Array-based environmental sensing

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless transmission and reception of signals to sense motion and identify directionality of the motion. In an example embodiment, a method of operating a transceiver is provided. The method includes transmitting an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment, receiving a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, and measuring received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals. The method includes transmitting the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment. The method further includes receiving a second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, measuring received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals, and determining differences in received phases between the pluralities of reflected signals. The method also includes identifying, based on the differences, a location of movement of objects in the wireless signaling environment.

Description

ARRAY-BASED ENVIRONMENTAL SENSINGTECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] In various practical applications of wireless signaling in an environment, it is useful to gain a detailed understanding of the make-up of that environment in terms of static and movable objects situated therein, as well as the identity of those objects. Such knowledge may enable optimizing of transmission and receipt of wireless signals in a manner that compensates for the presence of the objects in the wireless signaling environment (e.g., by utilizing reflective objects and other surfaces for multi-path signal transmission and receipt). Furthermore, some wireless signaling applications and environments may be subject to exposure limits for radio frequency (RF) radiation. Accordingly, characterizing objects in a wireless signaling environment as being subject to such RF exposure limits may be necessary to ensure compliance with governmental regulations.

[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] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless communication transmissions, such as by wireless radio frequency (RF) transceivers that can emit signals from a number of antennas and receive signals from other antennas to sense motion and identify directionality of the motion.

[0005] In an example embodiment, a method of operating a transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment is provided. The method includes transmitting an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment, receiving a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, and measuring received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals. The method also includes transmitting the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment. The method further includes receiving a second pluralityof reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, measuring received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals, and determining differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals. The method may further include identifying, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

[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 transmission system (WPTS) operable in 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] FIGS. 2A-2C depict various states of a wireless signaling environment, according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0010] FIG. 3 depicts another state of the wireless signaling environment of FIGS. 2A-2C, according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method in a transceiver (e.g., WPT of FIG. 1) operable in the wireless power delivery environment of FIGS. 2A-2C and 3, according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method in a transceiver (e.g., WPT of FIG. 1) operable in the wireless signaling environment of FIGS. 2A-2C and 3, according to some embodiments of the present technology.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computing device with a wireless power receiver, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 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.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Various embodiments of the present disclosure describe a wireless RF transceiver array that can emit a CW (constant / continuous wave) signal from any number of antennas and receive phase and amplitude of CW signals from any other number of remaining antennas. The wireless RF transceiver according to the present technology may be a wireless power transmitter as part of a wider wireless power transmission system including one or more wireless power receivers. The transceiver according to the present technology may send a non-directional (or omni-directional) signal into a wireless signaling environment (or wireless power delivery environment) and then receive reflected signals from theenvironment across a large number of antennas of array. The reflected signals may arise due to reflection of the outgoing signal(s) off of static or movable objects situated in the environment. This may happen over a period of multiple seconds, either continuously or in short cycles down to tens of microseconds, each repeated multiple times per second. If between different phase captures, phase changes are detected, then it is considered that there is motion (or changes to the environment) happening. This can achieve general motion sensing, but has little capability to detect location of motion(s). However, by applying specific phase filtering to create more sensitivity in certain areas of interest in environment, according to the following algorithm, we can detect directional sensitivity.

[0025] Consider the phase set that would emit a beam in direction a to the of azimuth (horizontal) and zenith (vertical) angles. By establishing the difference in the phase change for incremental phases against different a directions, the maximum phase change for any specific a direction tells us that the movement is happening mostly in that direction. The larger (e.g., number of antenna elements of) the array, the narrower the beam and hence the localization if higher. However, this entails trying many different beam directions, which could be time consuming.

[0026] It is possible to create beams in many shapes: vertical beams that cover all zenith directions at the same time, which reduces the number of beams to just azimuth directions. It is also possible to make that beam wider, so the need for fewer directions becomes possible. However, wide and high beams have lower energy, and the reflected signal might not be strong enough to “bounce” of the objects in front.

[0027] In another example, the antenna array can be split into two sets of antenna elements. As such, the array may be split into a receiver and transmitter (these could be transceivers or dedicated transmit and receive circuits). A sequence of beams can be sent by antenna elements throughout the environment (and detect the phases on the receive array antenna elements) and detect changes in the phase data received by the remaining antenna. Any changes are indicative of change in the environment. These beams could be narrow or flat (horizontally or vertically), and the phase received as reflected signals can be analyzed further to determine height or azimuth angles from a flat beam. Once motion is detected in a specific direction, it is possible to emit a fixed beam in that direction (these could be short pulses, repeated many times per second) and watch the phase change.

