Conditional standby state in wireless power systems

Abstract

This disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for a conditional standby state in a wireless power system. A power receiver can communicate a request message to a power transmitter to initiate a conditional standby state. During the conditional standby state, the power receiver can temporarily suspend communication, power harvesting, or other operations for a period of time called a sleep time. When the sleep time expires, the power transmitter wakes the power receiver so that the power receiver can check the conditional state of the apparatus. Based on the conditional state, the power receiver may request a transition to a power state for ON operation or request a further conditional standby state for OFF operation. A wireless power system can use the conditional standby state to perform conditional ON or OFF operations of an apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to wireless power, and some aspects relate to state transitions in a wireless power system based on the conditional on / off operation of household appliances.

Background Art

[0002] A wireless power system includes a power transmitter (PTx) and a power receiver (PRx). Inductive coupling enables wireless power transmission between the primary coil of the power transmitter and the secondary coil of the power receiver. The primary coil of the power transmitter generates an electromagnetic field in the power state of the wireless power system. This electromagnetic field induces a voltage in the secondary coil when the secondary coil of the power receiver is present in the electromagnetic field. The power receiver can use the induced voltage (either directly or via a rectifier) to supply power to a load. Examples of loads include motors, heating elements, electronic devices, or power storage devices, etc. In a kitchen environment as an example, one or more power transmitters can be incorporated into a magnetic power source (such as a kitchen stove). In household appliances (such as cordless kitchen appliances), in addition to the load, a power receiver can be incorporated. By placing the household appliance on top of the power transmitter, the power receiver of the household appliance can receive wireless power from the magnetic power source.

[0003] Some household appliances control their on / off operation based on user input. For example, some blenders or juicers may be designed to include a button or other user interface for the user to manually turn on the appliance when they want to use it. This ensures that power is not wasted and that the appliance operates only when needed. Other household appliances may be designed to turn on and off automatically to reduce user intervention. For example, appliances such as rice cookers, kettles, and coffee makers may be designed to turn on and off automatically to heat food or liquid contents according to a schedule or temperature criteria. Current technology for managing the automatic on / off operation of household appliances requires power transmitters and power receivers to consume power during periods when the appliance is off. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0004] The systems, methods, and apparatus of this disclosure each have multiple innovative aspects, but none of them alone represent the desirable characteristics disclosed herein.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure can be implemented as a method by a power transmitter of a wireless power system. The method includes the step of communicating with a power receiver of a device. The method includes the step of transitioning to a standby state based on a first request from the power receiver to enter a conditional standby state. The method includes the step of waking up the power receiver after the expiration of the sleep time period of the conditional standby state. The method includes the step of receiving one or more communications from the power receiver after the power receiver has been waked up. The method includes the step of transitioning to a power state if one or more communications include a power request message from the power receiver.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure can be implemented by a power receiver of equipment used in a wireless power system. This method includes the step of communicating a first request to a power transmitter to transition to a conditional standby state. This method includes the step of receiving bias power from the power transmitter after the expiration of a sleep time period for the conditional standby state. This method includes the step of communicating one or more communications to the power transmitter after receiving the bias power. One or more communications are configured to cause the power transmitter to transition to a power state or return to a conditional standby state.

[0007] Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description, drawings, and claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] Similar reference numerals and names in various drawings refer to the same elements. Note that relative dimensions in drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless power transmission system. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless power system. [Figure 3] This shows a state diagram of a wireless power system. [Figure 4] An exemplary temperature plot related to a consumer electronics appliance that can realize an aspect of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 5] An exemplary power receiver according to aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 6] An exemplary first startup sequence of a wireless power system is shown. [Figure 7] This shows a second exemplary startup sequence for a wireless power system. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the timing and related operations of a wireless power system under various conditions. [Figure 9] This is a conceptual diagram of an exemplary message in several aspects of this disclosure. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a power transmitter according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating exemplary operation of a power receiver according to several aspects of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 12] A block diagram of an exemplary device for use in a wireless power system is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description focuses on specific embodiments to illustrate innovative aspects of the disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the teachings herein can be applied in a variety of ways. The embodiments described can be implemented in any means, apparatus, system, or method for transmitting or receiving wireless power.

[0010] A wireless power system includes a power transmitter (PTx) and a power receiver (PRx). The power transmitter may also be called a wireless power transmitting device. The power receiver may also be called a wireless power receiving device. Some examples of this disclosure are based on a kitchen environment. For example, the power transmitter may be part of a magnetic power source such as a stove, countertop, or range. In some embodiments, the power transmitter may include a surface-mount primary coil, an integrated primary coil, a countertop-mount primary coil, or a primary coil embedded in or fabricated on a surface on which a power receiver can be placed. The power receiver includes a secondary coil configured to receive power wirelessly via inductive coupling with the primary coil of the power transmitter. The power receiver may be part of a cordless appliance such as a cordless blender, kettle, toaster, or cooking container. Although the examples of this disclosure refer to wireless power systems in a kitchen environment, the disclosed technology can be used in other types of wireless power systems or other types of environments.

[0011] Some home appliances may be designed to automatically turn on or off according to a schedule or temperature criteria. For example, an appliance may acquire wireless power to perform a heating operation (e.g., cooking food or boiling a liquid). In some cases, it is desirable for an appliance to automatically turn on at a specific time to perform a heating operation according to the end user's schedule. An appliance may be configured to turn off when the heating operation is complete. In some cases, it is desirable for an appliance to automatically turn on to perform a warming or reheating operation, or to maintain a target temperature. Current technologies for managing the automatic on / off operation of appliances are based on control messages from the appliance to the power transmitter. For example, an appliance may maintain connected operation when it is not receiving wireless power for a heating or reheating operation.

[0012] In a connected state, home appliances consume power from the power transmitter to maintain periodic communication, controller operation, and sensor measurements. Thus, home appliances continue to consume power even during periods of inactivity. In some embodiments, home appliances use bias power collected from near-field communication (NFC) signals from the power transmitter's communication interface to maintain connection status and sensor measurements during periods of inactivity. Thus, home appliances rely on NFC-collected power from the power transmitter, preventing the power transmitter and power receiver from entering standby mode. As a result, power is consumed even during periods of inactivity, leading to inefficiency and unnecessary power consumption. In some cases, power usage may violate standby power requirements set by regulatory authorities. Wireless power systems can be improved by allowing the power transmitter and power receiver to enter a conditional standby state during periods of inactivity.

[0013] This disclosure provides a system, method, and apparatus for a conditional standby state in a wireless power system. A conditional standby state may also be called an "on-standby state," a "temporary standby state," a "sleep state," a "hibernation state," or simply a "standby state." A power receiver can initiate a conditional standby state using a request message to a power transmitter. For example, a power receiver may request a conditional standby state based on a schedule or temperature criterion to implement a conditional off period. During a conditional standby state, the power transmitter and power receiver may temporarily suspend communication, power harvesting, or other operations. A conditional standby state can result in a state of low or no power consumption over a period called a sleep time. Other terms for sleep time may also be standby time, conditional standby time, conditional sleep time, hibernation period, or other terms referring to a period during which the power transmitter temporarily suspends communication with the power receiver and the power receiver temporarily suspends consumption of power supplied by the power transmitter. Conditional standby may also be referred to as temporary standby, sleep, hibernation, or any other term that refers to an operating state during sleep time.

