Beacon signal strength modulation in wireless signaling environments

Abstract

Various embodiments described herein relate to modulating the strength of a wireless beacon with a 1-way communication mechanism. In an example embodiment, a method of operating a wireless power receiver (WPR) operable in a wireless power delivery environment is provided. The method includes transmitting a first beacon signal at a first power (P1) to the WPT, determining a received power (PR1) of a wireless power signal (WPS) received from the WPT in response to the first beacon signal, and adjusting P1 to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal to the WPT. The method may include transmitting the second beacon signal at P2 to the WPT, determining a received power (PR2) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the second beacon signal, and comparing a value of PR2 to a value of PR1, then adjusting P1 based on the value.

Description

BEACON SIGNAL STRENGTH MODULATION IN WIRELESS SIGNALING ENVIRONMENTSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communication transmissions in wireless signaling environments.BACKGROUND

[0002] Generating beacon signals in a wireless signaling environment consumes power. If the beacon strength is too low, the receiving end’s phase detection can be noisy. On the other hand, if the strength of the beacon signal is too strong, it can saturate the receivers, causing loss of signal. Modulating the strength of the beacon when a 2-way communication exists can be trivial, however, such a channel will also consume more power (when power is scarce).

[0003] Accordingly, a need exists for technology that overcomes the problems demonstrated above, as well as one that provides additional benefits. The examples provided herein of some prior or related devices, systems and methods, and their associated limitations, are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of existing or prior systems will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description.SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure describes how to modulate the strength of the beacon with a 1-way communication (beacon to transmitter only), while also establishing other benefits. The present technology enables establishing a highest received power from a wireless power transmitter for the lowest transmitted beacon power or strength from a wireless power receiver in a wireless signaling environment.

[0005] In an example embodiment, a method of operating a wireless power receiver (WPR) operable in a wireless power delivery environment including the WPR and a wireless power transmitter (WPT) is provided. The method includes transmitting a first beacon signal at a first power (Pl) to the WPT, determining a received power (PR1) of a wireless power signal (WPS) received from the WPT in response to the first beacon signal, and adjusting Pl to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal to the WPT. The method may include transmitting the second beacon signal at P2 to the WPT, determining a received power (PR2) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the second beacon signal, and comparing a value of PR2 to a value of PR1. For the value of PR2 being greater than thevalue of PR1, the method may include transmitting at least a third beacon signal at P2 to the WPT, and receiving at least one additional WPS from the WPT in response to the at least a third beacon signal. Alternatively, for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, the method may include iterating at least once through the method steps of first transmitting, first determining, adjusting, second transmitting, second determining, and comparing starting with at least a third beacon signal at a third power (P3) different from Pl and P2. For the at least one iteration, the adjusting step may include adjusting Pl to P3. Also, for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 , the comparing step may include comparing a value of received power (PR3) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the third beacon signal to PR1.

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. It may be understood that this Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. These and other features and aspects of various examples may be understood in view of the following detailed discussion and accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a more complete understanding of the present invention(s), and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a wireless power delivery environment including a wireless power receiver (WPR) and a wireless power transmitter (WPT), according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method in the WPR of FIG. 1 operable in the wireless power delivery environment including WPT, according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method in the WPT of FIG. 1 operable in the wireless power delivery environment including WPR, according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computing device with a wireless power receiver, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an example diagrammatic representation of a machine of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to implement or otherwiseperform any one or more of the techniques and methodologies of the present technology described herein, may be executed.

[0013] Corresponding numerals and symbols in different figures generally refer to corresponding parts unless otherwise indicated. The figures are drawn to clearly illustrate the relevant aspects of the preferred embodiments and are not necessarily drawn to scale.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and such references mean at least one of the embodiments.

[0015] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but no other embodiments.

[0016] The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and / or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way.

[0017] Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, isillustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

[0018] Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.

[0019] In the following detailed description of certain embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration of example embodiments. The appended figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. It is also to be understood that features of the embodiments and examples herein can be combined, exchanged, or removed, other embodiments may be utilized or created, and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] In accordance with various embodiments, the methods and functions described herein may be implemented as one or more software programs running on a computer, processor, or controller. Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, system-on-chip (SoC), circuit logic, and other hardware devices can likewise be constructed to implement the circuits, functions, processes, and methods described herein. Methods and functions may be performed by modules or engines, both of which may include one or more physical components of a computing device (e.g., logic, circuits, processors, controllers, etc.) configured to perform a particular task or job, or may include instructions that, when executed, can cause a processor to perform a particular task or job, or may be any combination thereof. Further, the methods described herein may be implemented as a computer readable storage medium or memory device including instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to perform the methods.

