Wireless device charger

Abstract

A wireless device charger comprising an induction charger (250) housed within a body (110), a power source (260) and means for supporting an electronic device (24). The invention also comprises a system further comprising a charging station (180) and interchangeable collectible objects (150), and a computer implemented augmented reality method. The wireless device charger, charging station (16) and collectible objects comprise AR markers.

Description

WIRELESS DEVICE CHARGER

[0001] This invention is a wireless device charger, and in particular a wireless device charger for use with charging stations. This invention is also directed to a system comprising a wireless device charger and a charging station.

[0002] Charging stations provide electrical charge to electrical devices such as mobile / smart / cellular telephones, games console controllers, headphones and the like. Such electrical devices often comprise rechargeable batteries, and after use, a user will charge the device from the charging station. Such charging stations may be aesthetically pleasing and comprise a character, building or prop from a favoured game / film / television series and which holds the electrical device when it is charging, or may comprise other artwork. In order to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the charging station, some elements of the charging station that hold the electronic device can be moved out of the way or obscured when an electronic device is not being charged.

[0003] Augmented reality is a technology that allows for a user to see, through the screen of an appropriate device such as a smartphone or cellular telephone, camera, tablet or desktop computer, a combination of computer generated and real-world imagery. A processing resource linked to the camera and the screen is able to create a composite image of both the real-world image and a computer-generated image, which may be stored on the device or accessed from a database elsewhere. Such computer-generated images may be still or animated, and may be in some way induced by an AR marker (sometimes referred to as an AR trigger) that is recognised by the user’s device.

[0004] The present invention provides a wireless device charger that can be used in conjunction with a charging station in order to preserve the appeal of the charging station, to provide a portable wireless charger and to additionally provide means to support augmented reality technology.

[0005] Therefore, according to the present invention there is provided a wireless device charger, selectively removable from a charging station, the wireless device charger comprising an induction charger housed within a body, a power source, and means for supporting an electronic device.

[0006] The wireless device charger is selectively attached and removable from a charging station so when present on the charging station can charge an electronic device, and can be removed when not used so as to not interfere with the aesthetic nature of the charging station. The wireless device charger may in some embodiments be able to charge an electronic device when not connected to a charging station.

[0007] The term “electronic” devices may include any device which is used in conjunction with a charging station, and which may be charged with an induction charger, for example gaming controllers, mobile / smart / cellular telephones and headphones and the like.

[0008] The term “wireless” refers to the wireless device charger not being wired to the electronic device it is charging, and charges the electronic device via the induction charger as will be understood by persons skilled in the art. The power source of wireless device charger may include a connection port for a wired connection to a further device, such as the charging station or mains power. The connection port may be a USB port or the like.

[0009] Alternatively, or additionally, the power source may comprise a battery integrated within the wireless electronics device charger. Such chargers can be used without any further device as a portable power pack or mains connection, and can also be laid flat in order to support the electronic device being charged.

[0010] The wireless device charger comprises a body, against which the electronic device to be charged will abut in use in order to charge the electronics device. The body may be rectangular or circular in cross section, or any shape whereby it can house the induction charger yet engage with a charging station. The device charger further comprises means for holding an electronic device, which may comprise hingedly mounted feet disposed at a lower end of the body. The wireless device charger may further comprise a kickstand hingedly mounted to the read of the body, so that the wireless device charger can stand independently of a charging station

[0011] The feet may be hinged at a first end to the body, and include a raised lip at an other end thereof. The feet may comprise an anti-slip surface, which may include raised grip portions or an anti-slip covering, such as one made of rubber.

[0012] The body may further comprise an open sleeve for receiving an interchangeable collectible object, the interchangeable collectible object comprising an augmented reality (AR) marker.

[0013] The sleeve may comprise a generally rectangular sleeve comprising an open end for slidably receiving the collectable object. The sleeve may further comprise side walls and flanges to retain the collectible object therein. The side walls and flanges may define an opening at the front of the sleeve so that collectible objects stored therein can be viewed.

[0014] The collectable objects may be cards and may be substantially rectangular in shape, and may be made of metal such as aluminium, wood, plastic or card and comprise sculpted, embossed, laser etched display cards with unique collectible designs with unique AR markers built into the design and / or frame to activate dynamic augmented reality (AR) experiences. The AR marker may comprise an image, an RFID tag, a barcode (including one-dimensional, and two-dimensional barcodes or QR codes), text or the like. The collectible object may comprise a machine-readable element on one side thereof, and an alternative AR marker such as artwork or text on the other side thereof.