[0014] Aspects of this disclosure enable state transitions in a wireless power system based on conditional on and off operations of home appliances. A power receiver can request a conditional standby state during a sleep time associated with the off operation of a home appliance. Upon expiration of the sleep time, a power transmitter can activate the power receiver. The power receiver can determine whether the state of the home appliance, such as a schedule or target temperature, justifies an on operation. In some embodiments, the conditional standby state may occur before a first instance of a power state. Thus, the power receiver can be positioned on the power transmitter and implement the conditional standby state to minimize power consumption and communication until a condition (such as a schedule) is met and the on operation is automatically initiated. In some embodiments, the conditional standby state may occur between instances of power states. For example, a home appliance may be configured to maintain a target temperature after an initial heating operation. The home appliance may alternate between on and off operations to maintain the target temperature. During the off operation, the conditional standby state can reduce communication and power consumption within the wireless power system.

[0015] In some embodiments, a power receiver may request a conditional standby state during periods of off-operation. After the sleep time of each instance of the conditional standby state expires, the power transmitter can wake up the power receiver. Waking up the power receiver involves establishing communication and transmitting a communication signal that allows the power receiver to collect bias power and operate sensors and controllers. The collected bias power may be sufficient to determine whether the power receiver initiates on-operation (which may be called conditional on-operation). The power receiver may initiate conditional on-operation based on one or more criteria. In this way, the power receiver can periodically check the status of the conditions associated with one or more criteria. Meanwhile, the power receiver can minimize operation and power consumption during sleep time between periodic checks of the condition status. One or more criteria may be based on a schedule or conditions such as the device temperature falling below a temperature threshold. If one or more criteria are not met, the power receiver may request another conditional standby state, and the conditions can be rechecked when the power transmitter next wakes up the power receiver. Alternatively, if one or more criteria are met, the power receiver may request a power state for ON operation.

[0016] Certain embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential benefits: The technology of this disclosure enables improved power efficiency, reduced standby power consumption, optimized operating states, a seamless reheating process, dynamic scheduling, and enhanced control in home appliances that support conditional on / off operation. By implementing a “startup” sequence and negotiating sleep times, wireless power systems optimize power consumption and enable power transmitters and home appliances to enter a conditional standby state during periods of inactivity.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary wireless power transmission system 100. The wireless power transmission system can include a power transmitter 102 and a power receiver 104. The power transmitter 102 includes a primary coil 110. When the primary coil 110 transmits wireless power 114, a magnetic field is generated that induces a voltage in the secondary coil 120 of the power receiver 104. The power receiver 104 can include a secondary coil 120 configured to receive wireless power 114. The components of the power transmitter 102 and the power receiver 104 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0018] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the power receiver 104 can be associated with home appliances (e.g., cordless kitchen appliances, etc.) intended to operate on a wireless power transmission surface provided with one or more primary coils (kitchen countertop, cooktop, or stove, etc.). FIG. 1 shows some examples 140 of home appliances that can be used with the power transmitter 102. For example, the home appliance can be a kettle 142, a slow cooker 144, or a blender 146. Other types of home appliances that can include a power receiver can include, for example, pots, rice cookers, coffee makers, toasters, broilers, griddles, electric rice cookers, and any type of home appliance configured to heat liquids or food. The power transmitter 102 can be included in a kitchen appliance such as a cooktop or a stove. For example, in some embodiments, the stove can include multiple locations for placing objects. At least one location may be provided with a power transmitter 102 that supports wireless power transmission to a home appliance including the power receiver 104. In some embodiments, the power transmitter 102 can be integrated into an essentially portable stove. For example, the portable stove can include a battery for supplying power to the power transmitter 102 or be equipped with an external power source and may also be suitable for camping.

[0019] Some appliances (e.g., Blender 146) may be configured to turn on only based on user input, allowing end users to manually control the usage time of the appliances. Other appliances may implement conditional periods for on and off operations. For example, Kettle 142 may be configured to automatically turn on according to a scheduled start time and automatically turn off when the heating operation is complete. In another example, Slow Cooker 144 may be configured to turn on to heat to a first temperature and then turn off when the first temperature is reached. In some examples, Slow Cooker 144 (or other appliances) may be configured to reheat, maintain, or "keep warm" at a target temperature. Slow Cooker 144 may be configured to automatically turn off for a certain period of time when the current temperature is above the target temperature and automatically turn on when the current temperature is below the target temperature. Such conditional on and off operations can be implemented to minimize user interaction. It is also desirable to minimize power consumption during periods associated with off operations, such as the cooling period during the keep-warm period (on operation) of the appliance. This disclosure describes a technology for implementing a conditional standby state that reduces or eliminates power consumption by household appliances while they are in the off state, while also allowing the appliances to periodically check for certain conditions to determine whether or not to start in the on state.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary wireless power system 200. The exemplary wireless power system 200 includes a power transmitter 102 and a power receiver 104. The power transmitter 102 includes a primary coil 110 and a PTx controller 204. The primary coil 110 may be associated with a power transmission circuit 202 (sometimes also referred to as a power signal generator, drive circuit, or driver). The primary coil 110 may be a wire coil that transmits wireless power (which may also be referred to as wireless energy). The primary coil 110 can transmit wireless energy using an inductive magnetic field or a resonant magnetic field. The power transmission circuit 202 may include components (not shown) for preparing wireless power. For example, the power transmission circuit 202 may include one or more switches, drivers, series capacitors, rectifiers, inverters, or other components. In some embodiments, the power transmission circuit 202, the PTx controller 204, and other components (not shown) may be collectively referred to as a power transmission unit 206. Some or all of the power transmission unit 206 may be embodied as an integrated circuit (IC) that implements the features of the present disclosure. The PTx controller 204 may be implemented as a microcontroller, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other suitable electronic device.

[0021] The power supply 208 supplies power to the power transmission unit 206. In some embodiments, the power supply 208 can convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. For example, the power supply 208 may include a converter that receives AC power from an external power source and converts that AC power to DC power for use by the power transmission circuit 202. Alternatively or additionally, a component of the power transmission circuit 202 (such as an inverter) may convert DC power to AC power. The power supply 208 may be integrated as part of the power transmitter 102 or may be external to the power transmitter 102. In some embodiments, the power transmitter 102 causes the power supply 208 to adjust the DC output voltage of the power supply 208. For example, the PTx controller 204 can set the DC voltage of the power supply 208 based on information received from the power receiver 104 (such as a value indicating the requested power). The power transmitter 102 can receive power setting information from the power receiver 104 and use that information to set parameters (such as the DC output voltage of the power supply 208). The power transmitter 102 can receive power setting information during various operating states, such as detection state or power state. In some embodiments, the power transmitter 102 includes a DC-DC converter (not shown) between the power supply 208 and the power transmitter circuit 202 for controlling the variable DC output voltage.

[0022] The PTx controller 204 is connected to a first communication interface 210. The first communication interface 210 is connected to a first communication coil 212. In some embodiments, the first communication interface 210 and the first communication coil 212 may be collectively referred to as the first communication unit 214. In some embodiments, the first communication unit 214 may support short-range radio frequency communication such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth® (BT). NFC is a technology that performs data transfer at a carrier frequency of 13.56 megahertz (MH). The first communication unit 214 may also support any suitable communication protocol. The first communication unit 214 may include modulation and demodulation circuits for wireless communication via the first communication coil 212. Alternatively or additionally, the PTx controller 204 may communicate via an in-band communication link (not shown) including a primary coil 110 using frequency, amplitude, current, or voltage modulation of the wireless power signal.