[0028] Any breathing happening would cause phase change in the received reflected signal. To calculate the accuracy of the motion, it is necessary to determine what is the smallest phase change detectable: for 1 degree (out of 360) and a frequency of 5.8GHz, thewavelength is approximately 50mm. Dividing 50mm / 360, results in a system accuracy of 0. 14mm. This is significantly lower than what is needed for human breathing. The present technology may be capable of detecting human heart beats as they change the volume of body parts as the blood pressure increases in the extremities and head then lowers back in a rhythmic cycle. Scanning the environment can detect objects in non-line-of-sight as the signals bounce in the environment, allowing for detection of humans anywhere in the space even if obstructed by objects and furniture. Machine learning (ML) models can be used to detect changes and directions, as well as detecting breathing and heartbeat cycles. These ML models could be trained by a large set of varied environments where the system is expected to be used.

[0029] A first aspect of the disclosure provides a method in a transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment. The method may include first transmitting an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment. The method may also include first receiving a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment. The method may further include first measuring received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals. The method may include second transmitting, after the first measuring, the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment. The method may also include second receiving a second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment. The method may further include second measuring received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals. The method may also include determining differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals. The method may further include identifying, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

[0030] A second aspect of the disclosure provides a transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment. The transceiver may include a controller, and a memory storage device operably coupled to the controller. The controller may be configured to cause the transceiver to perform or otherwise implement the method according to the first aspect of the disclosure. More specifically, the controller may be configured to cause the transceiver to first direct at least one antenna of or associated with the transceiver to transmit an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment, receive, via the at least one antenna, a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, and measure, and store in the memory storage device, received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals. The controller may further be configured to cause the transceiver to second direct the at least one antenna to transmit the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment,receive, via the at least one antenna, second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, and measure, and store in the memory storage device, received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals. The controller may also be configured to cause the transceiver to determine differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals, and identify, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

[0031] 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 transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment including a WPT, the program instructions may cause the transceiver to perform or otherwise implement the method according to the first aspect of the disclosure. More specifically, the program instructions may cause the transceiver to first direct at least one antenna of or associated with the transceiver to transmit an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment, receive, via the at least one antenna, a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, and measure, and store in the memory storage device, received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals. The program instructions may further cause the transceiver to second direct the at least one antenna to transmit the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment, receive, via the at least one antenna, second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment, and measure, and store in the memory storage device, received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals. The program instructions may also cause the transceiver to determine differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals, and identify, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

[0032] Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a wireless power transmission system (WPTS) 100 operable in a wireless power delivery environment 15 (see, e.g., Figure 2A), according to some embodiments of the present technology. WPTS 100 may include a wireless power receiver (WPR) 10 and a wireless power transmitter (WPT) 20. 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. WPR 10 may be an embedded system that does not require acommunication 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 15.

[0033] 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 one embodiment, controller 30 may include a transceiver and a signal generator. In one embodiment, WPR 10 may include at least one energy storage device 60 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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. In some embodiments, antenna array 85 may include a first set 87 of one or more antenna 80 elements and a second set 89 of one or more antenna 80 elements. In an example, first set 87 may be utilized by WPT 20 for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals of a first type, while second set 89 may be used for receiving RF signals of at least a second type.

[0036] 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. In operation, in some embodiments, controller 30 of WPR 10 may cause beacon signal 95 to be generated and transmitted into wireless power deliveryenvironment 15 for receipt by WPT 20. In some embodiments, beacon signal 95 may be transmitted into environment 15 as an omni-directional, or non-directional, RF signal.

[0037] 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 15 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.

[0038] FIGS. 2A-2C depict various states of a wireless signaling environment 15, according to some embodiments of the present technology. In an example, wireless signaling environment 15 may be the same as wireless power delivery environment 15, as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In a first state, as shown in FIG. 2A, environment 15 includes static, non-moving objects such as fixtures and / or furniture 99A-99C. In an example, a WPR 10 may be positioned on a tabletop surface of a table 99C. Environment 15 may be an at least partially enclosed space (e.g., a room) having walls 79. At least some of the objects 99 may be reflective to RF radiation such that when an outgoing signal 65 is transmitted into environment 15 by antenna(s) 87 of WPT 20, it may be reflected from objects 99. Antenna(s) 89 of WPT 20 may then receive reflected signal(s) 67 for use in spatially characterizing the wireless signaling environment 15 according to the present technology. In some embodiments, such spatial characterization of environment 15 containing only non-moving, static and / or immovable objects 99 may provide a baseline scan. In an example, environment 15 may be a space that including people who may either sit stationary or walk about the space during the normal course of business. Such a baseline scan may be performed according to the present technology before any people (e.g., customers and / or staff) enter the space of wireless signaling environment 15.

