Photovoltaic powered electronic device with an optical magnifier

Abstract

A portable electronic device (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F, 110G, 110H, 110J, 120A, 120B, 120C, 130, 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D, 140E, 150, 220A, 220B, 551, 552, 553, 554A, 554B, 554C, 554D, 555, 556, 280A, 280B) is configured to generate electrical energy from ambient illumination. It comprises an optical magnifier (16) and a photovoltaic component (22). The photovoltaic component (22) comprises an active area (183, 183M) that converts the ambient illumination into electrical energy, and the optical magnifier (16) is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the active area (183, 183M) so that the apparent area (22A2) of the at least a portion of the active area (183, 183M) appears to be larger than the actual area (22A1) of the at least a portion of the active area (183, 183M) when: the active area (183, 183M) is viewed through the optical magnifier (16) from an on-axis direction, and an ambient medium that surrounds the portable electronic device (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110A, 110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F, 110G, 110H, 110J, 120A, 120B, 120C, 130, 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D, 140E, 150, 220A, 220B, 551, 552, 553, 554A, 554B, 554C, 554D, 555, 556, 280A, 280B) has a refractive index of less than 1.40.

Description

[0001] Photovoltaic Powered Electronic Device With An Optical Magnifier

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates to novel optics for efficient energy harvesting of ambient illumination for use in an electronic device.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Real-time locating systems (RTLS), also known as real-time tracking systems, are used to automatically identify and track the location of objects or people in real time. Unlike global positioning satellite (GPS) systems, RTLS are usually operated within a building or other contained area. Wireless RTLS tags are attached to physical objects or worn by people. In most RTLS, fixed reference points receive wireless “beacon” signals from tags to determine the location of said tag. RTLS reference points may also transmit information to the tag. The reference points are spaced throughout a building (or similar area of interest) to provide the desired tag coverage. Tag location accuracy is a function of many variables. Examples of real-time locating systems include tracking automobiles through an assembly line, locating pallets of merchandise in a warehouse, or finding medical equipment in a hospital.

[0006] RTLS designs that have been previously disclosed use a combination of at least one photovoltaic cell (i.e., one solar module or one solar die) and one battery to power the process of the tag. If the battery becomes discharged, then the tag (and hence the asset it is attached to) becomes temporarily lost until the battery can be charged sufficiently to enable the tag to send a beacon signal. The battery may become discharged if the circuit is not optimised and / or the ambient illuminance levels are too low. A larger battery and / or larger photovoltaic module will enable regular beacon signals to be transmitted from the tag but such a design has increased cost, increased maintenance (even rechargeable batteries require replacement over time) and increased dimensions. An ideal tag design would therefore be small, low cost and can harvest energy from the surroundings in order to provide a beacon signal at regular intervals regardless of the energy harvesting conditions.

[0007] Wireless RTLS tags have been disclosed that use sensors that communicate information detected by the sensor to fixed reference points. Such sensor tags communicate both the location of the tag and at least one physically detected attribute (such temperature, humidity, acceleration etc.). If the tag is attached to an immoveable object, then there the tag may not be required to communicate location information.

[0008] The use of optical concentrators for improving the collection efficiently of photovoltaic cells exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., non-diffuse illumination) have been previously disclosed in the following patent applications: W02007084518A2, US20030075212A1 , US20180198403A1 , US11139409B2, US20100236603A1 , US20140130845A1 , US20150068584A1 , US20150083193A1 , US20140048118A1 , WO2016115502A1 , US2014 / 0230883A1 , US20170352771A1 , US20090159126A1 , WO2018187176A1 , JP2005142285, JP6557857B2, US20140261627A1 , US20130153934A1 , DE102011001848A1 , W02016204710A1 and US20100294338A1 . The use of optical concentrators for improving the collection efficiently of photovoltaic cells exposed to direct sunlight has also been previously disclosed by G. Smestad, H. Ries, and R. Winston in an article entitled "The thermodynamic limits of light concentrators" published in Solar Energy Materials, North Holland, 21 , 1990, pp: 99-111. The use of optical concentrators for improving the collection efficiently of photovoltaic cells exposed to artificial lighting has been previously disclosed in the patent applications EP2927968A1.

[0009] FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a diagram of prior art 10 comprising a solar cell and a conventional optical concentrator for harvesting solar energy disclosed by G. Smestad, H. Ries, and R. Winston in an article entitled "The thermodynamic limits of light concentrators" published in Solar Energy Materials, North Holland, 21 , 1990, pp: 99-111. The optical concentrator comprises a plastic hemisphere of width nl / 1 / , where 1 / 1 / is the width of the attached solar cell (i.e., photovoltaic component) and n the refractive index of the hemisphere. The purpose of optical concentrator is to improve the energy harvesting efficiency of ambient illumination. In other words, the optical concentrator increases the amount of electrical power generated by the photovoltaic component. The disclosure of Smestad et al presents equations for a circularly symmetric optical concentrator coupled to a circularly symmetric solar cell. The solar cell disclosed by Smestad et al is circularly symmetric as evidenced by the fact that the solar cell has a single constant value for width, W. Small area (<4cm2) circular shaped solar cells are more expensive to produce than square or rectangular shaped solar cells of similar area. Consequently, the disclosure of Smestad et al fails to teach optical concentrator designs that are optimised for low-cost photovoltaic components (i.e., photovoltaic components that have a square shape or a rectangular shape or any other type of polygon shape).

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention seeks to achieve various electronic devices that have novel optical magnifiers to enable more efficient harvesting of energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination than conventional art. Consequently, the electronic devices disclosed herein are able to perform more useful work (i.e., have better performance) and / or are more compact than conventional art. The phrases “diffuse ambient illumination” and “diffuse illumination” and any variations thereof should be interpreted within this invention as illumination from artificial lighting, especially LED lighting unless stated otherwise. Electronic devices disclosed herein may utilise photovoltaic components that are optimised for indoor use and are therefore optimised for use with artificial light sources. Indoor photovoltaic components have a larger bandgap than outdoor photovoltaic components. In general, indoor and outdoor photovoltaic (PV) components differ in the materials they are made from, the bandgap of their photovoltaic materials, and the light intensity they operate under. Electronic devices disclosed herein are able to operate at lower levels of diffuse artificial ambient illumination than conventional art owing to the implementation of a novel optical magnifier. In other words, electronic devices of conventional art stop performing useful work (such as emitting a beacon signal for example) completely when the diffuse artificial ambient illumination level falls below a given threshold value whereas electronic devices disclosed herein continue to perform useful work below said threshold value. Aspects of the present invention seek to integrate the components of the electronic device (optical magnifier, photovoltaic component(s) and related circuitry) into novel configurations in order to achieve an electronic device that has at least one of the following attributes:

[0012] 1 . The same performance as conventional art but a significantly smaller size than conventional art.

[0013] 2. Better performance than conventional art and a similar size to conventional art.

[0014] 3. Better performance than conventional art and smaller size than conventional art.

[0015] The word “size” in the context above should be interpreted as the volume and / or mass of the electronic device. The electronic devices disclosed herein have novel optical magnifiers for increasing the amount of ambient illumination that is incident on an encompassing area of at least one photovoltaic component. Consequently, significantly more energy is harvested by an electronic device disclosed herein without significantly increasing the cost or size of said electronic device. An active area is the region of a photovoltaic component that, when exposed to ambient illumination, actively participates in the photovoltaic process to convert ambient illumination into electrical energy. The term “encompassing area” refers to the smallest continuous area that encompasses all active areas on the same face of a photovoltaic component. The term “encompassing area” may include regions that are not active areas, such as gaps or electrodes etc. A photovoltaic component may comprise one or more photovoltaic cells (a “photovoltaic cell” may also be known as a “photovoltaic die” or photovoltaic “module”) and each photovoltaic cell has at least one active area. The electronic devices disclosed herein may have photovoltaic component(s) that are type of polygon in shape and the encompassing area(s) may be a type of polygon in shape and the active area(s) of the photovoltaic component(s) may be a type of polygon in shape. In particular, the electronic devices disclosed herein may have photovoltaic component(s) that are square or rectangular or hexagonal in shape. In particular, the electronic devices disclosed herein may have photovoltaic cells that are square or rectangular or hexagonal in shape. In particular, the photovoltaic component(s) disclosed herein may have an encompassing area(s) that is square or rectangular or hexagonal in shape. In particular, the photovoltaic component(s) disclosed herein may have an active area(s) that is square or rectangular or hexagonal in shape. The outer perimeter of a collection of photovoltaic cells that comprise a photovoltaic component of the present invention is the encompassing area and may be square or rectangular or hexagonal in shape. Unless stated otherwise and for diagrammatic simplicity, a photovoltaic component disclosed herein and the active area of said photovoltaic component disclosed herein and the encompassing area of said photovoltaic component are often depicted to be one and the same. The novel optical magnifiers described herein are passive devices since these novel optical magnifiers do not track an illumination source (such as the sun) and / or are not switchable in any way. The novel optical magnifiers are particularly well suited for increasing the amount of light incident on an encompassing area of a photovoltaic component from diffuse artificial ambient illumination sources, such as artificial lighting and / or illumination received on a cloudy day wherein the sunlight has been diffused (scattered) by the presence of clouds. Although the electronic devices with novel optical magnifiers disclosed herein will generate electrical power when exposed to direct sunlight and indirect (i.e., diffuse) sunlight, the novel optical magnifiers disclosed herein are specifically optimised for increasing the electrical power generated from photovoltaic devices that are subjected to artificial diffuse illumination that is typical of an indoor environment. The electronic devices disclosed herein may be Internet Of Things (loT) devices. The electronic devices disclosed herein may be portable since they can be easily carried in one hand. Electronic devices of the present invention may be tagging devices or be included within a tag device. Electronic devices of the present invention may have an associated sensor that may collect data related to at least one of the following items: orientation, acceleration, temperature, humidity, air pressure, ambient illumination (i.e., illuminance, lux, spectral data etc.), magnetic field, sound, ultra-sound, infra-red radiation, ultra-violet radiation, gas or combination of gases (such as CO, CO2, methane etc.), proximity, images (i.e. an image from a camera), touch, a fluid, fluids, mass, or any combination thereof. Electronic devices of the present invention may have at least one associated switch and / or button that may be operated by a user. The electronic devices of the present invention may have a data logging function. The electronic devices of the present invention may communicate information via a wireless transmitter to a network of wireless receivers and / or a network of similar electronic devices. In other words, the electronic device may send and / or receive information wirelessly a network of wireless receivers and / or a network of similar electronic devices. The electronic device may communicate information that enables the electronic device’s location to be ascertained, and / or, the electronic device may communicate information related to data acquired by one or more sensors associated with the electronic device, and / or, the electronic device may communicate data to a further electronic device, such as a mobile phone, that enables the location of the further electronic device to be located.

[0016] An aspect of the present invention provides a portable electronic device configured to generate electrical energy from ambient illumination comprising an optical magnifier and a photovoltaic component wherein the photovoltaic component comprises an active area that converts the ambient illumination into electrical energy, and, the optical magnifier is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the active area so that the apparent area of the at least a portion of the active area appears to be larger than the actual area of the at least a portion of the active area when: the active area is viewed through the optical magnifier from an on-axis direction, and an ambient medium that surrounds the portable electronic device has a refractive index of less than 1.40.

[0017] A portable electronic device of the present invention is configured such that all electrical energy generated from the ambient illumination by the portable electronic device is consumed or stored or converted to a further form of energy or any combination thereof within the portable electronic device itself.

[0018] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component has a largest outer perimeter in the shape of a square or a rectangle.

[0019] A portable electronic device according of the present invention wherein the active area has an outer perimeter in the shape of a polygon.

[0020] A portable electronic device of the present invention the optical magnifier is configured to have a Design Metric #2, known as “DM#2” hereafter, that is in the range 0.2<DM#2<1 .5 where DM#2 is defined by the equation DM#2=T3 / R where the quantity identified as “T3” is equal to the total thickness in the vertical direction of the optical magnifier measured in a straight line from an apex of a convex surface pertaining to the optical magnifier to a central point on an encompassing area, and, the quantity identified as “R” is a radius of curvature of the convex surface wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

[0021] A portable electronic device of the present invention further comprising a casing wherein the photovoltaic component is housed within the casing.

[0022] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the casing comprises the following casing aspects: a casing base, casing sides and a casing cover wherein the casing cover is configured with an aperture to expose at least a portion of the optical magnifier to the ambient medium.

[0023] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein at least two of the casing aspects are configured to be different aspects of one and the same casing item.

[0024] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the optical magnifier comprises a first optical component comprised of a first optical material and a second optical component comprised of a second optical material wherein: the first optical component is configured with a convex surface that is continuous and comprised of a first convex profile in a first direction, and, a second convex profile in a second direction that is different to the first direction, and, at least a portion of the convex surface is in contact with the ambient medium; and the first optical component has a portion that is optically coupled to a portion of the second optical component; and the second optical component has a portion that is optically coupled to the active area; and the photovoltaic component is at least partially encapsulated by the second optical component.

[0025] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first convex profile is configured to be the same as the second convex profile.

[0026] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured with either spherical symmetry around an axis or four-fold symmetry around an axis. A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component has an optical axis that is configured to pass through a central point of an encompassing area wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

[0027] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured to have a widest diameter of its convex surface aligned parallel to a widest diameter of the encompassing area wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

[0028] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured to have a Design Metric #1 , known as “DM#1” hereafter, that is in the range 0.71 <DM#1 <1.7 where DM#1 is defined by the equation DM#1=((WD#1 *N2) / (WD#2*N1)) where the quantity identified as “WD#1” is equal to a widest diameter of the convex surface of the first optical component, and, the quantity identified as “WD#2” is equal to a widest diameter of an encompassing area, and, the quantity identified as “N1” is equal to the refractive index of the first optical component, and, the quantity identified as “N2” is equal to the refractive index of the ambient medium wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

[0029] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component and at least a portion of the casing are configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit.

[0030] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the one and the same unit is fabricated using a bi-injection moulding process wherein the first optical component aspect is fabricated from a material that is optically transparent and the at least a portion of the casing aspect is fabricated from a material that is not optically transparent.