[0023] The power receiver 104 may include a secondary coil 120, a rectifier 216, a PRx controller 218, a second communication interface 222, a load controller 226, a load 220, and memory (not shown). In some embodiments, the load 220 may include a driver (not shown) for controlling at least one parameter of the load, such as the charging current, speed, or torque. In some embodiments, the rectifier 216 may be omitted, for example, if the voltage induced in the secondary coil 120 can directly power the load 220. Although not shown in Figure 2, a capacitor is connected in series with the secondary coil 120. Although not shown, a load capacitance can be used after the rectifier 216 to filter out high-frequency components of the rectifier voltage. Although shown as different components, some components may be packaged or implemented in the same hardware. For example, in some embodiments, the PRx controller 218 and the load controller 226 may be implemented as a single controller. The PRx controller 218, the load controller 226, or any combination thereof may be implemented as a microcontroller, a dedicated processor, an integrated circuit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other suitable electronic device.

[0024] The PTx controller 204 can detect the presence or proximity of the power receiver 104. This detection may occur during the periodic pinging process of the first communication interface 210. During the pinging process, the first communication interface 210 can also supply power to the second communication interface 222 if the power receiver 104 is near the power transmitter 102. The second communication interface 222 can "start up" the PTx controller 218 to power it on and send a response signal back to the first communication interface 210. A handshake process takes place before power transmission, during which the PTx controller 204 can receive information such as identification data and configuration data from the power receiver 104. Based on the configuration data, the PTx controller 204 can control the characteristics of the wireless power supplied to the power receiver 104.

[0025] The PRx controller 218 can be operably coupled to a rectifier 216 and a second communication interface 222. The second communication interface 222 may include a modulation circuit and a demodulation circuit for wireless communication via a second communication coil 224. Thus, the PRx controller 218 can wirelessly communicate feedback information to the PTx controller 204 and to the first communication interface 210 via the second communication interface 222 using short-range radio frequency communication such as NFC. Alternatively or additionally, the PRx controller 218 can communicate via an in-band communication link (not shown) including a secondary coil 120 using load modulation.

[0026] The load controller 226 can be operably coupled to the load 220 and the second communication interface 222. The load controller 226 can detect changes in load conditions, such as changes in charging current in a battery charging application. The load controller 226 can also determine a load voltage reference. The load controller 226 can also transmit the load voltage reference, load current, and other appropriate information to the PRx controller 218 or the second communication interface 222 for use in communication with the power transmitter 102. During power conditions, the PRx controller 218 may additionally determine and provide feedback information indicating the measured load voltage available to the load 220. Depending on the feedback message, the feedback information may include a reference voltage indicating the voltage required by the load 220. Depending on the feedback message, the feedback information may indicate an error in the output voltage of the load 220. Depending on the feedback message, the feedback information may include the power required by the load. Although the PRx controller 218 and the load controller 226 are illustrated separately, they may also be included in the same component of the power receiver 104.

[0027] Some devices are equipped with safety features such as a disconnect switch 228 that operates according to the operating state. For example, when the power receiver 104 is in a pre-power state (standby, detection, and connected state), the disconnect switch 228 may be kept in the open position to prevent current from flowing to the load 220. Before transitioning to a power state, the PRx controller 218 moves the disconnect switch 228 to the closed position, allowing current to flow to the load 220. In an emergency (such as an overvoltage or overcurrent), the PRx controller 218 can open the disconnect switch 228 to prevent damage to the load 220 or other components of the power receiver 104.

[0028] Figure 3 shows a state diagram 300 of a wireless power system. The state diagram 300 shows the operating states in which the wireless power system can operate. When the power receiver is placed within the operating area on the interface surface of the power transmitter, both (power receiver and power transmitter) begin communicating for the purpose of setting up and controlling power transmission. There can be four operating states in a wireless power system: standby state 302 (sometimes called the ping phase), detection state 304 (sometimes called the identification phase), connected state 306, and power state 308 (sometimes called the power transmission phase). Standby state 302, detection state 304, and connected state 306 may be collectively referred to as pre-power states. Technical specifications may define how the power transmitter and power receiver transition between these operating states. For example, a wireless power system typically starts in standby state 302 and transitions to detection state 304 when the power transmitter detects the power receiver. In detection state 304, the power transmitter establishes communication and receives the power receiver's first identification information and its static configuration data. In connection state 306 and power state 308, the power transmitter and power receiver exchange information to agree on and adjust parameters related to wireless power transmission. The system can transition to a reinitialization state (not shown) and reinitialize as needed, or return to a standby state when communication, power supply, or other operations are no longer performed. Each operating state is briefly described here for reference.

[0029] In standby state 302, the power transmitter attempts to establish communication with the power receiver. The power receiver may simply be located on the interface surface, or it may not exist in this operating state. The power transmitter can attempt to communicate with the power receiver or detect the presence of the power receiver. For example, the power transmitter can determine whether a compatible power receiver exists using analog ping, out-of-band communication (such as NFC), digital ping, or any combination thereof. If the wireless power system determines that a power receiver is present (e.g., by checking NFC communication), the wireless power system can transition to detection state 304.

[0030] In detection state 304, the power receiver can establish communication with the power transmitter and transmit static configuration information (such as identification information and configuration information) to the power transmitter. For example, the power transmitter can obtain static configuration information from the power receiver via NFC communication. The power transmitter and power receiver can use this information to confirm that they are both using compatible versions of the wireless power transmission technical specifications or protocols. The power transmitter and power receiver can communicate basic settings or about their respective functions. From detection state 304, the wireless power system can transition to connection state 306.

[0031] In connection state 306, the power transmitter and power receiver may communicate further to negotiate parameters that control the power state. For example, power negotiation may occur during connection state 306. After negotiating the parameters, the power transmitter may be ready to transmit wireless power, and the power receiver may be ready to receive wireless power. The power transmitter may wait for a request or command from the power receiver before transitioning to power state 308. This may be useful, for example, when a cordless appliance (e.g., a blender, toaster, mixer, or microwave oven) is configured to wait for user operation before being used. The user can initiate power state 308 via the power receiver's user interface (e.g., a power switch), and the power receiver then communicates with the power transmitter to transition to power state 308.

[0032] As described herein, a wireless power system can implement a conditional standby state. The conditional standby state may be similar to the standby state 302, except that the conditional standby state may be associated with a sleep time, during which the power receiver, power transmitter, or both may be in a dormant state. Upon expiration of the sleep time, the power transmitter can wake up the power receiver. Waking up the power receiver involves establishing communication from the power transmitter to the power receiver. For example, the power transmitter can initiate a ping via NFC. The NFC signal can supply bias power to operate the communication interface and the PRx controller (e.g., the second communication interface 222 and the PRx controller 218, respectively, as described with reference to Figure 2).

[0033] In some embodiments, activating the power receiver may involve transitioning to detection state 304 and / or connection state 306. For example, the power transmitter may perform one or more actions associated with detection state 304 and / or connection detection state 304. One or more actions may include performing a foreign object detection (FOD) procedure to determine whether a foreign object was introduced into the operating environment of the power transmitter during the sleep time.

[0034] In some embodiments, if the power transmitter determines that the power receiver is in the operating environment and no foreign object is detected by FOD, the power transmitter may omit the detection state 304 or connection state 306 operations that would be performed when the power receiver is first placed in the power transmitter. For example, the power transmitter may determine, based on matching device identification information or other indicators, that the power receiver is the same as one previously detected before the conditional standby state. In other examples, the power transmitter may omit the exchange of authentication, one or more configuration messages, or power negotiation messages.

