Transmitter module and method for radio frequency charging

Abstract

A method for charging multiple devices with radio frequency signals is described, the method including generating radio frequency signals for transmission by an antenna of a transmitter module, broadcasting the radio frequency signals to an area in the vicinity of the transmitter module via an omnidirectional antenna, and / or transmitting the radio frequency signals to one or more defined areas via a directional antenna.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to device charging for charging an aerosol supply device, for example, using radio frequency signals. Background

[0002] Smoking articles such as cigarettes and cigars generate tobacco smoke by burning tobacco during use. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without burning. For example, a tobacco heating device forms an aerosol by heating an aerosol supply substrate such as tobacco, rather than burning the substrate. Further developments in this field are still needed. Summary

[0003] In a first aspect, this specification describes a transmitter module comprising a signal generator and an antenna. The signal generator is configured to generate a radio frequency signal for transmission by the antenna to a plurality of devices for radio frequency charging, one or more of the devices for charging being an aerosol supply device, and the antenna comprises an omnidirectional antenna for broadcasting the radio frequency signal in a region in the vicinity of the transmitter module, and / or a directional antenna for providing the radio frequency signal to one or more defined regions.

[0004] One or more of the defined regions may be predefined. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the defined regions may be based on the location of an identified device for charging. The transmitter module may further comprise a sensor, the sensor being configured to detect the presence of one or more devices for charging in the vicinity of the transmitter module and to output a signal indicative of the presence of the device for use in triggering transmission of the radio frequency signal.

[0005] The transmitter module may further comprise a communication module for communicating with multiple devices for radio frequency charging. The communication module may be configured to communicate with multiple devices for radio frequency charging using one or more of radio frequency signals, Bluetooth®, and Wi-Fi. The antenna may be configured to broadcast radio frequency signals for radio frequency charging and to transmit and / or receive data from one or more of the devices.

[0006] The transmitter module may further include a detection unit for determining the presence of one or more of several devices for charging within a range close to the transmitter module. The detection unit may be configured to determine the location of one or more of the several devices for charging relative to the transmitter module.

[0007] The transmitter module may further comprise a multiplexing configuration configured to provide radio frequency signals to different defined regions over different time periods. The multiplexing configuration may be configured to prioritize one or more of the defined regions by controlling the duration of the time periods.

[0008] In a second aspect, this specification describes a method for charging a plurality of devices by radio frequency signals, comprising the steps of: generating radio frequency signals for transmission by an antenna of a transmitter module; broadcasting the radio frequency signals to an area near the transmitter module via an omnidirectional antenna; and / or transmitting the radio frequency signals to one or more defined areas via a directional antenna.

[0009] One or more of the defined areas may be predetermined. Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the defined areas may be based on the location of an identified device for charging.

[0010] The method may further include the step of using a communication module to communicate with multiple devices for charging.

[0011] The method may further include the step of using a detection unit to determine the location of one or more of several devices for charging the transmitter module.

[0012] The method may further include the step of using an identification module to identify at least one of several devices for radio frequency charging.

[0013] The method may further include the step of providing radio frequency signals to different defined regions at different time periods using a multiplexing configuration. The method may further include the step of prioritizing one or more of the defined regions by controlling the duration of the time periods.

[0014] In a third aspect, this specification describes a computer program that includes instructions for causing the apparatus to perform the method described above with reference to the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] Here, an exemplary embodiment will be described as a mere example, with reference to the following schematic diagram. [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol supply device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram of a transmitter module according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing an algorithm according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This plot shows a charging configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This plot shows a charging configuration according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed explanation

[0016] As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass a system for delivering at least one substance to a user, and includes non-combustible aerosol delivery systems that release compounds from aerosol-generating materials without burning the materials, such as hybrid systems that generate aerosols using a combination of e-cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and aerosol-generating materials.