[0015] The collectible object may comprise a series of AR markers disposed about a rim thereof, and wherein the flanges of the sleeve of the display stand may comprise one or more aperture to expose the AR markers when the collectable object is inserted into the sleeve. Different display stands may comprise apertures in different places, and different collectible objects may comprise AR marker in different places, so that different combinations of collectible object and display stand may expose different AR marks, so that the AR experience is different each time.

[0016] Each card may also utilise an online product authentication gate system that will allow identification of individual items and give each one a unique identifier that could then trigger personalised AR experiences. By combining the authentication process with the unique collaborative trigger solution it can enable trillions of unique combinations and product experience solutions.

[0017] Each collectable object may have a series of AR triggers disposed on a surface thereof, such as about a rim, so that different triggers will be displayableto a camera depending on whether the collectable product is disposed within a wireless charger or not. The wireless device charger may comprise a variety of sleeve shapes to hold the collectable products so that different AR experiences can be obtained by different combinations of wireless device chargers and collectable objects. The wireless charger may also be adjustable so that various AR markers on the collectable objects can be masked and unmasked by the user by physically altering the shape of the wireless device charger.

[0018] The wireless device charger and / or the charging station may itself comprise one or more AR marker, which include The AR marker which may comprise an image, an RFID tag, a barcode (including one-dimensional, and two- dimensional barcodes or QR codes), text or the like. The overall shape of the wireless device charger and / or the charging station may comprise an AR marker.

[0019] The electronic device may also comprise an AR marker as described above. Different combinations of electronic device, wireless device charger, charging station and collectible object can create a vast combination of AR markers which may each relate to a different AR experience and therefore improve user experience.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising a wireless device charger as previously described and a charging station as previously described.

[0021] The charging station may comprise supporting elements for supporting the wireless device charger. In particular, the wireless device charge may comprise a connection port locatable into a jack on the surface of the charging station.

[0022] The charging station may comprise one or more augmented reality (AR) marker.

[0023] The system may further comprise a collectible object as previously described. The system may further comprise an electronic device as previously described.

[0024] According to a further aspect there is provided a computer- implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method, the method comprising: capturing, on a collectable object disposed in a wireless device charger aspreviously described, an image with image capturing means of a data processing system, the data processing system further comprising, image processing means, and display means; processing the captured image with the image processing means to detect at least a presence of an AR marker within the captured image; accessing a database of AR images, responsive to the detected AR marker; selecting from the database an AR image associated with that AR marker; augmenting or replacing the captured image with the AR image associated with that AR marker on the display means.

[0025] A further method step may include changing dynamically within the database the AR image associated with the AR marker over time, and / or capturing, on a charging station and a collectable object disposed in a wireless device charger comprising one or more AR marker, with image capturing means an image; and selecting from the database an AR image associated with the combined AR markers of the charging station and collectible object.

[0026] So that it may be better understood embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures wherein:

[0027] Figure 1a-1 d show side, rear, other side and front views of a wireless device charger according to the present invention;

[0028] Figures 2a-2b show perspective view of the wireless device charger of Figures 1 a-1d with deployed and retracted feet;

[0029] Figures 3a-3b show an alternative embodiment of wireless device charger including a collectible object being slidably mounted into the device;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a wireless device charger mounted in a charging station;

[0031] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the wireless device charger of Figure 4;

[0032] Figures 6a-6e shows a perspective, front, side, rear and top views of an alternative embodiment of wireless device charger;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a computer-implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method;

[0034] Figure 8 shows a further flow chart of the computer-implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method; and

[0035] Figure 9 shows a further flow chart of the computer-implemented method.

[0036] Referring first to Figure 1 a-1 d and 2a-2b, there is shown a wireless charger, generally referred 100, comprising a body section, generally referred 110 and hingedly mounted feet 120 for holding an electronic device (not shown) such as a mobile / smart / cellular phone or games controller. Body section 110 comprises an induction charger for wirelessly charging the electronic device. As shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b, body section 110 comprises USB ports 130, 140, or similar so the charger 100 can be mounted to a power source, such as a charging station or mains power. USB port 140 on a rear face of the body section 110 is positioned for connection to a reciprocal port on a charging station, whereas USB port 130 on a side face of the body section 110 perm its the charger 100 to be laid flat on its back and used as a wireless charger without the charging station. In such situations, the feet 120 can be retracted, as shown in Figure 2b.