[0035] In some embodiments, if the power transmitter determines that the power receiver has moved, is no longer in the operating environment of the power transmitter, or has been introduced into a conditional standby state, the power transmitter may transition to a reinitialization state and reset or clear the previous settings of any previously present power receiver.

[0036] This disclosure includes several optional embodiments of information for enabling a conditional standby state. For example, a power receiver may communicate information 312 during detection state 304 so that a power transmitter can determine that the power receiver supports a conditional standby state. Information 312 may indicate the type of appliance. For example, information 312 may indicate that the power receiver is a “spontaneous or reheating” appliance. Alternatively or additionally, information 312 may indicate the appliance’s on / off profile, such as the conditions or criteria for the appliance’s on / off operation, or the expected pattern of on / off operation. In some embodiments, the power receiver may transmit standby state control information 310 in a request to transition to a conditional standby state. For example, standby state control information 310 may indicate the sleep time for the conditional standby state, the expected cool-down time, or the recheck period, or other information to enable the power transmitter to determine the sleep time for the conditional standby state.

[0037] Figure 4 shows an exemplary temperature plot 406 associated with an appliance that can implement an embodiment of the present disclosure. An example of a temperature plot 406 may be the cooking and warming operations of an exemplary appliance such as a rice cooker or slow cooker. The temperature plot 406 shows the relationship between the temperature 402 of the appliance's container and time 404. First, the appliance can perform a heating operation until it reaches a first temperature (indicated by temperature 402). For the heating operation, the appliance can turn on a load (such as the appliance's heating element). For example, during the on operation, the appliance can cook food for a certain period of time (e.g., "cooking time"). After reaching the first temperature, the appliance can begin a cooling time 410. In Figure 4, the first temperature for completing cooking is shown to last for a short time, but the appliance may also maintain a temperature of or near the first temperature for a longer period. At the end of the cooking period, before entering the cooling period, the appliance may store status information in non-volatile memory to indicate that cooking is complete and that a reheating operation may continue (e.g., "cooking complete, reheating required" status). This status information may be reset when the user starts a new cooking operation. When the power transmitter activates the power receiver, the appliance checks the status information and can determine whether to perform the reheat option (e.g., if the "Reheat Required" status is true). If the reheat option is performed, the appliance alternates between a "cooling period" and a "reheating period" until a user operation such as a new cooking operation or the user switch of the appliance is turned off. During the cooling period 410, the appliance can turn off the load.

[0038] The appliance can be configured to maintain a target temperature within the heat retention range 414. After the cooling time 410, when the temperature reaches a temperature threshold (such as a reheating temperature 412), the appliance can turn on the load to maintain the temperature of the container. To maintain the temperature within the heat retention range 414, the appliance can periodically heat and cool the container by switching between on and off operations.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an exemplary power receiver 500 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The exemplary power receiver 500 may be an example of the power receiver 104 described with reference to Figure 1 or Figure 2. The power receiver 500 may be included in a household appliance. The power receiver 500 may include a load 220, or the load 220 may be a component of a household appliance that also includes the power receiver 500.

[0040] The power receiver 500 includes a secondary coil 120, a second communication coil 224, a second communication interface 222, and a PRx controller 218, as described with reference to Figure 2. In some embodiments, the power receiver 500 may or may not include a rectifier (not shown in Figure 2). Figure 5 also shows a series capacitor 502 which may be coupled to one or more legs of the secondary coil 120. The exemplary power receiver 500 includes a deconnection switch 228 connected in series between one of the legs of the secondary coil 120 and the load 220. The deconnection switch 228 is shown connected in series with the series capacitor 502, but other configurations are possible.

[0041] The power receiver 500 includes a sensor 230 configured to measure the temperature of the container (not shown) of the appliance. Although the sensor 230 is described as a temperature sensor, the sensor 230 may be another type of sensor, such as a motion sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, gas or chemical sensor, Hall effect sensor, state sensor, or other type of sensor that can provide input to the PRx controller 218 regarding the state of the appliance.

[0042] A second communication interface 222 or other component (not shown) is configured to harvest bias power 506 from a communication signal 508 received by a second communication coil 224. The bias power 506 can power the second communication interface 222, the PRx controller 218, and the sensor 230. For example, the bias power 506 can be in the range of 100 to 500 milliwatts, or any amount of power sufficient to operate the second communication interface 222, the PRx controller 218, and the sensor 230. Using the bias power 506, the PRx controller 218 can acquire a measurement signal or a status signal from the sensor 230. The PRx controller 218 can determine whether the measurement signal or status signal satisfies the conditions for the on-operation of the load 220. For example, the sensor 230 may indicate a temperature below a threshold (e.g., reheating temperature) associated with activating the load 220 to reheat a container. When the conditions for activating the ON operation of load 220 are met, the PRx controller 218 can communicate a power request to a power transmitter (not shown) via the second communication interface 222 to initiate power transmission. Otherwise, if the conditions are not met, the PRx controller 218 may maintain the OFF operation of load 220. In some embodiments, the PRx controller 218 can communicate a request to the power transmitter to transition to a conditional standby state during a sleep period. At the end of the sleep period, the power transmitter can wake up the power receiver 500 by sending a communication signal 508 to generate bias power 506 again, thereby allowing the PRx controller 218 to re-verify the ON operation conditions.

[0043] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate exemplary startup sequences and possible scenarios for a wireless power system. Figure 6 shows a first startup sequence 600 in which the sleep time expires when the power receiver detects conditions that trigger the ON operation of a home appliance. Figure 7 shows a second startup sequence 700 in which, after the first sleep time has expired, the conditions for ON operation are not met and the wireless power system enters a conditional standby state for a second sleep time.

[0044] The first startup sequence 600, beginning in Figure 6, shows a temperature plot 602 illustrating the temperature 604 over time 606. At the start of the temperature plot 602, the temperature has risen over the heating period prior to the first time (indicated at t1 608). At t1 608, the temperature reaches a first temperature 610, and the appliance enters a cooling period 614, during which the temperature gradually decreases. To minimize power consumption during the cooling period 614, the appliance can communicate a request to the power transmitter to enter a conditional standby state for a sleep time 612 associated with the expected duration of the cooling period 614. The appliance can store status information in memory indicating that only a “reheat” operation is required until cooking is complete and a new user operation is performed, such as resuming cooking or turning off the appliance. In some embodiments, the request explicitly indicates a sleep time 612. Alternatively or additionally, the request may be a state transition request (such as a NEXT / standby message) to prompt the conditional standby state. A state transition request may include an indicator indicating that the requested standby state is a conditional standby state associated with a sleep time. In some embodiments, the sleep time can be pre-set using an NDEF message during the detection phase. Alternatively or additionally, the sleep time may be calculated by the power transmitter based on configuration information or other indicators associated with the power receiver. For example, the power transmitter may identify the type of appliance and select a sleep time 612 appropriate for that type of appliance. In some embodiments, the appliance can communicate that it is a first type of appliance associated with conditional on and off periods (e.g., a "spontaneous or reheating appliance").