[0017] According to this disclosure, a “flammable” aerosol supply system is one in which, during use, the aerosol-generating material (or its components) of the aerosol supply system is burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0018] According to this disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol supply system is one in which the constituent aerosol-generating materials (or their components) of the aerosol supply system are not burned or incinerated in order to facilitate the delivery of at least one substance to the user.

[0019] In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol supply system.

[0020] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaporization device or an electronic nicotine delivery system (END), but it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-forming material is not a requirement.

[0021] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is an aerosol-forming material heating system, also known as a non-combustion heating system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system is a hybrid system that generates an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-forming materials, one or more of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-forming materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol-forming material and a solid aerosol-forming material. The solid aerosol-forming material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

[0023] Typically, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol supply device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol supply device

[0024] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables that contain an aerosol-forming material and are configured to be used with a non-combustible aerosol supply device. These consumables may sometimes be referred to as articles throughout the present disclosure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system, such as the non-combustible aerosol supply device, may include a power supply and a controller. The power supply may be, for example, a power supply or a heat-generating power supply. In some embodiments, the heat-generating power supply includes a carbon substrate which may be supplied with energy to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or heat-transfer material adjacent to the heat-generating power supply.

[0026] In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol supply system may include a region for receiving consumables, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating region, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0027] In some embodiments, consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol supply device may include aerosol generating material, an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generating area, a housing, packaging material, a filter, a mouthpiece, and / or an aerosol modifier.

[0028] In some embodiments, the delivered substance may be an aerosol-generating material or a material not intended to be aerosolized. Optionally, any of the materials may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and / or one or more other functional materials.

[0029] In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes an active substance. The active substance used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may be selected from, for example, dietary supplements, nootropics, and psychostimulants. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or their components, derivatives, or combinations. The active substance may include one or more components, derivatives, or extracts of tobacco, cannabis, or another plant. In one embodiment, the active substance is a legally permissible recreational drug. In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin, or vitamin B12. In some embodiments, the active substance includes or is derived from one or more plant substances or their components, derivatives, or extracts, where the plant substance is tobacco. In some embodiments, the delivered substance includes flavorings.

[0030] Aerosol-generating material is a material capable of generating aerosols when energy is supplied, for example, by heating, irradiation, or any other method. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel, which may or may not contain active substances and / or flavorings.

[0031] The aerosol-generating material may be an amorphous solid. In some embodiments, the amorphous solid is a monolithic solid. The aerosol-generating material may be non-fibrous or fibrous. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may be a dry gel. The aerosol-generating material may be a solid material capable of holding some fluid, such as a liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the held fluid may be water (such as water absorbed from the surroundings of the aerosol-generating material), or the held fluid may be a solvent (such as when the aerosol-generating material is formed from a slurry). In some embodiments, the solvent may be water.

[0032] In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may include, for example, about 50% by weight, 60% by weight, or 70% by weight of amorphous solid, or about 90% by weight, 95% by weight, or 100% by weight of amorphous solid.

[0033] The aerosol-generating material may include one or more active substances and / or flavorings, one or more aerosol-forming materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

[0034] The aerosol-forming material may contain one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming material may contain one or more of the following: glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, mesoerythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a mixture of diacetins, benzyl benzoate, benzylphenyl acetate, tributyline, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

[0035] The material may be present on or within a support to form a substrate. The support may be, for example, paper, cardboard, cardboard, reconstructive material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy, or may include these. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

[0036] Consumables are articles containing or consisting of aerosol-generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by the user. Consumables may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol-generating area, a housing, packaging material, a mouthpiece, a filter, and / or an aerosol modifier. Consumables may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to generate an aerosol in the aerosol-generating material during use. The heater may comprise, for example, a flammable material, an electrically conductive material, or a susceptor.

