as an update to the first version 702 of the authentication information. For example, the authentication information update 710 may include a subset of the elements stored in the first version 702 of the authentication information. The advantage of this technique is that communication overhead and time can be reduced because the authentication information update 710 can include only the elements that have been changed from the first version 702 of the authentication information to the second version 704 of the authentication information. The second version 704 of the authentication information may be derived as a combination of the first version 702 of the authentication information and additions or changes from the authentication information update 710.

[0083] In the third embodiment 718, the wireless power device may receive authentication information updates 716a, 716b, and 716c from different other wireless power devices (according to various cases when other wireless power devices are used together with the wireless power device). The wireless power device may maintain the latest version of authentication information 714 in the wireless power device's local memory. For example, the latest version of authentication information 714 may be the authentication information having the highest version number or latest date information among the first version of authentication information 702 and authentication information updates 716A, 716B, and 716C.

[0084] Figure 8 illustrates a scenario in which an updated version of the authentication management can propagate among multiple wireless power devices operating within a common location. Figure 8 includes several combinations of updates, such as those described with reference to Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C. Consider an exemplary scenario in which a home or business includes multiple devices, including a first power transmitter 802A, a second power transmitter 802B, and several power receivers. New devices are purchased for use in the home or business. In the example in Figure 8, the newest device (meaning the most recently manufactured) is the second power receiver 518b. The second power receiver 518b may contain the most recent version of the authentication information 822, while the other power receivers and power transmitters have older versions of the authentication information.

[0085] Using the technology of this disclosure, when a second power receiver 518b interacts with a first power transmitter 802a, the first power transmitter 802a can be updated to store the latest version 824 of the authentication information. For example, the second power receiver 518b may be included in a kettle appliance, and the first power transmitter 802a may be included in a kitchen stove or countertop. As a result of using the kettle appliance together with the kitchen stove or countertop, the latest version of the authentication information 824 can be communicated to the kitchen stove or countertop. The kitchen stove or countertop may be an offline device. However, using the technology of this disclosure, the kitchen stove or countertop can be updated and maintained with minimal manual interaction by the user of the wireless power system.

[0086] Later, different appliances can be used with the kitchen stove or countertop. For example, the first power receiver 518a may be included in a blender. The first power receiver 518a may have a version of authentication information that is not as recent as the latest version of authentication information stored in the first power transmitter 802a. When the blender is placed on the kitchen stove or countertop, the first power receiver 518a can obtain an authentication information update 808 from the first power transmitter 802a. Similarly, when an appliance having a third power receiver 518c (such as a toaster) is used with the kitchen stove or countertop, the third power receiver 518c can receive an authentication information update 810 from the first power transmitter 802a.

[0087] Authentication information can continue to propagate when wireless power devices are used with each other. Continuing the previous example, when a toaster (including a third power receiver 518C) is placed on a different wireless power transmitter (such as a second power transmitter 802B), the third power receiver 518C can provide an authentication information update 812 to the second power transmitter 802B. The second power transmitter 802b can provide an authentication information update 814 to the fourth power receiver 822a when a device including a fourth power receiver 822a (e.g., a food processor) is used together with the second power transmitter 802b.

[0088] Therefore, each time a new device is introduced to a location, that device can serve as a source of authentication information updates that propagate to other wireless power devices as they come into use. Thus, in some implementations, updates can be achieved by introducing a new device to the location. In some implementations, authentication information updates can be supplied using inexpensive wireless power devices (such as NFC tags or other devices designed for transmitting updates). The advantage of this technique is that registered users or subscribers can receive updates using materials purchased in-store or by mail.

[0089] In some implementations, one of the wireless power devices may be a smart home appliance with network connectivity. For example, referring to Figure 8, the second power receiver 518b may include a network interface 818 for accessing the network 804. The network interface 818 may be a wireless local area network (WLAN such as Wi-Fi), a cellular interface for a wide area network, a satellite interface, or any other suitable network interface for accessing the server 820 via the network 804. The second power receiver 518b can obtain an authentication information update 816 from the server 820 via periodic queries, on-demand requests, or push updates. The second power receiver 518b can update the authentication information 824 to its latest version based on the authentication information update 816. Then, as previously mentioned, the authentication information can be propagated to other wireless power devices (such as the first power transmitter 802a, the first power receiver 518a, the third power receiver 518c, the second power transmitter 802b, and the fourth power receiver 822a).