[0045] After the sleep time 612 expires, the power transmitter activates the appliance at a second time (indicated as t2 618). The wireless power system becomes connected, and a communication signal (such as NFC) is beam-transmitted from the power transmitter. The appliance collects bias power from the communication channel and is activated. In the scenario of Figure 6, the temperature of the container is a second temperature 620. The second temperature 620 can be a reheating condition for the container (such as a reheating temperature 412 or a temperature threshold). As a result of the temperature reaching the second temperature 620, the appliance can either start ON operation or perform a reheating operation by requesting the power transmitter to transition to a power state (indicated as a reheating period 616). The reheating operation involves power transmission from the power transmitter to the power receiver to operate the heating elements of the appliance. Therefore, the reheating period 616 can correspond to a power state. After the temperature reaches the first temperature 610, the appliance may communicate another request (time t3 622) to start another conditional standby state. For the sake of brevity, the subsequent sleep time (following the request at time t3 622) is not shown, but it behaves the same as sleep time 612.

[0046] Figure 7 shows the second activation sequence 700 of the wireless power system. Similar to Figure 6, the temperature plot 702 shows the temperature 604 against time 606. At time t1 608, the temperature has reached the first temperature 610, and the power receiver communicates a request to transition to a conditional standby state for a sleep time 612. Unlike Figure 6, in Figure 7, the temperature at t2 618 (indicated as temperature 704) exceeds the second temperature 620, so the appliance may not trigger an ON operation for reheating. Instead, the power receiver may communicate another request to enter a conditional standby state for another instance of sleep time (indicated as a subsequent sleep time 712). In some embodiments, the subsequent sleep time 712 may be the same duration as the previous sleep time 612.

[0047] In some other embodiments, the duration of the subsequent sleep time 712 may differ from the duration of the preceding sleep time 612. For example, the duration of the subsequent sleep time 712 may be extended (or shortened) based on the number of consecutive conditional standby periods. A potential technical advantage of adjusting the subsequent sleep time 712 is that the wireless power system can adapt to changes in ambient temperature in which certain types of equipment or household appliances are used.

[0048] In some embodiments, when an appliance transmits a request for a subsequent sleep time 712, the appliance may explicitly specify the duration of the subsequent sleep time 712. For example, the appliance may estimate the remaining time it is expected that the container will cool to a second temperature 620. The appliance may specify the duration of the subsequent sleep time 712 so that the power transmitter activates the power receiver when the temperature meets the conditions for reheating operation (and the corresponding power state for on operation). A potential technical advantage of estimating and explicitly specifying the subsequent sleep time 712 is that the power receiver can remain dormant for a longer or shorter period, minimizing the power consumption that would result from activating if the temperature might not meet the conditions.

[0049] Continuing to refer to Figure 7, upon the expiration of the subsequent sleep time 712, the power transmitter activates the appliance at the third time (indicated as t3 706). In the scenario of Figure 6, the temperature 708 at t3 706 is below the second temperature 620. Since the temperature 708 satisfies the reheating conditions, the appliance can turn on to perform a reheating operation (indicated as a reheating period 710). The reheating operation involves power transmission from the power transmitter to the power receiver to operate the heating elements of the appliance.

[0050] Figure 8 shows the timing diagram 800 and associated operations in various states of the wireless power system. The timing diagram 800 is used to illustrate the operations of the power receiver 104 (PRx) and the power transmitter 102 (PTx). Although the operations of the power receiver 104 and the power transmitter 102 are described, it is clear that these operations may also be performed by the PTx controller and the PRx controller, respectively. The power receiver 104 and the power transmitter 102 can follow state diagrams for various operating states, as described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 8 also shows the states of the communication channel 802 (NFC) related to the operations described.

[0051] For brevity, the details of the initial instances of standby state 302, detection state 304, and connected state 306 are not shown in detail in Figure 8. During standby state 302, the user can place a home appliance having a power receiver 104 into the interface space of the power transmitter 102. The power transmitter 102 detects the power receiver 104 and enters the detection state. Detection state 304 may include one or more detection state messages 804a, 804b (identification and setting, NDEF messages, etc.) and a state transition request message. The home appliance may use an NDEF message to indicate that it is a "conditionally on / off" home appliance and also notify of the sleep time. A "NEXT" message is a state transition request message that indicates a request to transition to another state and the requested state (for example, a "NEXT / con" message is a state transition request message that requests a transition to the connected state). The recipient of a state transition request message may respond with a response message ("RESP / ok"). The "RESP" message may indicate normal ("ok"), abnormal ("nok"), unspecified ("nd"), or busy ("bsy"). In some embodiments, the "RESP" message is a response indicating acknowledgment ("ack"), non-acknowledgment ("nak"), or unspecified ("nd").

[0052] In Figure 8, details of connection state 306 are omitted for brevity. Connection state 306 may include one or more connection state messages 806a (such as power negotiation messages). Furthermore, the power transmitter 102 may perform an FOD procedure to determine that no foreign objects are present in connection state 306. At some point, the power receiver 104 sends a power request message 810 to initiate power transmission in the first instance of power state 812. During the first instance of power state 812, the power transmitter 102 sends a wireless power signal 814 to the power receiver 104. Communication 808 may occur on communication channel 802 during the pre-power state. Communication 808 is shown as a continuous communication but may include inactive periods such as FOD or pre-power coupling coefficient measurement periods. During the power state, communication channel 802 may use communication slots 816a, 816b, 816c, and 816d in zero-crossing events of the wireless power signal 814. Not all zero-cross events are used to insert communication slots.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 8, once the initial heating operation is complete, the power receiver 104 can send a request message 818 to transition to a conditional standby state 832. During the sleep time 820, no wireless power signals or communications may occur. In this way, the power receiver 104 can be powered off, minimizing power consumption. At the end of the sleep time 820, the power transmitter 102 can activate the communication channel 802 and send a communication 822. Communication 822 provides the power receiver 104 with the energy to collect bias power and activate the PRx controller, sensors, and communication interface.

[0054] In some embodiments, power transmitters 102 and 104 may perform one or more pre-power operations 828, 830 associated with a pre-power state 826 (such as a detection state and a connection state). The power transmitters may verify that the appliance on the interface is the same appliance that was left before entering the sleep time 820. For example, the power transmitter may compare appliance identification (ID) information with previous appliance ID information stored before entering the conditional standby state. If a new appliance is detected (i.e., the appliance ID information is different from the one before entering the conditional standby state), the power transmitter then starts from a new detection and connection state with the new appliance. If the same appliance is present, the power transmitter 102 may continue the pre-power operations 828, 830. In some embodiments, the pre-power operations 828, 830 may include FOD for determining that no foreign object was introduced during the sleep time 820. The power transmitter may also verify that the alignment of the appliance on the interface surface is within an acceptable range in case the appliance moves during the sleep time 820. In some embodiments, the pre-power-on operations 828, 830 may omit one or more operations that would normally occur during the first instance of the pre-power-on state.

[0055] Refer to Figure 8 again. When the power receiver 104 decides to activate the ON operation of the appliance, it can communicate a power request message 834 and transition to a second instance of power state 836, in which the power transmitter 102 transmits a wireless power signal 838 to the power receiver 104 for reheating operation. In an alternative configuration not shown in Figure 8, the power receiver 104 may decide to maintain the OFF operation of the appliance. Instead of communicating the power request message 834, the power receiver 104 may send a subsequent request (not shown) to initiate another conditional standby state for a subsequent sleep time.

