Wireless power transmission device, method for operating wireless power transmission device, and non-transitory storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless power transmission device, a method for operating the wireless power transmission device, and a non-transitory storage medium. According to an embodiment, a controller of a wireless power transmission device may be configured to: control a power supply circuit to apply first power to a transmitting coil in a first ping operation; detect first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation and store the first information in a memory; identify an external object placed in a charging area of a housing of the wireless power transmission device on the basis of the first information and reference information; detect second information related to the first ping operation by re-performing the first ping operation; identify movement of the external object on the basis of a difference between the first information and the second information; control the power supply circuit to apply second power for communication with the object to the transmission coil in a second ping operation; and on the basis of identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation, perform an operation for foreign object detection (FOD) and an operation for transmitting power for wireless charging to the external object. Other embodiments are also possible.

Description

Wireless power transmission device and method of operating the wireless power transmission device and non-transitory storage medium

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a wireless power transmission device for detecting a foreign substance, a method of operating the wireless power transmission device, and a non-transitory storage medium.

[0002] Wireless power transmission technology using magnetic induction is a method of transmitting power using an electromagnetic field induced in a coil. A wireless power transmission device generates an electromagnetic field by applying a current to a transmission coil, and an induced electromotive force is formed in a receiving coil of a wireless power reception device by the generated electromagnetic field, thereby allowing power to be transmitted wirelessly.

[0003] A wireless power receiver can perform in-band communication while wirelessly receiving power from a wireless power transmitter. The wireless power receiver can provide information to the wireless power transmitter by performing in-band communication. For example, the wireless power receiver can perform in-band communication based on an ASK (amplitude shift keying) modulation method. At least one additional element can be selectively connected to a resonant circuit of the wireless power receiver via a switch, and the wireless power receiver can perform modulation by controlling the on / off state of the switch. Depending on the modulation in the wireless power receiver, the amplitude of the current and / or voltage applied to the transmission coil of the wireless power transmitter can be changed. The wireless power transmitter can confirm the information provided by the wireless power receiver by demodulating and / or decoding information about the amplitude of the current and / or voltage applied to the transmission coil.

[0004] When a foreign object is present on a wireless power transmission device, the wireless power transmission efficiency of the wireless power transmission device may be reduced or the wireless power transmission device may be damaged due to the foreign object. Therefore, a method for detecting foreign objects (FOD) in a wireless power transmission device can be used to detect foreign objects. The method for detecting foreign objects can detect foreign objects based on whether or not a response is received from the foreign object by transmitting power (e.g., a ping signal) to confirm the presence of the foreign object.

[0005] However, when a foldable electronic device including a hinge structure made of metal is identified as a foreign object, when the electronic device having the hinge structure is placed on a wireless power transmission device for wireless charging, the metal of the hinge structure may cause a false foreign object detection (FOD) to be performed.

[0006] The technical problems to be achieved in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wireless power transmission device may include a transmitting coil, a power providing circuit, a memory, and a controller electrically connected to the transmitting coil, the power providing circuit, and the memory.

[0008] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the power providing circuit to apply a first power to the transmitting coil in a first ping operation.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the controller may be configured to detect first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation, and store the first information in the memory.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the controller may be configured to identify an external object placed in a charging area of ​​a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and the reference information.

[0011] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to re-perform the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identify movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information.

[0012] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the power providing circuit to apply a second power to the transmitting coil for communicating with the object in a second ping operation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to perform an operation for foreign object detection (FOD) and an operation for transmitting power for wireless charging to the foreign object based on identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a method of operating a wireless power transmission device may include, in a first ping operation, applying a first power to a transmission coil of the wireless power transmission device by a power providing circuit of the wireless power transmission device.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the method may include detecting the first information while performing the first ping operation and storing the first information in the memory.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of identifying an external object placed in a charging area of ​​a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and the reference information.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the method may include re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identifying movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method may include, in a second ping operation, applying a second power for communication with the object to the transmitting coil by the power providing circuit.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method may include performing a foreign object detection (FOD) and transmitting power for wireless charging to the foreign object based on identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium storing a program, wherein the program, when executed by a processor of a wireless power transmission device, causes the wireless power transmission device to perform an operation of applying a first power to a transmission coil of the wireless power transmission device by a power providing circuit of the wireless power transmission device in a first ping operation, an operation of detecting first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation and storing the first information in the memory, an operation of identifying an external object placed in a charging area of ​​a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and reference information, an operation of re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation and identifying movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information, an operation of applying a second power for communication with the object to the transmission coil by the power providing circuit in a second ping operation, and an operation of identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation, It may include executable instructions to perform operations of detecting (FOD) and transmitting power for wireless charging to the external object.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power reception device according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power reception device according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example of an operating method in a wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of an operating method in a wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are diagrams showing examples of an operating method in a wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0027] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for the same or similar components. In addition, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness. The term "user" used in the embodiments of the present disclosure may refer to a person using an electronic device or a device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device) using an electronic device.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0031] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or calculations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or a secondary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor)) that can operate independently or together therewith. For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and a secondary processor (123), the secondary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a specified function. The secondary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0032] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0033] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0034] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0035] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0036] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0037] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. In one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0038] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0039] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0040] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0041] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0042] A haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. In one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0043] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0044] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0045] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0046] The communication module (190) may support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and may include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0047] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for realizing 1eMBB, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for realizing mMTC, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for realizing URLLC.

[0048] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas by, for example, the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0049] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high frequency band.

[0050] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0051] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In another embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power reception device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, a wireless power transmission device (201) (e.g., an electronic device (102) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment can wirelessly transmit power to a wireless power reception device (101) (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). The wireless power transmission device (201) can receive information from the wireless power reception device (101). In one example, the wireless power transmission device (201) can transmit power according to an inductive method. When the wireless power transmission device (201) uses an inductive method, the wireless power transmission device (201) can include, for example, at least one of a power source, a DC-DC conversion circuit (e.g., a DC / DC converter), a DC-AC conversion circuit (e.g., an inverter), an amplifier circuit, an impedance matching circuit, at least one capacitor, at least one coil, or a communication modulation circuit. The at least one capacitor may form a resonant circuit together with the at least one coil. The wireless power transmission device (201) can implement at least a part of the method defined in the Qi standard of the wireless power consortium (WPC). The wireless power transmission device (201) can include a coil that can generate an induced magnetic field when a current flows according to an induction method. The process of the wireless power transmission device (201) generating an induced magnetic field can be expressed as the wireless power transmission device (201) wirelessly transmitting power. In addition, in the coil of the wireless power reception device (101), an induced electromotive force (or current, voltage, and / or power) can be generated by a magnetic field generated in the surroundings according to a resonance method or an induction method. The process of generating an induced electromotive force through the coil can be expressed as the wireless power reception device (101) wirelessly receiving power.