[0090] Figure 9 shows a flowchart having an exemplary operation 900 of a first wireless power device according to several aspects of the present disclosure. For example, flowchart 900 may be performed by a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118, which are described with reference to other figures of the present disclosure.

[0091] In block 902, the first wireless power unit stores the first version of the authentication information in its local storage. In block 904, the first wireless power unit detects the second wireless power unit. In block 906, the first wireless power unit authenticates the second wireless power unit using a first authentication message exchange that is at least partially based on the first version of the authentication information. In block 908, after successful authentication of the second wireless power unit, the first wireless power unit retrieves the second version of the authentication information from the second wireless power unit. In block 910, the first wireless power unit stores the second version of the authentication information in its local storage for use with subsequent authentication message exchanges.

[0092] Figure 10 shows a flowchart having exemplary operation 1000 of a second wireless power device according to several aspects of the present disclosure. For example, flowchart 1000 may be performed by a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118, which are described with reference to other figures of the present disclosure.

[0093] In block 1002, the second wireless power unit stores authentication information in the local storage of the second wireless power unit. In block 1004, the second wireless power unit authenticates the first wireless power unit based at least partially on the authentication information. In block 1006, after successful authentication of the first wireless power unit, the second wireless power unit provides the first wireless power unit with the currently stored version of the authentication information, based on the determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power unit.

[0094] Figure 11 shows another flowchart having exemplary operation 1100 of a wireless power device according to several aspects of the present disclosure. For example, flowchart 1000 may be performed by a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118, which are described with reference to other figures of the present disclosure.

[0095] In block 1102, the first wireless power unit authenticates the peer wireless power unit. In decision block 1104, the first wireless power unit determines whether the peer wireless power unit has an authentication information update for the first wireless power unit. For example, the first wireless power unit may provide version information or date information to the peer wireless power unit and request an authentication information update if the peer wireless power unit has a newer version of the authentication information. Alternatively or additionally, the first wireless power unit may receive version information or date information from the peer wireless power unit and decide whether to request an update from the peer wireless power unit. If the peer wireless power unit has an authentication information update available to the first wireless power unit, the flowchart proceeds to block 1106. Otherwise, the flowchart proceeds to decision block 1110.

[0096] In block 1106, the first wireless power unit obtains an authentication information update from the peer wireless power unit. In block 1108, the first wireless power unit updates its local storage based on the authentication information update. In block 1114, the first wireless power unit advances or continues the wireless charging protocol, a procedure that is outside the scope of the authentication update scenario described with reference to Figure 11.

[0097] Returning to decision block 1110, if the peer wireless power device does not have an authentication information update for the first wireless power device, another query is whether the first wireless power device has an update for the peer wireless power device. If, in decision block 1110, the first wireless power device does not have an update for the peer wireless power device, the flowchart proceeds to block 1114 to advance the wireless charging protocol. Otherwise, if the first wireless power device does have an update for the peer wireless power device, the flowchart proceeds to block 1112. In block 1112, the first wireless power device provides the authentication information update to the peer wireless device. The flowchart then proceeds to block 1114.

[0098] Figure 12 shows a block diagram of an exemplary device for use in a wireless power system. In some implementations, device 1200 may be the wireless power device described herein (such as a power transmitter 102 or a power receiver 118). Device 1200 may include a processor 1202 (which may include multiple processors, multiple cores, multiple nodes, or implement multithreading). Device 900 may also include memory 1204. Memory 1204 may be system memory or any one or more of the possible implementations of computer-readable media described herein. Device 1200 may also include a bus 1208 (such as PCI, ISA, PCI-EXPRESS, HYPERTRANSPORT®, INFINIBAND®, NUBUS, AHB®, AXI, etc.).

[0099] The device 1200 may include one or more controllers 1210. In some implementations, the controllers 1210 may be distributed within the processor 1202, memory 1204, and bus 1208. The controllers 1210 may perform some or all of the operations described herein. For example, the controllers 1210 may implement the processes described with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 11, or any combination thereof.

[0100] Memory 1204 may contain computer instructions that can be executed by processor 1202 to implement the functions of the implementations described herein. Any one of these functions may be partially (or completely) implemented in hardware or on processor 1202. For example, the function may be implemented in an application-specific IC, logic implemented on processor 1202, a peripheral device, or a coprocessor on a card. Furthermore, the implementation may include fewer or additional components not shown in Figure 12. Processor 1202, memory 1204, and controller 1210 may be coupled to bus 1208. Although shown coupled to controller 1210, memory 1204 may be coupled to processor 1202.