[0056] The exemplary scenario shown in Figure 8 illustrates the first instance of power state 812 occurring before conditional standby state 832, although conditional standby state 832 may occur after connected state 306 and before the first instance of power state 812. For example, a user may place an appliance in a power transmitter 102 that includes a delay timer to schedule the appliance's ON operation to occur later. The power receiver 104 and power transmitter 102 can pass through standby state 302, detection state 304, and connected state 306. However, if the delay timer has not yet triggered the ON operation, the power receiver 104 may send a request message 818 to enter conditional standby state 832 in connected state 306. A potential technical advantage of this functionality is that the startup time of appliances can be scheduled or delayed. Examples of such appliances include kettles, rice cookers, slow cookers, etc., which are configured to start heating later, and possibly when the appliance is unattended, so that the heating operation is completed at a time selected by the end user.

[0057] Figure 9 shows a conceptual diagram of an exemplary message according to several embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, message 902 may be transmitted from a power receiver to a power transmitter. In some embodiments, message 902 may be part of another message, such as a setup message. In some other embodiments, message 902 may be transmitted during a connected state after a cooling period when power is again supplied to the appliance by the power transmitter. Message 902 may include a header 908 and a payload 904. In some embodiments, the header 908 includes frame control information indicating that message 902 contains conditional standby state information. In some embodiments, message 902 may include a preamble 906 indicating the start of message 902. The payload 904 includes one or more information elements 910, 912, and 914.

[0058] Figure 9 shows several exemplary information elements 916. For example, conditional standby state information may indicate that the appliance is a “spontaneous or reheating appliance” 918, on / off profile 920, nominal cooling / sleep time 922, recheck period 924, or temperature criteria 926. This information may be communicated during the connected state as part of the initial setup, or from the power receiver to the power transmitter as part of a request message to enter the conditional standby state.

[0059] Information indicating that an appliance is a “spontaneous or reheating appliance”918 may indicate the first of several types of appliances. The term “spontaneous or reheating appliance” is provided as an example for illustrative purposes, and it is clear that other terms are also possible, such as appliance type indicator, conditional on / off appliance, automatic appliance, etc.

[0060] Information indicating the on / off profile 920, nominal cooling / sleep time 922, or recheck period 924 may help the power transmitter select or disable the function of selecting the duration of the sleep time for conditional standby (such as enabling or disabling the reheating function of home appliances).

[0061] In some embodiments, the appliance provides a temperature reference 926, allowing the power transmitter to determine whether to activate the appliance's ON operation. For example, when the power transmitter activates the power receiver, the power receiver can communicate a temperature measurement from a sensor. The power transmitter (not the power receiver) can compare the temperature measurement to the temperature reference 926 to determine when to activate the NFC and whether the temperature reference satisfies the appliance's power state ON operation. A potential technical advantage of this approach is that the power receiver can reduce, or possibly eliminate, the operation of the PRx controller that would otherwise occur when the power transmitter activates the power receiver.

[0062] Figure 10 shows a flowchart illustrating exemplary operation 1000 of a power transmitter according to several aspects of the present disclosure. For example, this flowchart may be performed by a power transmitter 102 described with reference to other figures of the present disclosure. In block 1002, the power transmitter communicates with a power receiver of a household appliance. In block 1004, the power transmitter transitions to a standby state based on a first request from the power receiver to transition to a conditional standby state. In block 1006, the power transmitter wakes up the power receiver after the sleep time of the conditional standby state has expired. In block 1008, the power transmitter receives one or more communications from the power receiver after the power receiver has been woken up. In block 1010, the power transmitter transitions to a power state if one or more communications include a power request message from the power receiver.

[0063] Figure 11 shows a flowchart including exemplary operation 1100 of a power receiver according to several aspects of the present disclosure. For example, this flowchart may be performed by a power receiver 104 described with reference to other figures of the present disclosure. In block 1102, the power receiver communicates a first request to the power transmitter to transition to a conditional standby state. In block 1104, the power receiver receives bias power from the power transmitter after the sleep time of the conditional standby state has expired. In block 1106, after receiving the bias power, the power receiver transmits one or more communications to the power transmitter. These one or more communications are configured to cause the power transmitter to transition to a power state or return to a conditional standby state.

[0064] Figure 12 shows a block diagram of exemplary equipment used in a wireless power system. In some embodiments, equipment 1200 may be a wireless power transmission device (such as a power transmitter 102) as described herein. Equipment 1200 may include a processor 1202 (which may include multiple processors, multiple cores, multiple nodes, or multithreaded implementations, etc.). Equipment 1200 may also include memory 1204. Memory 1204 may be system memory or one or more possible implementations of computer-readable media as described herein. Equipment 1200 may also include a bus 1206 (e.g., PCI, ISA, PCI-Express, HyperTransport®, InfiniBand®, NuBus®, AHB, AXI, etc.).

[0065] The device 1200 may include one or more controllers 1208 (such as a PTx controller). In some embodiments, the controllers 1208 may be distributed within the processor 1202, memory 1204, and bus 1206. The controllers 1208 can perform some or all of the operations described herein. For example, the controllers 1208 can perform the processes described with reference to any one of Figures 1 to 10, or any combination thereof.

[0066] Memory 1204 may contain computer instructions that can be executed by the processor 1202 to implement the functions of the embodiments described herein. Any one of these functions can be partially (or completely) implemented in hardware or on the processor 1202. For example, the function can be implemented in an application-specific integrated circuit, logic implemented on the processor 1202, a peripheral device, or a coprocessor on a card. Furthermore, the implementation may include fewer or more components not shown in Figure 12. The processor 1202, memory 1204, and controller 1208 may be coupled to bus 1206. Although shown as coupled to bus 1206, memory 1204 may be coupled to the processor 1202 or the controller 1208.

[0067] The device 1200 also includes a conditional standby state module 1210. The conditional standby state module 1210 may perform any of the operations described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. For example, the conditional standby state module 1210 may process a request message from the power receiver asking to transition to a conditional standby state. The conditional standby state module 1210 may implement a timer or counter for determining when the sleep time expires. After the sleep time expires, the conditional standby state module 1210 initiates one or more operations to wake up the power receiver.

[0068] Figures 1 to 12 and the operations described herein are examples to aid in understanding exemplary embodiments and do not limit potential embodiments or the scope of the claims. In some embodiments, additional operations, fewer operations, operations in parallel or in different orders, and some operations may be performed in different ways.

[0069] The foregoing disclosure is for illustrative and explanatory purposes only, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the forms disclosed. Modifications and changes can be made in view of the foregoing disclosure, or can be derived from the practice of the embodiments. While the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated with various examples, any combination of embodiments of any of the examples is within the scope of this disclosure. The examples in this disclosure are provided for educational purposes only. In lieu of, or in addition to, other examples described herein, embodiments include any combination of the following embodiment options (identified as clauses for reference):

[0070] Clause

[0071] Clause 1. A method by a power transmitter of a wireless power system, comprising: communicating with a power receiver of an instrument; transitioning to a standby state based on a first request from the power receiver to enter a conditional standby state; activating the power receiver after the expiration of the sleep time period of the conditional standby state; receiving one or more communications from the power receiver after the power receiver has been activated; and transitioning to a power state if one or more communications include a power request message from the power receiver.

[0072] Clause 2. A method of Clause 1, further comprising: refraining from transitioning to a power state when one or more communications include a second request for transitioning to a conditional standby state; and returning to a conditional standby state based on the second request.