[0031] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the one and the same unit is configured with a receptacle feature that contains at least a portion of the second optical component.

[0032] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component and an aperture in the casing are configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component from passing completely through the aperture in the casing, and, the aperture in the casing is further configured to expose at least a portion of the convex surface to the ambient medium.

[0033] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured with a joining feature; and, the casing is configured with an aperture wherein the joining feature is further configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component from passing completely through the aperture in the casing, and, the aperture in the casing is further configured to expose at least a portion of the convex surface to the ambient medium. A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured with a joining feature, and, the casing is configured with an aperture and a reciprocal joining feature wherein the joining feature and reciprocal joining feature are further configured to cooperate with each other in order to prevent whole of the first optical component from passing completely through the aperture in the casing, and, the aperture in the casing is further configured to expose at least a portion of the convex surface to the ambient medium.

[0034] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured with a receptacle feature that contains at least a portion of the second optical component.

[0035] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured with a first coating disposed on a first portion of the first optical component and the first coating comprises a colour or a pattern of colours or a picture or a set of text or any combination thereof.

[0036] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the first optical component is configured with a second coating disposed on a second portion of the first optical component and comprised of a colour or a combination of colours or a picture or a set of text or any combination thereof wherein: the second coating is different to the first coating, and the second portion is different to the first portion

[0037] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the second optical component is an optical adhesive material.

[0038] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the second optical component comprises, or is composed of, a pressure-sensitive, double-sided acrylic adhesive tape with a viscoelastic acrylic foam core.

[0039] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein an elastic seal is disposed between the first optical component and a portion of the casing.

[0040] A portable electronic device of the present invention comprising an energy management circuit that comprises an energy storage unit and the photovoltaic component wherein: the energy storage unit is configured to store electrical energy harvested from the ambient illumination by the photovoltaic component; and the photovoltaic component is disposed on a top side of a common circuit board.

[0041] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor or battery or supercapacitor or hybrid supercapacitor or any combination thereof.

[0042] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor that is disposed on the top side of the common circuit board.

[0043] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the energy storage unit comprises a battery or supercapacitor or hybrid supercapacitor or any combination thereof that is disposed on the bottom side of the common circuit board. A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the energy management circuit is further configured to be electrically connected to an application circuit wherein: the energy management circuit provides electrical power to the application circuit; and the application circuit comprises a wireless transmitter; and at least part of the application circuit is disposed on the bottom side of the common circuit board.

[0044] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the wireless transmitter is disposed on the bottom side of the common circuit board.

[0045] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the energy management circuit further comprises a user operated switch that is configured with at least two user selectable states and the user operated switch is disposed on the outside of the casing and further configured to: in response to a first user selected state, make an electrical connection between at least two of the following entities: the energy storage unit, the power management circuit and the application circuit; and in response to a second user selected state, break an electrical connection between at least two of the following entities: the energy storage unit, the power management circuit and the application circuit.

[0046] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the application circuit further comprises a sensor configured to collect data related to at least one of the following items: orientation, acceleration, temperature, humidity, air pressure, magnetic field, sound, ultra-sound, infra-red radiation, visible radiation, ultra-violet radiation, electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic spectra, ambient illumination, lux, a gas, gases, proximity, images, touch, a fluid, fluids, mass or any combination thereof.

[0047] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the application circuit further comprises a user operated button that is disposed on the outside of the casing and wherein the application circuit is further configured to perform, in response to a press of the button: a calibration process for the sensor, or a collection of data related to the current status of the sensor, or a transmission of data collected by the sensor via the wireless transmitter, or any combination thereof.

[0048] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the application circuit further comprises a light emitting diode (LED) that is disposed on the top side of the common circuit board and the light emitting diode is configured so that at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting diode travels through a portion of the first optical component and into the ambient medium. A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the optical magnifier has a widest diameter configured to be up to 15% greater than the widest diameter of the photovoltaic component.

[0049] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component is configured to be a monofacial type of photovoltaic component with the active area configured to face in a first direction, and, the portable electronic device of claim 1 comprises a further monofacial type of photovoltaic component with an active area configured to face in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0050] A portable electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component is configured to be a bifacial type of photovoltaic component with the active area configured to face in a first direction, and, a further active area that faces in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

[0051] A portable electronic device of the present invention is configured as a wearable timepiece for displaying the time and displaying at least one further piece of information wherein the optical magnifier is further configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the information display. An electronic device of the present invention is configured to a portable electronic device.

[0052] An electronic device of the present invention is configured to a portable Internet of Things electronic device.

[0053] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the optical magnifier comprises one and only one convex surface that has at least a portion in contact with an ambient medium that surrounds the electronic device.

[0054] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the energy management circuit is powered by a direct current only.

[0055] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the application circuit is powered by a direct current only.

[0056] An electronic device of the present invention is configured to weigh less than 1000 grams.

[0057] An electronic device of the present invention is configured to occupy a volume of less than 1000 cubic centimetres.

[0058] An electronic device of the present invention is configured to have a time averaged electrical power consumption of less than 1 Watt wherein the time averaged electrical power consumption is calculated to be the average electrical power consumed over a period of 24 hours.

[0059] An electronic device of the present invention is configured to have a maximum instantaneous power consumption of less than 10 Watts.

[0060] An electronic device of the present invention wherein at least one of the casing base, casing sides, casing cover or any combination thereof is fabricated from a material that is optically opaque or optically diffusing.

[0061] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component is configured with an outer perimeter in the shape of a polygon.

[0062] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component is configured with an active area that has an outer perimeter in the shape of a polygon.

[0063] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component is configured with an encompassing area wherein the encompassing area has an outer perimeter in a shape selected from one of the following: square, rectangle or hexagon. An electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component is an indoor photovoltaic component.

[0064] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the optical magnifier is configured to have a third optical component fabricated from a third optical material wherein the third optical component is at least partially positioned between the first optical component and the second optical component.

[0065] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the second optical component of the present invention is selected from one the following: an epoxy material, a silicone material or a polyurethane material.

[0066] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the photovoltaic component comprises three photovoltaic cells that are electrically connected in series.

[0067] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the common circuit board is mechanically secured to at least a portion of the casing.

[0068] An electronic device of the present invention wherein a reflective material is disposed or deposited inside the casing.

[0069] An electronic device of the present invention wherein a reflective material is disposed or deposited on: at least a portion of the top side of a first circuit board, or at least a portion of the energy management circuit, or any combination thereof.

[0070] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the common circuit board is configured to reflect ambient illumination.

[0071] An electronic device of the present invention wherein the common circuit board is configured to have a white appearance.

[0072] An electronic device of the present invention is configured with at least one photovoltaic component, an upper first optical component, a lower first optical component and at least one second optical component wherein: a first encompassing area of the at least one photovoltaic component is configured to face in first direction and optically coupled to a portion of the upper first optical component via a second optical component; and a second encompassing area of the at least one photovoltaic component is configured to face in a second direction, that is opposite to the first direction, and is optically coupled to a portion the lower first optical component via a second optical component.

[0073] An electronic device of the present invention is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the encompassing area so that the apparent area of the at least a portion of the encompassing area appears to be larger than the actual area of the at least a portion of the encompassing area when the electronic device is submerged in a fluid. An electronic device of the present invention is configured to be a wearable timepiece that comprises hands for indicating the time wherein the hands are configured to periodically traverse a space between the optical magnifier and the photovoltaic component.

[0074] A method of manufacturing an electronic device of the present invention wherein the optical magnifier comprises at least one first optical component fabricated from a first optical material and a second optical component fabricated from a second optical material wherein the method of manufacturing comprises the following steps: step 1 : Fabricate the first optical component comprising convex surface, casing sides, casing cover and a receptacle feature; and step 2: Fabricate an electronic device comprising at least a photovoltaic component, a capacitor and a wireless transmitter; and step 3: While the second optical component material is in a first state, deposit the second optical component material into the receptacle feature of the first optical component; and step 4: While the second optical component material is in the first state, deposit at least a portion of the electronic device into the receptacle feature of the first optical component and in contact with the second optical component so that the second optical component optically couples the photovoltaic component to the first optical component; and

[0075] Step 5: Attach a casing base to the electronic device formed in step 4 and waiting until the second optical component is in a second state wherein the second state is more resistant to mechanical deformations than the first state.

[0076] A method of manufacturing an electronic device of the present invention wherein the optical magnifier comprises at least one first optical component fabricated from a first optical material and a second optical component fabricated from a second optical material wherein the method of manufacturing comprises the following steps: step 1 : Fabricate the first optical component comprising convex surface, joining features and a receptacle feature; and step 2: Fabricate an electronic device comprising at least a photovoltaic component, a capacitor and a wireless transmitter; and step 3: While the second optical component material is in a first state, deposit the second optical component material into the receptacle feature of the first optical component; and step 4: While the second optical component material is in the first state, deposit at least a portion of the electronic device into the receptacle feature of the first optical component and in contact with the second optical component so that the second optical component optically couples the photovoltaic component to the first optical component; and

[0077] Step 5: Attach a casing cover, casing side and casing base to the electronic device formed in Step 4 and waiting until the second optical component is in a second state wherein the second state is more resistant to mechanical deformations than the first state.

[0078] An electronic device of the present invention comprising: a photovoltaic component comprising an active photovoltaic area; and an optical magnifier arranged to concentrate light onto the active photovoltaic area.

[0079] A portable electronic device of the present invention, configured to generate electrical energy from ambient illumination wherein the ambient illumination is artificial and diffuse.

[0080] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] Certain preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0082] FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a diagram of conventional optical concentrator for harvesting solar energy;

[0083] FIG. 2A is a diagram of a first electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0084] FIG. 2B is a diagram of a second electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0085] FIG. 2C is a diagram of a third electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0086] FIG. 2D is a diagram of a fourth electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0087] FIG. 2E is a diagram of a fifth electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0088] FIG. 2F is a diagram of a fifth electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0089] FIG. 2G is a diagram of a fifth electronic device without optical magnifier;

[0090] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the incompatibility of an electronic device with a conventional optical concentrator;

[0091] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0092] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a second example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0093] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a third example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0094] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a fourth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0095] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a fifth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0096] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a sixth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0097] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seventh example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0098] FIG. 11 A is a diagram showing an eighth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0099] FIG. 11 B is a diagram showing a ninth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0100] FIG. 11C is a diagram showing a tenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0101] FIG. 11 D is a diagram showing an eleventh example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0102] FIG. 11 E is a diagram showing a twelfth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0103] FIG. 11 F is a diagram showing a thirteenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0104] FIG. 11G is a diagram showing a fourteenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0105] FIG. 11 H is a diagram showing a fifteenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0106] FIG. 111 is an example first optical component with joining features;

[0107] FIG. 11 J is a diagram showing a sixteenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0108] FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a seventeenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0109] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an eighteenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0110] FIG. 12C is a diagram showing a nineteenth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0111] FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a twentieth example electronic device with optical magnifier; FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example first optical component;

[0112] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a twenty-first example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0113] FIG. 14B is a diagram showing an example first optical component;

[0114] FIG. 14C is a diagram showing a twenty-second example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0115] FIG. 14D is a diagram showing a twenty-third example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0116] FIG. 14E is a diagram showing an example first optical component;

[0117] FIG. 14F is a diagram showing a twenty-fourth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0118] FIG. 14G is a diagram showing a twenty-fifth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0119] FIG. 15A is a diagram showing side view in the X-Z plane of an example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0120] FIG. 15B is a diagram showing side view in the Y-Z plane of an example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0121] FIG. 15C is a diagram showing the plan view of an example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0122] FIG. 15D is a diagram showing a perspective view example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0123] FIG. 16A is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the first optical component and the photovoltaic component in the X-Z plane;

[0124] FIG. 16B is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the first optical component and the photovoltaic component in the Y-Z plane;

[0125] FIG. 16C is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the first optical component and the photovoltaic component in the X-Y plane;

[0126] FIG. 16D is a further diagram showing the positional relationship of the first optical component and the photovoltaic component in the X-Y plane;

[0127] FIG. 16E is a further diagram showing the positional relationship of the first optical component and the photovoltaic component in the X-Y plane;

[0128] FIG. 16F is a diagram showing an arrangement of multiple photovoltaic components and associated first optical components;

[0129] FIG. 16G is a diagram showing the size of a photovoltaic component;

[0130] FIG. 16H is a diagram showing the apparent size of a photovoltaic component when viewed through an optical magnifier;

[0131] FIG. 16I is a diagram showing details of a photovoltaic component comprised of 3 photovoltaic cells;

[0132] FIG. 16J is a plot showing the power gain of a photovoltaic component with optical magnifier;

[0133] FIG. 16K is a plot showing the power gain of a photovoltaic component with optical magnifier;

[0134] FIG. 17 is a table of design rules for an example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0135] FIG. 18A is a series of diagrams to illustrate a fabrication method for an example electronic device;

[0136] FIG. 18B is flow diagram that describes a fabrication method for an example electronic device;

[0137] FIG. 19A is a series of diagrams to illustrate a fabrication method for an example electronic device;

[0138] FIG. 19B is flow diagram that describes a fabrication method for an example electronic device;

[0139] FIG. 20A is a plot showing the energy gain for an example optical magnifier without an antireflection coating; FIG. 20B is a plot showing the energy gain for an example optical magnifier with an anti-reflection coating;

[0140] FIG. 21 A is a diagram of a timepiece with an optical magnifier in the X-Y plane FIG. 21 A is a diagram of a timepiece with an optical magnifier in the Y-Z plane FIG. 22A is a diagram showing a twenty sixth example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0141] FIG. 22B is a diagram showing a twenty seventh example electronic device with optical magnifier;

[0142] FIG. 22C is a diagram of a photovoltaic component with an optical magnifier;

[0143] FIG. 22D is a diagram of a photovoltaic component with an optical magnifier;

[0144] FIG. 23A is a diagram of a first loT electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0145] FIG. 23B is a diagram of a second loT electronic device without an optical magnifier;

[0146] FIG. 23C is a table of experimental results for the first and second loT Devices;

[0147] FIG. 24 is a diagram of a third loT electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0148] FIG. 25A is a diagram of a fourth loT electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0149] FIG. 25B is a diagram of a fifth loT electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0150] FIG. 25C is a diagram of a sixth loT electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0151] FIG. 25D is a diagram of a seventh loT electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0152] FIG. 26A is a diagram of a twenty eighth electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0153] FIG. 26B is a diagram of a twenty ninth electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0154] FIG. 27A is a diagram of a thirtieth electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0155] FIG. 27B is a diagram of a thirty first electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0156] FIG. 28A is a diagram of a thirty second electronic device with an optical magnifier;

[0157] FIG. 28B is a diagram of a thirty third electronic device with an optical magnifier.