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a non-combustible aerosol supply device, shown as a whole and referred to as reference numeral 10, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] The aerosol supply device 10 comprises a battery 11, a control circuit 12, a heater 13, and consumables 14 (e.g., tobacco consumables in the form of tobacco sticks). The device also includes an antenna 15. An exemplary antenna 15 is shown located near the battery 11. However, this is one of many exemplary locations. As will be discussed in detail below, the antenna may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging the battery 11 (e.g., under the control of the control circuit 12). In addition, the antenna 15 may be used to transmit and / or receive data using, for example, one of several protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0039] In the use of device 10, the heater 13 is inserted into the consumable 14 so that the consumable is heated and an aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) can be generated for the user. When the user inhales from the end of the consumable, as indicated by arrow 17, air is drawn into device 10 through the air inlet as indicated by arrow 16, and then passes through the consumable to deliver an aerosol (and, in the case of a tobacco consumable, tobacco flavor) to the user.

[0040] The aerosol supply device 10 is described merely as an example. Many alternative aerosol supply devices may be used in exemplary implementations of the principle described herein. For example, device 10 may be replaced within a vapor suction device in which an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a liquid) is heated to generate an aerosol. The principle of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type of aerosol supply device 10 (i.e., the aerosol supply device 10 may be configured to aerosolize a solid, liquid or other aerosol-generating material via any suitable electric or controlled aerosol generator, such as an electrically controlled pressurized canister which may include a heater, a vibrating mesh, an irradiation source, and an electrically controlled release valve).

[0041] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the system, as a whole, shown as reference numeral 20, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] System 20 comprises the battery 11 of the aerosol supply device 10 described above, a control circuit 12, a heater 13 (or more comprehensively, an aerosol generator), and an antenna 15. The control circuit 12 of system 20 comprises a charge controller 22 and a control module 24.

[0043] Antenna 15 may be used to receive radio frequency signals for use in charging the battery 11 (for example, under the control of control circuit 12). Furthermore, the charge controller 22 may be configured to charge the battery 11 with power extracted from the received radio frequency signals (for example, under the control of control module 24). As described above, antenna 15 may be additionally used for transmitting and / or receiving data.

[0044] It should be noted that in some exemplary embodiments, the functions of the control module 24 are implemented by the charge controller 22. In fact, the control module 24 may be omitted from some exemplary embodiments.

[0045] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a transmitter module, collectively referred to as reference numeral 30, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] The transmitter module 30 is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal to an aerosol supply device such as device 10 or system 20. The transmitter module 30 comprises a signal generator 32, an antenna 34, and a power supply (not shown). The signal generator 32 is configured to generate a radio frequency signal. The antenna 34 is configured to transmit the generated radio frequency signal to the aerosol supply device. The power supply is configured to power the operation of the transmitter module 30. The power supply can take many forms. For example, the power supply may include a battery, a supercapacitor, or a connector to a commercial power supply or alternative power supply.

[0047] The radio frequency signal transmitted from the transmitter module 30 to the aerosol supply device is intended to power the aerosol supply device. The aerosol supply device can operate using the power extracted from the transmitted radio frequency signal.

[0048] The transmitter module 30 may further include a control module 36, a communication module 37, and a detection unit 38.

[0049] The communication module 37 may be provided for communicating with one or more devices for radio frequency charging (for example, using one or more of radio frequency signals, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi). The communication module 37 enables such devices to communicate to the transmitter module 30 information regarding one or more of the following: the location of a particular device for radio frequency charging, the presence of a device for radio frequency charging in close proximity to the transmitter module 30, and the charging requirements of a device for radio frequency charging.

[0050] The detection module 38 may be provided to determine the presence of one or more devices for charging in close proximity to the transmitter module. The detection unit 38 may also be configured to determine the location of one or more of a plurality of devices for charging the transmitter. The detection unit 38 may include (or communicate with) one or more sensors 39 (e.g., proximity sensors) for use in determining the presence of one or more devices for charging. For example, in some implementations, the sensor(s) 39 may include a wireless receiver (such as WiFi or Bluetooth) configured to receive wireless signals emitted by an aerosol supply device (e.g., for the purpose of establishing a communication link with the transmitter module 30).