[0021] As will become apparent to persons skilled in the art, the disclosed embodiments are not merely process steps capable of being performed using generic computing devices, but which could be performed mentally or otherwise by a human being, including with the aid of pen and paper. Rather, the unique algorithms described herein are required to be encoded in software instructions to direct (e.g., “cause”) the physical actions of the various computing,communications and data storage devices in a manner believed to be as yet unknown in the pertinent technological field. These physical effects and actions include, without limitation, transmission of encoded data as signals over wired or wireless communication channels, both within one particular computing device and over great distances over spans of the Earth or outer space. The described algorithms direct data to be stored according to received data inputs of the data owners via graphical user interfaces that are transmitted to, and displayed on, user devices like personal computers and smartphones in communication with remote servers. All of these actions, and numerous others that are described herein, are performed by physical computing and communication devices, as directed by the disclosed algorithms. Furthermore, the physical actions which are specifically caused to occur using computing devices having processors taking as commands encoded software or firmware instructions stored in non-transient computer-readable storage media are performed and coordinated thereby in substantially real-time. Real-time is defined as a very nearly instantaneous result of an input, stimulus, or computation performed by a computing device as described herein, where the timing of a subsequent action is limited only by the physical makeup or design of the computing device and communications network. For example, a duration between a time upon which a result of a first computation is generated by a first networked computing device a time between that result becomes available for a subsequent computation by a second networked computing device may be limited only by a transmission time required by the physical medium of the wired, optical or wireless network connecting the first and second computing devices. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that not only are the disclosed algorithms incapable of being performed mentally by a human being, they are certainly not capable of being performed mentally with the aid of pen and paper in real time, or otherwise by a human being within a time sufficient to provide both the disclosed technical advantages and effects, and the improved user experience, in the practical application to the pertinent technological field.

[0022] Various embodiments described herein relate to wireless communication modulation in wireless signaling environments. More specifically, embodiments herein improve existing techniques related to modulating the strength of a wireless beacon with a 1-way communication (beacon to transmitter only) to advantageously improve transmissions and improve power consumption and efficiency in wireless power systems.

[0023] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a method in a wireless power receiver (WPR) operable in a wireless power delivery environment including a wireless power transmitter (WPT). The method may include first transmitting a first beacon signal at a firstpower (Pl) to the WPT. The method may also include first determining a received power (PR1) of a wireless power signal (WPS) received from the WPT in response to the first beacon signal. The method may further include adjusting Pl to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal to the WPT The method may include second transmitting the second beacon signal at P2 to the WPT The method may also include second determining a received power (PR2) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the second beacon signal. The method may further include comparing a value of PR2 to a value of PR1 . For the value of PR2 being greater than the value of PR1 , the method may include: transmitting at least a third beacon signal at P2 to the WPT, and receiving at least one additional WPS from the WPT in response to the at least a third beacon signal. Alternatively, for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 , the method may include iterating at least once through the method steps of first transmitting, first determining, adjusting, second transmitting, second determining, and comparing starting with at least a third beacon signal at a third power (P3) different from Pl and P2. For the at least one iteration, the adjusting step may include adjusting Pl to P3. Also, for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, the comparing step may include comparing a value of received power (PR3) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the third beacon signal to PR1.

[0024] A second aspect of the disclosure provides a WPR operable in a wireless power delivery environment including a WPT. The WPR may include a controller, and a memory storage device operably coupled to the controller. The controller may be configured to cause the WPR to perform or otherwise implement the method according to the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0025] A third aspect of the disclosure provides one or more non-transitory media having stored thereon program instructions (e.g., as software and / or firmware code). When executed by one or more processors of a WPR operable in a wireless power delivery environment including a WPT, the program instructions may cause the WPR to perform or otherwise implement the method according to the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0026] A fourth aspect of the disclosure provides a method in a WPT operable in a wireless power delivery environment including a WPR. The method may include receiving a beacon signal transmitted at a power level (P) from the WPR. The beacon signal may include encode data representative of a value of P The method may include determining a value of a received power (RP) of the beacon signal. The method may include determining, based on the value of RP and the data representative of the value of P, a distance of the WPR from the WPT. Themethod may include generating, based at least in part on the distance, a wireless power signal (WPS) at a transmitted power level (TP) that is safe for receipt by the WPR.