[0158] DETAILED DESRIPTION

[0159] The projection of all figures shown herein are in relation to a right-handed Cartesian coordinate system. Unless stated otherwise, the X-Z plane and the Y-Z plane are side views, and the X-Y plane is a plan view. Unless stated otherwise, the Z direction is taken to be the vertical direction while the X and Y directions are lateral directions.

[0160] Contained herein the phrase “at least a portion of’ should be interpreted to mean “the whole or part thereof’. In other words, the phrase “at least a portion of’ should be interpreted to mean “up to 100% of’. Contained herein the phrase “at least partially” should be interpreted to mean “completely or partially”. In other words, the phrase “at least partially” should be interpreted to mean “up to 100%”.

[0161] The optical refractive index of many materials varies across the optical spectrum. For simplicity and unless stated otherwise, any values of refractive index disclosed herein should be interpreted as the refractive index measured at 589nm.

[0162] FIG. 2A is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20A without optical magnifier that comprises a circuit board 21 , a photovoltaic component 22 and a circuit component 23. The photovoltaic component 22 may be an indoor photovoltaic component 22. Circuit component 23 may be known as a further circuit component 23. For reasons of brevity, circuit component 23 is shown as a single circuit component 23 herein, but in general, circuit component 23 may represent a plurality of circuit components 23. In other words, electronic device 20A is configured to include at least one circuit component 23. Circuit board 21 may be known as a common circuit board 21 or a first circuit board 21. The top side 24 of the circuit board 21 is shown. The bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 is shown. The photovoltaic component 22 and the circuit component 23 are both disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 . The photovoltaic component 22 and the circuit component 23 are electrically connected to the circuit board 21 . The photovoltaic component 22 is electrically connected to the circuit component 23 and this connection may be via the circuit board 21 . In general, any circuit components 23 associated with circuit board 21 (i.e. , any circuit components 23 disposed on circuit board 21) may be electrically connected any other circuit component 23 associated with circuit board 21 . The height H21 shows the vertical distance (i.e., in the Z direction) that the photovoltaic component 22 protrudes above the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 . The height H22 shows the vertical distance that the circuit component 23 protrudes above the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 . The height of the circuit component 23 may be greater than the height of the photovoltaic component 22 (i.e., H22>H21). The width W21 shows the lateral distance that separates the photovoltaic component 22 and the circuit component 23. The photovoltaic component 22 and the circuit component 23 comprise part of an energy management circuit. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 2A, a central point 221 , 221 A on the photovoltaic component 22 and a central point of the circuit board 21 may be configured to have the same, or substantially the same (i.e., within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e., the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) in order to achieve a compact design for the electronic device 20A and any other electronic device disclosed herein that incorporates electronic device 20A. In other words, the photovoltaic component 22 may be mounted in the centre of the circuit board 21 . The photovoltaic component 22 is a monofacial photovoltaic component with an encompassing area 183. All active areas 183M, and the encompassing area 183, 1831 pertaining to the monofacial photovoltaic device 22 face in the same direction. The encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 encompasses the part or parts of the photovoltaic component 22 designed for capturing incident light and converting said captured light into electricity. The encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 encompasses all active areas 183M on the same face of the photovoltaic component 22. The encompassing area 183 is disposed on the outward facing side of the photovoltaic component 22. The encompassing area 183 of photovoltaic device 22 may also be known as the first encompassing area 1831 .

[0163] FIG. 2B is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20B without optical magnifier that similar to electronic device 20A except electronic device 20B is configured with at least one wireless transmitter 29. If electronic device 20B is configured with one wireless transmitter 29, this single wireless transmitter 29 may be disposed on either the top side 24 of the circuit board or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 . Although not explicitly shown for reasons of brevity it, should be appreciated that electronic devices with magnifier optics disclosed herein may include electronic device 20B where a single wireless transmitter 29 is disposed on either the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21. If electronic device 20B is configured with more than one wireless transmitter 29, the wireless transmitters 29 may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Alternatively, but not shown in FIG. 2B, at least one wireless transmitter 29 may be disposed on a further circuit board 21 A, 21 B, as shown in FIG. 14F or at least one wireless transmitter 29 may be disposed on an additional circuit board 131 as shown in FIG. 14A. The wireless transmitter(s) 29 may be electrically connected to the circuit board 21 . The type of wireless transmitter(s) 29 may be selected from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), Long- Term Evolution Machine Type Communication (LTE-M or LTE-MTC) or Narrowband Internet of Things(NB-loT) or any combination thereof. The type of wireless transmitter(s) 29 is preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) type or Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) type. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 2B, a central point 221 , 221 A on the photovoltaic component 22 and a central point of the circuit board 21 may be configured to have the same, or substantially the same (i.e. , within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e. , the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) in order to achieve a compact design for the electronic device 20B and any other electronic device disclosed herein that incorporates electronic device 20B. In other words, the photovoltaic component 22 may be mounted in the centre of the circuit board 21.

[0164] FIG. 2C is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20C without optical magnifier that is similar to electronic devices 20A and 20B except that the circuit board 21 is not present in electronic device 20C. Electronic device 20C is configured with a photovoltaic component 22 that is a monofacial photovoltaic component 22 with an encompassing area 183, 1831. All active areas 183M, and the encompassing area 183, 1831 pertaining to the monofacial photovoltaic device 22 face in the same direction. The photovoltaic component 22 is electrically connected to the circuit component 23 via electrical connection 28A. The circuit component 23 may be electrically connected to at least one wireless transmitter 29 via electrical connection 28B. At least one of electrical connection 28A and electrical connection 28B may be a flexible electrical connection such as a flat flex cable (FFC) or flexible printed circuit board (FPC).

[0165] FIG. 2D is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20D without optical magnifier that is similar to electronic device 20B. Electronic device 20D is configured with a photovoltaic component 22 that is a monofacial photovoltaic component with an encompassing area 183. All active areas 183M, and the encompassing area 183, 1831 pertaining to the monofacial photovoltaic device 22 face in the same direction. Electronic device 20D is configured to include at least one wireless transmitter 29 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20D is configured to include at least one circuit component 23 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20D may be configured to include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) 143 that is disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 . Electronic device 20E may also be configured to include at least one sensor 145 that is disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or the bottom side 24 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 2D, a central point 221 , 221 A on the photovoltaic component 22 and a central point of the circuit board 21 may be configured to have the same, or substantially the same (i.e. , within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e., the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) in order to achieve a compact design for the electronic device 20D and any other electronic device disclosed herein that incorporates electronic device 20D. In other words, the photovoltaic component 22 may be mounted in the centre of the circuit board 21 .

[0166] FIG. 2E is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20E without optical magnifier and is similar to electronic devices 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D electronic device 20E is configured with a bifacial type of photovoltaic component 22 whereas electronic devices 20A, 20B, 20C and 20D are configured with a monofacial of type photovoltaic component 22. A bifacial photovoltaic component 22 can produce electrical energy when illuminated on either of its surfaces. In other words, the bifacial photovoltaic component 22 can harvest energy from ambient illumination that is incident on the top side encompassing area 183A and can also harvest energy from ambient illumination that is incident on the bottom side encompassing area 183B. Consequently, the circuit board 21 may be configured such that both a top side encompassing area 183A pertaining to the photovoltaic component 22 and a bottom side encompassing area 183B pertaining to the same photovoltaic component 22 may be exposed to ambient illumination simultaneously. The top side encompassing area 183A is a first encompassing area 1831 and the bottom side encompassing area 183B is a second encompassing area 1832. The first encompassing area 1831 is an encompassing area 183 and the second encompassing area 1832 is an encompassing area 183. In general, electronic device 20E is configured to simultaneously harvest energy from ambient illumination that is incident on electronic device 20E from 2 opposing directions, such as illumination incident from a positive Z direction and illumination incident from a negative Z direction because the encompassing areas 1831 and 1832 are configured to face in opposing directions. In general, electronic device 20E is configured with a first encompassing area 1831 configured to face in first direction and a second encompassing area 1832 configured to face in second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Electronic device 20E includes at least one wireless transmitter 29 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20E includes at least one circuit component 23 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20E may also be configured to include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) 143 that is disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 24 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof.

[0167] Electronic device 20E may also be configured to include at least one sensor 145 that is disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 24 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 2E, a central point 221 , 221A on the photovoltaic component 22 and a central point of the circuit board 21 may be configured to have the same, or substantially the same (i.e., within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e., the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) in order to achieve a compact design for the electronic device 20E and any other electronic device disclosed herein that incorporates electronic device 20E. In other words, the photovoltaic component 22 may be mounted in the centre of the circuit board 21.

[0168] FIG. 2F is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20F without optical magnifier. Electronic device 20F comprises an upper circuit board 21 , 21 A and a lower circuit board 21 , 21 B that may be electrically connected to each other via electrical connection 251 that may be a flexible circuit board (FPC) or flat flex cable (FFC). The upper circuit board 21 , 21 A is configured with a photovoltaic component 22 disposed on an outward facing side 24A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A. The lower circuit board 21 , 21 B is configured with a photovoltaic component 22 disposed on an outward facing side 24B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B. To achieve a compact design, the photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B may have the same lateral configuration (i.e., the same X and Y coordinates) as the photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A. To achieve a compact design, the photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B may be identical to the photovoltaic component 21 , 22 disposed on the upper circuit board 21A. Electronic device 20F is configured to include at least one circuit component 23 that may be disposed on the outward facing side 24A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the inward facing side 25A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the outward facing side 24B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or on the inward facing side 21 , 25B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20F is configured to include at least one wireless transmitter 29 that may be disposed on the outward facing side 24A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the inward facing side 25A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the outward facing side 24B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or on the inward facing side 25B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20F may also be configured to include at least one sensor 145 that may be disposed on the outward facing side 24A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the inward facing side 25A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the outward facing side 24B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or on the inward facing side 25B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20F may also be configured to include at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) 143 that may be disposed on the outward facing side 24A of the upper circuit board 21 , 21 A or on the outward facing side 24B of the lower circuit board 21 , 21 B or any combination thereof. The first encompassing area 1831 is an encompassing area 183 and the second encompassing area 1832 is an encompassing area 183. The electronic device 20F is configured to simultaneously harvest energy from ambient illumination that is incident on electronic device 20F from 2 opposing directions, such as illumination incident from a positive Z direction and illumination incident from a negative Z direction because the encompassing areas 183 are configured to face in 2 opposing directions. In general, electronic device 20F is configured with a first monofacial photovoltaic component 22, 22A with a first encompassing area 183, 1831 configured to face in a first direction and a second monofacial photovoltaic component 22, 22A with a second encompassing area 183, 1832 configured to face a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 2F, a central point 221 , 221 A on both photovoltaic components 22 and a central point on their associated circuit boards 21 , 21 A, 21 B may be configured to have the same, or substantially the same (i.e. , within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e., the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) in order to achieve a compact design for the electronic device 20F and any other electronic device disclosed herein that incorporates electronic device 20F. In other words, the photovoltaic components 22 may be mounted in the centre of their associated circuit board 21 , 21 A, 21 B. FIG. 2G is a side view diagram in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 20G without optical magnifier. Electronic device 20G comprises a circuit board 21 that is configured with a photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 and another photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the bottom side 24. To achieve a compact design, the photovoltaic component 22 that is disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 may have the same, or substantially the same (i.e., within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e., the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) as the photovoltaic component 22 that is disposed on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 . To achieve a compact design, the photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 may be identical to the photovoltaic component 22 disposed on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21. Electronic device 20G is configured to include at least one circuit component 23 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20G is configured to include at least one wireless transmitter 29 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20G may be configured to include at least one sensor 145 that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. Electronic device 20G may be configured to include at least one light emitting diode (LED) that may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. The first encompassing area 1831 is an encompassing area 183 and the second encompassing area 1832 is an encompassing area 183. The electronic device 20G is configured to simultaneously harvest energy from ambient illumination that is incident on electronic device 20G from 2 opposing directions, such as illumination incident from a positive Z direction and illumination incident from a negative Z direction because the encompassing areas 183 are configured to face in 2 opposing directions. In general, electronic device 20G is configured with a first monofacial photovoltaic component 22, 22A with a first encompassing area 183, 1831 configured to face in a first direction and a second monofacial photovoltaic component 22, 22A with a second encompassing area 183, 1832 configured to face a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 2G, a central point 221 , 221 A on both photovoltaic components 22 and a central point on the circuit board 21 may be configured to have the same, or substantially the same (i.e., within 5mm), lateral coordinates (i.e., the same, or substantially the same, X and Y coordinates) in order to achieve a compact design for the electronic device 20G and any other electronic device disclosed herein that incorporates electronic device 20G. In other words, the photovoltaic components 22 may be mounted in the centre of the circuit board 21.

[0169] With reference to FIGs. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G, the circuit board(s) 21 , 21 A, 21 B is configured to include, but may not be limited to, at least one circuit component 23 that at least partially comprises an energy management circuit. The energy management circuit includes at least the photovoltaic component 22 and the at least one circuit component 23. The energy management circuit is responsible for harvesting energy from ambient illumination and storing said harvested energy. The energy management circuit may also include circuit components that deliver the harvested energy to a load. Said load may be an application circuit that at least includes the at least one wireless transmitter 29. The wireless transmitter 29 may communicate information to a network of wireless receivers (not shown). The application circuit may include the at least one sensor 145. The application circuit may include the at least one LED 143. The application circuit is configured to be electrically connected to the energy management circuit. The energy management circuit may be disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 or any combination thereof. The application circuit may be disposed top side 24 of the circuit board 21 or the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 of any combination thereof. For some embodiments disclosed herein it may be preferable for circuit components 23 related to the energy management circuit to be wholly disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 in order to achieve a compact design. For some embodiments disclosed herein it may be preferable for circuit components related to the application circuit to be disposed on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 in order to achieve a compact design. The electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F or 20G may be, or may be part of, a tag device as disclosed herein. The electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F or 20G may be, or may be part of, a sensing device as disclosed herein. The electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F or 20G may be, or may be part of, an Internet Of Things (loT) electronic device as disclosed herein.