[0051] The control module 36 may be configured to control the signal generator 32 and / or the antenna 34 and to receive data from the communication module 37 and / or the detection unit 38.

[0052] Figure 4 is a block diagram of the system, as a whole, shown as reference numeral 40, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0053] The system 40 includes a transmitter module 30 used to generate radio frequency signals for transmission by antenna 34 to a plurality of devices 46, 47, 48 for radio frequency charging, at least one of the devices for charging being an aerosol supply device (such as device 10 described above). The plurality of devices 46, 47, 48 are located near the transmitter module 30 so that the transmitter 30 can wirelessly communicate with the plurality of devices 46, 47, 48 (for example, to transmit data to and / or receive data from one or more of the devices). The transmitter module 30 may include a communication module 37 (for communicating with one or more of the devices 46, 47, 48), a detection unit 38 (for determining the presence of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging in proximity to the transmitter module), and a control module 36.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the algorithm, as a whole, shown as reference number 50, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0055] Algorithm 50 begins with operation 51, which generates a radio frequency signal for transmission by the antenna of a transmitter module (such as transmitter module 30). In operation 52, the generated radio frequency signal is broadcast to an area in the vicinity of the transmitter module. As will be discussed further below, operation 52 may be implemented using an omnidirectional antenna.

[0056] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the algorithm, as a whole, shown as reference number 60, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0057] Algorithm 60 begins with operation 61, which generates a radio frequency signal for transmission by the antenna of the transmitter module (such as transmitter module 30). Thus, operation 61 is the same as (or may be identical to) operation 51 described above.

[0058] In operation 62, the generated radio frequency signal is transmitted to one or more defined regions. As will be discussed further below, operation 62 may be implemented using a directional antenna.

[0059] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a system, shown as a whole and referred to as reference numeral 70, according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 70 comprises a transmitter module 30 and several devices 46, 47, and 48 for charging. The system 70 may be used to implement the algorithm 50 described above.

[0060] As described above, the transmitter module 30 comprises a signal generator 32 and an antenna 34, the signal generator 32 is configured to generate radio frequency signals for transmission by the antenna 34 to a plurality of devices 46, 47, 48 for radio frequency charging, one or more of which are aerosol supply devices.

[0061] System 70 represents a transmitter module 30 that broadcasts a radio frequency signal 71 to an area in the vicinity of the transmitter module 30. For this purpose, the antenna 34 of the transmitter module 30 may include an omnidirectional antenna.

[0062] The transmitter module 30 may include a communication module 37. The communication module 37 may be configured to communicate with any device for radio frequency charging located near the transmitter module 30. The control module 36 may use the information received by the communication module 37 to identify devices in the vicinity of the transmitter module 30 and control the signal generator accordingly. For example, the control module 36 may conditionally enable the signal generator if it successfully identifies a device for radio frequency charging in the vicinity of the transmitter module 30. Then, one of the multiple devices 46, 47, 48 in the vicinity of the transmitter module 30 receives the radio frequency signal 71.

[0063] The transmitter module 30 may include a detection unit 38. Alternatively, the control module 36 may use information received by the detection unit 38 to identify devices in the vicinity of the transmitter module 30 and control the signal generator accordingly.

[0064] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a system, shown as a whole and designated by reference numeral 80, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 80 comprises a transmitter module 30' as described above and a number of charging devices 46, 47, and 48. System 80 may be used to implement the algorithm 60 described above.

[0065] Transmitter module 30' is similar to transmitter module 30. Specifically, transmitter module 30' comprises a signal generator 32 and an antenna 34, the signal generator being configured to generate radio frequency signals for transmission by the antenna to a plurality of devices (such as devices 46, 47, and 48) for radio frequency charging. Unlike the omnidirectional antenna of system 70, the antenna of transmitter module 30' is directional so that it can provide radio frequency signals to one or more defined areas.