[0037] Figure 3a and 3b show a variation of the wireless device charger of Figures 1a-1 d and 2a-2b generally indicated 160 which further includes a sleeve 170 for receiving an interchangeable collectable product. The collectable product is a card 150 and may be substantially rectangular in shape, and may be made of metal and comprise sculpted, embossed, laser etched display cards with unique collectible designs. The cards 150 further comprise AR markers such as particular artwork built into the design and frame to activate dynamic augmented reality (AR) experiences. The cards 150 may also comprise a machine-readable element such as a one- or two-dimensional barcode.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the wireless electronics charger of Figures 3a-3b mounted to a charging station 180. Charging station 180 comprises a support means to retain the wireless device charger 160 (not shown) and further comprises a USB jack to connect with a USB port on the rear of wireless device charger 160 (not shown). Charging station 180 further comprises a display 190 which could comprise artwork, text or a alternatively a character from a film ortelevision show or the like. Display 190 may comprise an AR marker as previously described.

[0039] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a further embodiment of wireless device charger generally indicated 200. The charger 200 comprises a front plate 210 comprising a sleeve for receiving an interchangeable collectable product, and front body portion 220, a rear body portion 230, hingedly mounted feet 240, an induction charger and PCB 250, and a battery 260.

[0040] Figure 6a to 6e show an alternative embodiment of wireless device charger generally indicated 400 comprising a body generally indicated 410 which comprises a front face 420 sides 430 and rear face 440. The wireless device charger 400 further comprises hingedly-mounted feet 450 which can be stowed within a recess 460 in the front face 420 of the body 410. Clips 470 hold the feet 450 in place when not deployed. As shown best in Figure 6D, a USB port is provided in the rear face 440 of the body 410 which is for connection to a charging station. As shown in Figure 6a and 6b there is provided an AR marker 490.

[0041] Turning to Figure 7, there is shown a computer-implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method, the method comprising: at Step 300 capturing, on a collectable object disposed in a wireless device charger, an image with image capturing means of a data processing system, the data processing system further comprising, image processing means, and display means.

[0042] At Step 310, there is shown the step of processing the captured image with the image processing means to detect at least a presence of an AR marker within the captured image.

[0043] At Step 320, there is shown the step of accessing a database of AR images, responsive to the detected AR marker.

[0044] At Step 330, there is shown the step of selecting from the database an AR image associated with that AR marker.

[0045] At Step 340, there is shown the step of augmenting or replacing the captured image with the AR image associated with that AR marker on the display means.

[0046] As shown in Figure 8 there is the additional step, at Step 350, of changing dynamically within the database the AR image associated with the AR marker over time.

[0047] As shown in Figure 9, there is shown Step 370 of capturing, on a charging station and a collectable object disposed in a wireless device charger comprising one or more AR marker, with image capturing means an image and at Step 370 selecting from the database an AR image associated with the combined AR markers of the charging station and collectible object.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A wireless device charger comprising: an induction charger housed within a body; a power source; and means for supporting an electronic device.

2. A wireless device charger as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises one or both of a battery and a connection port for connection to a charging station or mains power.

3. A wireless device charger as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body further comprises an open sleeve for receiving an interchangeable collectible object, the interchangeable collectible object comprising an augmented reality (AR) marker.

4. A wireless device charger as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the means for supporting an electronic device comprise one or more hingedly mounted feet disposed at a lower end of the body.

5. An electronic device charging system comprising a wireless device charger as claimed in any previous claim and a charging station.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5, further comprising an interchangeable collectible object comprising one or more augmented reality (AR) marker.

7. A system as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the charging station comprises one or more augmented reality (AR) marker.

8. A system as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the AR marker comprises one or more of a QR code, an image, an RFID tag, a barcode, text.

9. As system as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the collectable objects comprise substantially rectangular cards made of metal wood, plastic or cardboard.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the AR marker may comprises one or more of an image, an RFID tag, a barcode, or text.

11. A computer-implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method, the method comprising: capturing, on a collectable object disposed in a wireless device charger as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, an image with image capturing means of a data processing system, the data processing system further comprising, image processing means, and display means; processing the captured image with the image processing means to detect at least a presence of an AR marker within the captured image; accessing a database of AR images, responsive to the detected AR marker; selecting from the database an AR image associated with that AR marker; augmenting or replacing the captured image with the AR image associated with that AR marker on the display means.

12. A computer-implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising the step of changing dynamically within the database the AR image associated with the AR marker over time.

13. A computer-implemented Augmented Reality (AR) method as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12 further comprising the step of capturing, on a charging station and a collectable object disposed in a wireless device charger comprising one or more AR marker, with image capturing means an image; and selecting from the database an AR image associated with the combined AR markers of the charging station and collectible object.

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