[0170] For diagrammatic convenience, circuit component 23 may actually be representative of a plurality of circuit components. In other words, although circuit component 23 appears to be a single component in the figures disclosed herein, circuit component 23 may actually represent a plurality of circuit components. Circuit component 23 is part of the energy management circuit. The energy management circuit (and hence circuit component 23) may include at least one of an energy storage unit, voltage detector and load switch or any combination thereof. The energy storage unit 23 may be a capacitor, supercapacitor, rechargeable battery, a lithium ion battery or a hybrid supercapacitor, or any combination thereof. The use of at least one Multi-Layer Ceramic Capacitor (MLCC) has been found particularly useful for creating a high efficiency energy management circuit of compact design. The height for an MLCC may be in the range 350pm to 2.7mm. Experiments have shown that to create a high efficiency energy management circuit of compact design, the height of an MLCC is typically greater than the height of the photovoltaic component 22. In other words, if we assume for discussion purposes that the circuit component 23 is an MLCC, then typically H22>H21 as shown by the electronic devices 20A and 20B.

[0171] The photovoltaic component 22 may comprise one of, or a plurality of, photovoltaic cell(s). Photovoltaic cells may also be known as photovoltaic dies or photovoltaic modules. The photovoltaic component 22 may be an indoor photovoltaic component 22. The individual photovoltaic cell(s) that comprise the photovoltaic component 22 are not shown in FIG. 2. The photovoltaic cell(s) may be fabricated from a silicon-based semiconductor or from a compound semiconductor. The photovoltaic cell(s) may be fabricated from a compound semiconductor comprising elements from group 3 and group 5 of the periodic table (i.e., a “lll-V” semiconductor). The photovoltaic cell(s) may be fabricated from a compound semiconductor comprising elements from group 2 and group 6 of the periodic table (i.e., a “ll-VI” semiconductor). The photovoltaic cell(s) may be fabricated from an organic semiconductor comprising items. The photovoltaic component 22 may comprise between 1 and 6 individual photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic component 22 may comprise between 2 and 5 individual photovoltaic cells. The photovoltaic component 22 may comprise between 3 and 4 individual photovoltaic cells. If the photovoltaic component comprises a plurality photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic cells may be arranged in series or in parallel. For some example electronic devices disclosed herein, the use of 3 individual photovoltaic cells arranged in series and comprised of a lll-V semiconductor was found to produce a photovoltaic component of compact design which generates preferred values for current and voltage. For some example electronic devices disclosed herein, the use of 3 individual photovoltaic cells arranged to form a square shaped photovoltaic component 22 was found work particularly well with optical magnifier designs disclosed herein enabling the following beneficial features: good energy harvesting, compact design and low manufacturing cost.

[0172] FIG. 3 shows the incompatibility of an electronic device 20A with conventional optical concentrator 31 . The concentrator optic 31 may be a hemisphere with a radius of curvature (ROC) shown by item 32 and a height in the vertical direction above the topmost surface of the photovoltaic component 22 shown by item 33. The area enclosed by item 34 is simultaneously occupied by the circuit component 23 and the conventional optical concentrator 31 , therefore it is physically impossible to realise the electronic device 30. Consequently, conventional optical concentrator 31 may not compatible with an electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C of compact design. As stated in the prior art, the width of the hemisphere must by n times greater than the width of the photovoltaic component (which is circular in shape) in order to maximise energy harvesting of ambient illumination, where n is the refractive index of the hemisphere. To combine a conventional optical concentrator with an electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E, 20F, 20G then at least one of the following design changes may be made:

[0173] 1. H22 must be less than or equal to H21

[0174] 2. W21 must be increased

[0175] Both design changes described above increase the physical dimensions of the electronic device and therefore are not desirable. Therefore, novel optical concentrators are required to yield electronic devices of compact design. In addition, novel optical concentrators are required for noncircular photovoltaic components in order to achieve lower cost electronic devices.

[0176] FIG. 4 shows the electronic device 40 which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 40 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 40 may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D The novel magnifier optics 41 , 45 (optical magnifier 16) are comprised a first optical component 41 fabricated from a first optical material and a second optical component 45 fabricated from second optical material. As a visual aid to understanding embodiments disclosed herein, the second optical component 45 is shown with a square crosshatch pattern (i.e. , the square crosshatch pattern merely highlights the extent of the second optical component 45 in relation to other components). The first optical component 45 has a convex surface 47 and a convex profile. The convex surface 47 of the first optical component 45 may be non-diffusing to ambient illumination so that the photovoltaic component 22 is not obscured from view. Alternatively, the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 45 may be diffusing to ambient illumination so that the photovoltaic component 22 is at least partially, or completely, obscured from view. A diffusing convex surface 47 has a disadvantage compared with a non-diffusing convex surface 47 since the diffusing convex surface 47 will reduce the amount of energy that can be harvested from ambient illumination compared with a non-diffusing convex surface 47. A diffusing convex surface 47 may have a first advantage compared with a non-diffusing convex surface 47 since the diffusing convex surface 47 may have a more desirable cosmetic appeal than a non-diffusing convex surface 47. A diffusing convex surface 47 may have a second advantage compared with a non-diffusing convex surface 47 since the diffusing convex surface 47 may make an associated electronic device more difficult to counterfeit than a non-diffusing convex surface 47. The first and second optical materials may have similar refractive indices across the visible spectrum. The first and second optical materials may have substantially the same refractive index across the visible spectrum. The ratio, ORATIO, of the refractive indices of the first optical material and the second optical material across the visible spectrum may be in the range 0.88<nRATio^1.12. Preferably, the ratio, ORATIO, of the refractive indices of the first optical material and the second optical material across the visible spectrum may be in the range 0.94<nRATio^1.06. Even more preferably, the ratio, ORATIO, of the refractive indices of the first optical material and the second optical material across the visible spectrum may be in the range 0.97<nRATio^1.03. The first and second optical materials are substantially transparent and substantially colourless across the visible spectrum. The first optical component 41 has a first portion that is optically coupled to a first portion of the second optical component 45. Said optically coupling enables ambient illumination to pass efficiently from the first portion of the first optical component 41 to the first portion of the second optical component 45. In other words, the first portions of the first and second optical components comprise the interface between the first and second optical components. The second optical component 45 has a second portion that is optically coupled to a surface of the photovoltaic component 22. Said optically coupling enables ambient illumination to pass efficiently from a second portion of the second optical component 45 into the photovoltaic component 22. The second optical material may be an adhesive that enables said optical couplings. Said adhesive may be an optical adhesive. Said adhesive may be an epoxy resin or a silicone resin or an acrylate material or an acrylic material or an Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material or a polyurethane material or a modified silane material (hybrid polymer) or a polyether material or a pressure sensitive adhesive or any combination thereof. Said pressure-sensitive may be a double-sided adhesive tape, such as an acrylic tape or an acrylic foam tape that may have a viscoelastic acrylic foam core. The second optical component 45 may have a refractive index that is the same, or approximately the same (i.e. , within ±5%), as the first optical component 41 . The second optical component 45 may have a refractive index that is the same, or approximately the same (i.e., within ±5%), as the uppermost surface of the photovoltaic unit 22. The second optical component 45 may have a refractive index value that is between the refractive index value of the first optical component 41 and the refractive index value of the uppermost surface of the photovoltaic unit 22. If the refractive index of the first optical component 41 is denoted by N41 and the refractive index of the second optical component 45 is denoted by N45 and the refractive index of the uppermost surface of the photovoltaic component 22 is denoted by N22, then the inequality N45<N41 <N22 may apply wherein the symbol “<” means “less than or approximately equal to” wherein approximately equal to is taken to mean within ±5%. Alternatively, the inequality

[0177] N22<N41 <N45 may apply. The second optical component 45 may at least partially encapsulate the circuit component 23. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown and defined by the widest diameter 133 that can be drawn between 2 opposite points on the convex surface 47 and where the convex surface 47 is in contact with the ambient surrounding medium. In cases where the first optical component 41 is configured to have a first convex profile 47A in a first direction and a second convex profile 47B in a second direction that is different to the first direction, the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is arranged to be the larger diameter pertaining to either the first convex profile 47A or the second convex profile 47B. In other words, the widest diameter 133 is the widest diameter of a convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 . In general, the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is the part of the convex surface that is configured to be exposed to ambient illumination. More specifically, the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is defined as the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 that has an interface with the medium surrounding an example electronic device disclosed herein. The surrounding medium (i.e., medium surrounding an example electronic device disclosed herein), may be vacuum, air or some other composition of gases. If the surrounding medium is a gas (or mixture of gases) the surrounding medium typically has a refractive index <1.1. Alternatively, the surrounding medium may be water, an aqueous solution or some other fluid. The surrounding medium always has a lower refractive index than the first optical component 41 . In general, the first optical component 41 and second optical component 45 form an optical system that serves to magnify the apparent area 22A2 of the photovoltaic component 22. Said area magnification is directly related to the increased energy harvesting capability of the photovoltaic component 22. In other words, the greater the area magnification of the photovoltaic component 22, the greater the amount of the energy that may be harvested by the photovoltaic component 22 from the ambient illumination.

[0178] With reference to FIG. 4, the total thickness in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction) of the optical magnifier 41 , 45 measured in straight line from the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 to a central point 221 , 221 A on the photovoltaic component 22 is shown by item T3. Both the central point 221 , 221 A and the apex 411 are shown with black dots; these black dots 221 , 221 A, 411 are for illustrative purposes only. The central point 221 , 221 A is coplanar with a layer in the photovoltaic component 22 that generates the photo current. The thickness in the vertical direction of the second optical component 45 above the central point 221 , 221 A is shown by item T2. The thickness in the vertical direction of the first optical component 41 is shown by item T 1 . With reference to FIG. 4, the relationship between T1 , T2 and T3 is given by T1+T2=T3. FIG. 4 shows that the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 may have a constant radius of curvature. Alternatively, but not shown, the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 may have a non-constant radius of curvature and / or be comprised of multiple radii of curvatures. The first optical component 41 may have a spherical shape or an aspherical shape. FIG. 4 shows the first optical component 41 having a spherical curvature. The radius of curvature (ROC) of the first optical component 41 is shown by item labelled “R”. The ROC of the first optical component 41 may be aligned with a central point 221 , 221 A of the photovoltaic component 22. FIG. 4 shows an electronic device 40 with a design such that the relationship T3=R is satisfied. In general, the relationship T3=R may be satisfied where R represents a radius of curvature of the first optical component 41 . The convex surface 47 may be coated with an anti-reflection coating to enhance the energy harvesting capability. Electronic device 40 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination.

[0179] FIG. 5 shows the electronic device 50 which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 50 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 50 may include electronic device 20B or electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. FIG. 5 shows the radius of curvature, R, of the convex surface 47 arranged below the top surface of the photovoltaic component 22. In other words, FIG. 5 shows the relationship 0.5<T3 / R. In order to create an electronic device with optical magnifier that has a compact design with good energy harvesting efficiency for diffuse ambient illumination, it was found effective to arrange the design such that 0.2<T3 / R, and preferably such that 0.5<T3 / R and even more preferably such that 0.67<T3 / R. The electronic device 50 is more compact than electronic device 40. The electronic device 50 may have a lower energy harvesting efficiency than electronic device 40. FIG. 6 shows the electronic device 60 which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 60 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 60 may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. FIG. 6 shows the radius of curvature, R, of the convex surface 47 arranged above the top surface of the photovoltaic component 22. In other words, FIG. 6 shows the relationship T3 / R<2. In order to create an electronic device with optical magnifier that has a compact design with good energy harvesting efficiency for diffuse ambient illumination, it was found effective to arrange the design such that T3 / R<3, and preferably such that T3 / R<2 and even more preferably T3 / R<1 .5. The electronic device 60 is less compact than electronic device 40.

[0180] An aspect of the present invention is to achieve an optical magnifier 16 (comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45) of compact design for improving the energy harvesting capability of photovoltaic cells exposed to diffuse ambient illumination. Although there is a lot of conventional art directed towards optical magnifiers for improving the energy harvesting capability of photovoltaic cells exposed to direct sunlight (i.e. , a non-diffuse light source), compact optical designs to improve the energy harvesting capability of photovoltaic cells exposed to diffuse ambient illumination, such as artificial lighting, have received very little attention. Consequently, experiments were performed to measure the average energy harvesting capability during a “random walk” for various electronic devices with novel optical magnifier designs described herein as a function of T1 , T2 and R. The random walk was performed inside an office with conventional office LED lighting.

[0181] Experiments showed that if T3 / R<0.2, then although the optical magnifier 16 was extremely compact, the improvements to the energy harvesting capability were relatively small compared to an electronic device without an optical magnifier 16. Consequently, designs of an optical magnifier 16 whereby T3 / R<0.2 have limited commercial appeal.