[0066] System 80 shows a transmitter module 30' that provides radio frequency signals 81, 82, and 83 to areas corresponding to the locations of devices 46, 47, and 48 for radio frequency charging. A particular defined area may contain two or more devices for radio frequency charging.

[0067] One or more of the defined regions, or all of them, may be predefined. For example, a region configured to house a device for radio frequency charging, or a region where a user is likely to place a device for radio frequency charging, may exist near the transmitter module 30'. Any device placed in or housed in these regions will receive radio frequency signals 81, 82, and 83.

[0068] Alternatively or in addition, one or more of the defined regions may be based on the location of identified devices for charging. For example, the transmitter module 30' may include a communication module 37. The communication module 37 may be configured to request data indicating the location of devices for radio frequency charging (such as devices 46, 47, and 48). Based on the received data indicating the locations of multiple devices for radio frequency charging, the control module 36 may be configured to control the directional antenna to provide radio frequency signals to the region defined by the information indicating the locations of multiple devices for radio frequency charging.

[0069] The transmitter module 30' may include a detection unit 38. Alternatively, the control module 36 may use data indicating the locations of devices 46, 47, and 48 received by the detection unit 38. Based on the received data indicating the locations of multiple devices for radio frequency charging, the control module 36 may be configured to control the directional antenna accordingly.

[0070] Alternatively or in addition, the detection unit 38 may include (or communicate with) one or more sensors 39 (e.g., proximity sensors) for use in determining the location of one or more of the devices 46, 47, and 48.

[0071] As described above, some exemplary transmitter module implementations include an omnidirectional antenna, and some other exemplary transmitter module implementations include a directional antenna. In some exemplary embodiments, a transmitter module including both an omnidirectional and a directional antenna may be provided. A mechanism may be provided for determining whether to use an omnidirectional or directional antenna. Such a mechanism may include system settings (for example, the user may indicate whether an omnidirectional or directional operating mode should be used). Alternatively or in addition, the decision mechanism may be situation-based. For example, a directional antenna may be used when charging a small number of devices (e.g., one or two aerosol supply devices), but an omnidirectional antenna may be used when charging multiple devices (e.g., more than two). Alternatively or in addition, the decision mechanism may depend on whether (or to what extent) the location of the devices to be charged can be determined.

[0072] As described above, some or all of the devices for charging may be aerosol supply devices. However, this is not required in all exemplary embodiments.

[0073] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a system, shown as a whole and designated by reference numeral 90, according to an exemplary embodiment. System 90 comprises the aforementioned transmitter module 30' which provides radio frequency signals 81, 82, and 83 to areas corresponding to the location of the device for charging. System 90 differs from system 80 only in the nature of the device for charging.

[0074] In system 90, the multiple devices for charging include an aerosol supply device 91 and two other devices 92 and 93 (such as a mobile phone or laptop). Naturally, any combination of devices may be charged in this manner.

[0075] The system 90 includes a transmitter module 30' having a directional antenna, but a transmitter module 30 having an omnidirectional antenna may be used in a modified form of the system 90 (for example, to implement the algorithm 50 described above).

[0076] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the algorithm, collectively referred to as reference numeral 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. Algorithm 100 may be implemented, for example, by systems 70, 80, or 90 described above.

[0077] Algorithm 100 starts with operation 101, which generates a radio frequency signal for transmission by the antenna of the transmitter module (e.g., transmitter module 30 or 30'). Thus, operation 101 may be the same as operations 51 and 61 described above.

[0078] In operation 102, a determination is made as to whether a device for charging is in the vicinity of the transmitter. For example, the device may be identified. Alternatively, or in addition, the presence of one or more devices may be determined using a sensor, such as a proximity sensor. If a device is identified, the algorithm proceeds to operation 104. Otherwise, the algorithm returns to operation 102.

[0079] In operation 104, a radio frequency signal (for use when charging the device identified in operation 102) is transmitted. The radio frequency signal may be broadcast (as in algorithm 50) or transmitted using a directional antenna (as in algorithm 60).