[0054] A wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment can communicate with a wireless power reception device (101). For example, the wireless power transmission device (201) can communicate with the wireless power reception device (101) according to an in-band method. The wireless power transmission device (201) can modulate data to be transmitted, for example, according to a frequency shift keying (FSK) modulation method, and the wireless power reception device (101) can provide information by modulating according to an amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation method. The wireless power transmission device (201) can confirm information provided by the wireless power reception device (101) based on the amplitude of current and / or voltage applied to a transmission coil. Although the description of FIG. 2 illustrates that the wireless power receiving device (101) directly transmits information to the wireless power transmitting device (201), this is only for ease of understanding, and those skilled in the art will understand that the wireless power receiving device (101) only controls the on / off of at least one switch inside. The operation of performing modulation based on the ASK modulation method and / or the FSK modulation method can be understood as an operation of transmitting data (or packet) according to the in-band communication method, and the operation of performing demodulation based on the ASK demodulation method and / or the FSK demodulation method can be understood as an operation of receiving data (or packet) according to the in-band communication method.

[0055] In the present disclosure, when the wireless power transmission device (201) or the wireless power reception device (101) performs a specific operation, it may mean that various hardware included in the wireless power transmission device (201) or the wireless power reception device (101), for example, a controller such as a controller (for example, a micro controlling unit (MCU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, or an application processor (AP)) performs a specific operation. Alternatively, when the wireless power transmission device (201) or the wireless power reception device (101) performs a specific operation, it may also mean that the controller controls other hardware to perform a specific operation. Alternatively, the wireless power transmitter (201) or wireless power receiver (101) performing a specific operation may mean that at least one instruction for performing a specific operation stored in a storage circuit (e.g., memory) of the wireless power transmitter (201) or wireless power receiver (101) is executed, thereby causing a controller or other hardware to perform a specific operation.

[0056] In the present disclosure, the wireless power receiving device (101) may be a foldable or flip-type electronic device in which a portion of the housing is folded, and may include a hinge structure made of metal arranged in a portion where a portion of the housing is folded. The wireless power transmitting device (201) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent a false foreign object detection (FOD) from occurring before receiving a response (e.g., a signal strength packet (SSP)) from the wireless power receiving device (101) by incorrectly determining the metal of the hinge structure as a foreign object (FO) when the wireless power receiving device (101) is placed on a charging area (203).

[0057] In the present disclosure, a wireless power transmission device (201) can perform ping, identification and configuration, negotiation for FOD determination, and power transfer steps to transmit power to a wireless power reception device (101) according to a method defined in the Qi standard of the wireless power consortium (WPC).

[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power reception device according to one embodiment. The wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment may include at least one of a power source (211), an inverter (218) including a plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4), a capacitor (212), a transmission coil (213), a demodulation circuit (214), a controller (215), or a DC / DC converter (217). According to one embodiment, power provided by the power source (211) may be provided to the DC / DC converter (217). The power source (211) may include at least one of an interface for connecting to an external travel adapter (TA), a battery (not shown), a charger (not shown), or a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (not shown) of the wireless power transmission device (201). The power source (211) may provide, for example, direct current power to the DC / DC converter (217), but there is no limitation on the form of the power provided. The DC / DC converter (217) can convert the voltage of the supplied power and apply it to the inverter (218). The DC / DC converter (217) can change the voltage of the supplied DC power and provide the DC power having the changed voltage (or, driving voltage (VDD)) to the inverter (218). The DC / DC converter (217) can perform, for example, buck converting and / or boost converting, and can be implemented as, for example, a 3-level converter, but those skilled in the art will understand that there is no limitation on the type.

[0059] An inverter (218) according to one embodiment can output AC power using a driving voltage (VDD) provided from a DC / DC converter (217). A plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) can form, for example, a full bridge circuit, but there is no limitation on the number of switches or the type of bridge circuit. For example, when a full bridge circuit is formed, one end of the transmitting coil (213) can be connected to a connection point between the switches (Q1, Q2) via a capacitor (212), and the other end of the transmitting coil (213) can be connected to a connection point between the switches (Q3, Q4). The plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) can be controlled to be in an on state or an off state. For example, in order to generate AC power, the controller (215) can control the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) to be on during a first period while controlling the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) to be off, and can control the first switch (Q1) and the third switch (Q3) to be off during a second period while controlling the second switch (Q2) and the fourth switch (Q4) to be on, and can repeatedly perform the above-described control operations. The controller (215) can provide control signals (Q1_DRV, Q2_DRV, Q3_DRV, Q4_DRV) for generating the above-described AC power to the plurality of switches (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4). Here, not only outputting the control signal, but also refraining from outputting the control signal can be referred to as control of the controller (215).For example, the controller (215) outputting a first control signal for generating AC power having a first frequency to the inverter (218) may mean that the controller (215) outputs a control signal (Q1_DRV, Q3_DRV) for controlling the switches (Q1, Q3) to be on for a first period corresponding to the first frequency, and then outputs a control signal control signal (Q2_DRV, Q4_DRV) for controlling the switches (Q2, Q4) to be on for a second period corresponding to the first frequency, and repeats the above-described output operations. Meanwhile, the controller (215) outputting a second control signal for generating AC power having a second frequency to the inverter (218) may mean that the controller (215) outputs a control signal control signal (Q1_DRV, Q3_DRV) for controlling the switches (Q1, Q3) to be in an on state for a first period corresponding to the second frequency, and then outputs a control signal control signal (Q2_DRV, Q4_DRV) for controlling the switches (Q2, Q4) to be in an on state for a second period corresponding to the second frequency, and repeats the above-described output operations. In this case, the first period and the second period corresponding to the second frequency may be different from the first period and the second period corresponding to the first frequency. At least one of the DC / DC converter (217) or the inverter (218) may be referred to as a power supply circuit. The controller (215) can control a power supply circuit (e.g., at least one of a DC / DC converter (217) or an inverter (218)) so that power is applied to the transmitting coil (213).