[0101] Device 1200 also includes an authentication module 1206. The authentication module 1206 can store authentication information (such as the private key, public key, or root public key of device 1200). The authentication module 1206 may implement the processes described with reference to any one of Figures 2 to 11, or any combination thereof.

[0102] Figures 1 to 12 and the operations described herein are examples intended to help understand exemplary implementations and should not be used to limit potential implementations or to limit the scope of the claims. Some implementations may perform additional operations, fewer operations, operations in parallel or in different sequences, and several different operations.

[0103] The foregoing disclosure provides examples and explanations, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit embodiments to the exact forms disclosed. Modifications and alterations may be made in light of the foregoing disclosure or obtained from the practice of embodiments. While embodiments of this disclosure have been described in relation to various examples, any combination of embodiments from any of the examples is also within the scope of this disclosure. The examples in this disclosure are provided for educational purposes. In addition to or instead of other examples described herein, embodiments include any combination of the following implementation options (identified as clauses for reference):

[0104] item

[0105] Item 1 A method performed by a first wireless power device, comprising: storing a first version of authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device; detecting a second wireless power device; authenticating the second wireless power device using a first authentication message exchange based at least in part on the first version of authentication information; obtaining a second version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device after successful authentication of the second wireless power device; and storing the second version of the authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device for use with subsequent authentication message exchanges.

[0106] Item 2 The method according to item 1, further comprising: obtaining first identification information relating to a second wireless power device as part of a first authentication message exchange; storing the first identification information in association with a second version of the authentication information; and, when the first identification information is received during a subsequent authentication message exchange, authenticating the second wireless power device using a second authentication message exchange that is at least partially based on the second version of the authentication information.

[0107] Item 3 The first version of the credentials includes at least one of the following: a root public key, a private key, a blocklist of untrusted certificates, an allowlist of trusted certificates, an authentication message schema, authentication configuration settings, or any combination thereof; and the second version of the credentials includes updates to the root public key, a private key, a blocklist of untrusted certificates, an allowlist of trusted certificates, an authentication message schema, authentication configuration settings, or any combination thereof, as described in item 1 or 2.

[0108] Item 4 The method according to item 3, further comprising the steps of: obtaining date information or version information related to a second version of the authentication information from a second wireless power device; and determining that the second version of the authentication information is a newer version of the authentication information than the first version, at least in part on the date information of the first version or the date information of the second version compared with the version information.

[0109] Item 5 The step of storing the second version of the authentication information is the method described in any one of items 1 to 4, which includes the step of updating or replacing the first version of the authentication information with the second version of the authentication information.

[0110] Item 6 The method according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the step of storing a second version of the authentication information includes the steps of maintaining a first version of the authentication information in local storage, and storing a second version of the authentication information in addition to the first version of the authentication information.

[0111] Item 7 The method according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the step of authenticating a second wireless power device includes communicating one or more messages of a first authentication message exchange via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface, and the step of obtaining a second version of authentication information includes receiving the second version from the second wireless power device in one or more other messages via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface.

[0112] Item 8 A method according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising: detecting a third wireless power device; authenticating the third wireless power device; and, after successful authentication of the third wireless power device: providing the third wireless power device with the second version of the authentication information when the second version is newer than the third version of the authentication information currently stored in the third wireless power device, or obtaining and storing the third version of the authentication information from the third wireless power device when the third version is newer than the second version.

[0113] Item 9 The first wireless power device is an offline device such that the first wireless power device does not have access to a wide area network, and the method further comprises the steps of: obtaining one or more authentication information updates from one or more other wireless power devices after one or more authentications of one or more other wireless power devices have been successfully authenticated; maintaining the currently-stored version when the currently-stored version is more recent than versions of the one or more authentication information updates, i.e., when there are no versions newer than the currently-stored version; and updating the currently-stored version of the authentication information when the currently-stored version is older than at least one version of the one or more authentication information updates, i.e., when there is at least one version newer than the currently-stored version.

[0114] Item 10 Updating the currently stored version of credentials is the method described in item 9, which includes the steps of storing the latest version of the credentials from one or more credential updates as the currently stored version, or storing a compilation of the currently stored version of the credentials with at least the latest version of the credentials from one or more credential updates.