[0039] FIGS. 2B and 2C are the same as the first state of wireless signaling environment 15 as shown in FIG. 2A, except there is at least one person (e.g., user 55) present therein. User 55 may be carrying a WPR 10 on his or her person. In one embodiment, user 55 may be standing in one spot in environment 15 and not moving about the space. User 55 may reflect outgoing signals 65 as reflected signals 67, in a similar manner as described above for objects 99 as shown in FIG. 1. In the position of stationary user 55 shown in FIG. 2B, reflected signals 67 received by antenna(s) 89 may have a first set of characteristics (e.g., phase, incidence azimuth and zenith angles, etc.) that may vary within a range on account of slightbody movements, breathing motions, and even the person’s hearting beating and pulse. So long as user 55 does not begin walking about the space of wireless signaling environment 15, the variations in the aforementioned first set of characteristics should stay within a defined and predictable range.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 2C, user 55 commencing walking about the space of wireless signaling environment 15 will lead to a change in the reflected signal 67 characteristics as compared to the aforementioned first set of characteristics. During the walking motions from place to pace in environment 15, the characteristics of respective reflected signals 67 will change constantly until such time that user 55 stops walking and is again generally stationary (e.g., sitting down or standing in one place).

[0041] FIG. 3 depicts another state of the wireless signaling environment 15 of FIGS. 2A-2C, according to some embodiments of the present technology. The techniques according to the present technology. The ranges from WPT 20 to various static or moving objects in environment 15 vary at any given point in time. Accordingly, reflected signals 67 may be discerned by antennas 89 of the antenna array 85. So, for example, a first user 55A who is standing still may provide reflected signals 67 A in response to outgoing signals 65 A that have constant characteristics or characteristics that vary within a defined range. By contrast, a second user 55B is walking about the wireless signaling environment 15 may provide reflected signals 67B in response to outgoing signals 65B with constantly varying characteristics. As such, WPT 20 may discern moving objects from non-moving objects (e.g., walking user 55B versus standing user 55 A) in the wireless signaling environment 15.Furthermore, controller 75 of WPT 20 may determine the location of moving objects 99 (e.g., user 55B) within environment 15 as a direction from the WPT 20. In some embodiments, the location of movement may be determined by controller 75 as the converse of the direction of a reflected signal whose characteristics are indicative of movement in that direction. The direction (also denoted alpha (a) herein) may include both azimuth 43 and zenith 47 angle components, a may be measured with respect to a vertical axis 41 and / or a horizontal axis 45 with respect to antenna array 85.

[0042] Practice of the techniques according to the present technology may help to limit human and animal exposure to RF signals used for wireless power delivery, as well as cover comer cases in the power delivery coverage. Detection of humans is a constant need in today’s market for building management, security and safety. Accurate detection of humans in complex environments, foggy or unclear visibility due to darkness, obstructions or foggyair & gases where cameras cannot detect people correctly, or would be deceived by images or large TVs etc. may also be important considerations.

[0043] The present technology provides a wireless RF transceiver array that can emit a CW (constant / continuous wave) signal from any number of antennas and receive phase and amplitude of CW signals from any other number of remaining antennas. The transceiver according to the present technology may send a non-directional signal 65 into the wireless signaling environment 15 and then receive reflected signals 67 from the environment 15 across a large number of antennas 89 of array 85. This may happen over a period of multiple seconds, either continuously or in short cycles down to tens of microseconds, each repeated multiple times per second. If between different phase captures, phase changes are detected, then it is considered that there is motion (or changes to the environment 15) happening. This can achieve general motion sensing, but has little capability to detect location of motion(s). However, by applying specific phase filtering to create more sensitivity in certain areas of interest in environment 15, according to the following algorithm, we can detect directional sensitivity.