[0060] According to one embodiment, AC power generated by the inverter (218) may be applied to the transmitting coil (213). The inverter (212) may form a resonant circuit with the transmitting coil (213). The transmitting coil (213) may form a magnetic field based on the applied AC power. A portion of the magnetic field (or magnetic flux) formed by the transmitting coil (213) may pass through a cross-section of the receiving coil (221) of the wireless power receiving device (101). As the magnetic field passing through the cross-section of the receiving coil (221) changes over time, an induced electromotive force (e.g., current, voltage, or power) may be generated in the receiving coil (221).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the demodulation circuit (214) can demodulate a signal applied to the transmitting coil (213) (e.g., a voltage (219) applied to both ends of the transmitting coil (213)) and output a demodulated signal (V demod). The demodulation circuit (214) can output the demodulated signal (V demod) by, for example, down-converting the signal applied to the transmitting coil (213) (e.g., the voltage (219) at both ends) by the frequency of the AC power (e.g., 100 to 210 kHz). For example, the demodulation circuit (214) can include a mixer and / or multiplier circuit for removing a carrier component for wireless power transmission (e.g., a frequency of the AC power of 100 to 210 kHz). Here, since a waveform in which a component by modulation of the wireless power receiving device (101) and an AC power component by the wireless power transmitting device (201) are mixed can be applied to both ends of the coil (213) of the wireless power transmitting device (201), the frequency component (e.g., 100 to 210 kHz) of the AC power is named as a carrier component, and those skilled in the art will understand that the wireless power receiving device (101) does not actually generate an electromagnetic wave in which modulated data is mixed with a carrier wave. Accordingly, the carrier component (e.g., 100 to 210 kHz, which is the frequency of the AC power) can be removed from the voltage (219) at both ends of the transmitting coil (213). The demodulation circuit (214) may additionally filter (low-pass filter) the demodulation signal (V demod) and output it. The demodulation circuit (214) may include a low-pass filter. Alternatively, the demodulation circuit (214) may generate a demodulation signal (V demod) by filtering the voltage (219) across the transmitting coil (213) and then down-converting it by the frequency of the AC power (e.g., 100 to 210 kHz). The amplitude of the voltage (219) across the transmitting coil (213) may be changed according to the ASK modulation of the wireless power receiving device (101).According to one embodiment, the controller (215) can check the information provided by the wireless power receiving device (101) based on the demodulation signal (V demod) output by the demodulation circuit (214). The controller (215) can, for example, perform analog-to-digital converting (ADC) on the demodulation signal (V demod). The controller (215) can decode the digital value obtained as the ADC result, and check the information provided by the wireless power receiving device (101) according to the decoding result. The decoding method may be based on the Qi standard, for example, but those skilled in the art will understand that there is no limitation thereto. Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the demodulation circuit (214) performs frequency downconversion (e.g., carrier wave removal) and / or low-pass filtering, and the controller (215) performs ADC and / or decoding, but this is merely exemplary. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the demodulation circuit (214) may be implemented to further perform at least one of ADC or decoding, and that the controller (215) may be implemented to further perform frequency downconversion (e.g., carrier rejection) and / or low-pass filtering.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the wireless power receiving device (101) may include at least one of a receiving coil (221), a capacitor (222), a capacitor (223), a rectifier circuit (255), a controller (250), a plurality of capacitors (261, 262, 263, 264), a plurality of switches (231, 232, 233, 234), a capacitor (241), a regulator (242), a capacitor (243), or a charger (244).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the receiving coil (221), the capacitor (222), and the capacitor (223) may form a resonant circuit. One end of the capacitor (222) may be connected to the receiving coil (221), and the other end of the capacitor (222) may be connected to one end of the capacitor (223) and one end of the rectifier circuit (255). One end of the capacitor (223) may be connected to the other end of the capacitor (222), and the other end of the capacitor (223) may be connected to the other end of the receiving coil (221). In other words, the capacitor (223) may be connected in parallel to a circuit formed by connecting the receiving coil (221) and the capacitor (222) in series. The other end of the capacitor (223) may be connected to the other end of the rectifier circuit (255).

[0064] According to one embodiment, the rectifier circuit (255) may include a plurality of switches (S1, S2, S3, S4) forming a full bridge circuit. One end of the resonant circuit may be connected to a connection point between the switches (S1, S2), and the other end of the resonant circuit may be connected to a connection point between the switches (S3, S4). The rectifier circuit (255) may convert AC power received through the receiving coil (221) into DC power. The controller (250) may control the on / off states of the plurality of switches (S1, S2, S3, S4) so ​​that the AC power may be converted into DC power.

[0065] According to one embodiment, a capacitor (241) and a regulator (242) may be connected to the rectifier circuit (255). One end of the capacitor (241) may be grounded. The regulator (242) may perform voltage conversion (e.g., buck converting and / or boost converting) and / or regulating of the voltage of rectified power output from the power conversion circuit.

[0066] In one embodiment, the charger (244) can charge a battery (not shown) using power converted and / or regulated by the regulator (242). In one embodiment, the charger (244) can control the voltage and / or current for charging the battery depending on the charging mode of the battery (e.g., constant current (CC) mode, constant voltage (CV) mode, or rapid charge mode). Depending on the implementation, a PMIC (not shown) may be connected to the regulator (242) instead of the charger (244).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the controller (250) can perform modulation in response to information to be provided. The controller (250) can determine which capacitor among the plurality of capacitors (261, 262, 263, 264) will perform modulation. Depending on the capacitor to perform modulation, the difference in amplitude of the voltage (219) sensed by the wireless power transmission device (201) can change. For example, when modulation is performed using only the capacitor (261), it is assumed that the difference in amplitude of the voltage (219) sensed by the wireless power transmission device (201) (e.g., the difference between the maximum amplitude of the voltage (219) while the switch (231) is on and the maximum amplitude of the voltage (219) while the switch (231) is off) is a first value. In this case, since the capacitors (262, 263, 264) are not used for modulation, the switches (232, 233, 234) can be maintained in the off state. Meanwhile, when modulation is performed with the capacitors (261) and (262), the difference in the amplitude of the voltage (219) sensed by the wireless power transmitter (201) (for example, the difference between the maximum amplitude of the voltage (219) while the switches (231, 232) are in the on state and the maximum amplitude of the voltage (219) while the switches (231, 232) are in the off state) may be a second value, which may be greater than the first value. In this case, since the capacitors (263, 264) are not used for modulation, the switches (233, 234) can be maintained in the off state. The wireless power receiving device (101) can adjust the modulation degree (or modulation depth) by adjusting the capacitor that performs modulation among the plurality of capacitors (261, 262, 263, 264). As described above, the controller (250) can output and / or refrain from outputting at least some of the control signals (CMA1, CMA2, CMB1, CMB2) so that the switches corresponding to the non-determined capacitors are kept in an off state while performing modulation using the determined capacitors.Meanwhile, for example, the capacitance of the capacitor (262) may be smaller than the capacitance of the capacitor (261), and the capacitance of the capacitor (264) may be smaller than the capacitance of the capacitor (263), but this is a simple example and there is no limitation on the size of the capacitance, and they may be the same.

[0068] The controller (215) described in the above-described Fig. 3 may be named as a control circuit, and may be an MCU (micro controlling unit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one processor, or an AP (application processor). The controller (250) may be named as a control circuit, and may be an MCU (micro controlling unit), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), at least one processor, or an AP (application processor).

[0069] Again, referring to FIG. 2, the controller (215) of the wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment may perform a first ping operation (e.g., Q ping operation) of a ping phase to identify when a foreign object is placed (e.g., placed or attached) or removed on the charging area (203) and to determine whether a foreign object exists (e.g., distinguishes between an object capable of receiving wireless power and a foreign object). The controller (215) may determine whether the foreign object has moved while performing the first ping operation so as to prevent a false FOD (Q-FOD) determination by incorrectly determining that the placed object is a device capable of receiving wireless power and being charged (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) as a foreign object during the ping phase. Here, the charging area (203) of the wireless power transmission device (201) may be configured on a part of the housing of the wireless power transmission device (201) (e.g., a surface opposite to the surface placed on the floor or an upper surface). The first ping operation may be an operation of outputting a first ping signal (e.g., applying a first power) to the transmission coil (213) for a specified time by applying a first current output from the converter (217) to the inverter (218). Here, the first ping signal may be a Q ping signal and may be referred to as “first power.”