[0115] Item 11 The method described in any of items 1 to 10, wherein the first wireless power device is either a power transmitter or a power receiver, and the second wireless power device is the other of either a power transmitter or a power receiver.

[0116] Item 12 A method performed by a second wireless power device, comprising: storing authentication information in the local storage of the second wireless power device; authenticating a first wireless power device at least in part based on the authentication information; and, after successful authentication of the first wireless power device, providing the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information based on the determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power device.

[0117] Item 13 The method described in item 12, further comprising: obtaining one or more authentication information updates from one or more other wireless power devices after one or more other wireless power devices have been successfully authenticated; maintaining the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version is more recent than multiple or all versions of the one or more authentication information updates; and updating the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version is less recent than at least one version of the one or more authentication information updates.

[0118] Item 14 Updating the currently stored version of credentials is the method described in item 13, which includes the steps of storing the latest version of the credentials from one or more credential updates as the currently stored version, or storing a compilation of the currently stored version of the credentials and at least the latest version of the credentials from one or more credential updates.

[0119] Item 15 The method according to any one of items 12 to 14, further comprising: accessing a wide area network using the network interface of a second wireless power device; obtaining an authentication information update from a server via the wide area network; updating the currently stored version of the authentication information based on the authentication information update; and providing the currently stored authentication information update to the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices after successful authentication with the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices.

[0120] Item 16 The method according to any one of items 12 to 15, wherein the step of providing the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information includes the step of communicating one or more messages to the first wireless power device via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface.

[0121] Item 17 A first wireless power device comprising: a power transmission coil configured to transmit or receive wireless power from a second wireless power device; local storage configured to initially store a first version of authentication information; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to detect the second wireless power device, authenticate the second wireless power device using a first authentication message exchange based at least in part on the first version of authentication information, and after successful authentication of the second wireless power device, retrieve a second version of authentication information from the second wireless power device and store the second version of authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device for use with subsequent authentication message exchanges.

[0122] Item 18 The first wireless power device according to item 17, further comprising the steps of: the controller obtaining first identification information relating to the second wireless power device as part of a first authentication message exchange; storing the first identification information in association with the second version of the authentication information; and authenticating the second wireless power device using a second authentication message exchange that is at least partially based on the authentication information when the first identification information is received during a subsequent authentication message exchange.

[0123] Item 19 The first wireless power device as described in item 18, wherein the first version of the authentication information includes at least one of the following: a root public key, a private key, a blocklist of untrusted certificates, an allowlist of trusted certificates, an authentication message scheme, authentication configuration settings, or any combination thereof, and the second version of the authentication information includes updates to the root public key, a private key, a blocklist of untrusted certificates, an allowlist of trusted certificates, an authentication message scheme, authentication configuration settings, or any combination thereof.

[0124] Item 20 The first wireless power device according to any one of items 17 to 19, wherein the controller is further configured to obtain date information or version information related to a second version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device, and to determine, at least in part, based on the date information or version information of the second version compared with the date information or version information of the first version, that the second version of the authentication information is a newer version of the authentication information compared to the first version.

[0125] Item 21 The controller is configured to update or replace the first version of the authentication information with the second version of the authentication information, as described in any of items 17 to 20 of the first wireless power device.

[0126] Item 22 The first wireless power device according to any one of items 17 to 20, wherein the controller is configured to maintain a first version of the authentication information in local storage and to store a second version of the authentication information in addition to the first version of the authentication information.

[0127] Item 23 Authenticating the second wireless power device includes communicating one or more messages of the first authentication message exchange via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface, and obtaining the second version of the authentication information includes receiving the second version from the second wireless power device in one or more other messages via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface, as described in any of items 17 to 22.

[0128] Item 24 The controller is further configured to detect a third wireless power device, authenticate the third wireless power device, and, after successful authentication of the third wireless power device: provide the third wireless power device with the second version of the authentication information when the second version is newer than the third version of the authentication information currently stored in the third wireless power device, or retrieve and store the third version of the authentication information from the third wireless power device when the third version is newer than the second version, as described in any of items 17 to 23.

[0129] Item 25 The first wireless power device is an offline device such that the first wireless power device does not have access to a wide area network, and the controller is further configured to obtain one or more authentication information updates from one or more other wireless power devices after one or more other wireless power devices have successfully authenticated one or more of them, maintain the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than the version of one or more authentication information updates, and update the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is older than at least one of the versions of one or more authentication information updates, as described in any of items 17 to 24.