[0044] Consider the phase set that would emit a beam in direction a to the of azimuth (horizontal) and zenith (vertical) angles. By establishing the difference in the phase change for incremental phases against different a directions, the maximum phase change for any specific a direction tells us that the movement is happening mostly in that direction. The larger (e.g., number of antenna elements of) the array, the narrower the beam and hence the localization if higher. However, this entails trying many different beam directions, which could be time consuming.

[0045] It is possible to create beams in many shapes: vertical beams that cover all zenith directions at the same time, which reduces the number of beams to just azimuth directions. It is also possible to make that beam wider, so the need for fewer directions become possible. However, wide and high beams have lower energy, and the reflected signal might not be strong enough to “bounce” of the objects in front.

[0046] In another example, the antenna array 85 can be split into two sets of antenna elements, 87 and 89. As such, the array 85 may be split into a receiver and transmitter (these could be transceivers or dedicated transmit and receive circuits). A sequence of beams can be sent by antenna elements 87 throughout the environment 15 (and detect the phases on the receive array antenna elements 89) and detect changes in the phase data received by the remaining antenna. Any changes are indicative of change in the environment 15. These beams 65 could be narrow or flat (horizontally or vertically), and the phase received as reflectedsignals 67 can be analyzed further to determine height or azimuth angles from a flat beam. Once motion is detected in a specific direction, it is possible to emit a fixed beam in that direction (these could be short pulses, repeated many times per second) and watch the phase change.

[0047] Any breathing happening would cause phase change in the received reflected signal 67. To calculate the accuracy of the motion, it is necessary to determine what is the smallest phase change detectable: for 1 degree (out of 360) and a frequency of 5.8GHz, the wavelength is approximately 50mm. Dividing 50mm / 360, results in a system accuracy of 0.14mm. This is significantly lower than what is needed for human breathing. The present technology may be capable of detecting human heart beats as they change the volume of body parts as the blood pressure increases in the extremities and head then lowers back in a rhythmic cycle. Scanning the environment 15 can detect objects in non-line-of-sight as the signals bounce in the environment 15, allowing for detection of humans anywhere in the space even if obstructed by objects and furniture. Machine learning (ML) models can be used to detect changes and directions, as well as detecting breathing and heartbeat cycles. These ML models could be trained by a large set of varied environments where the system is expected to be used.

[0048] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method 400 performable by a transceiver (e.g., WPT 20) operable in the wireless signaling environment 15 of FIGS. 2A-2C and 3, according to some embodiments of the present technology. With further reference being made to FIGS. 1, 2A-2C and 3, method 400 begins with step 405, in which the transceiver first directs at least one antenna (e.g., element(s) 87) of or associated with the transceiver (e.g., WPT 20) to transmit an outgoing signal 65 into the wireless signaling environment 15. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first directing step (step 405) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first directing step.

[0049] Next, method 400 includes step 410 during which the transceiver receives, via the at least one antenna (e.g., element(s) 89), a first plurality of reflected signals 67 from the wireless signaling environment 15. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first receiving step (step 410) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first receiving step.

[0050] Method 400 also includes step 415 during which the transceiver measures received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals 67. The transceiver may also store data representative of the received phases of the first plurality of reflected signals 67 in memory 77 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 75 during step 415. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first measuring step (step 415) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the first measuring step.

[0051] Method 400 also includes step 420 during which the transceiver directs the at least one antenna (e.g., element(s) 87) to transmit, after the first measuring step (step 415), the outgoing signal 65 into the wireless signaling environment 15. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second directing step (step 420) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second directing step.

[0052] Method 400 also includes step 425 during which the transceiver receives, via the at least one antenna (e.g., element(s) 89), a second plurality of reflected signals 67 from the wireless signaling environment 15. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second receiving step (step 425) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second receiving step.

[0053] Method 400 also includes step 430 during which the transceiver measures received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals 67. In an example, during step 430, the transceiver may also store data representative of the received phases of the second plurality of reflected signals 67 in memory 77 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 75. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second measuring step (step 430) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the second measuring step.

[0054] Method 400 next includes step 435 during which the transceiver determines 170 differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals. In an example, during step 435, the transceiver may also store data representative of the aforementioned differences 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 435) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the determining step.

[0055] Method 400 also includes step 440 during which the transceiver identifies, based on the determined differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects (e.g., object(s) 99 and / or user(s) 55) in the wireless signaling environment 15. In an example, during step 440, the transceiver may also store data representative of the aforementioned location(s) of movement in memory 77 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 75. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the identifying step (step 440) of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the identifying step.