[0027] A fifth aspect of the disclosure provides a WPT operable in a wireless power delivery environment including a WPR. The WPT may include a controller, and a memory storage device operably coupled to the controller. The controller may be configured to cause the WPT to perform or otherwise implement the method according to the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

[0028] A sixth aspect of the disclosure provides a one or more non -transitory computer readable media having stored thereon program instructions (e.g., as software and / or firmware code). When executed by one or more processors of a WPT operable in a wireless power delivery environment including a WPR, the program instructions may cause the WPT to perform or otherwise implement the method according to the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

[0029] Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a wireless power delivery environment 100 including a wireless power receiver (WPR) 10 and a wireless power transmitter (WPT) 20, according to some embodiments of the present technology. WPR 10 may include a controller 30. In an example, controller 30 may be embodied in, or may include, analog and / or digital electronic circuitry capable of performing arithmetic and other logical computing operations sufficient to execute the techniques, methods and processes according to the present technology. In another example, controller 30 may be embodied in, or may include, at least one processor. Examples of the at least one processor include - but are not limited to - central processing units (CPUs), graphical processing units (GPUs), general purpose processors, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FGPAs), and the like. WPR 10 may be an embedded system that does not require a communication link with any other device or system to perform its full range of functionality. In some embodiments, WPR 10 may be embedded in, or otherwise associate with, an electronic device 70 operable by a user 55. In some embodiments, user 55 may (e.g., at times when user 55 is operating his or her device 70) be co-located with device 70 and thus also with WPR 10 in the wireless power delivery environment 100.

[0030] WPR 10 may include at least one memory storage device 40 (also referred to herein more succinctly as “memory” 40) operably coupled to controller 30. In some embodiments, memory 40 may include one or more non-transitory computer readable media 45 (also referred to herein more succinctly as “NT-CRM” 45). WPR 10 may include at least one antenna 50 operably coupled to controller 30. In some embodiments, controller 30 includes a transceiver and a signal generator. In some embodiments, WPR 10 includes energy storagedevice 60. Energy storage device 60 may be representative of at least one energy storage device configured to store electrical energy for operating WPR 10 and, in some embodiments, also electronic device 70. In an example, energy storage device(s) may include a battery. In another example, energy storage device(s) 60 may include a capacitor. WPR 10 may further include a motion detector or sensor 65 configured to detect movement of the WPR 10.

[0031] WPT 20 may include a controller 75. In an example, controller 75 may be embodied in, or may include, analog and / or digital electronic circuitry capable of performing arithmetic and other logical computing operations sufficient to execute the techniques, methods and processes according to the present technology. In another example, controller 75 may be embodied in, or may include, at least one processor. WPT 20 may be an embedded system that does not require a communication link with any other device or system to perform its full range of functionality.

[0032] WPT 20 may include at least one memory 77 operably coupled to controller 75. In some embodiments, memory 77 may include NT-CRM 83. WPT 20 may include at least one antenna 80 operably coupled to controller 75. In one embodiment, antenna(s) 80 include an antenna array 85 having a plurality of antennas 80, each operably coupled to controller 75. WPT 20 may include a power supply 90 operably coupled to the controller 75. Power supply 90 may be further coupled to a source of electric power (e.g., utility mains network) and may be configured to supply power to components of WPT 20 for its operation according to the present technology.

[0033] In operation, in some embodiments, controller 30 of WPR 10 may cause beacon signal 95 to be generated and transmitted into wireless power delivery environment 100 for receipt by WPT 20. In some embodiments, beacon signal 95 may be transmitted into environment 100 as an omni-directional radio frequency (RF) signal. Controller 75 of WPT 20 may measure phase(s) of beacon signal 95 received by the antenna(s) 80. Using the aforementioned measured phases, controller 75 may generate a responsive wireless power signal (WPS) 97 for receipt at the location in environment 100 from which beacon signal 95 was received. Such operations by WPT 20 may be referred to as retrodirective wireless power transfer, which involves, among other things, controller 75 of WPT 20 to determine and take the complex conjugate of the measured phase(s) of beacon signal 95.

[0034] The present technology may enable substantial improvements in retrodirective wireless power transfer as compared to known methods. For example, and without limitation, practice of the present technology may help ensure that beacon signals 95 are of sufficient strength (e.g., power) to permit effective and accurate phase measurements by controller 75,while simultaneously minimizing the transmitted power of beacon signals 95, thereby also minimizing power consumption by WPRs 10. Furthermore, practice of the present technology may facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements relating to preventing users 55 in wireless power delivery environment 100 from being exposed to more than a maximum allowed amount of RF radiation from WPS 97.

[0035] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 in WPR 10 operable in wireless power delivery environment 100 including WPT 20.

[0036] With further reference being made to FIG. 1 , method 200 may include step 205 of first directing antenna(s) 50 of or associated with WPR 10 to first transmit a first beacon signal 95 at a first power (Pl) to WPT 20. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first directing step (step 205) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first directing step (step 205).

[0037] Method 200 also includes step 210 step of determining a received power (PR1) of WPS 97 received from the WPT 20 in response to the first beacon signal 97. In an example, method 200 may include causing a value of PR1 to be stored in memory 40 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 30. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step (step 210) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step (210).

[0038] Method 200 further includes step 215 of adjusting Pl to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal 95 to WPT 20. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the adjusting step (step 215) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the adjusting step. Method 200 may also include step 220 of directing antenna(s) 50 to second transmit the second beacon signal 95 at P2 to WPT 20. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the directing step (step 220) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the directing step.