[0130] Item 26 Updating the currently stored version of the authentication information is configured to store the latest version of the authentication information from one or more authentication information updates as the currently stored version, or to store a compilation of the currently stored version of the authentication information and at least the latest version of the authentication information from one or more authentication information updates, as described in item 25.

[0131] Item 27 A second wireless power device comprising: a power transmission coil configured to transmit or receive wireless power from the second wireless power device; local storage configured to store authentication information; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to authenticate the first wireless power device at least in part based on the authentication information, and after the authentication of the first wireless power device is successful: provide the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information based on the determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power device.

[0132] Item 28 The first wireless power device as described in item 27 is further configured to obtain one or more authentication information updates from one or more other wireless power devices after one or more other wireless power devices have successfully authenticated one or more of them, maintain the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is more recent than the version of one or more authentication information updates, and update the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is less recent than at least one of the versions of one or more authentication information updates.

[0133] Item 29 The second wireless power device as described in item 28, the controller is configured to store the latest version of the credentials among one or more credential updates as the currently stored version, or to store a compilation of the currently stored version of the credentials and at least the latest version of the credentials among one or more credential updates.

[0134] Item 30 A second wireless power device according to any one of items 27 to 29, further comprising a network interface configured to access a wide area network, wherein the controller is further configured to obtain authentication information updates from a server via the wide area network, update the currently stored version of the authentication information based on the authentication information updates, and provide the currently stored authentication information updates to the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices after successful authentication with the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices.

[0135] Item 31 A second wireless power device according to any one of items 27 to 30, further comprising a communication unit configured to communicate to the first wireless power device, via one or more messages, the currently stored version of authentication information, using a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface.

[0136] Another inventive aspect of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any one of the above functions.

[0137] Another inventive aspect of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as a system having means for implementing any one of the functions described above.

[0138] Another inventive aspect of the subject matter described herein may be implemented as a device having one or more processors configured to perform one or more operations from any one of the methods described above.

[0139] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” or “one or more of” a list of items refers to any combination of those items that includes a single member. For example, “at least one of A, B, or C” is intended to include the possibilities of A only, B only, C only, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, and a combination of A, B, and C.

[0140] The various exemplary components, logic, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described herein in relation to the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or combinations of hardware, firmware, or software, including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents. Hardware, firmware, and software compatibility is generally described in terms of functionality and illustrated in the various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0141] Hardware and data processing devices used to implement the various exemplary components, logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or run using general-purpose single or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices (PLDs), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors working with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some implementations, specific processes, operations, and methods may be performed by circuits specific to a given function.

[0142] As described above, some aspects of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as software. For example, various functions of the components disclosed herein, or various blocks or steps of the methods, operations, processes, or algorithms disclosed herein, can be implemented as one or more modules of one or more computer programs. Such computer programs may include non-temporary processor-executable or computer-executable instructions encoded on one or more tangible processor-readable or computer-readable storage media for execution by a data processing device including the components of the devices described herein, or for controlling its operation. Such storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to store program code in the form of instructions or data structures. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of storage media.

[0143] Various modifications to the implementations described herein may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the claims should not be limited to the implementations shown herein, but should be given the broadest scope that is consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0144] Furthermore, various features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable subcombination. Thus, features may be described above as acting in a particular combination and may be initially claimed as such, but one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may cover subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0145] Similarly, while actions are shown in a specific order in the diagrams, this should not be understood as requiring that such actions be performed in a specific or sequential order, or that all shown actions be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the diagrams may schematically illustrate one or more exemplary processes in the form of flowcharts or flow charts. However, other actions not illustrated may be incorporated into the schematicly illustrated exemplary processes. For example, one or more additional actions may be performed before, after, concurrently with, or in between any of the illustrated actions. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged in multiple software products.

Claims

1. A method performed by a first wireless power device, The steps include storing a first version of the authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device, A step of detecting a second wireless power device, A step of authenticating the second wireless power device using a first authentication message exchange based at least in part on the first version of the authentication information, After the authentication of the second wireless power device is successful, the step is to obtain a second version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device, The steps include storing the second version of the authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device for use in subsequent authentication message exchanges, A method that includes this.