[0070] According to one embodiment, the controller (215) may perform an operation (e.g., a preparation step or an initial Q ping operation) to acquire (e.g., detect, measure, or receive) reference information for a specified period of time (e.g., 1.5 s) after the wireless power transmission device (201) is turned on (e.g., power on or Tx boot up), and store or update the reference information in the memory of the wireless power transmission device (201). Here, the reference information may include at least one of a voltage and / or current detected through the first ping operation in a state where no object is placed in the charging area (203), a reference quality factor (Q) value, a reference frequency, and a reference L / R value (e.g., a value related to Q value calculation (Q = 2pi f L / R)).

[0071] In one embodiment, the controller (215) may control the inverter (218) included in the power supply circuit to output a first ping signal (e.g., apply a first power) to the transmission coil (213) while performing a first ping operation at a specified ping period (e.g., 550 ms). Here, the first power may be power of a first frequency transmitted through the transmission coil (213) to determine whether an external object is identified (e.g., present, detected, or confirmed) on the charging area (203) in the first ping operation. In one embodiment, the controller (215) may detect information (e.g., first information) related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation (e.g., apply the first power) to the transmission coil (213). Here, the information related to the first ping operation may include at least one of a quality factor (Q) value, a resonant frequency, or an L / R value detected while performing the first ping operation.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the controller (215) can identify that a foreign object is placed in the charging area (203) based on the information related to the first ping operation obtained and the reference information. The controller (215) can determine whether the foreign object is placed in the charging area based on the difference between the Q factor value and the reference factor value included in the information related to the first ping operation and / or the difference between the resonant frequency and the reference frequency included in the information related to the first ping operation. The controller (215) can identify that a foreign object is placed on the charging area (203) if the reference factor value is greater than the detected Q factor value and the detected resonant frequency is not the same as the reference frequency. When a foreign object is placed on the charging area (203), the Q factor may change (e.g., decrease), so the controller (215) can determine that a foreign object is placed on the charging area (203) if the result of comparing the detected Q factor value and the reference factor value has a difference outside a tolerance range. If the reference factor value is not greater than the detected Q factor value and the detected resonant frequency is the same as the reference frequency, the controller (215) determines that there is no external object, continues to perform the first ping operation, and can detect information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation (e.g., for a specified period of time). Thereafter, the controller (215) can again check whether there is an external object.

[0073] According to one embodiment, when the controller (215) identifies that an external object exists on the charging area (203), it can check whether the external object has moved. For example, the controller (215) can check (e.g., monitor) whether the external object has moved for a predetermined time (e.g., a ping period). The controller (215) compares a previously detected Q factor value with a currently detected Q factor value (or a Q factor value + tolerance) to check a change in the Q factor value (e.g., obtains a change amount), and if the previously detected Q factor value and the currently detected Q factor value (or the Q factor value + tolerance) are not the same and there is a change (or difference) in the Q factor value, it can check that the external object has moved. If the previously detected Q factor value and the currently detected Q factor value (or the Q factor value + tolerance) are the same, the controller (215) can check that there is no movement of the external object.

[0074] According to one embodiment, when the controller (215) determines that an external object is moving, it may perform a second ping operation for outputting a second ping signal to the transmission coil (213) for communicating with the external object, without performing a foreign object determination (FO determination) operation for determining whether there is a foreign object in the external object. Here, the second ping operation may be an operation for outputting a second ping signal (e.g., applying second power) to the transmission coil (213) for a specified time by applying a second current output from the converter (217) to the inverter (218). Here, the second ping signal may be a digital (D) ping signal and may be referred to as “second power.” Here, the second power may be power of a second frequency (e.g., digital ping frequency 127.7 kHz) transmitted through the transmission coil (213) for communicating with the external object. According to one embodiment, if the external object is an object capable of receiving wireless power (e.g., a wireless power receiving device (101)) that is not a foreign substance while performing a second ping operation that outputs a second ping signal to the transmitting coil (213), the wireless power transmitting device (201) can receive a response (e.g., an SSP) to the second ping operation from the external object. The wireless power transmitting device (201) and the wireless power receiving device (101) can perform in-band communication, and the wireless power transmitting device (201) can receive a response (e.g., an SSP or valid data based on a demodulation result) to the second ping operation from the wireless power receiving device (101) through in-band communication.

[0075] In one embodiment, if no response is received during the second ping operation, the controller (215) may perform the Q ping operation again without determining the presence of a foreign object by identifying that the foreign object has moved, to avoid false foreign object detection (FOD) by misjudgement that the foreign object is a foreign object when it is actually an object capable of receiving wireless power.

[0076] When the controller (215) according to one embodiment receives a response to the second ping operation from an external object while performing the second ping operation (e.g., applying the second ping signal), the controller (215) may identify the external object as an object that can actually receive wireless power (e.g., a wireless power receiving device (101)), and perform at least one operation corresponding to an identification phase and a configuration phase with the external object, and the operation may follow the Qi standard, for example, but is not limited to. The controller (215) may perform a negotiation phase and a power transfer phase after performing the configuration phase. The controller (215) may perform a foreign object detection (FOD) operation by using a Q factor acquired in the Q ping phase in the negotiation phase and the power transfer phase (e.g., a Q factor acquired before (or immediately before) receiving a response). If no foreign matter is detected, the controller (215) may continue to transmit power (e.g., third power) for wireless charging to an object (e.g., a wireless power receiving device (101)) capable of receiving wireless power identified in the power transmission step. If a foreign matter is detected, the controller (215) may stop transmitting power for wireless charging.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the controller (215) of the wireless power transmitter (201) can identify that an external object (e.g., the wireless power receiver (101)) is placed in the charging area while performing a second ping operation (e.g., the D ping signal output in the fourth section of FIG. 6) that outputs a second ping signal (D ping signal) of the ping stage. Since the controller (215) does not detect information such as a Q factor and a resonant frequency while performing the second ping operation, the controller (215) compares the reference information stored in the memory with the information related to the first ping operation acquired in the previous first ping operation, and if there is no difference between the reference information and the information related to the first ping operation as a result of the comparison, it can be determined that an external object is placed in the charging area while performing the second ping operation. Accordingly, the controller (215) can perform the first ping operation (Q ping operation) again.

[0078] As such, in one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3 has been described with respect to the main components of the wireless power transmission device. However, in various embodiments, not all of the components illustrated through FIGS. 2 and 3 are essential components, and the wireless power transmission device (201) may be implemented with more components than the illustrated components, or may be implemented with fewer components. In addition, the positions of the main components of the wireless power transmission device (201) described above through FIGS. 2 and 3 may be changed according to various embodiments.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a wireless power transmission device (e.g., the wireless power transmission device (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include a transmitting coil (213), a power providing circuit, a memory, and a controller (215) electrically connected to the transmitting coil, the power providing circuit, and the memory.

[0080] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the power providing circuit to apply a first power to the transmitting coil in a first ping operation.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the controller may be configured to detect first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation, and store the first information in the memory.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the controller may be configured to identify an external object placed in a charging area (203) of a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and the reference information.

[0083] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to re-perform the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identify movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information.

[0084] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to control the power providing circuit to apply a second power to the transmitting coil for communicating with the object in a second ping operation.