[0039] Method 200 further includes step 225of determining a received power (PR2) of WPS 97 received from WPT 20 in response to the second beacon signal 95. In an example, method 200 may include storing a value of PR2 in memory 40 for concurrent or subsequent use bycontroller 30. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second determining step (step 225) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second determining step.

[0040] Method 200 also includes step 230 of comparing the value of PR2 to the value of PR1. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the comparing step (step 230) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the comparing step.

[0041] After, or as a part of the comparing step, method 200 may include a logical branch operation in step 233. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the logical branch operation of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate logical branch operation.

[0042] Method 200 may take one of two alternative processing paths depending on an outcome of the logical branch operation in step 233. For the value of PR2 being greater than the value of PR1, method 200 proceeds to step 235 of directing antenna(s) 50 to transmit at least a third beacon signal 95 at P2 to WPT 20. Additionally, for the value of PR2 being greater than the value of PR1, method 200 also includes step 240 of harvesting 240 electric power from at least one additional WPS 97 received by antenna(s) 50 from WPT 20 in response to the at least a third beacon signal 95. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the directing (step 235) and / or harvesting step (step 240) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the directing and / or harvesting step(s).

[0043] Alternatively, for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 (e.g., as determined in logical branch 233 operation), method 200 includes step 245 of iterating at least once through the process operations of steps 205, 210, 215, 220, 225, and 230 starting with at least a third beacon signal 95 at a third power (P3) different from Pl and P2. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the iterating step (step 245) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the iterating step.

[0044] During step 245, the adjusting step in step 215 may include adjusting Pl to P3 as in step 250, and the comparing step in step 230 may include comparing a value of received power (PR3) of the WPS 97 received from the WPT 20 in response to the third beacon signal 95 to PR1 as in step 255. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the adjusting and / or comparing step(s) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the adjusting and / or comparing step(s).

[0045] In one embodiment, step 215 of adjusting Pl to P2 may include decreasing Pl to P2. In an example, decreasing Pl to P2 in method 200 may include halving Pl to P2. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned decreasing step of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the decreasing step.

[0046] For the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 (e.g., as determined in logical branch 233 operation), step 250 of adjusting Pl to P3 may include increasing Pl to P3. In an example, increasing Pl to P3 in method 200 may include doubling Pl to P3. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned increasing step of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the increasing step.

[0047] In another embodiment, step 215 of adjusting Pl to P2 may include increasing Pl to P2. In an example, increasing Pl to P2 in method 200 may include doubling Pl to P2. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned increasing step of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the increasing step.

[0048] For the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 (e.g., as determined in logical branch 233 operation), step 250 of adjusting Pl to P3 may include decreasing Pl to P3. In an example, decreasing Pl to P3 in method 200 may include halving Pl to P3. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned decreasing step of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the decreasing step.

[0049] In some embodiments, step 245 may include third directing antenna(s) 50 to transmit at least a third beacon signal 95 at P3 to the WPT 20. This iterating step of method 200 may also include third determining PR3. In an example, method 200 may include causing a value of PR3 to be stored in memory 40 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 30. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the third directing and / or third determining step(s) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the third directing and / or third determining step(s).

[0050] For the value of PR3 being greater than or equal to the value of PR1 , method 200 may also include the steps of: directing antenna(s) 50 to transmit at least a fourth beacon signal 95 at P3 to the WPT 20, and harvesting electric power from at least one additional WPS 97 received by antenna(s) 50 from WPT 20 in response to the at least a fourth beacon signal 95. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the directing and / or harvesting step(s) of method 200 when the value of PR3 is greater than or equal to the value of PR1. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the directing and / or harvesting step(s) when the value of PR3 is greater than or equal to the value of PR1.

[0051] In one embodiment, method 200 may include the step of detecting movement of the WPR 10 within the wireless signaling environment 100 from the first position to the second position different from the first position. In an example, controller 30 may receive a signal from motion detector 65 indicating such movement of WPR 10. In some embodiments, at least one of the above-described steps of method 200 may be performed in response to detecting movement of the WPR 10. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the detecting step of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the detecting step.

[0052] In some embodiments, method 200 may be performed as a continuous process. In an example, at least some of the above-described steps of method 200 may be performed every time a beacon signal 95 is transmitted to WPT 20 for purposes of soliciting WPS 97 to provide power to WPR 10 and / or the associated electronic device 70. In another embodiment, method 200 may be performed as a semi-continuous or periodic process. In an example, method 200 may be performed after a predetermined number of beacon signals 95 being transmitted to WPT 20 for purposes of soliciting WPS 97. In another example, method 200may be commenced and performed once every predetermined period of time (e.g., every 1 minute, or every 10 seconds, or every 1 second). In yet another example, method 200 may be performed after a predetermined event occurring, such as the above-described detecting step.