[0182] Results showed that if T3 / R>3, then the energy harvesting capability experienced extremely large variations during the random walk. The large variations were due to the positional relationship of the artificial lighting units and the electronic device with novel optical magnifier 16. Some positions yielded significant improvements to the energy harvesting capability and some positions yielding no improvement to the energy harvesting capability compared to an electronic device without optical magnifier. Extremely large variations to the improvement in energy harvesting capability is undesirable for a tag device that is designed to be predominately moved around within an indoor environment wherein the indoor environment is illuminated via various diffuse lighting sources. Such indoor diffuse lighting sources include illumination from artificial lighting and may further include illumination through a window from the sun. Consequently, designs of optical magnifier 16 whereby T3 / R>3 have limited commercial appeal for electronic devices that subject to movements indoors, such as tag device. Experiments showed that a good comprise between compact design, high average energy harvesting capability and acceptable variations in the improvement of the energy harvesting were obtained for electronic devices with a novel optical magnifier 16 operated with diffuse ambient illumination, such as an indoor environment, when 0.2<T3 / R<3. Experiments showed that a very good comprise between compact design, high average energy harvesting capability and acceptable variations in the improvement of the energy harvesting were obtained for electronic devices with an optical magnifier 16 operated with diffuse ambient illumination, such as an indoor environment, when 0.5<T3 / R<2. Experiments showed that an excellent comprise between compact design, high average energy harvesting capability and acceptable variations in the improvement of the energy harvesting were obtained for electronic devices with an optical magnifier 16 operated with diffuse ambient illumination, such as an indoor environment, when 0.67<T3 / R<1 .5. Experiments showed the best comprise between compact design, high average energy harvesting capability and acceptable variations in the improvement of the energy harvesting were obtained for electronic devices with an optical magnifier 16 operated with diffuse ambient illumination, such as an indoor environment, when 0.6<T3 / R<1.2.

[0183] FIG. 7 shows the electronic device 70 which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 70 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 70 may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. FIG. 7 shows that the first optical component 41 may have an asymmetric design. FIG. 7 shows that the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral direction X. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral direction Y. In general, the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral directions X and Y. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. FIG. 8 shows the electronic device 80 which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 80 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 80 may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. FIG. 8 shows that the first optical component 41 may have a symmetric design. FIG. 8 shows that the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral direction X. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral direction Y. In general, the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral directions X and Y. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 shows the electronic devices 90 and 100 respectively which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic devices 90 and 100 are physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and have been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic devices 90, 100 may include electronic device 20B or electronic device 20C. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show that the first optical component 41 may have a symmetric design. FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 show that the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral direction X. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral direction Y. In general, the second optical component 45 may have a thickness in the Z direction that is a function of the lateral directions X and Y. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown.

[0184] FIG. 11A shows the electronic device 110A which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 110A is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 110A may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. Electronic device 110A also includes a casing 115 that comprises the following casing aspects: casing base 116, casing sides 117 and a casing cover 118. A portion of the casing 115 may include any of the casing aspects. In general, at least 2 of the casing aspects (casing base 116, casing sides 117 and a casing cover) may be configured (i.e. , fabricated) to be one and the same casing item. In general, the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit. The casing cover 118 has a casing cover aperture 118A that exposes at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to ambient illumination. FIG. 11A shows the casing cover aperture 118A to have substantially the same dimension as the widest diameter 133, however, the casing cover aperture 118A may be configured larger than, or smaller than, the widest diameter 118. The first optical component 41 may also be considered to be part of the casing that encloses the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The casing base 116, casing sides 117 and casing cover 118 may be connected together so that they form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The casing base 116, casing sides 117, casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 may be connected together so that they form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The casing base 116, casing sides 117, casing cover 118, first optical component 41 and second optical component 45 may be connected together so that they form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The casing base 116, casing sides 117 and casing cover 118 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item into which the electronic device 20A, 20B or 20C is incorporated. Said “single casing item” may be formed via an injection moulding process. Alternatively, the casing base 116 and casing sides 117 may be manufactured so that they form a single casing item and said single casing item is subsequently combined with a casing cover 118 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. Alternatively, the casing cover 118 and casing sides 117 may be manufactured so that they form a single casing item and said single casing item is subsequently combined with a casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. Alternatively, the casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item which is then combined with the casing sides 117 and casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. Alternatively, the casing cover 118, casing sides 117 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item which is then combined with the casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The casing cover 118 may be the same material as the first optical component 41. The casing sides 117 may be the same material as the first optical component 41. The casing base 116 may be the same material as the first optical component 41. The casing base 116 may be an optically transparent material or an optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material. The casing sides 117 may be an optically transparent material or an optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material. The casing cover 117 may be an optically transparent material or an optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material. Note: an “optically diffuse material” is one that diffuses transmitted light. Consequently, if a casing item (such as casing base 116, casing sides 117 and casing cover 118) is fabricated from an optically diffuse material, then said casing item obscures features of an example electronic device disclosed herein that is encased by said casing item. Obscuring encased features of an example electronic device disclosed herein is advantageous for improving the visual attractiveness of an example electronic device disclosed herein. In general, a single casing item may be comprised of at least a first casing item selected from casing base, casing sides or casing cover, and, a second casing item selected from casing base 116, casing sides 117 or casing cover 118, wherein the first casing item is different from the second casing item. In general, a single casing item may be comprised of the first optical component 41 , and, at least a first casing item selected from casing base 116, casing sides 117 or casing cover 118. In general, a single casing item may be comprised of the first optical component 41 , and, at least a first casing item selected from casing base 116, casing sides 117 or casing cover 118, and, a second casing item selected from casing base, casing sides or casing cover, wherein, the first casing item is different from the second casing item. A casing item disclosed herein and a single casing item disclosed herein may be manufactured via a bi-injection moulding process utilising a first casing material and a second casing material. Said first casing material may be one of an optically transparent material, optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material, and, said second casing material may be one of an optically transparent material, optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material, wherein, the first casing material and the second casing material have different optical properties. For example, the casing cover 118, casing sides 117 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item via a biinjection moulding process such that the first optical component 41 comprises an optically transparent material and both the casing cover 118 and casing sides 117 are comprised of either an optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material. Advantages of the single casing item described in the previous sentence include low-cost, compact design, good energy harvesting capability for diffuse ambient illumination, and, pleasing aesthetics. The pleasing aesthetics are achieved since the casing cover 118 and casing sides 117 are comprised of material that prevents viewing of the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The casing cover 118 and casing cover aperture 118A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 118A. The distance T5 shows the distance from the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 to the bottom of the casing base 116. The circuit component 23 is at least partially located underneath the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 when viewed from an on-axis direction 42 in order to achieve a more compact design.

[0185] FIG. 11 B shows the electronic device 110B. Electronic device 110B is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 110B is identical to electronic device 110A except that electronic device 110B explicitly shows that the casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item which is then combined with the casing sides 117 and casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. In other words, the casing cover 118 and the first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. In general, the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit. From a manufacturing point of view, the casing cover 118 and the first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. Manufacturing the casing cover 118 and the first optical component 41 as different aspects of one and the same unit has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs. Although the casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 of the electronic device 110B are one and same unit, the first optical component 41 aspect of the one and the same unit has a different function to the casing cover 118 aspect of the one and same unit. The one and the same unit may be manufactured by an injection moulding process. If the one and the same unit disclosed in the electronic device 110B is manufactured via a bi-injection moulding process, then the first optical component 41 aspect of the one and the same unit may be comprised of a material that is optically transparent while the casing cover 118 aspect of the one and the same unit may be comprised of a material that is either an optically opaque material or an optically diffuse material.

[0186] FIG. 11C shows the electronic device 110C. Electronic device 110C is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 110C is identical to electronic device 110A except that electronic device 110C explicitly shows that the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item which is then combined with the casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. In other words, the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. In general, the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit. From a manufacturing point of view, the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and the first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. Manufacturing the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and the first optical component 41 as one and the same unit has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs. Although the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and the first optical component 41 of the electronic device 110C are one and same unit, the first optical component aspect of the one and the same unit has a different function to both the casing cover 118 aspect and the casing 118 aspect of the one and same unit. If the one and the same unit of electronic device 110C is manufactured via a bi-injection moulding process, then the first optical component 41 aspect of the one and the same unit comprises a first material that is an optically transparent material while both the casing sides 117 aspect and casing cover 118 aspect of the one and the same unit are comprised of a second material that is either an optically opaque material an optically diffuse material.

[0187] FIG. 11 D shows the electronic device 110D. Electronic device 110D is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The first optical component 41 of electronic device 110D has a different shape to the first optical component 41 of electronic device 110A. The second optical component 45 of electronic device 110D has a different shape to the second optical component 45 of electronic device 110A. With reference to FIG. 11 D, the relationship between T1 , T2 and T3 is given by T 1 +T2=T3. If the refractive indices of the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45 are similar, then the optical magnifier 41 , 45 (comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45) shown in electronic device 110D will have a similar performance to the optical magnifier 41 , 45 shown in electronic device 110A. With reference to FIG. 11 D, the height of the second optical component 45 above the top surface of a central point 221 , 221 A of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown by item T2. The height of the apex of the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 above a surface of the second optical component 45 is shown by item T 1 . The preferred designs relationships between T1 , T2, and R have been previously disclosed herein. If the refractive indices of the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45 are substantially the same, then the optical magnifier 41 , 45 (comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45) shown in electronic device 110D will have substantially the same performance as the optical magnifier 41 , 45 shown in electronic device 110A. Alternatively, the second optical component 45 may be fabricated from an optical adhesive that has a higher refractive index than the first optical component 41 in order to increase the amount of energy harvested from the ambient illumination. Because the thickness T 1 of the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 110D is constant in the radial direction, the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 110D was found to have manufacturing advantages over the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 110A when using an injection moulding fabrication technique. When using an injection moulding fabrication technique, it was found that the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 110D could be manufactured more cheaply and / or of higher quality than the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 110A. The cost reduction advantage was primarily a result of reduced fabrication time. The quality advantage was primarily a result of reduced shrinkage that enabled better replication of the convex surface 47. Consequently, the electronic device 110D shown in FIG. 11 D may have lower fabrication cost and / or have higher quality (i.e., able to harvest more energy from the ambient illumination) than the electronic device 110A shown in FIG. 11 A.

[0188] FIG. 11 E shows the electronic device 110E. Electronic device 110E is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 110E is identical to electronic device 110D except that electronic device 110E explicitly shows that the casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item which is then combined with the casing sides 117 and casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. In other words, the casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. In general, the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit. From a manufacturing point of view, the casing cover 118 and the first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. Manufacturing the casing cover 118 and the first optical component 41 as one and the same unit has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs. Although the casing cover 118 and first optical component 41 of the electronic device 110E are one and same unit, the first optical component 41 aspect of the one and the same unit has a different function to the casing cover 118 aspect of the one and same unit. The one and the same unit may be manufactured by an injection moulding process. If the one and the same unit disclosed in the electronic device 110E is manufactured via a bi-injection moulding process, then the first optical component 41 aspect of the one and the same unit may be comprised of a first material that is optically transparent while the casing cover 118 aspect of the one and the same unit may be comprised of a second material that is not optically transparent.

[0189] FIG. 11 F shows the electronic device 110F. Electronic device 110F is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 110F is identical to electronic device 110D except that electronic device 110F explicitly shows that the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and first optical component 41 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item which is then combined with the casing base 116 to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. In other words, the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and first optical component 41 are different aspects of one and the same unit. In general, the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit. From a manufacturing point of view, the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and the first optical component 41 are one and the same unit. Manufacturing the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and the first optical component 41 as different aspects of one and the same casing unit has the advantage of lower manufacturing costs. Although the casing cover 118, the casing sides 117 and the first optical component 41 of the electronic device 110F are one and same unit, the first optical component aspect of the one and the same casing unit has a different function to both the casing cover 118 aspect and the casing sides 117 aspect of the one and same unit. If the one and the same unit of electronic device 110F is manufactured via a bi-injection moulding process, then the first optical component 41 aspect of the one and the same unit comprises a first material that is optically transparent while both the casing sides 117 and casing cover 118 aspects of the one and the same unit are comprised of second material that is not optically transparent.

[0190] FIG. 11G shows the electronic device 110G which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (comprised of a first optical component 41 , a second optical component 45 and third optical component 111). Electronic device 110G is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 110G is identical to electronic device 110F except that electronic device 110G has a third optical component 111 that is situated between the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45. The thickness of the third optical component in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction) is T4. With reference to FIG. 11G, the relationship between T1 , T2, T3 and T4 is given by T1+T2+T4=T3. As a visual aid to understanding embodiments disclosed herein, the third optical component 111 is shown with a vertical dashed pattern (i.e., the vertical dashed pattern merely highlights the extent of the third optical component 111 in relation to other components). The third optical component 111 may be fabricated from a material that has a higher refractive index than the first optical component in order to increase the amount of energy that can be harvested from the ambient illumination. The third optical component 111 may be fabricated from a high refractive index glass, such as H-ZLAF90 for example. The interface 112 between the first optical component 41 and the third optical component 111 may contain a thin layer of a refractive index coupling material, such as an adhesive (not shown). Said refractive index coupling material may enhance the transmission of light from the first optical component 41 to the third optical component 111 by reducing Fresnel reflections that would otherwise occur at the interface 112. The refractive index coupling material may have a refractive index that is inclusively between the refractive index of the first optical component 41 and the third optical component 111. In other words, the refractive index coupling material may have a refractive index that is either equal to the refractive index of the first optical component 41 , or equal to the refractive index of the third optical component 111 or has a refractive index that is between the refractive indices of first and second optical components 41 , 111. If the first optical component 41 is fabricated from a polymer, such as polycarbonate or PMMA (acrylic) and the third optical component is made from a type of glass material, the first optical component 41 may physically protect the third optical component 111 from impact damage. The disadvantage of the electronic device 110G over similar electronic devices, such as electronic device 110F, is that electronic device 110G is more costly to manufacture. The advantage of the electronic device 110G over similar electronic devices, such as electronic device 110F, is that electronic device 110G may harvest more of energy from ambient illumination because the third optical component 111 has a greater refractive index than the first optical component 41 . In general, the first optical component 41 , second optical component 45 and third optical component 111 form an optical system that serves to magnify the apparent area 22A2 of the photovoltaic component 22. Said area magnification of the previous sentence is directly related to the increased energy harvesting capability of the photovoltaic component 22. In other words, the greater the area magnification of the photovoltaic component 22, the greater the amount of the energy that may be harvested by the photovoltaic component 22 from the ambient illumination. The majority of the said area magnification is due to the third optical component.