[0073] Clause 3. A method of Clause 2, wherein the step of returning to a conditional standby state includes: transitioning to a standby state during a period following the sleep time; and activating the power receiver after the expiration of the period following the sleep time.

[0074] Clause 4. A method of Clause 2, wherein the second request indicates a new sleep time period, and the step of returning to a conditional standby state includes: transitioning to a standby state during the new sleep time period; and activating the power receiver after the expiration of the new sleep time period.

[0075] Clause 5. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, further comprising the step of receiving an indicator from a power receiver that the power receiver is in a first type of device that implements sleep times between instances of power states.

[0076] Clause 6. A method of Clause 5, wherein the step of receiving an indicator includes the step of receiving a Near Field Communication (NFC) Data Interchange Format (NDEF) message that includes a field having an indicator.

[0077] Clause 7. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first request indicates a sleep time.

[0078] Clause 8. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein the first requirement indicates an expected cooling time after a heating operation of the equipment, and the method further includes the step of calculating a sleep time for a conditional standby state based at least in part on the expected cooling time.

[0079] Clause 9. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the first requirement indicates a target temperature for the reheating operation of the equipment, and the method further includes the step of transitioning to a power state if one or more communications include a temperature measurement below the target temperature.

[0080] Clause 10. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, further comprising the step of negotiating a sleep time with a power receiver via one or more messages before receiving a first request to enter a conditional standby state.

[0081] Clause 11. A method according to Clause 10, the step of negotiating a sleep time, comprising: receiving a first value from a power receiver, the first value indicating at least one of a nominal cooling time, a nominal sleep time, or a requested sleep time; transmitting a second value from a power transmitter to a power receiver, the second value indicating a sleep time proposed based on one or more parameters of the power transmitter; and setting a sleep time based at least in part on the first value and the second value.

[0082] Clause 12. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: activating a power receiver; establishing communication with the power receiver; and performing one or more actions relating to a detection state and a connection state, the one or more actions including at least foreign object detection (FOD);

[0083] Clause 13. A method of Clause 12, wherein the steps of performing one or more operations include: determining that a power receiver is present in the operating environment of a power transmitter and that no foreign object is detected by the FOD; and omitting at least one operation that would be performed during a detection state or a connection state.

[0084] Clause 14. A method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, further comprising the steps of: determining after the expiration of the sleep time period for each corresponding conditional standby state that the power receiver has moved, the power receiver is no longer in the operating environment of the power transmitter, or a foreign object has been introduced during the conditional standby state; and resetting the power transmitter to a reinitialized state.

[0085] Clause 15. A power transmitter including a controller configured to perform a method described in any one of Clauses 1 through 11.

[0086] Clause 16. A method by a power receiver of equipment for use in a wireless power system, comprising: communicating a first request to a power transmitter for transitioning to a conditional standby state; receiving bias power from the power transmitter after the expiration of a sleep time period for the conditional standby state; and transmitting one or more communications to the power transmitter after receiving the bias power, wherein one or more communications are configured to cause the power transmitter to transition to a power state or return to a conditional standby state.

[0087] Clause 17. A method as described in Clause 16, wherein one or more communications include a power state transition request message for causing the power transmitter to transition to a power state.

[0088] Clause 18. A method of Clause 16, wherein one or more communications include a second request to return the power transmitter to a conditional standby state for another period of sleep time or a new period of sleep time indicated in the second request.

[0089] Clause 19. A method described in any one of Clauses 16 to 18, further comprising the step of the power receiver communicating an indicator to the power transmitter that the power receiver is in a first type of device that implements sleep times between instances of power states.

[0090] Clause 20. A method according to any one of Clauses 16-19, wherein the first requirement indicates at least one of the following: an explicit value for sleep time, an expected cooling time for the heating operation of the equipment, a target temperature for the reheating operation of the equipment, or other indicators that enable the power transmitter to calculate the conditions for waking the power receiver from a conditional standby state.

[0091] Clause 21. A method according to any one of Clauses 16-20, further comprising the step of negotiating a sleep time with a power transmitter via one or more messages before communicating a first request to transition to a conditional standby state.

[0092] Clause 22. A power receiver including a controller configured to perform any one of Clauses 16-21.

[0093] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, stores instructions causing the processor to perform any one of the functions described above.

[0094] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can be implemented as a system having means for realizing any one of the functions described above.

[0095] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described herein can 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.

[0096] In this specification, the phrases “at least one” or “one or more” in a list of items refer to any combination of those items that contains a single element. For example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to include the possibilities of a only, b only, c only, a and b combination, a and c combination, b and c combination, and a, b, and c combination.

[0097] The various exemplary components, logic, logic blocks, modules, circuits, operations, and algorithmic processes described in relation to the embodiments disclosed herein can 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 is shown 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.

[0098] The hardware and data processing equipment 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 by general-purpose single-chip 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 combined with a DSP core, or other such configurations. In some embodiments, specific processes, operations, and methods may be performed by circuits specific to a particular function.

[0099] 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 in one or more tangible processor-readable or computer-readable storage media to be executed by or control the operation of a data processing device including the components of the device described herein. Such storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or 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 in the scope of storage media.

[0100] Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth herein are applicable to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and novel features.

[0101] Furthermore, various features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented individually or in any suitable subcombination in multiple embodiments. Therefore, even if features are described above as acting in a specific combination and initially stated in the claims as such, one or more features may be excluded from the combination described in the claims, and the combination described in the claims may cover subcombinations or variations of subcombinations.

[0102] Similarly, while diagrams may show operations in a specific order, this does not require that such operations be performed in a specific order or sequence as illustrated, or that all illustrated operations be performed, in order to obtain the desired result. Furthermore, diagrams may schematically illustrate one or more exemplary processes in the form of flowcharts or flow charts. However, other operations not illustrated can be incorporated into the schematicly illustrated exemplary processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above is not necessary in all embodiments. It should also be understood that the program components and systems described can generally be integrated into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Claims

1. A method using a power transmitter for a wireless power system, the method being: The steps include communicating with the device's power receiver, A step of transitioning to a standby state based on a first request from the power receiver to enter a conditional standby state, The steps include: starting the power receiver after the sleep time period of the conditional standby state has expired; The steps include: after the power receiver is started up, receiving one or more communications from the power receiver; The step of transitioning to a power state when one or more of the communications include a power request message from the power receiver, method.

2. If one or more of the communications include a second request for transitioning to the conditional standby state, A step of refraining from transitioning to the aforementioned power state, The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of returning to the conditional standby state based on the second requirement.

3. The step of returning to the conditional standby state is: The following steps are taken during the period following the sleep time: The method according to claim 2, comprising the step of activating the power receiver after the expiration of the subsequent period of the sleep time.

4. The second request indicates a new sleep time period, and the step of returning to the conditional standby state is: The steps include transitioning to the standby state during the aforementioned new sleep time period, The method according to claim 2, comprising the step of activating the power receiver after the expiration of the new sleep time period.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of receiving an indicator from the power receiver that the power receiver is in a first type of device that performs the sleep time between instances of the power state.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of receiving the indicator includes the step of receiving a Near Field Communication (NFC) Data Interchange Format (NDEF) message that includes a field having the indicator.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first requirement indicates the sleep time.

8. The first requirement indicates the expected cooling time after the heating operation of the equipment, and the method is as follows: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of calculating the sleep time of the conditional standby state based at least in part on the expected cooling time.