[0053] Advantageously, method 200 may be performed in its entirety in the absence of any data being communicated by the WPT to the WPR. This feature may serve to minimize power consumption and computing / communication bandwidth by the WPR 10 during performance of method 200. In one embodiment, method 200 may include the step of causing WPR 10 to perform all, or a portion of, the steps of method 200 for such additional times that the WPR 10 remains in the wireless power delivery environment 100. Accordingly, the functional interactions between WPR 10 and WPT 20 in wireless power delivery environment 100 may be improved and beacon signal 95 strength (e.g., power) can be tuned for improved wireless power transfer from WPT 20 to WPR 10 in view of any changed conditions within environment 100. In some embodiments, controller 30 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned causing step of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 30 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the causing step.

[0054] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 in the WPT 20 of FIG. 1 operable in the wireless power delivery environment 100 including WPR 10, according to some embodiments of the present technology. With further reference being made to FIG. 1 , method 300 may include step 305 of receiving, e.g., by antenna(s) 80, a beacon signal 95 transmitted at a power level (P) from the WPR 10. The beacon signal 95 may encode data representative of a value of P. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the receiving step (step 305) of method 200. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the receiving 305 step.

[0055] Method 300 also includes step 310 of determining a value of a received power (RP) of the beacon signal 95. In an example, method 300 may include causing the value of P to be stored in memory 77 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 75. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step (step 310) of method 300. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step.

[0056] Method 300 further includes step 315 of determining a distance of the WPR 10 from the WPT 20 based on the value of RP and the data representative of the value of P. In anexample, method 300 may include causing a value of the determined distance to be stored in memory 77 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 75. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step (step 315) of method 300. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step.

[0057] Method 300 also includes step 320 of generating, based at least in part on the distance, a WPS 97 at a transmitted power level (TP) that is safe for receipt by the WPR. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the generating step (step 320) of method 300. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the generating step.

[0058] In one embodiment, method 300 may include the step of processing the data representative of the value of P to facilitate determining the value of P. In some embodiments, determining (step 315) the distance of the WPR from the WPT in method 300 may include comparing the value of P to the value of RP. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the step(s) of processing the data representative of the value of P to facilitate determining the value of P and / or comparing the value of P to the value of RP. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the processing the data representative of the value of P to facilitate determining the value of P and / or comparing the value of P to the value of RP step(s).

[0059] In some embodiments, step 315 of determining the distance of the WPR from the WPT may include estimating the distance. In one embodiment, the beacon signal 95 may further encode data representative of a value of TP. In an example, method 300 may also include the step of processing the data representative of the value of TP to facilitate determining the value of TP. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the step(s) of estimating the distance and / or processing the data representative of the value of TP In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the processing the data representative of the value of P and / or processing the data representative of the value of TP step(s).

[0060] In one embodiment, generating (step 320) the WPS may include generating the WPS at the TP that is proportional to the distance of the WPR 10 from the WPT 20. In someembodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the step of generating the WPS at the TP that is proportional to the distance. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the generating the WPS at the TP that is proportional to the distance step.

[0061] In an example, the beacon signal may further encode data representative of a plurality of transmitted power level values that are safe for receipt by the WPR at a plurality of corresponding distances between the WPR and the WPT. In one embodiment, method 300 may further include processing the data representative of the plurality of transmitted power level values to facilitate determining the plurality of transmitted power level values. In some embodiments, generating the WPS in step 320 of method 300 may include generating WPS 97 at one of the plurality of transmitted power levels corresponding to the distance determined 315 based on the value of RP and the data representative of the value of P. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the step(s) of processing the data representative of the plurality of transmitted power level values and / or generating WPS 97 at one of the plurality of transmitted power levels. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate processing the data representative of the plurality of transmitted power level values and / or generating WPS 97 at one of the plurality of transmitted power levels and / or generating WPS 97 at one of the plurality of transmitted power levels.

[0062] In some embodiments, method 300 may include the step of detecting movement of the WPR 10 within the wireless signaling environment 100 from a first position to a second position different from the first position. In an example, method 300 may include the step of measuring a phase of the received beacon signal 95, and the movement of WPR 10 may be detected based on a change in the measured phase occurring due to the movement. In one embodiment, at least one of the above-described steps of method 300 may be performed in response to detecting movement of the WPR 10. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the detecting step of method 300. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the detecting step.