[0085] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to perform an operation for foreign object detection (FOD) and an operation for transmitting power for wireless charging to the foreign object based on identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation.

[0086] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to re-perform the first ping operation based on not receiving the response from the external object while performing the second ping operation.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the information related to the first ping operation may include at least one of a Q factor of the first ping operation or a resonant frequency of the first ping operation.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the controller may be configured to detect the resonant frequency based on a voltage detected in the transmitting coil in response to the first power while performing the first ping operation, and to identify that the external object is placed in the charging area based on a difference between the Q factor and a reference factor included in the reference information and / or a difference between the resonant frequency and a reference frequency.

[0089] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to identify that the external object is placed in the charging area based on the reference factor being greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency being different from the reference frequency.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the reference factor is a Q factor detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and may be stored in advance in the memory of the wireless power transmission device.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the reference frequency is a frequency detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and may be stored in advance in the memory.

[0092] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to identify that the object is not placed in the charging area based on the reference factor being not greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency corresponding to the reference frequency, and to re-perform the first ping operation.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the controller may be configured to perform the operation of identifying that the foreign object has not moved and determining whether a foreign substance exists in the charging area based on comparing the previously detected Q factor with the currently detected Q factor and identifying that the currently detected Q factor has not changed.

[0094] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to perform the operation of determining whether a foreign object is present in the charging area based on identifying that the foreign object has not moved after re-performing the first ping operation, and to perform the second ping operation.

[0095] In one embodiment, the controller may be configured to identify, based on the response received from the external object, that the external object is a wireless power receiving device, and control the power providing circuit to apply third power for wireless charging of the wireless power receiving device to the transmitting coil.

[0096] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operating method in a wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operating method in a wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment. In the following embodiments, each operation may be performed sequentially, but is not necessarily performed sequentially. For example, the order of each operation may be changed, and at least two operations may be performed in parallel.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a wireless power transmission device (201) according to an embodiment (e.g., the wireless power transmission device (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may, before performing operation 401, acquire (e.g., detect, measure, or receive) information related to a first ping operation before an external object is placed (e.g., when a first ping signal is output in the t1 section of FIG. 5) after the wireless power transmission device (201) is turned on (e.g., power on or Tx boot up), and store or update the acquired information related to the first ping operation as reference information in the memory of the wireless power transmission device (201). Here, the reference information may include at least one of a reference quality factor (Q) value, a reference frequency (F) value, or a reference L / R value detected through a first ping operation (e.g., Q ping) in a state where no external object (101) is placed in the charging area (e.g., the charging area (203) of FIG. 2).

[0098] Again, referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in operation 401, the wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment may perform a first ping operation. For example, the first ping operation may be an operation of outputting a first ping signal (501) (e.g., applying a first power) from a power supply circuit (e.g., by applying a first current output from a converter to an inverter) to a transmission coil (213). Here, the first ping signal (501) may be a Q ping signal and may be referred to as “first power.” In one embodiment, the first ping operation and the second ping operation may be performed. For example, the first ping signal (501) may be an analog ping or Q ping signal and may be transmitted as “first power,” and the second ping signal (503) may be a digital ping or D ping signal and may be transmitted as “second power.” In operation 403, the wireless power transmission device (201) may obtain information (511) (e.g., Q detection) related to the first ping operation. For example, the information (511) related to the first ping operation may include at least one of a quality factor (Q) value, a resonant frequency, or an L / R value detected while performing the first ping operation.

[0099] In operation 405, the wireless power transmission device (201) can compare the information (511) related to the first ping operation obtained with the reference information to determine whether the external object (101) is identified. If the external object (101) is identified, the wireless power transmission device (201) can identify that the external object (101) (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) is placed in the charging area (e.g., the charging area (203) of FIG. 2) of the housing of the wireless power transmission device (201) based on the information (511) related to the first ping operation and the reference information, and can perform operation 407. The wireless power transmission device (201) can identify that the external object (101) is placed in the charging area in the t2 section of the ping step, as illustrated in FIG. 5. As a result of the verification in operation 405, if the external object is not identified, the wireless power transmission device (201) can confirm that no external object is placed in the charging area and perform operation 401 again. According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) can determine whether an external object (101) is placed in the charging area based on the difference between the Q factor value (Q_Value) included in the information (511) related to the first ping operation and the reference factor value included in the reference information and / or the difference between the resonant frequency (F_Value) included in the information (511) related to the first ping operation and the reference frequency. The wireless power transmission device (201) can identify that an external object is placed on the charging area if the reference factor value is greater than the detected Q factor value and the detected resonant frequency and the reference frequency are not the same. When an external object (101) is placed on the charging area, the Q factor may change (e.g., decrease), so the wireless power transmission device (201) can determine that the external object (101) is placed on the charging area if the result of comparing the detected Q factor value and the reference factor value has a difference outside the tolerance range.If the reference factor value is not greater than the detected Q factor value and the detected resonant frequency is the same as the reference frequency, the wireless power transmission device (201) determines that there is no external object (101) and can continue to perform the first ping operation in operation 401.

[0100] In operation 407, the wireless power transmission device (201) can determine whether an external object (101) moves based on a change in information related to the first ping operation. According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) can compare a previously detected Q factor value (e.g., a Q factor value of information (511) related to the first ping operation) with a currently detected Q factor value (or Q factor value + tolerance) (e.g., a Q factor value (or Q factor value + tolerance) of information (512) related to the first ping operation) to determine a change in the Q factor value (e.g., obtain a change amount).

[0101] As a result of checking in operation 407, if it is confirmed that the external object (101) is moved as the information related to the first ping operation changes (operation 407 = Yes), the wireless power transmission device (201) can perform operation 415. For example, if the user moves the external object (101) to the center of the charging area to properly place the external object (101) in the charging area as the external object (101) is incorrectly placed at the edge of the charging area, the wireless power transmission device (201) can obtain information (512) related to the changed first ping operation. Here, the wireless power transmission device (201) compares the information (511) related to the first ping operation previously acquired with the information (512) related to the first ping operation currently acquired, and if the information (512) related to the first ping operation currently acquired has changed (e.g., the currently detected Q factor value has become lower than the previously detected Q factor value), it can identify that the external object (101) has moved. Here, the external object (101) identified as having moved may be an object capable of receiving power (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101) of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the t2 section of the ping step may be a designated ping period (e.g., 550 ms), and operations 401 to 407 may be performed during the t2 and t3 sections of the ping step to obtain information (511 and 512) related to the first ping operation, identify an external object (101), and check whether the external object (101) is moving.According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) can determine that there is movement of an external object (101) if a previously detected Q factor value (e.g., a Q factor value included in information (511) related to a first ping operation) and a currently detected Q factor value (or Q factor value + tolerance) (e.g., a Q factor value (or Q factor value + tolerance) included in information (512) related to a first ping operation) are not the same and there is a change (or difference) in the Q factor value (e.g., a Q factor value detected in a section t3 and / or a section t4 of FIG. 5 is lowered).