[0080] Figure 11 is a plot, generally referred to as reference number 110, showing a charging configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] A transmitter module (such as transmitter module 30 or transmitter module 30') may have a multiplexing configuration configured to provide radio frequency signals to different defined regions at different time periods. In this way, rather than continuously transmitting a radio frequency signal to all multiple devices for radio frequency charging in the network, the transmitter module may use time-division multiplexing to transmit a radio frequency signal to multiple devices for radio frequency charging. Over a time period defined by T, several identified devices for radio frequency charging, defined by N, may share the time period T for charging and receive an allocated proportion of that time period (given by, for example, T / N). Plot 110 shows an exemplary embodiment in which devices 1, 2, and N are all assigned the same calculated average charging time.

[0082] Figure 12 is a plot, generally referred to as reference number 120, showing a charging configuration according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0083] The multiplexing configuration shown in plot 120 differs from the multiplexing configuration in plot 110 in that one of the defined regions is preferred by controlling the duration of the time period. In an exemplary implementation, the communication module 37 of the transmitter module 30 or 30' may be configured to request information indicating a priority level for charging a given device. Based on the received priority level, the multiplexing configuration may assign some devices longer charging times than the average charging period for radio frequency transmission and other devices shorter charging times than the average charging period for radio frequency charging. Plot 120 shows an exemplary embodiment in which device 2 is assigned a longer charging time than device 1 or device N.

[0084] As discussed above, power may be extracted from a radio frequency (RF) signal. This can be implemented in several ways. For example, a receiving antenna may be provided to receive the RF signal, creating a potential difference along the length of the antenna. Thus, an AC (typically sinusoidal) RF signal is obtained at the antenna. This AC signal is typically converted to a DC signal using, for example, a rectifier circuit (such as a full-bridge or half-bridge rectifier). In some exemplary embodiments, an impedance matching circuit is provided between the antenna and the rectifier circuit to maximize power transmission from the antenna to the rectifier. The DC power output by the rectifier may be stored, for example, using a battery.

[0085] The various embodiments described herein are presented solely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. The advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered limitations to the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or to equivalents of the claims, and it should be understood that other embodiments may be used and modified without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may appropriately include, consist of, or essentially consist of, appropriate combinations of disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future. [Title of the invention] [Item 1] A transmitter module comprising a signal generator and an antenna, The signal generator is configured to generate radio frequency signals to be transmitted by the antenna to a plurality of devices for radio frequency charging, one or more of the devices for charging being an aerosol supply device. The aforementioned antenna, An omnidirectional antenna for broadcasting the radio frequency signal to an area near the transmitter module, and / or A transmitter module comprising a directional antenna that provides radio frequency signals to one or more defined areas. [Item 2] A transmitter module as described in item 1, wherein one or more of the defined regions are predetermined. [Item 3] A transmitter module according to item 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the defined regions are based on the location of an identified device for charging. [Item 4] The transmitter module according to item 3, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the presence of one or more devices for charging in the vicinity of the transmitter module and to output a signal indicating the presence of the devices for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal. [Item 5] A transmitter module according to any one of items 1 to 4, further comprising a communication module for communicating with the plurality of devices for radio frequency charging. [Item 6] The transmitter module according to item 5, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate with the plurality of devices for radio frequency charging using one or more of radio frequency signals, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. [Item 7] The transmitter module according to item 6, wherein the antenna is configured to broadcast radio frequency signals for radio frequency charging and to transmit and / or receive data from one or more of the devices. [Item 8] The transmitter module according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a detection unit for determining the presence of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging within a range close to the transmitter module. [Item 9] The transmitter module according to item 8, wherein the detection unit is configured to determine the position of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging relative to the transmitter module. [Item 10] A transmitter module according to any one of items 1 to 9, further comprising a multiplexing configuration configured to provide radio frequency signals to different defined regions at different time periods. [Item 11] The transmitter module according to item 10, wherein the multiplexing configuration is configured to prioritize one or more of the defined regions by controlling the duration of the time period. [Item 12] A method for charging multiple devices using radio frequency signals, The steps include generating a radio frequency signal for transmission by the antenna of the transmitter module, The steps of broadcasting the radio frequency signal via an omnidirectional antenna to an area near the transmitter module, and / or transmitting the radio frequency signal via a directional antenna to one or more defined areas, Methods that include... [Item 13] The method according to item 12, wherein one or more of the defined regions are predetermined. [Item 14] The method according to item 12 or 13, wherein one or more of the defined regions are based on the location of an identified device for charging. [Item 15] The method according to any one of items 12 to 14, further comprising the step of using a communication module to communicate with the plurality of devices for charging. [Item 16] The method according to any one of items 12 to 15, further comprising the step of using a detection unit to determine the location of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging the transmitter module. [Item 17] The method according to any one of items 12 to 16, further comprising the step of using an identification module to identify at least one of the plurality of devices for radio frequency charging. [Item 18] The method according to any one of items 12 to 17, further comprising the step of providing radio frequency signals to different defined regions at different time periods using a multiplexed configuration. [Item 19] The method of item 18, further comprising the step of prioritizing one or more of the defined regions by controlling the duration of the time period. [Item 20] A computer program that includes instructions for causing a device to perform any of the methods described in items 12 through 18.