[0063] In one embodiment, method 300 may also include the step of directing the antenna(s) 80 to transmit the WPS 97 to the WPR 10. In one embodiment, method 300 may be performed as a continuous process. In an example, at least some of the above-described stepsof method 300 may be performed every time a beacon signal 95 is received by antenna(s) 80 of WPT 20 from WPR 10. In another embodiment, method 300 may be performed as a semi- continuous or periodic process. In an example, method 300 may be performed after a predetermined number of beacon signals 95 being received by the antenna(s) 80. In another example, method 300 may be commenced and performed once every predetermined period of time (e.g., every 1 minute, or every 10 seconds, or every 1 second). In yet another example, method 300 may be performed after a predetermined event occurring, such as the abovedescribed detecting step.

[0064] Advantageously, method 300 may be performed in its entirety in the absence of any data being communicated to the WPR from the WPT. This feature may serve to minimize power consumption and computing / communication bandwidth by the WPR 10 during performance of method 300. In one embodiment, method 300 may include the step of causing WPT 20 to perform all, or a portion of, the steps of method 300 for such additional times that the WPR 10 remains in the wireless power delivery environment 100. Accordingly, the functional interactions between WPT 20 and WPR 10 in wireless power delivery environment 100 may be improved and WPS 97 strength (e.g., power) can be tuned for improved wireless power transfer from WPT 20 to WPR 10 in view of any changed conditions within environment 100. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned causing step of method 300. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the causing step.

[0065] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of a computing device 400 with a wireless power receiver 410, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Computing device 400 includes any form of a computer with a wireless power receiver 410, such as a mobile (or smart) phone, tablet computer device, desktop computer device, laptop computing device, wearable computing device, or any other computing device for which wireless power charging could be applicable, in accordance with various embodiments herein. The wireless power receiver 410 may be implemented as the electronic device 70 with WPR 30 having controller 30, or any combination thereof. Further, wireless power receiver 410 may execute and perform any of the methods and functions described herein according to the present technology and with reference to the WPR 30 and the various components thereof.

[0066] Various interfaces and modules are shown in or coupled to the computing device 400; however, computing device 400 does not require all of such modules or functions for performing the functionality described herein. It is appreciated that, in many embodiments,various components are not included or necessary for operation of the respective computing device. For example, components such as global positioning system (GPS) radios, cellular radios, SIM cards, cameras, and accelerometers, as well as other components, may not be included in some implementations of a computing device. Further, one or more of the components or modules shown may be combined or removed.

[0067] For example, with the wireless power receiver 410 implemented, the battery, power management module, or both may be redundant in some embodiments, such as if all power management functions for the computing device 400 are built into the wireless power receiver 410. Further, a battery might not be necessary in embodiments that receive constant power via the wireless power receiver 410.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in the example form, of a computer system 500 within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to implement or otherwise perform any one or more of the techniques and methodologies of the present technology described herein, may be executed. Computer system 500 may, for some embodiments of the present technology, be representative of controller means including, without limitation, controller 75 WPT 20 or controller 30 of WPR 10.

[0069] In the example of FIG. 5, the computer system 500 includes a processor, memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity. The computer system 500 is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which any of the components depicted in the examples of FIG. 1 (and any other components described in this specification) can be implemented. For example, the computer system 500 can be any radiating object or antenna array system. The computer system 500 can be of any applicable known or convenient type. The components of the computer system 500 can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.

[0070] The processor of computer system 500 may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such as an INTEL PENTIUM microprocessor or MOTOROLA POWER PC microprocessor. One of skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms “machine- readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage) medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor. In some embodiment, these storage media are embodied in non-transitory computer-readable media that can store program instructions (e.g., as software or firmware) which, when executed by one or more processors of the disclosed technology (e.g., WPT 20 or WPR 10), cause the controller means (e.g., controller75 or controller 30) to implement, execute, or otherwise facilitate performance of the various algorithms and methods disclosed herein.

[0071] In computer system 500, the memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. The memory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The memory can be local, remote, or distributed.

[0072] The bus of computer system 500 also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and drive unit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk, a magnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), such as a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or another form of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is often written, by a direct memory access process, into memory during execution of software in the computer system 500. The non-volatile storage can be local, remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional because systems can be created with all applicable data available in memory. An embodiment of computer system 500 will usually include at least a processor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor.

[0073] Software or firmware utilized by computer system 500 may be stored in the nonvolatile memory and / or the drive unit. Indeed, for large programs, it may not even be possible to store the entire program in the memory. Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software and / or firmware to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computer readable location appropriate for processing, and for illustrative purposes, that location is referred to as the memory in this paper. Even when software is moved to the memory for execution, the processor will typically make use of hardware registers to store values associated with the software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed up execution. As used herein, firmware or a software program is assumed to be stored at any known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage to hardware registers) when the software program is referred to as “implemented in a computer-readable medium”. A processor is considered to be “configured to execute a program” when at least one value associated with the program is stored in a register readable by the processor.