[0056] In an example, the transceiver includes the at least one antenna 80. In another example, the transceiver includes the antenna array 85. In one embodiment, at least one of the first directing 110 and second directing 140 step(s) of method 400 may include directing a first set of at least one antenna element 87 of an antenna array 85 including a plurality of antenna elements (87, 89) to transmit the outgoing signal 65 into the wireless signaling environment 15. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the step of directing the first set of antenna element(s) 87 to transmit outgoing signal 65 in method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the method 400 step of directing the first set of antenna element(s) 87 to transmit outgoing signal 65.

[0057] In one embodiment, at least one of the first receiving and second receiving steps of method 400 may include receiving the reflected signals 67 using a second set of at least one antenna element 89 of the antenna array 85. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the step of receiving the reflected signals 67 using the second set of antenna element(s) 89. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the method 400 step of receiving the reflected signals 67 using the second set of antenna element(s) 89.

[0058] In one embodiment, a resolution for the identifying step (step 440) of method 400 may be proportional to a number of antenna elements 80 of the second set 89 used for thefirst receiving 120 and second receiving 150 steps. In an example, the second set 89 includes more antenna elements 80 than the first set 87.

[0059] In one embodiment, the second receiving step (step 425) of method 400 may include the transceiver receiving the second plurality of reflected signals 67 1-10 seconds after first receiving the first plurality of reflected signals 67 from the wireless signaling environment 15 as in step 410.

[0060] In another embodiment, the second receiving step of method 400 may include the transceiver second receiving the second plurality of reflected signals 67 2-4 seconds after first receiving the first plurality of reflected signals 67 from the wireless signaling environment 15 as in step 410. Other durations between receiving steps, transmitting steps, measuring steps, and the like may be contemplated.

[0061] In some embodiments, at least one of the first directing and second directing steps of method 400 may include directing the at least one antenna 80 to transmit the outgoing signal 65 as a plurality of bursts for 10 microseconds (ps) to 100 ps. In an example, method 400 may additionally include a step in which the transceiver directs the at least one antenna 80 to repeat transmission of the plurality of bursts multiple times per second. In one embodiment, the various steps of the method 400 according to the present technology may be performed by the transceiver continuously or periodically to facilitate detecting movement in the wireless signaling environment 15 continuously or periodically.

[0062] In one embodiment, method 400 may also include the step of filtering the received phases of the first plurality of reflected signals 67 and the second plurality of reflected signals 67. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the filtering step of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned filtering step.

[0063] In one embodiment, the identifying step (step 440) of method 400 may include establishing a difference in the phase change for incremental phases against different a directions. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the establishing step of method 400. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the aforementioned establishing step. The identifying 180 step of method 400 may further include determining a maximum phase change for any specific a direction. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the method 400 step of determining a maximum phase change for anyspecific a direction. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate determining a maximum phase change for any specific a direction in method 400.

[0064] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of a method 500 in a transceiver (e.g., WPT 20) operable in the wireless signaling environment 15 of FIGS. 2A-2C and 3, according to some embodiments of the present technology. With further reference being made to FIGS. 1, 2A- 2C, 3 and 4, method 500 begins with step 505 during which the transceiver determines the direction a of at least one location of movement. Determining the direction a in method 500 may be performed in response to identifying (step 440 of method 400) the location(s) of movement according to the present technology. Determining direction a in method 500 may include computing the azimuth and zenith angle components of a. In an example, method 500 may include storing data representative of direction a in memory 77 for concurrent or subsequent use by controller 75. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the method 500 step of determining a. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate determining a in method 500.

[0065] Method 500 also includes step 510 during which the transceiver directs the at least one antenna (e.g., element(s) 87) to emit a beam in the direction a for a first period of time. Directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam in direction a in method 500 may be performed in response to determining direction a. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the method 500 step of directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam in direction a. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam in direction a in method 500. In an example, directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam may include directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam in direction a as a series of pulses. In another example, directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam may include directing antenna(s) 87 to emit the beam in direction a as a focused beam.

[0066] Method 500 next includes step 515 during which the transceiver receives, via the at least one antenna (e.g., antenna(s) 89), a reflected beam in a converse direction of the direction a for a second period of time occurring after the first period of time. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the method 500 step of receiving the reflected beam in the converse direction of a. In other embodiments,controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate receiving the reflected beam in the converse direction of a in method 500.