[0191] FIG. 11 H shows the electronic device 110H which is an alternative design to electronic device 110A. Electronic device 110H is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The advantage of electronic device 110H over electronic device 110A is that the first optical component 41 pertaining to electronic device 110H may be lower cost than the first optical component 41 pertaining to electronic device 110A. The casing cover aperture 118A1 is the smallest aperture of the casing cover 118 and the casing cover aperture 118A2 is the largest aperture of the casing cover 118. The casing cover 118 and smallest casing cover aperture 118A1 are always configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the smallest casing cover aperture 118A1. For optical design rules disclosed herein, the widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 is defined and shown to be the widest diameter 133 that connects opposite points OP1 and OP2 of the convex surface 47 wherein OP1 and OP2 are only just in contact with the ambient surrounding medium. FIG. 11 H shows that although the diameter 133W connects opposite points OP3 and OP4 of the convex surface 47, diameter 133W does not qualify as the widest diameter 133 since the opposite points OP3 and OP4 that connect the diameter 133W are not contact with the ambient surrounding medium. The portion of the first optical component 41 that is bounded between OP1 and OP3 is not in contact with the surrounding medium. The portion of the first optical component 41 that is bounded by between OP2 and OP4 is not in contact with the surrounding medium. The narrowest casing cover aperture 118A1 is shown to be between opposite points OP1 and OP2. The largest casing cover aperture 118A2 is shown to be between opposite points OP3 and OP4.

[0192] Although the largest casing cover aperture 118A2 and the diameter 113W of the first optical component are shown to be the same in FIG. 11 H, this need not necessarily be the case. For example, if we ignore OP3 and OP4, then diameter 133W may be greater than, or less than, the largest casing aperture 118A2. The smallest casing cover aperture 118A1 will effectively define the widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 .

[0193] FIG. 111 shows an example first optical component 41 comprising a convex 47 surface, widest diameter 133 and joining features 119. The joining features 119 may be called protrusions 119. The protrusions 119 may extend beyond the radius of curvature of the convex surface 47.

[0194] FIG. 11 J shows the electronic device 110J which is an alternative design to electronic device 110A. Electronic device 110J is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. FIG. 11 J incorporates the example first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 111. FIG. 11J shows that for electronic device 110J, the narrowest casing cover aperture 118A1 and the widest casing cover aperture 118A2 are one and the same. The casing cover 118 and casing cover aperture 118A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 118A.

[0195] FIG. 12A shows the electronic device 120A which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 120A is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 120A may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. FIG. 12A is identical to FIG. 11 except for light reflecting component 121 . Light reflecting component 121 may be disposed in proximity to, or directly upon, the surface of the circuit board 121. Light reflecting component 121 may be disposed in proximity to, or directly upon, the surface of the circuit component 23. Light reflecting component 121 may reflect light in a specular fashion. Light reflecting component 121 may reflect light in a diffuse fashion. Light reflecting component 121 may be a white paint or a type of white plastic, such as a white vinyl. Light reflecting component 121 may be a metallic paint or a type of mirror. Light reflecting component 121 may be an Enhanced Specular Reflecting (ESR) film. Light reflecting component 121 may be a single casing item that is cut from a sheet of material and positioned accordingly. FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C shows alternative arrangements for the light reflecting component 121 . In general, a reflective material (such as the light reflecting component 121) may be disposed or deposited on at least a section of the top side of the circuit board 21 or on at least a section of the circuit component 23 or any combination thereof. In general, a reflective material (such as the light reflecting component 121) may be disposed or deposited inside the casing 115. The circuit board 21 may be fabricated from a material that reflects light, for example, the circuit board 21 may have a white, or substantially white, appearance thus rendering the circuit board 21 to be intrinsically reflective. A circuit board 21 that comprises an intrinsically reflective material may be configured to be a specular reflector or a diffuse reflector or any combination thereof. The use of the light reflecting component 121 or an intrinsically reflective circuit board 21 or any combination thereof may further improve the light harvesting capability of electronic devices disclosed herein by redirecting light that initially misses the photovoltaic unit 22 such that the redirected light is eventually incident upon the photovoltaic unit 22. In other words, light reflected from the light reflecting component 121 or an intrinsically reflective circuit board 21 or any combination thereof may be recycled in such a fashion that it is eventually incident upon the photovoltaic unit 22 and thus increases the amount of energy harvested. The use of a circuit board 21 that is configured to be intrinsically reflective is particularly attractive owing to the low cost of implementation and the beneficial result of improved energy harvesting.

[0196] FIG. 4 through FIG. 12C inclusive show that the second optical component 45 is in direct contact with at least part of circuit component 23. FIG. 4 through FIG. 12C inclusive also show that the second optical component 45 at least partially encapsulates circuit component 23. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 13A through FIG. 14C, the second optical component 45 is not in direct contact with circuit component 23.

[0197] FIG. 13A shows the electronic device 130 which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 130 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 130 may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. Electronic device 130 may also include an additional circuit board 131 that is drawn with a dashed line. The additional circuit board 131 may include components (not shown) associated with the energy management circuit. The additional circuit board 131 may include components (not shown) associated with the application circuit. The additional circuit board 131 may include a wireless transmitter (not shown). If present, the additional circuit board 131 may be electrically connected to circuit board 21 via connection 139, shown with a dashed line. The electrical connection 139 may be a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC). Circuit board 21 , additional circuit board 131 and electric connection 131 may be a type of “Rigid-Flex PCB”. The circuit board 21 and Photovoltaic component 22 may provide some or all of the electrical power required to operate the additional circuit board 131 . In other words, photovoltaic component 22 may at least provide a portion of the electrical power required to operate the additional circuit board 131. Electronic device 130 also includes a casing 115 that comprises a casing base 136, casing sides 137 and casing cover 138. The casing cover 138 has a casing cover aperture 138A. The casing cover aperture 138A may be smaller than the widest diameter 133. The casing cover aperture 138A may be equal to the widest diameter 133. The casing cover aperture 138A may be larger than the widest diameter 133. The casing base 136, casing sides 137 and casing cover 138 encase the electronic device 20A, 20B or 20C and additional circuit board 131 (if present). The first optical component 41 may also be considered to be part of the casing that encloses the electronic device 110A. Casing base

[0198] 136 and casing sides 137 may be fabricated so that they form a single casing item. Casing cover 138 and casing sides 137 may be fabricated so they form a single casing item. All casing items 136,

[0199] 137 and 138 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item. At least one of the casing base 136, the casing sides 137 and / or casing cover 138 may be fabricated from an opaque material. The first optical component 41 may be combined with the casing cover 138 using an adhesive (not shown) at the interface between the first optical component 41 and the casing cover 138. The first optical component 41 may be combined with the casing cover 138 using a reciprocating clip mechanism (not shown) between the first optical component 41 and the casing cover 138. When the first optical component 41 is combined with the casing cover 138, a receptacle feature is created into which the second optical component 45 may be deposited. In general, the receptacle feature 138 contains at least a portion of the second optical component 45. After the second optical component 45 is deposited into the receptacle feature, the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C is combined with the second optical component 45 so that the photovoltaic component 22 is optically coupled to the second optical component 45. The first optical component 41 has a first portion that is optically coupled to a first portion of the second optical component 45. Said optically coupling enables ambient illumination to pass efficiently from the first portion of the first optical component 41 to the first portion of the second optical component 45. In other words, the first portions of the first and second optical components comprise the interface between the first and second optical components. The second optical component 45 has a second portion that is optically coupled to a surface of the photovoltaic component 22. Said optically coupling enables ambient illumination to pass efficiently from a second portion of the second optical component 45 into the photovoltaic component 22. The second optical material may be an adhesive that enables said optical couplings. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. The casing cover 138 has a casing cover aperture 138A that exposes at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to ambient illumination. FIG. 13A shows the casing cover aperture 138A to have substantially the same dimension as the widest diameter 133, however, the casing cover aperture 138A may be configured larger than, or smaller than, the widest diameter 118. In general, the casing cover 138 and the casing cover aperture 138A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to the ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 138A. The distance T5 shows the distance from the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 and the bottom of the casing base 136.

[0200] FIG. 13B shows an example first optical component 41 used in electronic device 130. The first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 13B has first surface 47 that is convex and a second surface 149 comprised of sides 134 and a base 132. The first surface 47 and the second surface 149 are contiguous, thus the first optical component 41 may be manufactured as a single unit by a suitable process, such as an injection moulding process. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. The first optical component 41 may be a truncated hemisphere. In other words, the base 132 of the first optical component 41 is narrower than the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47. For the avoidance of doubt, the first optical component 41 extents above and below the line that depicts the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface. The base 132 of the first optical component 41 , which extends into the X-Y plane, may have a spherical shape or a square shape or a rectangular shape or an ellipse shape or a squircle shape (which may be a superellipse based squircle (i.e. , a Lame curve) or Fernandez-Guasti based squircle) when viewed in the positive Z direction 13B1. The perimeter, which extends into the X-Y plane and passes through the extremities of the widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 , may have a spherical shape or a square shape or a rectangular shape or an ellipse shape or a squircle shape (which may be a superellipse based squircle (i.e., a Lame curve) or Fernandez-Guasti based squircle) when viewed in the negative Z direction 13B2. The angle 135 shown by the symbol 0 between the base of the hemisphere 132 and the side of the hemisphere 134 may be in the range 2O°>0>7O° and preferably in the range 4O°>0>6O°. The sides 134 of the first optical component 41 may be adhered to the casing cover 138. As shown in FIG. 13A, the casing cover 138 may be designed such that when the first optical component 41 is adhered to the casing cover 138, the casing cover 138 and the first optical component 41 may form a receptacle into which the second optical component 45 is deposited. The first optical component 41 , casing cover 138, casing sides 137 and case base 136 are combined to form an enclosure for the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C. The use of an opaque material for at least one of the casing aspects 136, 137, 138 may be employed to obscure at least part of the circuit board 21 and additional circuit board 131 from view and thus improve the visual appeal of the electronic device 130. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. FIG. 14A shows the electronic device 140A. Electronic device 140A is similar to electronic device 130 that has been previously described. Electronic device 140A is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 140A has casing 115 comprised that comprises the following casing aspects: a casing base 146, casing sides 147 and casing cover 148. A portion of the casing 115 may include any of the casing aspects. In general, at least 2 of the casing aspects (casing base 416, casing sides 147 and a casing cover 148) may be fabricated to be one and the same casing item. In general, the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit. The casing cover 148 has a casing cover aperture 148A. The casing cover aperture 148A may be smaller than the widest diameter 133. The casing cover aperture 148A may be equal to the widest diameter 133 as shown in FIG. 14A. The casing cover aperture 148A may be larger than the widest diameter 133. The casing cover aperture 148A is configured to expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to ambient illumination. Casing base 146 and casing sides 147 may be fabricated so that they form a single casing item. Casing cover 148 and casing sides 147 may be fabricated so they form a single casing item. All casing aspects 146, 147 and 148 may be fabricated such that they form a single casing item. At least one of the casing base 146, the casing sides 147 and casing cover 148 may be fabricated from an opaque material. The interface 1493 between the first optical component 41 and the casing cover 148 is shown. The casing cover 148 shown in electronic device 140A has a different shape to the casing cover 138 shown in electronic device 130. The first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 140A has a different shape to the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 130. At least one of the casing base 146, the casing sides 147 and casing cover 148 may be fabricated from an opaque material. The use of an opaque material for at least one of the casing aspects 146, 147, 148 may be employed to obscure at least part of the circuit board 21 and additional circuit board 131 from view and thus improve the visual appeal of the electronic device 140A. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. With reference to FIG. 14A, the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface is also the same width as a casing cover aperture 148A. A fixing feature 1496 is shown that mechanically attaches the circuit board 21 to the casing cover 148. In general, but not shown, the fixing feature 1496 may mechanically attach the circuit board 21 to at least one of the following items: the casing cover 148, the casing sides, casing base 146 or any combination thereof. The fixing feature 1496 may comprise a clip part (not shown) attached to the circuit board 21 that interlocks with a reciprocating clip part (not shown) on the casing cover 148. The fixing feature 1496 may comprise a clip or an adhesive or any combination thereof. A joining feature 1491 is shown that is associated with the first optical component 41 . A reciprocal joining feature 1491 R is shown that is associated with the casing cover 148. The reciprocal joining feature 1491 R may be known as the reciprocal protrusion 1491 R. The joining feature 1491 connects with the reciprocal joining feature 1491 R along the interface 1493. The first optical component 41 and the casing cover 148 may be adhered together along the interface 1493. The joining feature

[0201] 1491 and the reciprocal joining feature 1491 R are configured to prevent the first optical component 41 moving past the casing cover 148 in the positive Z direction. The joining feature 1491 and the reciprocal joining feature 1491 R are configured to interlock with each other in order to prevent the first optical component 41 moving past the casing cover 148 in the positive Z direction. In other words, the joining feature 1491 and the reciprocal joining feature 1491 R cooperate to prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. The casing cover 148, casing cover aperture 148A and the first optical component 41 are configured to prevent the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. In general, the casing cover 148 and casing cover aperture 148A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to the ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A.

[0202] FIG. 14B shows an example first optical component 41 that has been incorporated into the electronic device 140A. The example first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 14B has a first surface 47 that has a convex shape above item 133 and a second surface 149 below item 133. The first surface 47 and the second surface 149 are contiguous, thus the first optical component 41 is a single item for manufacture by a suitable process, such as an injection moulding process. The second surface 149 has 2 aspects that perform 2 specific functions. The first aspect of the second surface 149 is a joining feature 1491 that enables the first optical component 41 to be joined to the casing cover 148. The joining feature 1491 may comprise a shape that interlocks with a reciprocating shape on the casing cover 148. The joining feature 1491 may include a clip (not shown) that interlocks with a reciprocating clip (not shown) on the casing cover 148. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the first optical component 41 can’t pass through an aperture of the casing cover 148. An adhesive may be deposited at the interface 1493 of the joining feature 1491 and the casing cover 148. The second aspect of the second surface 149 is a receptacle feature 1492. The second optical component 45 may be deposited into the receptable feature 1492 during manufacture. In general, the receptacle feature

[0203] 1492 contains at least a portion of the second optical component 45. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown.