9. The first requirement indicates the target temperature for the reheating operation of the equipment, and the method is as follows: The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising the step of transitioning to the power state if one or more communications include a temperature measurement below the target temperature.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of negotiating the sleep time with the power receiver via one or more messages before receiving the first request to enter the conditional standby state.

11. The step of negotiating the sleep time is: A step of receiving a first value from the power receiver, wherein the first value represents at least one of the nominal cooling time, nominal sleep time, or requested sleep time, A step of communicating a second value from the power transmitter to the power receiver, wherein the second value represents a sleep time proposed based on one or more parameters of the power transmitter; The method according to claim 10, comprising the step of setting the sleep time based at least in part on the first value and the second value.

12. The step of starting the power receiver is: The steps include establishing communication with the aforementioned power receiver, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the step of performing one or more operations relating to a detection state and a connection state, wherein the one or more operations include at least foreign object detection (FOD).

13. The step of performing one or more of the aforementioned actions is: The steps include determining that the power receiver is located within the operating environment of the power transmitter and that no foreign matter is detected by the FOD, The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of omitting at least one operation performed during the detection state or the connection state.

14. After the expiration of the sleep time period for each corresponding conditional standby state, The steps include determining that the power receiver has moved, that the power receiver is no longer in the operating environment of the power transmitter, or that a foreign object has been introduced during the conditional standby state, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising the step of resetting the power transmitter to a reinitialized state.

15. A method using a power receiver for equipment used in a wireless power system, wherein the method is A step of transmitting a first request to the power transmitter to transition to a conditional standby state, The steps include receiving bias power from the power transmitter after the expiration of the sleep time period of the conditional standby state, The step of transmitting one or more communications to the power transmitter after receiving the bias power, The one or more communications described above are configured to bring the power transmitter into a power state or return it to the conditional standby state. method.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the one or more communications include a power state transition request message for causing the power transmitter to transition to the power state.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the one or more communications include the second request to return the power transmitter to the conditional standby state for another period of the sleep time, or for a new period of sleep time indicated by the second request.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising the step of communicating from the power receiver to the power transmitter an indicator that the power receiver is in a first type of device that performs the sleep time between instances of the power state.

19. The first requirement is, The explicit value of the aforementioned sleep time, The expected cooling time for the heating operation of the aforementioned device, The target temperature for the reheating operation of the aforementioned device, or The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the power transmitter provides at least one of the other indicators that enable it to calculate the conditions for waking the power receiver from the conditional standby state.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising the step of negotiating the sleep time with the power transmitter via one or more messages before communicating the first request to transition to the conditional standby state.

21. A power transmitter, said power transmitter is A communication unit configured to communicate with the power receiver of the device, Includes a power transmitter (PTx) controller, The aforementioned PTx controller is Based on a first request from the power receiver to enter a conditional standby state, the system transitions to a standby state. The power receiver is configured to start up after the expiration of the sleep time period of the conditional standby state, The communication unit is configured to receive one or more communications from the power receiver after the power receiver is started up. The PTx controller transitions to a power state when one or more communications include a power request message from the power receiver. Power transmitter.

22. The PTx controller, when one or more communications include a second request for transitioning to the conditional standby state, Avoid transitioning to the aforementioned power state, and The power transmitter according to claim 21, further configured to return to the conditional standby state based on the second requirement.

23. The PTx controller is configured to return to the conditional standby state if the PTx controller is configured to return to the conditional standby state. During the period following the aforementioned sleep time, the system transitions to the standby state, and The power transmitter according to claim 22, which is configured to activate the power receiver after the expiration of the subsequent period of the sleep time.

24. The second request indicates a new sleep time period, and the PTx controller is configured to return to the conditional standby state, During the aforementioned new sleep time period, the system transitions to the standby state, and The power transmitter according to claim 22, comprising activating the power receiver after the expiration of the new sleep time period.

25. The power transmitter according to claim 25, wherein the communication unit is further configured to receive from the power receiver an indicator that the power receiver is in a first type of device that performs the sleep time between instances of the power state.

26. The power transmitter according to claim 25, wherein the communication receives the index via a Near Field Communication (NFC) Data Exchange Format (NDEF) message that includes a field having the index.

27. The power transmitter according to claim 27, wherein the first requirement indicates the sleep time.

28. The first requirement indicates the expected cooling time after the heating operation of the equipment, The power transmitter according to claim 28, wherein the PTx controller is further configured to calculate the sleep time of the conditional standby state based at least in part on the expected cooling time.

29. The first requirement indicates the target temperature for the reheating operation of the device, The power transmitter according to claim 29, wherein the PTx controller is further configured to transition to the power state when one or more communications include a temperature measurement below the target temperature.

30. The power transmitter according to claim 30, wherein the PTx controller is further configured to negotiate the sleep time with the power receiver via one or more messages before receiving the first request to enter the conditional standby state.

31. The aforementioned PTx controller is Receiving a first value from the power receiver, wherein the first value represents at least one of the nominal cooling time, nominal sleep time, or required sleep time, The power transmitter communicates a second value to the power receiver, the second value representing a sleep time proposed based on one or more parameters of the power transmitter, The power transmitter according to claim 30, further configured to set the sleep time based at least in part on the first value and the second value.

32. To start the aforementioned power receiver, The communication unit is configured to establish communication with the power receiver, The power transmitter according to claim 32, wherein the PTx controller is configured to perform one or more operations relating to a detection state and a connection state, the one or more operations include at least foreign object detection (FOD).

33. The PTx controller, after the power receiver is started, The power receiver is located within the operating environment of the power transmitter, and it is determined that no foreign matter is detected by the FOD. The power transmitter according to claim 32, further configured to omit at least one operation performed during the detection state or the connection state.

34. The PTx controller, after the expiration of the sleep time period for each corresponding conditional standby state, Determining that the power receiver has moved, that the power receiver is no longer within the operating environment of the power transmitter, or that a foreign object has been introduced during the conditional standby state, The power transmitter according to claim 34, further configured to perform the following: resetting the power transmitter to a reinitialized state.

35. A power receiver, said power receiver is It includes a communication unit and a power receiver (PRx) controller, The aforementioned communication unit is A first request to transition to a conditional standby state is communicated to the power transmitter, After the expiration of the sleep time period of the conditional standby state, it is configured to receive bias power from the power transmitter. The PRx controller is, After receiving the bias power, the communication unit is configured to transmit one or more communications to the power transmitter. The one or more communications described above are configured to bring the power transmitter into a power state or return it to the conditional standby state. Power receiver.

36. The power receiver according to claim 35, wherein the one or more communications include a power state transition request message for causing the power transmitter to transition to the power state.

37. The power receiver according to claim 35, wherein the one or more communications include a second request to return the power transmitter to the conditional standby state for another period of the sleep time, or for a new period of sleep time indicated by the second request.

38. The power receiver according to claim 38, wherein the communication unit is further configured to communicate from the power receiver to the power transmitter an indicator that the power receiver is in a first type of device that implements sleep times between instances of the power state.

39. The first request is, The explicit value of the aforementioned sleep time, The expected cooling time for the heating operation of the aforementioned device, The target temperature for the reheating operation of the aforementioned device, or The power receiver according to claim 39, wherein the power transmitter indicates at least one of other indicators that enable the power receiver to calculate the conditions for returning from the conditional standby state.

40. The power receiver according to claim 40, wherein the PRx controller is further configured to negotiate the sleep time with the power transmitter via one or more messages before communicating the first request to transition to the conditional standby state.

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