[0074] The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device of computer system 500. The interface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. It will be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be considered to be part of the computer system. The interface can include an analog modem, ISDN modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellite transmission interface (e.g., “direct PC”), or other interfaces forcoupling a computer system (e.g., 500) to other computer systems. The interface can include one or more input and / or output (I / O) devices. The I / O devices can include, by way of example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other input and / or output devices, including a display device. The display device can include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed that controllers of any devices not depicted in the example of FIG. 4 reside in the interface.

[0075] In operation, the computer system 500 can be controlled by operating system software that includes a file management system, such as a disk operating system. One example of operating system software with associated file management system software is the family of operating systems known as WINDOWS from MICROSOFT Corporation of Redmond, Washington, and their associated file management systems. Another example of operating system software with its associated file management system software is the LINUX operating system and its associated file management system. The file management system is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and / or drive unit and causes the processor to execute the various acts required by the operating system to input and output data and to store data in the memory, including storing files on the non-volatile memory and / or drive unit.

[0076] Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

[0077] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like,refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0078] The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, the techniques are not described with reference to any particular programming language, and various embodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programming languages.

[0079] In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

[0080] The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an IPHONE, a BLACKBERRY, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0081] While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine- readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the presently disclosed technique and innovation.

[0082] In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programs typically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or more processing units or processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elements involving the various aspects of the disclosure.

[0083] Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

[0084] Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limited to recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links.

[0085] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements: the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above detailed description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number, respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0086] The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and / or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are, at times, shown as being performed in a series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

[0087] The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. For instance, the present technology may be beneficially applied by persons having ordinary skill in the art in applications other than wireless power delivery where characterizing a background signal or interfering noise is advantageous for further signaling operations. Likewise, the elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0088] Embodiments of the present technology may be applied to, or make use of, technology described in patent applications invented and / or assigned to OSSIA Inc. of Redmond, Washington, USA. A non-exhaustive listing of such US patent application publications is as follows: 20220052560; 20220014049; 20210408833; 20210408832; 20210399587; 20210373117; 20210359553; 20210351616; 20210321472; 20210313845; 20210296943; 20210288529; 20210249910; 20210249909; 20210249908; 20210249903; 20210242723; 20210143682; 20210135493; 20210126492; 20210104918; 20210066962; 20210063525; 20210049975; 20200336015; 20200303954; 20200296780; 20200287423; 20200235614; 20200220391; 20200220387; 20200185972; 20200177031; 20200162122; 20200144864; 20200136712 ; 20200127704; 20200119593; 20200091968; 20200091773; 20200044489; 20200036233; 20200026673; 20200021142; 20200014251; 20190393736; 20190386521; 20190372400; 20190356050; 20190348872; 20190341811; 20190334386; 20190306735; 20190305604; 20190207430; 20190199404; 20190199145; 20190197984; 20190181698; 20190165615; 20190165599; 20190157915; 20190148990; 20190148950; 20190140490; 20190140487; 20190115792; 20190097465; 20190097464; 20190074732; 20190067825; 20190020199; 20180366085; 20180338252; 20180309329; 20180287418; 20180287417; 20180259615; 20180255596; 20180248399; 20180241254; 20180219585; 20180219426; 20180183275; 20180159373; 20180152024; 20180054088; 20170358959; 20170338698; 20170331331; 20170311288; 20170250474; 20170237298; 20170187249; 20170187231; 20160262131; 20140013685; 20150022022; 20140241231; 20140217967; and any and all patents or patent applications incorporated by reference therein.

[0089] Any patents or patent applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure.

[0090] These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above detailed description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims.

[0091] While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus- function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) will begin with the words “means for”.) Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure.

[0092] The detailed description provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily only the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. While the above description defines certain examples of the invention, and describes the best modecontemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

[0093] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.

[0094] This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments can be made, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be reduced. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of operating a wireless power receiver (WPR) operable in a wireless power delivery environment including the WPR and a wireless power transmitter (WPT), the method comprising: first transmitting a first beacon signal at a first power (Pl) to the WPT; first determining a received power (PR1 ) of a wireless power signal (WPS) received from the WPT in response to the first beacon signal; adjusting Pl to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal to the WPT; second transmitting the second beacon signal at P2 to the WPT; second determining a received power (PR2) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the second beacon signal; comparing a value of PR2 to a value of PR1; for the value of PR2 being greater than the value of PR1 : transmitting at least a third beacon signal at P2 to the WPT; and receiving at least one additional WPS from the WPT in response to the at least a third beacon signal; and for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 : iterating at least once through the method steps of first transmitting, first determining, adjusting, second transmitting, second determining, and comparing starting with at least a third beacon signal at a third power (P3) different from Pl and P2, wherein for the at least one iteration: the adjusting comprises adjusting Pl to P3; and the comparing comprises comparing a value of received power (PR3) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the third beacon signal to PR1.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting Pl to P2 comprises decreasing Pl to P2.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein decreasing Pl to P2 comprising halving Pl to P2.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, adjusting Pl to P3 comprises increasing Pl to P3.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein increasing Pl to P3 comprises doubling Pl to P3.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting Pl to P2 comprises increasing Pl to P2.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein increasing Pl to P2 comprises doubling Pl to P2.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, adjusting Pl to P3 comprises decreasing Pl to P3.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein decreasing Pl to P3 comprises halving Pl to P3.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the iterating comprises: third transmitting the at least a third beacon signal at P3 to the WPT; and third determining PR3.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising, for the value of PR3 being greater than the value of PR1 : transmitting at least a fourth beacon signal at P3 to the WPT; and receiving at least one additional WPS from the WPT in response to the at least a fourth beacon signal.