[0204] FIG. 14C shows the electronic device 1406. Electronic device 1406 is similar to electronic device 140A that has been previously described. Electronic device 1406 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The casing cover 148 shown in electronic device 140A has a different shape to the casing cover 148 shown in electronic device 1406. The first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 140A has a different shape to the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device 1406. The joining feature 1491 shown in electronic device 140A has a different shape to the joining feature 1491 shown in electronic device 1408. The reciprocal joining feature 1491 R shown in electronic device 140A has a different shape to the reciprocal joining feature 1491 R shown in electronic device 1408. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the fixing feature 1496 disclosed in electronic device 140A may be incorporated into electronic device 1408. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the joining feature 1491 prevents the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. In general, the casing cover 148 and the casing cover aperture 148A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to the ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A.

[0205] FIG. 14D shows the electronic device 140C. Electronic device 140C is similar to electronic device 1406 that has been previously described. Electronic device 140C is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 140C includes at least one sensor 145A, 145B, 145C, 145D. The sensor(s) 145A, 145B, 145C, 145D may collect data related to at least one of the following items: orientation, acceleration, temperature, humidity, air pressure, ambient illumination (i.e., illuminance, lux, spectral data etc.), magnetic field, sound, ultra-sound, infra-red radiation, ultra-violet radiation, gas (such as CO, CO2, methane etc.), proximity, images (i.e. an image from a camera), touch or any combination thereof. The sensor(s) 145A, 145B, 145C, 145D are electrically connected to at least one the circuit board 21 and / or the additional circuit board 131. In general, the sensor(s) 145A, 145B, 145C, 145D are electrically connected to at least one the energy management circuit and / or the application circuit. In other words, at least one the energy management circuit and / or the application circuit include sensor(s) 145A, 145B, 145C, 145D. FIG. 14D shows the sensor 145A attached to the outside of the casing cover 148. FIG. 14D shows the sensor 145B attached to the inside of the casing cover 148. In general, the sensor 145A, 145B may be associated with at least one of the casings aspects 146, 147, 148. FIG. 14D shows the sensor 145C disposed to the additional circuit board 131. FIG. 14D shows the sensor 145D disposed to the circuit board 21. Although not shown in FIG. 14D, a hole in at least one of the casing aspects 146, 147, 148 may be provided so that at least one sensor 145B, 145C, 145D associated with the electronic device 140C is exposed to the ambient environment in order to perform a predetermined sensing task. For example, a hole (not shown) may be included in the casing cover 148 so that a sensor 145B, 145C, 145D can detect carbon monoxide in the ambient environment. Electronic device 140C also includes at least one switch 142 that may be operated by a user. The switch 142 may be a mechanically operated switch or a touch sensitive switch. The switch 142 is electrically connected to at least one the circuit board 21 and / or the additional circuit board 131. In general, the switch 142 is electrically connected to at least one the energy management circuit and / or the application circuit. In other words, at least one the energy management circuit and / or the application circuit include a switch 142. FIG. 14D shows the switch 1456 attached to the outside of the casing cover 148. The switch 142 may be attached to the outside of at least one of the casings aspects 146, 147, 148. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the fixing feature 1496 disclosed in electronic device 140A may be incorporated into electronic device 140C. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the joining feature 1491 prevents the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. In general, the casing cover 148 and the casing cover aperture 148A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to the ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A.

[0206] FIG. 14E shows an example first optical component 41 that has been incorporated into the electronic devices 1406 and 140C. The example first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 14E has a first surface 47 that has a convex shape above the widest diameter 133 and a second surface 149 below the widest diameter 133. The first surface 47 and the second surface 149 are contiguous, thus the first optical component 41 may be manufactured as a single unit by a suitable process, such as an injection moulding process. The second surface 149 has 2 aspects that perform 2 specific functions. The first aspect of the second surface 149 is a joining feature 1491 that enables the first optical component 41 to be joined to the casing cover 148. The joining feature 1491 may comprise a shape that interlocks with a reciprocating shape on the casing cover 148. The joining feature 1491 may include a clip (not shown) that interlocks with a reciprocating clip (not shown) on the casing cover 148. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the first optical component 41 can’t pass through an aperture of the casing cover 148. An adhesive may be deposited at the interface of the joining feature 1491 and the casing cover 148. The second aspect of the second surface 149 is a receptacle feature 1492. The second optical component 45 may be deposited into the receptable feature 1492 during manufacture. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown.

[0207] FIG. 14F shows the electronic device 1400. Electronic device MOD is similar to electronic devices 130, 140A, MOB and 140C. Electronic device MOD is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device MOD includes circuit board 21A and circuit board 21 B. Circuit board 21A may include circuit component 23. Circuit board 21 A is electrically connected 1494 to circuit board 21 B. The first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 14F is identical to the example first optical component shown in FIG. 111. The electrical connection 1494 may be via a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC). Circuit board 21 A, circuit board 21 B and electric connection 1494 may be a type of “Rigid-Flex PCB”. The combination of circuit board 21 A, circuit board 21 B and associated electrical connection 1494 may have an equivalent electrical function to the circuit board 21 and / or electronic device 20A and / or electronic device 20B and / or electronic device 20C disclosed herein. Circuit board 21 B may additionally be electrically connected 1495 to circuit board 21 C. The electrical connection 1495 may be via a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC). Circuit board 21 A, circuit board 21 B and electric connections 1494, 1495 may be a type of “Rigid-Flex PCB”. The combination of circuit board 21 A, circuit board 21 B and circuit board 21 C and associated electrical connections 1494, 1495 may have an equivalent electrical function to circuit board 21 and / or electronic device 20A and / or electronic device 20B and / or electronic device 20C disclosed herein. An elastic seal 141 is disposed between the first optical component 41 and the casing cover 148. The elastic seal may be a rubber gasket or a type of elastic adhesive, such as a silicone sealant and / or an acrylic sealant or an Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) material or a polyurethane material or a modified silane material (hybrid polymer) or a polyether material or a pressure sensitive adhesive or any combination thereof. The elastic seal 141 may be circular. The elastic seal 141 may be used to correctly locate features (for example, the first optical component and casing cover 148) of the electronic device 1400. The elastic seal 141 may be used to correctly tension features of the electronic device 1400. The elastic seal 141 may be used to prevent contaminant ingress that would degrade the performance of electronic device 1400. An advantage of electronic device MOD over electronic devices 130, 140A, MOB and 140C is that electronic device MOD may be more compact than electronic devices 130, 140A, MOB and 140C. In particular, electronic device MOD may be more compact in the Z direction than electronic devices 130, 140A, MOB and 140C. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the fixing feature 1496 disclosed in electronic device 140A may be incorporated into electronic device MOD such that at least one of the circuit boards 21A, 21 B, 21C and 131 is attached to at least one of following items: the casing cover 148, casing sides 147, casing base 146 or any combination thereof. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the joining feature 1491 prevents the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. In general, the casing cover 148 and the casing cover aperture 148A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to the ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A.

[0208] FIG. 14G shows the electronic device MOE. Electronic device MOE is similar to electronic devices MOB and 140C that have been previously described. Electronic device MOE is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The casing cover 148 shown in electronic device MOE has a different shape to the casing cover 148 shown in electronic device MOB. The first optical component 41 shown in electronic device MOE has a different shape to the first optical component 41 shown in electronic device MOB. The first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 14G is identical to the example first optical component shown in FIG. 111. The widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 is shown. A joining feature 1491 is shown that is associated with the first optical component 41 and contained within the dashed line for illustrative purposes. A reciprocal joining feature 1491 R is shown that is associated with the casing cover 148 is contained within the dashed line for illustrative purposes. The reciprocal joining feature 1491 R is shown that is associated with the casing cover 148 is contained within the dashed line for illustrative purposes. The reciprocal joining feature 1491 R in FIG. 14G is the simplest type of reciprocal joining feature and is in essence created by the physical extent of the casing cover aperture 148A relative to the physical extent of the first optical component 41. The joining feature 1491 connects with the reciprocal joining feature 1491 R along the interface 1493. The interface 1493 between the first optical component 41 and the casing cover 148 is shown. The first optical component 41 and the casing cover 148 may be adhered together along the interface 1493. The first optical component 41 pertaining to electronic device MOE does not have a receptacle feature 1492. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the fixing feature 1496 disclosed in electronic device 140A may be incorporated into electronic device OE. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the joining feature 1491 prevents the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. In general, the casing cover 148 and the casing cover aperture 148A are configured to, firstly, expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to the ambient illumination, and secondly, prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. The distance T5 shows the distance from the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 and the bottom of the casing base 146. In general, electronic device MOE also includes at least one switch 142, 142A, 142 B and 142C that may be operated be operated by a user. The switch 142 may be a mechanically operated switch or a touch sensitive switch. The switch 142 is electrically connected to at least one the circuit board 21 and / or the additional circuit board 131. In general, the switch is electrically connected to at least one the energy management circuit and / or the application circuit. The electronic device MOE also includes an LED 143 that may be electrically connected to the circuit board 21. The LED 143 is configured so that light emitted from the LED 143 is transmitted through the first optical component 41 and into the ambient surroundings, thus conveying information to a user, a third party, a further external electronic device (not shown) or any combination thereof. At least one of the X, Y and Z location coordinates of the LED 143 is the same as X, Y and Z location coordinates of the first optical component 41 . As shown in FIG. 14G, the LED 143 is preferably located underneath the first optical component 41 , thus the X and Y location coordinates of the LED 143 overlap with some of the X and Y location coordinates of the first optical component 41. Locating the LED 143 underneath the first optical component 41 as shown in FIG. 14G may have 2 advantages. A first advantage is that the first optical component 41 acts as a waveguide and / or diffuser for the light emitted from the LED 143, thus improving the visibility of the LED 143. A second advantage is reduced cost of manufacture since the aperture 148A now performs an additional function of transmitting light from the LED, via the first optical component 41 , into the ambient surroundings to be viewed by a user. Configuring a single feature to perform multiple functions, such as the casing aperture 148A, enables lower manufacturing costs than configuring multiple features to perform the same number of said functions.

[0209] With reference to FIG. 14A through 14G, a general inventive principal will now be described for some electronic devices disclosed herein. Some electronic devices disclosed herein may comprise a casing cover 148 (in general, a casing item) with an associated casing cover aperture 148A, and, a first optical component 41 with an associated joining feature 1491 . The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that at least a portion of the first optical component 41 is exposed by the casing cover aperture 148A to the surrounding medium. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are also configured so that the joining feature 1491 prevents the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 148A. Consequently, the configuration of the casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 at least partially secure the first optical component 41 into a predetermined position relative to the associated electronic device. The casing cover 148 may also have an associated reciprocal joining feature 1491 R that connects to the joining feature 1491 associated with the first optical component 41. The connection of the joining feature 1491 and reciprocal joining feature 1491 R may at least partially secure the first optical component 41 into a predetermined position relative to the associated electronic device.

[0210] FIG. 15A shows a side view in the X-Z plane of an electronic device 150. FIG. 15B shows a side view in the Y-Z plane of the electronic device 150. FIG. 15C shows a plan view in the X-Y plane of the electronic device 150. FIG. 15D shows a perspective view of the electronic device 150. With reference to FIG. 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D, electronic device 150 may be an electronic device disclosed herein, such as electronic device 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F, 120A, 120B, 120C, 130, 140A, 1406, 140C, 140D or 1406 or similar variations thereof. For reasons of brevity, the electronic device 150 only shows the first optical component 41 , the casing 151 , the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface pertaining to the first optical component 41 , the diameter 133A of the first optical component 41 , the diameter 133B of the first optical component 41 and the perimeter 152 of the first optical component 41. Other disclosed features of the electronic device 150 have been omitted for clarity. The casing 151 may include at least one of the following casing aspects: casing base 136, 146, casing sides 137, 147, casing cover 138, 148. The diameter 133A is parallel to the X-axis and the diameter 133B is parallel to the Y-axis. The perimeter 151 of the first optical component 41 is where the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 intersects with a non-convex aspect of the casing 151 . As previously disclosed, the first optical component 41 and at least the casing cover 138, 148 may be fabricated as a single unit. If the first optical component 41 has a spherically shaped perimeter 152 then the diameter 133A and the diameter 133B and the widest diameter 133 are all the same size. If the first optical component 41 does not have a spherically shaped perimeter 152 then the diameter 133A may have a different size to the diameter 133B. If the first optical component 41 does not have a spherically shaped perimeter 152, then the widest diameter 133 may be the same as, or different to, the diameter 133A. If the first optical component 41 does not have a spherical perimeter 152, then the widest diameter 133 may be the same as, or different to, the diameter 133B. The casing cover 148 and the first optical component 41 are configured so that the first optical component 41 can’t pass through an aperture of the casing cover 148.

[0211] With reference to FIGs. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E and 16F, various design relationships between the first optical component 41 and the photovoltaic component 22 are disclosed for electronic devices disclosed herein. These design relationships ensure that electronic devices disclosed herein are physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and have been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. For ease of understanding, the second optical component 45 (that is situated between the first optical component 45 and the photovoltaic component 22) has been omitted from FIGs. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E and 16F. FIGs. 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D and 16F show that the first optical component 41 may have a spherical perimeter 152 when viewed in the Z direction. Alternatively, FIG. 16E shows that the first optical component 41 may have a squircle perimeter 152 when viewed in the Z direction. Alternatively, but not shown, the perimeter 152 may have a square shape or a rectangular shape or an ellipse shape when viewed in the Z direction. FIGs. 16A, 16B, 16C.16D and 16F show the photovoltaic component 22 may have a rectangular shape. FIG. 16E shows the photovoltaic component 22 may have a square shape. Alternatively, but not shown, the photovoltaic component 22 may have a polygon shape when viewed in the Z direction wherein the polygon may be a simple polygon and / or a regular polygon. Alternatively, but not shown, the photovoltaic component 22 may have a circular shape or an ellipse shape or a squircle shape when viewed in the Z direction. Small area (<4cm2) circular shaped photovoltaic components are more expensive to produce than square or rectangular shaped photovoltaic components of similar area. For diagrammatic simplicity, the perimeter 181 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 and the perimeter 182 of the photovoltaic component 22 are illustrated to be one and the same in FIGs. 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G and 16H. For diagrammatic simplicity, encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 and the photovoltaic component 22 are illustrated to be one and the same in FIGs. 16C, 16D, 16E, 16F, 16G and 16H. With reference to FIG. 161, the difference between perimeter 181 and perimeter 182 is disclosed. With reference to FIG. 161, the difference between encompassing area 183 and the photovoltaic component 22 is disclosed.