2. The steps include obtaining first identification information related to the second wireless power device as part of the first authentication message exchange, The steps include storing the first identification information in association with the second version of the authentication information, When the first identification information is received during the subsequent authentication message exchange, the second wireless power device is authenticated using a second authentication message exchange that is at least partially based on the second version of the authentication information. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The first version of the authentication information includes at least one of the following: a root public key, a private key, a blocklist of untrusted certificates, an allowlist of trusted certificates, an authentication message schema, an authentication configuration setting, or any combination thereof. The second version of the authentication information includes updates to the root public key, the private key, the blocklist of untrusted certificates, the allowlist of trusted certificates, the authentication message schema, the authentication configuration settings, or any combination thereof. The method according to claim 1.

4. The steps include obtaining date information or version information related to the second version of the authentication information from the second wireless power device, A step of determining that the second version of the authentication information is a newer version of the authentication information compared to the first version, based at least in part on the date information or version information of the second version compared to the date information or version information of the first version, The method according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. The step of storing the second version of the authentication information includes the step of updating or replacing the first version of the authentication information with the second version of the authentication information. The method according to claim 1.

6. The step of storing the second version of the authentication information is: The steps include maintaining the first version of the authentication information in the local storage, The step of storing a second version of the authentication information in addition to the first version of the authentication information, The method according to claim 1.

7. The step of authenticating the second wireless power device includes the step of communicating one or more messages of the first authentication message exchange via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface. The step of obtaining a second version of the authentication information includes receiving the second version in one or more other messages from the second wireless power device via the wireless power signal or the short-range radio frequency communication interface. The method according to claim 1.

8. A step of detecting a third wireless power device, The steps include authenticating the third wireless power device, After the authentication of the third wireless power device is successful: When the second version is newer than the third version of the authentication information currently stored in the third wireless power device, the step of providing the third wireless power device with the second version of the authentication information, or When the third version is newer than the second version, the steps include obtaining and storing the third version of the authentication information from the third wireless power device, The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The first wireless power device is an offline device that does not have access to a wide area network. The aforementioned method is: The steps include obtaining one or more authentication information updates from one or more other wireless power devices after one or more authentications of one or more other wireless power devices have been successfully performed, When the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than the version of the one or more authentication information updates, the step of maintaining the currently stored version, The step of updating the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is older than at least one version of the one or more authentication information updates, The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. The step of updating the currently stored version of the authentication information is: The steps include storing the latest version of the authentication information among the one or more authentication information updates as the currently stored version, The step includes storing the currently stored version of the credentials and a compilation of at least the latest version of the credentials among one or more credential updates, The method according to claim 9.

11. The first wireless power device is either a power transmitter or a power receiver. The method according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless power device is the other of the power transmitter or the power receiver.

12. A method performed by a second wireless power device, The steps include storing authentication information in the local storage of the second wireless power device, A step of authenticating a first wireless power device based at least partially on the aforementioned authentication information, After the authentication of the first wireless power device is successful: The steps include providing the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information based on the determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power device, Methods that include...

13. The steps include obtaining one or more authentication information updates from one or more other wireless power devices after one or more authentications of one or more other wireless power devices have been successfully performed, When the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than the version of the one or more authentication information updates, the step of maintaining the currently stored version, The step of updating the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is older than at least one version of the one or more authentication information updates, The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

14. The step of updating the currently stored version of the authentication information is: A step of storing the latest version of the authentication information among the one or more authentication information updates as the currently stored version, or The step includes storing the currently stored version of the authentication information and a compilation of at least the latest version of the authentication information among one or more authentication information updates, The method according to claim 13.

15. The steps include: accessing the network using the network interface of the second wireless power device; The steps include obtaining authentication information updates from an external device via the aforementioned network, The steps include updating the currently stored version of the authentication information based on the aforementioned authentication information update, After successful authentication with the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices, the step of providing the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices with an update to the currently stored authentication information; The method according to claim 12, further comprising:

16. The step of providing the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information is: The step includes communicating one or more messages to the first wireless power device via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface, The method according to claim 12.

17. The first wireless power device, A power transmission coil configured to transmit or receive wireless power from a second wireless power device, Local storage configured to initially store the first version of the authentication information, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, The second wireless power device is detected, The second wireless power device is authenticated using a first authentication message exchange that is at least partially based on the first version of the authentication information, After the authentication of the second wireless power device is successful, the second version of the authentication information is obtained from the second wireless power device. The system is configured to store the second version of the authentication information in the local storage of the first wireless power device for use in subsequent authentication message exchanges. First wireless power device.