[0102] As a result of the confirmation in operation 407, if the wireless power transmission device (201) identifies that there is no movement of the external object (101) (operation 407 = No), the wireless power transmission device (201) can perform operation 409. According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) can confirm that there is no movement of the external object (101) if the previously detected Q factor value (e.g., the Q factor value included in the information (511) related to the first ping operation) and the currently detected Q factor value (or Q factor value + tolerance) (e.g., the Q factor value (or Q factor value + tolerance) included in the information (512) related to the first ping operation) are the same.

[0103] In operation 409, the wireless power transmission device (201) can check whether there is a foreign substance in an external object (101) placed in the charging area based on information (512) related to the first ping operation. Here, the operation of checking whether there is a foreign substance may be an operation of first checking whether there is a foreign substance in the charging area based on information (511 to 513) related to the first ping operation acquired (or detected) in the ping stage prior to the foreign substance detection (FOD) operation performed in the section t5 of FIG. 5.

[0104] As a result of the confirmation in operation 409, if it is determined that a foreign substance exists (operation 409 - Yes), in operation 411, the wireless power transmission device (201) can set information indicating the presence of a foreign substance. The wireless power transmission device (201) can perform operation 415 after performing operation 411. According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) can identify that a foreign substance (FO) exists in the external object (101) if the last detected Q factor value (Q_Last) (e.g., the detected Q factor value included in the information (512 or 513) related to the first ping operation) is smaller than the threshold factor value (thr_Q1) and the last detected resonant frequency (F_Last) (e.g., the resonant frequency included in the information (512) related to the first ping operation) is greater than the threshold frequency (thr_F1). Here, information indicating the presence of a foreign substance may include a foreign substance flag value (e.g., FO Flag=1), a last resonant frequency value (e.g., F_Last), and a last Q factor value (e.g., Q_Last).

[0105] If it is determined in operation 409 that no foreign substance exists (operation 409 - No), in operation 413, the wireless power transmission device (201) can set information indicating that no foreign substance exists. The wireless power transmission device (201) can perform operation 415 after performing operation 413. According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) can determine that no foreign substance exists if the Q factor value (e.g., the last detected Q factor value (Q_Last)) included in the information (512) related to the first ping operation is not smaller than a threshold factor value, and the resonant frequency (e.g., the last detected resonant frequency is the threshold frequency (F_Last)) included in the information (512) related to the first ping operation is not greater than the threshold frequency. Here, information indicating the absence of a foreign substance may include a foreign substance flag value (e.g., FO Flag=0), a previously detected resonant frequency value (e.g., F_value), and a previously detected Q factor value (e.g., Q_value).

[0106] In operation 415, the wireless power transmitter (201) may perform a second ping operation to output a second ping signal (D ping signal) (503) from the power supply circuit to the transmission coil for communication with an external object (101) (e.g., outputting the D ping signal in the third section of FIG. 5). Here, the second ping operation may be an operation to output the second ping signal (503) (e.g., apply second power) to the transmission coil (213) for a specified time by applying a second current output from the converter (217) to the inverter (218). Here, the second ping signal (503) may be a digital (D) ping signal and may be referred to as “second power.” Here, the second power may be power of a second frequency (e.g., a digital ping frequency of 127.7 kHz) transmitted through the transmission coil (213) for communication with the external object (101).

[0107] In operation 417, the wireless power transmission device (201) can check whether a response to the second ping operation is received from an external object (101) while performing the second ping operation.

[0108] As a result of checking in operation 417, if no response is received (operation 417 - No), the wireless power transmission device may perform a first ping operation to output a first ping signal in operation 401 again (e.g., outputting a Q ping signal in the fourth section of FIG. 5) and obtain information (513) related to the first ping operation. According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) may identify an external object (101) and determine whether the external object (101) is moving by repeatedly performing operations 403 to 407 described above. In order to prevent a false foreign object detection (FOD) operation from being performed by mistakenly determining that the external object (101) is a foreign object when it is actually an object capable of receiving wireless power, if no response is received during the second ping operation, the wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment can perform the Q ping operation of operation 401 again without checking for the presence of a foreign object in operation 409 when it identifies that the external object (101) has moved.

[0109] As a result of checking in operation 417, if a response is received (operation 417 - yes), the wireless power transmission device (201) can perform operation 419.

[0110] In operation 419, the wireless power transmission device (201) may perform a foreign object detection (FOD) operation (e.g., FOD (531 and 532) in the section t5 of FIG. 5) and a power transmission operation for wireless charging. According to one embodiment, when the wireless power transmission device (201) receives (521) a response (e.g., SSP: signal strength packet) to the second ping operation from the external object (101) while performing the second ping operation (e.g., applying the second ping signal (503)), the wireless power transmission device (201) may identify the external object (101) as an object that can actually receive wireless power (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) and perform at least one operation corresponding to an identification phase and a configuration phase (522) with the external object (101), and the operation may follow the Qi standard, for example, but is not limited thereto. The controller (215) may perform a configuration phase and then negotiate. The wireless power transmission device (201) may perform a negotiation phase (523) and a power transfer phase (e.g., section t5). According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (201) may perform a foreign object detection (FOD) operation (531, 532) using the Q factor acquired in the Q ping phase (e.g., the Q factor acquired before (or immediately before) receiving a response) in the negotiation phase (523) and the power transmission phase (e.g., section t5). According to one embodiment, if a foreign object is not detected, the wireless power transmission device (201) may continue to transmit power (e.g., third power) for wireless charging to an external object (101) (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) capable of receiving wireless power identified in the power transmission phase (e.g., section t5). If a foreign object is detected through the foreign object detection (FOD) operation, the wireless power transmission device (201) may stop transmitting power for wireless charging.The wireless power transmission device (201) can set the amount of power transmitted for wireless charging to be low when a foreign substance is detected through a foreign substance detection (FOD) operation.

[0111] FIGS. 6A and 6B are drawings showing examples of an operating method in a wireless power transmission device according to one embodiment.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 6A, a wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment may identify that a foreign object (101) (e.g., a wireless power reception device (101)) is placed in a charging area while performing a second ping operation (e.g., outputting a D ping signal (603) in the t4 section of FIG. 6A) that outputs a second ping signal (D ping signal) (603) in the ping step after identifying that a foreign object (605) is placed first in the t2 section. In the t4 section, the wireless power transmission device (201) may receive a response signal (e.g., SSP). The wireless power transmission device (201) compares the reference information stored in the memory with the information (612) related to the first ping operation obtained from the previous first ping operation (e.g., Q ping operation outputting a Q ping signal (601)), and if there is no difference between the reference information and the information (612) related to the first ping operation, it can determine that an external object (101) is placed in the charging area while performing the second ping operation. The wireless power transmission device (201) can perform the first ping operation (Q ping operation) again to confirm the movement of the external object (101), identify the movement situation, and identify the presence of a foreign object (FO). The wireless power transmission device (201) may perform a Q-factor foreign object detection (Q-FOD) operation (621) in the configuration phase or negotiation phase since it has identified a foreign object attachment (605), and may decide to stop (622) the Tx transmission before entering the power transfer phase (e.g., section t5). In one embodiment, the power transmission device (201) may check the power loss status based on power information (received power packet (RPP), signal strength packet (SSP)) received by the external object (101), and may decide to stop (622) the Tx transmission depending on whether a foreign object is detected.Here, the external object (101) may be a wireless receiving device capable of receiving power and may operate in extended power profile (EPP).