[0067] Method 500 further includes step 520 during which the transceiver measures changes in received phases for the reflected beam received during the second period of time. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the measuring step of method 500. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instractions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the measuring step of method 500.

[0068] Then, in step 525 of method 500, the transceiver computes differences in received phases between the emitted beam and the reflected beam. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the computing step of method 500. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the computing step of method 500.

[0069] In one embodiment, method 500 also includes step 530 during which the transceiver characterizes the computed differences in received phases as indicative of motions of a human being (e.g., user 55) or an animal (e.g., a pet 59 of user 55, as shown in FIG. 3) as being among the object(s) 99 in wireless signaling environment 15. In some embodiments, controller 75 may perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the characterizing step of method 500. In other embodiments, controller 75 including processor(s) may execute the program instructions stored in NT-CRM 83 to perform, implement or otherwise facilitate the characterizing step of method 500. In an example, the characterizing step of method 500 also include step 535, in which the transceiver applies a machine learning (ML) model to determine that movement of at least one of the one or more objects 99 is indicative of motions of the human being or animal as being among the object(s) 99 in wireless signaling environment 99. The ML model may be trained based on ingested data such that motions of the human being animal (e.g., breathing and / or cardiovascular motions like heartbeat and pulse) may be recognized in environment 15 with a high degree of accuracy and confidence. The ML model may be applied in method 500 in a supervised and / or unsupervised manner.

[0070] In one embodiment, the above-described characterizing step (step 530) of method 500 may include characterizing the computed differences in received phases as indicative of breathing motions of a human or animal body as among the one or more objects 99 present in wireless signaling environment 15. In another embodiment, the characterizing step of method500 may include characterizing the computed differences in received phases as indicative of cardiovascular-related motions of a human or animal body as among the object(s) 99 in environment 15. In yet another embodiment, the characterizing step of method 500 may include characterizing the computed differences in received phases as indicative of at least one of: breathing motions, and cardiovascular motions, of a human or animal body as among the object(s) 99 in environment 15. In still another embodiment, the characterizing step of method 500 may include characterizing the computed differences in received phases as indicative of both breathing motions, and cardiovascular motions, of a human or animal body as among the object(s) 99 in environment 15.

[0071] FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a computing device 600 with a wireless power receiver 610, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Computing device 600 includes any form of a computer with a wireless power receiver 610, 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 610 may be implemented as the electronic device 70 with WPR 10 having controller 30, or any combination thereof. Further, wireless power receiver 610 may execute and perform any of the methods and functions described herein according to the present technology and with reference to the WPR 10 and the various components thereof.

[0072] Various interfaces and modules are shown in or coupled to the computing device 600; however, computing device 600 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.

[0073] For example, with the wireless power receiver 610 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 600 are built into the wireless power receiver 610. Further, a battery might not be necessary in embodiments that receive constant power via the wireless power receiver 610.

[0074] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine of a computer system 700 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. Computer system 700 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.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 7, the computer system 700 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 700 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 700 can be any radiating object or antenna array system. The computer system 700 can be of any applicable known or convenient type. The components of the computer system 700 can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenient device.

[0076] The processor of computer system 700 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., controller 75 or controller 30) to implement, execute, or otherwise facilitate performance of the various algorithms and methods disclosed herein.

[0077] In computer system 700, 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.

[0078] The bus of computer system 700 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 700. The non-volatile storage can be local, remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional because systems canbe created with all applicable data available in memory. An embodiment of computer system 700 will usually include at least a processor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor.

[0079] Software or firmware utilized by computer system 700 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.

[0080] The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device of computer system 700. 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 for coupling a computer system (e.g., 700) 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. 6 reside in the interface.

[0081] In operation, the computer system 700 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 ofoperating 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 in various 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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 VersatileDisks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 be deleted, 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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; 20160013685; 20150022022; 20140241231; 20140217967; and any and all patents or patent applications incorporated by reference therein.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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 ofthe 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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 mode contemplated, 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.

[0099] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are notintended 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.