12. A wireless power receiver (WPR) operable in a wireless power delivery environment including the WPR and a wireless power transmitter (WPT), the WPR comprising a controller, and a memory storage device operably coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to cause the WPR to: first direct an antenna of or associated with the WPR to first transmit a first beacon signal at a first power (Pl) to the WPT; first determine, and store in the memory storage device, a received power (PR1) of a wireless power signal (WPS) received from the WPT in response to the first beacon signal; adjust Pl to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal to the WPT; second direct the antenna to second transmit the second beacon signal at P2 to the WPT;second determine, and store in the memory storage device, a received power (PR2) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the second beacon signal; compare a value of PR2 to a value of PR1; for the value of PR2 being greater than the value of PR1 : direct the antenna to transmit at least a third beacon signal at P2 to the WPT; and harvest electric power from at least one additional WPS received by the antenna from the WPT in response to the at least a third beacon signal; and for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 : iterate at least once through first directing, first determining, adjusting, second directing, second determining, and comparing starting with at least a third beacon signal at a third power (P3) different from Pl and P2, wherein for the at least one iteration: the adjusting comprises adjusting Pl to P3; and the comparing comprises comparing a value of received power (PR3) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the third beacon signal to PR1.

13. The WPR of claim 12, wherein to adjust Pl to P2, the controller is configured to cause the WPR to decrease Pl to P2, wherein to decrease Pl to P2.

14. The WPR of claim 12, wherein to adjust Pl to P3 for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, the controller is configured to cause the WPR to increase Pl to P3.

15. The WPR of claim 12, wherein to adjusting Pl to P2, the controller is configured to cause the WPR to increase Pl to P2.

16. The WPR of claim 12, wherein to adjust Pl to P3 for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, the controller is configured to cause the WPR to decrease Pl to P3.

17. The WPR of claim 12, wherein for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1, the controller is configured to cause the WPR to: third direct the antenna to transmit at least a third beacon signal at P3 to the WPT; and third determine, and store in the memory storage device, PR3.

18. The WPR of claim 17, wherein, for the value of PR3 being greater than the value of PR1, the controller is further configured to cause the WPR to: direct the antenna to transmit at least a fourth beacon signal at P3 to the WPT: and harvest electric power from at least one additional WPS received by the antenna from the WPT in response to the at least a fourth beacon signal.

19. One or more non-transitory computer readable media having stored thereon program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a wireless power receiver (WPR) operable in a wireless power delivery environment including the WPR and a wireless power transmitter (WPT), cause the WPR to: first direct an antenna of or associated with the WPR to first transmit a first beacon signal at a first power (Pl) to the WPT; first determine a received power (PR1) of a wireless power signal (WPS) received from the WPT in response to the first beacon signal: adjust Pl to a second power (P2) for transmission of a second beacon signal to the WPT: second direct the antenna to second transmit the second beacon signal at P2 to the WPT; second determine a received power (PR2) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the second beacon signal; compare a value of PR2 to a value of PR1; and for the value of PR2 being greater than the value of PR1 : direct the antenna to transmit at least a third beacon signal at P2 to the WPT; and harvest electric power from at least one additional WPS received by the antenna from the WPT in response to the at least a third beacon signal; or for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR1 : iterate at least once through the first directing, first determining, adjusting, second directing, second determining, and comparing starting with at least a thirdbeacon signal at a third power (P3) different from Pl and P2, wherein for the at least one iteration, when executed by the one or more processors, the program instructions further cause the WPR to: adjust Pl to P3; and compare a value of received power (PR3) of the WPS received from the WPT in response to the third beacon signal to PR1.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 19, wherein: when executed by the one or more processors to adjust Pl to P2, the program instructions further cause the WPR to decrease Pl to P2 or to increase Pl to P2; when executed by the one or more processors to adjust Pl to P3 for the value of PR2 being less than or equal to the value of PR 1 , the program instructions further cause the WPR to increase Pl to P3 or to decrease Pl to P3;

Images