[0113] Referring to FIG. 6A, a wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment can identify (607) that a foreign substance (FO) and a foreign object (101) are placed (e.g., attached) at the edge of a charging area in a section t2, perform a first ping operation (Q ping operation) to check the movement of the foreign substance (FO) and / or the foreign object (101), and identify whether or not there is a foreign substance (FO). While performing a second ping operation (e.g., outputting the D ping signal (603) in sections t3 and t4 of FIG. 6A) that outputs a second ping signal (D ping signal) (603), it can identify that a foreign object (101) (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) is placed in the charging area. In a section t3 and / or a section t4, the wireless power transmission device (201) can receive a response signal (e.g., SSP). The wireless power transmission device (201) may perform a Q-factor foreign object detection (Q-FOD) operation (621) in a configuration phase or a negotiation phase when a foreign object (FO) and a foreign body (101) are attached together, and may stop (632) Tx transmission in a power transfer phase (630). In one embodiment, the power transmission device (201) may check a power loss status based on power information (received power packet (RPP), signal strength packet (SSP)) received by the foreign object (101), and may decide to stop Tx transmission (622) depending on whether a foreign body is determined. Here, the foreign object (101) may be a wireless reception device capable of receiving power and may operate with an extended power profile (EPP).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 6B, the wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment can identify that a foreign object (101) (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) is placed in the charging area while performing a second ping operation (e.g., outputting the D ping signal (603) in the t4 section of FIG. 6A) that identifies that a foreign object (101) is first placed (605) in the t2 section and then outputs a second ping signal (D ping signal) (603) in the ping step. In the t4 section, the wireless power transmission device (201) can receive a response signal (e.g., SSP). The wireless power transmission device (201) can perform the first ping operation (Q ping operation) to confirm the movement of the foreign object (101), identify the movement situation, and identify whether a foreign object (FO) exists. The wireless power transmission device (201) can perform a Q-factor foreign object detection (Q-FOD) operation (631) in a power transfer phase (630) since it has identified a foreign object attachment (605), and can stop Tx transmission (632). In one embodiment, the power transmission device (201) can check a power loss status based on power information (received power packet (RPP), signal strength packet (SSP)) received by an external object (101), and can decide to stop Tx transmission (622) depending on whether a foreign object is determined. Here, the external object (101) can be a wireless reception device capable of receiving power, and can operate in a base power profile (BPP).

[0115] Referring to FIG. 6B, the wireless power transmission device (201) according to one embodiment can identify that a foreign substance (FO) and a foreign object (101) are placed together (e.g., attached) at the edge of the charging area (609) in the t2 section, and perform a first ping operation (Q ping operation) to check the movement of the foreign object (101) and identify whether or not the foreign object (101) is present. While performing a second ping operation (e.g., outputting the D ping signal (603) in the t3 and t4 sections of FIG. 6B) that outputs a second ping signal (D ping signal) (603), it can identify that the foreign object (101) (e.g., the wireless power reception device (101)) is placed in the charging area. In the t3 section and / or the t4 section, the wireless power transmission device (201) can receive a response signal (e.g., SSP). The wireless power transmission device (201) may perform a Q-factor foreign object detection (Q-FOD) operation (621) in a negotiation phase when a foreign object (FO) and a foreign body (101) are attached together, perform a power loss foreign object detection (power loss FOD) operation (633) in a power transfer phase (630), and stop Tx transmission (634) in the power transfer phase (630). In one embodiment, the power transmission device (201) may check a power loss status based on power information (received power packet (RPP), signal strength packet (SSP)) received by the foreign object (101), and may decide to stop Tx transmission (622) depending on whether a foreign body is detected. Here, the foreign object (101) may be a wireless reception device capable of receiving power, and may be capable of operating in both an extended power profile (EPP) and a base power profile (BPP).

[0116] According to one embodiment, an operating method in a wireless power transmission device (e.g., the wireless power transmission device (201) of FIGS. 2 and 3) may include, in a first ping operation, applying a first power to a transmission coil (213) of the wireless power transmission device by a power providing circuit of the wireless power transmission device.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the method may include detecting first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation, and storing the first information in the memory.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the method may include an operation of identifying an external object placed in a charging area (203) of a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and the reference information.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the method may include re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identifying movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information.

[0120] In one embodiment, the method may include, in a second ping operation, applying a second power for communicating with the object to the transmitting coil by the power providing circuit.

[0121] In one embodiment, the method may include performing a foreign object detection (FOD) and transmitting power for wireless charging to the foreign object based on identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation.

[0122] In one embodiment, the method may further include re-performing the first ping operation based on not receiving the response from the external object while performing the second ping operation.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the information related to the first ping operation may include at least one of a Q factor of the first ping operation or a resonant frequency of the first ping operation.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the operation of detecting information related to the first ping operation may include an operation of detecting the resonant frequency based on a voltage detected in the transmitting coil corresponding to the first power while performing the first ping operation.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the operation of identifying the external object may include an operation of identifying that the external object is placed in a charging area based on a difference between the Q factor and a reference factor included in the reference information and / or a difference between the resonant frequency and the reference frequency.

[0126] In one embodiment, the operation of identifying the external object may include an operation of identifying that the external object is placed in the charging area based on the reference factor being greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency being different from the reference frequency.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the reference factor is a Q factor detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and may be stored in advance in the memory of the wireless power transmission device.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the reference frequency is a frequency detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and may be stored in advance in the memory.

[0129] In one embodiment, the method may further include identifying that the object is not placed in the charging area based on the reference factor being not greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency corresponding to the reference frequency, and re-performing the first ping operation.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of identifying that the foreign object has not moved and determining whether a foreign substance is present in the charging area based on comparing a previously detected Q factor with the currently detected Q factor and identifying that the currently detected Q factor has not changed.

[0131] In one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of determining whether a foreign object is present in the charging area based on identifying that the foreign object has not moved after re-performing the first ping operation.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the operation of transmitting power for wireless charging to the external object may include an operation of identifying that the external object is a wireless power receiving device based on the response received from the external object, and an operation of applying a third power for wireless charging of the wireless power receiving device to the transmitting coil by the power providing circuit.

[0133] According to one embodiment, a non-transitory storage medium storing a program, wherein the program, when executed by a processor of a wireless power transmission device, causes the wireless power transmission device to perform an operation of applying a first power to a transmission coil (213) of the wireless power transmission device by a power providing circuit of the wireless power transmission device in a first ping operation, an operation of detecting first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation and storing the first information in the memory, an operation of identifying an external object placed in a charging area (203) of a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and reference information, an operation of re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation and identifying movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information, an operation of applying a second power for communication with the object to the transmission coil by the power providing circuit in a second ping operation, and an operation of detecting a response from the object while performing the second ping operation. Based on the identification of what is received, it may include executable instructions to perform foreign object detection (FOD) and transmit power for wireless charging to the foreign object.