[0100] 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 transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment, the method comprising: first transmitting an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment; receiving a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment; measuring received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals; second transmitting the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment; receiving a second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment; measuring received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals; determining differences in received phases between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals; and identifying, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein a duration between the receiving the first plurality of reflected signals and receiving the second plurality of reflected signals comprises a time between 1 second and 10 seconds.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first transmitting and the second transmitting comprises transmitting the outgoing signal as a plurality of bursts for a duration between 10 microseconds (ps) to 100 ps.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising filtering the received phases of the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein identifying the at least one location of movement comprises establishing a difference in the phase change for incremental phases against different alpha (a) directions, wherein a includes azimuth and zenith angle components.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the identifying the at least one location of movement further comprises determining a maximum phase change for any specific a direction.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising, in response to identifying the at least one location of movement, determining a direction alpha (a) to the at least one location of movement, wherein a includes azimuth and zenith angle components.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: emitting a beam in the direction a for a first period of time; receiving a reflected beam in a converse direction of the direction a for a second period of time occurring after the first period of time; measuring changes in received phases for the reflected beam received during the second period of time; and computing differences in received phases as between the emitted beam and the reflected beam.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the emitting comprises emitting the beam as either a series of pulses or a focused beam.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising characterizing the computed differences in received phases as indicative of at least one of: breathing motions, and cardiovascular motions, of a human body among the one or more objects.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein characterizing the computed differences comprises using a machine learning model to determine that movement of at least one of the one or more objects is indicative of motions of a human being among the one or more objects.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein: first transmitting the outgoing signal and second transmitting the outgoing signal comprises transmitting the outgoing signal using a first set of at least one antenna element of an antenna array including a plurality of antenna elements; receiving the first plurality of reflected signals and receiving the second plurality of reflected signals comprises receiving the reflected signals using a second set of at least one antenna element of the antenna array; anda resolution for the identifying is proportional to a number of antenna elements of the second set used for the first receiving and the second receiving, wherein the second set includes more antenna elements than the first set.

13. A transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment, the transceiver comprising a controller, and a memory storage device operably coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to cause the transceiver to: first direct at least one antenna of or associated with the transceiver to transmit an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment; receive, via the at least one antenna, a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment; measure, and store in the memory storage device, received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals; second direct the at least one antenna to transmit the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment; receive, via the at least one antenna, second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment; measure, and store in the memory storage device, received phases for each of the second plurality' of reflected signals; determine differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals; and identify, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

14. The transceiver of claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the transceiver to determine a direction alpha (a) to the at least one location of movement in response to identifying the at least one location of movement, wherein a includes azimuth and zenith angle components.

15. The transceiver of claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the transceiver to: direct the at least one antenna to emit a beam in the direction a for a first period of time;receive, via the at least one antenna, a reflected beam in a converse direction of the direction a for a second period of time occurring after the first period of time; measure changes in received phases for the reflected beam received during the second period of time; and compute differences in received phases as between the emitted beam and the reflected beam.

16. The transceiver of claim 15, wherein the controller is further configured to cause the transceiver to characterize the computed differences in received phases as indicative of at least one of: breathing motions, and cardiovascular motions, of a human body as among the one or more objects.

17. One or more non-transitory computer readable media having stored thereon program instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a transceiver operable in a wireless signaling environment, cause the transceiver to: first direct at least one antenna of or associated with the transceiver to transmit an outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment; receive, via the at least one antenna, a first plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment; measure received phases for each of the first plurality of reflected signals; second direct the at least one antenna to transmit the outgoing signal into the wireless signaling environment; receive, via the at least one antenna, a second plurality of reflected signals from the wireless signaling environment; measure received phases for each of the second plurality of reflected signals; determine differences in received phases as between the first plurality of reflected signals and the second plurality of reflected signals; and identify, based on the differences, at least one location of movement of one or more objects in the wireless signaling environment.

18. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 17, wherein when executed by the at least one processor, the program instructions further cause the transceiver to determine a direction alpha (a) to the at least one location of movement in response toidentifying the at least one location of movement, wherein a includes azimuth and zenith angle components.

19. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 18, wherein when executed by the at least one processor, the program instructions further cause the transceiver to: direct the at least one antenna to emit a beam in the direction a for a first period of time; receive, via the at least one antenna, a reflected beam in a converse direction of the direction a for a second period of time occurring after the first period of time; measure changes in received phases for the reflected beam received during the second period of time; and compute differences in received phases as between the emitted beam and the reflected beam.

20. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 19, wherein when executed by the at least one processor, the program instructions further cause the transceiver to characterize the computed differences in received phases as indicative of at least one of: breathing motions, and cardiovascular motions, of a human body as among the one or more objects.

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