18. The controller further, As part of the first authentication message exchange, first identification information related to the second wireless power device is obtained, The first identification information is stored in association with the second version of the authentication information. When the first identification information is received during the subsequent authentication message exchange, the system is configured to authenticate the second wireless power device using a second authentication message exchange that is at least partially based on the second version of the authentication information. The first wireless power device according to claim 17.

19. The first version of the authentication information includes at least one of the following: a root public key, a private key, a blocklist of untrusted certificates, an allowlist of trusted certificates, an authentication message schema, an authentication configuration setting, or any combination thereof. The second version of the authentication information includes updates to the root public key, the private key, the blocklist of untrusted certificates, the allowlist of trusted certificates, the authentication message schema, the authentication configuration settings, or any combination thereof. The first wireless power device according to claim 18.

20. The controller further, From the second wireless power device, obtain date information or version information related to the second version of the authentication information, The system is configured to determine that the second version of the authentication information is a newer version of the authentication information than the first version, based at least partially on the date information or version information of the second version compared with the date information or version information of the first version. The first wireless power device according to claim 17.

21. The controller further, The system is configured to update or replace the first version of the authentication information with the second version of the authentication information. The first wireless power device according to claim 17.

22. The controller further, The first version of the authentication information is maintained in the local storage. The first wireless power device according to claim 17, configured to store a second version of the authentication information in addition to the first version of the authentication information.

23. Authenticating the second wireless power device includes communicating one or more messages of the first authentication message exchange via a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface. Obtaining the second version of the authentication information includes receiving the second version in one or more other messages from the second wireless power device via the wireless power signal or the short-range radio frequency communication interface. The first wireless power device according to claim 17.

24. The controller further, The third wireless power device is detected, The third wireless power device is authenticated, After the authentication of the third wireless power device is successful: When the second version is newer than the third version of the authentication information currently stored in the third wireless power device, the second version of the authentication information is provided to the third wireless power device, or The system is configured to retrieve and store the third version of the authentication information from the third wireless power device when the third version is newer than the second version. The first wireless power device according to claim 17.

25. The first wireless power device is an offline device that does not have access to the network, and the controller further, After one or more authentications of one or more other wireless power devices are successfully performed, one or more authentication information updates are obtained from the one or more other wireless power devices. When the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than one or more updated versions of the authentication information, maintain the currently stored version of the authentication information. The system is configured to update the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is older than at least one of the aforementioned updates of the authentication information. The first wireless power device according to claim 17.

26. Updating the currently stored version of the authentication information is: To store the latest version of the authentication information among the one or more authentication information updates as the currently stored version, or Includes storing the currently stored version of the authentication information and a compilation of at least the latest version of the authentication information among one or more authentication information updates, The first wireless power device according to claim 25.

27. A second wireless power device, A power transmission coil configured to transmit or receive wireless power from a second wireless power device, Local storage configured to store authentication information, Equipped with a controller, The aforementioned controller, The first wireless power device is authenticated based at least partially on the aforementioned authentication information, After the authentication of the first wireless power device is successful: A second wireless power device is configured to provide the first wireless power device with the currently stored version of the authentication information, based on the determination that the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than a previous version of the authentication information stored in the first wireless power device.

28. The controller further, After one or more authentications of one or more other wireless power devices are successfully performed, one or more authentication information updates are obtained from the one or more other wireless power devices. When the currently stored version of the authentication information is newer than the version of one or more authentication information updates, the currently stored version of the authentication information is maintained. The system is configured to update the currently stored version of the authentication information when the currently stored version of the authentication information is older than at least one of the aforementioned updates of the authentication information. The second wireless power device according to claim 27.

29. The controller further, The latest version of the authentication information among the one or more authentication information updates is stored as the currently stored version, or The system is configured to store the currently stored version of the authentication information and a compilation of at least the latest version of the authentication information among one or more authentication information updates. The second wireless power device according to claim 28.

30. It further includes a network interface configured to access the network, The controller further, The authentication information update is obtained from an external device via the aforementioned network. Based on the updated authentication information, the currently stored version of the authentication information is updated. The system is configured to provide the currently stored authentication information update to the first wireless power device or one or more other wireless power devices. The second wireless power device according to claim 27.

31. The second wireless power device according to claim 27, further comprising a communication unit configured to communicate the currently stored version of the authentication information to the first wireless power device via one or more messages using a wireless power signal or a short-range radio frequency communication interface.

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