[0134] In the present disclosure, the wireless power transmission device can prevent false foreign substance detection due to misjudgment of a foreign substance as a foreign substance due to a foreign substance included in the wireless power reception device when the wireless power reception device capable of wireless charging is lifted outside the center area of ​​the charging area, and the foreign substance (e.g., metal foreign substance) can be clearly detected through the operating method of the wireless power transmission device, and the problem of temperature rise due to the foreign substance can be prevented. In addition, various effects that can be directly or indirectly recognized through the present disclosure can be provided. The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0135] The embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are presented for the purpose of explaining and understanding the disclosed technical content, and do not limit the scope of the technology described in this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should be interpreted to include all modifications or various other embodiments based on the technical concepts of this disclosure.

[0136] Electronic devices according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0137] The various embodiments of the present disclosure and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in the present disclosure to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the present disclosure, each of the phrases "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among the phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0138] The term "module" used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0139] Various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be provided as a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between sellers and buyers as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or may be provided through an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones), online distribution (e.g., downloading or uploading). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0141] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In a wireless power transmission device (201), Transmitter coil (213); Power supply circuit; memory; and It includes a controller (215) electrically connected to the above transmitting coil, the above power providing circuit and the above memory, The above controller, Controlling the power supply circuit to apply a first power to the transmitting coil in the first ping operation, Detecting first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation, and storing the first information in the memory; Based on the above first information and reference information, an external object placed in the charging area (203) of the housing of the wireless power transmission device is identified, Re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identifying movement of the external object based on the difference between the first information and the second information; Controlling the power supply circuit to apply a second power to the transmitting coil for communicating with the object in the second ping operation; An electronic device configured to perform an operation for foreign object detection (FOD) and / or an operation for transmitting power for wireless charging to the external object based on identifying that a response is received from the external object while performing the second ping operation.

2. In paragraph 1, the controller, A wireless power transmission device configured to re-perform the first ping operation based on not receiving the response from the external object during the second ping operation.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, Information related to the first ping operation includes at least one of a Q factor of the first ping operation or a resonant frequency of the first ping operation, The above controller, While performing the first ping operation, the resonant frequency is detected based on the voltage detected in the transmitting coil in response to the first power, Based on the difference between the Q factor and the reference factor included in the reference information and / or the difference between the resonant frequency and the reference frequency, identifying that the external object is placed in the charging area, Based on the above reference factor being greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency being different from the reference frequency, it is identified that the external object is placed in the charging area, Based on the above reference factor being not greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency corresponding to the reference frequency, it is determined that the object is not placed in the charging area, and the first ping operation is set to be re-performed. The above reference factor is a Q factor detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and is stored in advance in the memory of the wireless power transmitter. A wireless power transmission device, wherein the reference frequency is a resonant frequency detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and is stored in advance in the memory.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, the controller, Based on the identification that the currently detected Q factor has not changed by comparing the previously detected Q factor with the currently detected Q factor, the operation of identifying that the external object has not moved and determining whether a foreign substance exists in the charging area is performed, is set to be performed. A wireless power transmission device configured to perform the operation of determining whether a foreign object exists in the charging area based on identifying that the foreign object has not moved after re-performing the first ping operation, and to perform the second ping operation.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, the controller, Based on the response received from said external object, identifying said external object as a wireless power receiving device; A wireless power transmitter configured to control the power providing circuit to apply third power for wireless charging of the wireless power receiving device to the transmitting coil.

6. In the operating method of the wireless power transmission device (201), In a first ping operation, an operation of applying a first power to a transmitting coil (213) of the wireless power transmitter by a power providing circuit of the wireless power transmitter; An operation of detecting first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation and storing the first information in the memory; An operation of identifying an external object placed in a charging area (203) of a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and reference information; An operation of re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identifying movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information; In the second ping operation, the operation of applying a second power for communication with the object to the transmitting coil by the power supply circuit; and A method comprising: performing a foreign object detection (FOD) and transmitting power for wireless charging to the foreign object based on identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation.

7. In paragraph 6, the method, A method further comprising an operation of re-performing the first ping operation based on not receiving the response from the external object while performing the second ping operation.

8. In paragraph 6 or 7, Information related to the first ping operation includes at least one of a Q factor of the first ping operation or a resonant frequency of the first ping operation, The operation of detecting information related to the above first ping operation is as follows: An operation of detecting the resonant frequency based on a voltage detected from the transmitting coil in response to the first power while performing the first ping operation, The action of identifying the above external object is: A method comprising an operation of identifying that the external object is placed in the charging area based on a difference between the Q factor and a reference factor included in the reference information and / or a difference between the resonant frequency and the reference frequency.

9. In any one of paragraphs 6 to 8, the operation of identifying the external object comprises: An operation for identifying that the external object is placed in the charging area based on the fact that the reference factor is greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency is different from the reference frequency, The above reference factor is a Q factor detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and is stored in advance in the memory of the wireless power transmitter. The above reference frequency is a frequency detected while performing the first ping operation in a state where no external object is placed in the charging area, and is stored in advance in the memory.

10. In any one of clauses 6 to 9, the method, A method further comprising: identifying that the object is not placed in the charging area based on the reference factor being not greater than the Q factor and the resonant frequency corresponding to the reference frequency, and re-performing the first ping operation.

11. In any one of clauses 6 to 10, the method, A method further comprising: identifying that the external object has not moved based on comparing the previously detected Q factor with the currently detected Q factor and determining whether a foreign substance exists in the charging area.

12. In any one of clauses 6 to 11, the method, A method further comprising: determining whether a foreign object is present in the charging area based on identifying that the foreign object has not moved after re-performing the first ping operation.

13. In any one of paragraphs 6 to 12, the operation of transmitting power for wireless charging to the external object comprises: An operation of identifying that the external object is a wireless power receiving device based on the response received from the external object; and A method comprising an operation of applying third power for wireless charging of the wireless power receiving device to the transmitting coil by the power providing circuit.

14. In a non-transitory storage medium storing a program, the program, when executed by at least one processor (215) of a wireless power transmission device (201), the wireless power transmission device, In a first ping operation, an operation of applying a first power to a transmitting coil (213) of the wireless power transmitter by a power providing circuit of the wireless power transmitter; An operation of detecting first information related to the first ping operation while performing the first ping operation and storing the first information in the memory; An operation of identifying an external object placed in a charging area (203) of a housing of the wireless power transmission device based on the first information and reference information; An operation of re-performing the first ping operation to detect second information related to the first ping operation, and identifying movement of the external object based on a difference between the first information and the second information; In the second ping operation, the operation of applying a second power for communication with the object to the transmitting coil by the power supply circuit; and A non-transitory storage medium comprising executable instructions to perform foreign object detection (FOD) and transmit power for wireless charging to the foreign object based on identifying that a response is received from the object while performing the second ping operation.

15. In the 14th paragraph, when the program is executed by the processor of the wireless power transmission device, the wireless power transmission device, A non-transitory storage medium comprising executable instructions to further perform an operation of re-performing the first ping operation based on not receiving the response from the external object during the performing of the second ping operation.

Images