Claims

1. A transmitter module comprising a signal generator, an antenna, and a proximity sensor, The signal generator is configured to generate radio frequency signals to be transmitted by the antenna to a plurality of devices for radio frequency charging, one or more of the devices for charging being an aerosol supply device. The aforementioned antenna, A directional antenna provides a radio frequency signal to one or more defined regions, where one or more of the defined regions are based on the location of an identified device for charging. A transmitter module in which the proximity sensor is configured to detect the presence of one or more devices for charging in the vicinity of the transmitter module and to output a signal indicating the presence of the devices for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal.

2. The transmitter module according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the defined regions are predetermined.

3. The transmitter module according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising a communication module for communicating with the plurality of devices for radio frequency charging.

4. The transmitter module according to claim 3, wherein the communication module is configured to communicate with the plurality of devices for radio frequency charging using one or more of radio frequency signals, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

5. The transmitter module according to claim 4, wherein the antenna is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal for radio frequency charging and to transmit and / or receive data from one or more of the devices.

6. The transmitter module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a detection unit for determining the presence of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging within a range adjacent to the transmitter module.

7. The transmitter module according to claim 6, wherein the detection unit is configured to determine the position of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging the transmitter module.

8. The transmitter module according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a multiplexing configuration configured to provide radio frequency signals to different defined regions over different time periods.

9. The transmitter module according to claim 8, wherein the multiplexing configuration is configured to prioritize one or more of the defined regions by controlling the duration of the time period.

10. A method implemented by a transmitter module for charging multiple devices using radio frequency signals, The steps include using a proximity sensor to detect the presence of one or more devices for charging in the vicinity of the transmitter module, The steps include using the proximity sensor to output a signal indicating the presence of the device for use in triggering the transmission of the radio frequency signal, The steps include generating a radio frequency signal for transmission by the antenna of the transmitter module, A step of transmitting the radio frequency signal via a directional antenna to one or more defined regions, wherein one or more of the defined regions are based on the location of an identified device for charging; Methods that include...

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein one or more of the defined regions are defined in advance.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of communicating with the plurality of devices for charging using a communication module.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of using a detection unit to determine the location of one or more of the plurality of devices for charging the transmitter module.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of using a control module to identify at least one of the plurality of devices for radio frequency charging.

15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of providing radio frequency signals to different defined regions at different time periods using a multiplexing configuration.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of prioritizing one or more of the defined regions by controlling the duration of the time period.

17. A computer program comprising instructions for causing a device to perform the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

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