[0212] FIG. 16A shows a side view (profile view) in the X-Z plane of the first optical component 41 and the photovoltaic component 22. The apex 411 of the convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 is also shown. The first optical component 41 is shown to have a first convex profile 47A. The central point 412 of the widest diameter 133, 133A pertaining to the first optical component 41 is also shown. The central point 221 , 221 A of photovoltaic component 22 is also shown. FIG. 16A shows the optical axis 413 (dashed line) connecting the apex 411 and the central point 412 of the first optical component 41 . The optical axis 413 pertaining to the first optical component 41 is also shown to pass through the central point 221 , 221 A of photovoltaic component 22 (i.e., the central point 221 , 221A is on the optical axis 413). An eye located in an on-axis viewing direction 42 is shown is to be located on the optical axis 413.

[0213] FIG. 16B shows a side view (profile view) in the Y-Z plane of the first optical component 41 and photovoltaic component 22. The apex 411 of the convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 is also shown. The first optical component 41 is shown to have a second convex profile 47B. As shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the functional form of the first convex profile 47A may be the same as the functional form of the second convex profile 47B (i.e., the first optical component 41 may be a hemisphere or other type of spherically symmetric convex lens). Consequently, if first convex profile 47A is the same as the second convex profile 47B, then the widest diameter 133A is also the same as the widest diameter 133B, and, both of the widest diameters 133A and 133B are the same as the widest diameter 133. Alternatively, but not shown, the functional form of the first convex profile 47A may be different to the functional form of the second convex profile 47B (i.e. , the first convex profile 47A may have a first optical magnification factor and the convex surface 47B may have a second optical magnification factor that is different to the first optical magnification factor). If the functional form of first convex profile 47A is different to the functional form of the second convex profile 47B then then the widest diameter 133A is also different to the widest diameter 133B, and, only the widest of the widest diameters 133A and 133B is the same as the widest diameter 133. Unless stated otherwise, it will be assumed that the functional form of the first convex profile 47A is the same as the functional form of the second convex profile 47B. The convex surface 47 shown in both FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B is continuous. The lateral extent of the photovoltaic component 22 is drawn larger in FIG. 16B than FIG. 16A to illustrate that the photovoltaic component 22 may be rectangular in shape. An eye located in an on- axis viewing direction 42 is shown is to be located on the optical axis 413.

[0214] FIG. 16C shows a plan view in the X-Y plane of the first optical component 41 and photovoltaic component 22. The perimeter 152 of the first optical component 41 is also shown. The central point 221 , 221A of photovoltaic component 22, and, the central point 412 of the first optical component 41 , and, the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 of the optical component 41 , are all shown to coincide when viewed in the X-Y plane. In other words, central point 221 , 221 A and central point 412 and apex 411 are all aligned on the same optical axis 413. FIG. 16C also shows a set of dashed lines to illustrate that the central point 412 of the first optical component 41 coincides with the central point 221 , 221 A of the photovoltaic component 22 when viewed in the X-Y plane. The encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is also shown.

[0215] FIG. 16D is identical to FIG. 16C and is included to show a widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 and a widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22. For convenience, a widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 has also been labelled “WD#1” and therefore the item labelled “WD#1” and the item labelled “133” refer to one and the same item. For convenience, a widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 has also been labelled “WD#2” and therefore the item labelled “WD#2” and the item labelled “222” refer to one and the same item. The widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 and a widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 are aligned parallel to each other as shown by the dashed line 414. If the photovoltaic component 22 has a square shape or a rectangular shape, then there are 2 widest diameters 222 of equal length that each bisect the photovoltaic component 22 through 2 opposite corners and the central point 221 , 221 A (i.e., a widest diameter 222 connects 2 opposite corners and the central point 221 , 221 A of a photovoltaic component 22 with a square or rectangular shape). If the first optical component 41 has spherical perimeter 152 then there are infinitely many widest diameters 133 of equal length that each bisect the first optical component 41 and pass through the central point 412. The perimeter 152 passes through the extremities of the widest diameter 133.

[0216] FIG. 16E shows the first optical component 41 has a perimeter 152 in the shape of a squircle and a square shaped photovoltaic component. The perimeter 152 passes through the extremities of the widest diameter 133 of the squircle. The squircle shaped first optical component 41 has four-fold rotational symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis (i.e., the squircle shaped first optical component 41 repeats itself after being rotated 90° around the Z-axis). FIG. 16E shows a widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 is aligned parallel to a widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22. This parallel alignment is shown by the dashed line 414. The squircle shaped first optical component 41 (shown in FIG. 16E) can be configured to achieve the same optical gain as the spherical shaped first optical component 41 (shown in FIG. 16D) by following certain design rules disclosed here. Advantages of a first optical component 41 with a squircle shaped perimeter 152 (as shown in FIG. 16E) over a first optical component 41 with spherical shaped perimeter 152 (as shown in FIG. 16D) is that the squircle shaped first optical component 41 has a smaller volume ( -Hirst advantage is a more compact design) and contains less mass (^second advantage is lighter weight) than the spherical shaped first optical component 41 . An advantage of a first optical component 41 with a spherical shaped perimeter 152 (as shown in FIG. 16D) over a first optical component 41 with squircle shaped perimeter 152 (as shown in FIG. 16E) is that a spherical shaped first optical component 41 is more commonly manufactured and therefore may be a lower cost option if “off-the-shelf’ (i.e., nonbespoke) optics are used in the configuration of an electronics device disclosed herein. Unless stated otherwise, it was found that when used in conjunction with a square shaped or rectangular shaped photovoltaic component 22, optical gain was maximised when the first optical component 41 was configured to have either spherical symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis or four-fold rotational symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis.

[0217] FIG. 16F is an alternative design arrangement of FIG. 16D. When placed in identical ambient conditions, FIG. 16D and FIG. 16F harvest the same amount of power if the optical absorption of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41C, 41 D are negligible. FIG. 16F comprises four photovoltaic components 22 that are also labelled 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D to aid understanding. For simplicity, it will be assumed that the active area and the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 shown in FIG. 16D are equal to each other. For simplicity, it will be assumed that all active areas and all of the encompassing areas 183A, 183B, 183C, 183D shown in FIG. 16F are all equal to each other. The photovoltaic components 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D have an encompassing area labelled 183A, 183B, 183C and 183D respectively. For simplicity, it will be assumed that the total area of the active area of the photovoltaic component 22 shown in FIG. 16D is equal to the sum of all active areas of the photovoltaic components 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D shown in FIG. 16F. For simplicity, it will be assumed that the total area of the encompassing area of the photovoltaic component 22 shown in FIG. 16D is equal to the sum of all encompassing areas 183A, 183B, 183C and 183D of the photovoltaic components 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D shown in FIG. 16F. The aspect ratios of photovoltaic components 22A, 22B, 22C and 22D are all equal to each other. In other words, if photovoltaic component 22 in FIG. 16D has an active area and an encompassing area of 4 arbitrary units then the active area and the encompassing area of photovoltaic component 22A is 1 arbitrary unit. The aspect ratio of photovoltaic component 22 in FIG. 16D is the same as the aspect ratio of photovoltaic components 22A through 22D inclusive. Each photovoltaic component 22A through 22D has an associated first optical component 41 that has also been labelled 41 A, 41 B, 41 C and 41 D to aid understanding. Each first optical component 41 A through 41 D has a perimeter 152 that has also been labelled 152A, 152B, 152C and 152D to aid understanding. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 16F, it should be appreciated that widest diameter 133 of each first optical component 41 is identical for each of the first optical components units 41 A through 41 D. The widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 in FIG. 16D is twice the size of the widest diameter 133 of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D in FIG. 16F. Although not shown explicitly, it should be appreciated that widest diameter 133 is identical for each of the first optical components 41 A through 41 D. The widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 shown in FIG. 16D is twice the size of the widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of each of the photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D shown in FIG. 16D. Although the electronic devices shown in FIG. 16D and FIG. 16F harvest an identical amount of power, the total mass of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D shown in FIG. 16F is less than the total mass of the first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 16D. The total mass of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D shown in FIG. 16F may be half the total mass of the first optical components 41 shown in FIG. 16D if all said first optical components 41 were hemispheres. Therefore, FIG. 16F has the advantage of being a more lightweight design than the design shown in FIG. 16D. With reference to FIGs. 16A, 16B, 16D and 16F, the height in the Z direction of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D (i.e., the distance between apex 411 and central point 412) shown in FIG. 16F is less than the height in the Z direction of the first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 16D. The height in the Z direction of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D shown in FIG. 16F may be half the height in the Z direction of the first optical component 41 shown in FIG. 16D if all said first optical components 41 were hemispheres. Therefore, although the electronic devices shown in FIG. 16D and FIG. 16F harvest an identical amount of power, the electronic device shown in FIG. 16F is more lightweight and more compact than the electronic device shown in FIG. 16D. In general, if an electronic device disclosed herein has one photovoltaic component and an associated first optical component 41 , then an electronic device that has the same energy harvesting capability (i.e., same active area) may be realized that is more lightweight and more compact by utilizing a plurality of photovoltaic components 22 that each with an associated first optical component 41 . In general, by keeping the total active area constant, the greater the number of photovoltaic components and associated first optical components 41 , then the greater the reduction in weight and the greater compactness in the Z direction that can be achieved. With reference to FIG. 16G, the actual size of a rectangular photovoltaic component 22 is shown when not viewed through an optical magnifier 16. The actual length in the X direction of photovoltaic component 22 is shown to be 22X1 . The actual length in the Y direction of photovoltaic component 22 is shown to be 22Y1. The actual area 22A1 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown. For simplicity, it will be assumed that the active area and the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 shown in FIG. 16G are one and the same. In the specific cases where the photovoltaic component 22 has either a square shape or a rectangular shape, then the quantity 22A1 is equal to the product of 22X1 and 22Y 1 . The central point 221 , 221 A of a photovoltaic component 22 is shown.

[0218] With reference to FIG. 16H, the apparent size of a rectangular photovoltaic component 22 is shown when viewed through an optical magnifier 16. The viewing position is on-axis (i.e., a view from above both the optical magnifier 16 and photovoltaic component 22, and, a view that is also centred on both the optical magnifier 16 and photovoltaic component 22). The viewing position may be on the optical axis 413. The same viewing position and the same viewing direction is used for both FIG. 16G and FIG. 16H. The apparent length in the X direction of photovoltaic component 22 in FIG. 16H is shown to be 22X2. The apparent length in the Y direction of photovoltaic component 22 in FIG. 16H is shown to be 22Y2. The apparent area 22A2 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown. For simplicity, it will be assumed that the active area and the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 shown in FIG. 16G are one and the same. The details of the optical magnifier 16 are disclosed herein. The optical magnifier 16 includes at least one of the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45.

[0219] With reference to FIGs. 16G and 16H, the optical magnifier 16 may be configured to magnify at least a portion of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 so that the at a least a portion of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 has a larger apparent size than its actual size. In other words, the apparent area of the encompassing area 183 shown in FIG. 16H is larger than the actual area of the encompassing area 183 shown in FIG. 16G. The apparent length of the photovoltaic component 22 in the X direction has increased by an X magnification factor that is equal to 22X2 divided by 22X1. The apparent length of the photovoltaic component 22 in the Y direction has increased by a Y magnification factor that is equal to 22Y2 divided by 22Y1 . The optical magnifier 16 may be configured so that the magnification factor parallel to the X direction is the same as the magnification factor parallel to the Y direction (i.e., the X magnification factor is equal to the Y magnification factor). Alternatively, the optical magnifier 16 may be configured so that the magnification factor parallel to the X direction is different to the magnification factor parallel to the Y direction (i.e., the X magnification factor is not equal to the Y magnification factor). In general, at least one of the X magnification factor and the Y magnification factor is greater than 1. The encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 has increased by an area magnification factor that is equal to 22A2 divided by 22A1. In general, the optical magnifier 16 is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of an active area so that the apparent area 22A2 of said active area appears to be larger than, and preferably 1 .2 times larger than, the actual area 22A1 of the active area when the active area is viewed through the optical magnifier 16 from an on-axis direction, and, the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1.4 and preferably less than 1.1 . In general, the optical magnifier 16 is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of an encompassing area 183 so that the apparent area 22A2 of said encompassing area 183 appears to be larger than, and preferably least 1.2 times larger than, the actual area 22A1 of the active area when the active area is viewed through the optical magnifier 16 from an on-axis direction, and, the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1 .4 and preferably less than 1.1.

[0220] FIG. 161 shows a detailed example of a photovoltaic component 22 that may be incorporated into electronic devices disclosed herein. The photovoltaic component 22 may be comprised of 3 identical photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3. The active areas 183M1 , 183M2, 183M3 are shown by the square checked patterns for each the photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3 respectively. The encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 encompasses all the active areas of 183M1 , 183M2 and 183M3. If a photovoltaic component 22 has a single active area, such as 183M1 , then the encompassing area 183 and the single active area may be one and the same. Electrodes 185A, 185B and 185C are also shown that may make electrical connections to each of the photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3 and between the photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3. There may be a small gap 184 between each of the photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3. The gap 184 may be less than 1 mm and preferably less than 0.4mm in order to achieve a compact design for an electronic device disclosed herein. Although not shown explicitly, the 3 identical photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3 may be electrically connected in series. A perimeter 181 is shown with a dashed line that shows the outermost extent of the encompassing area 183 that encompasses the active areas 183M1 , 183M2 and 183M3. In otherwords, the encompassing area 183 is the area of the photovoltaic component 22 within the perimeter 181.

[0221] Perimeter 181 is shown to traverse regions of the photovoltaic component 22 that are not part of the active areas 183M1 , 183M2 and 183M3 pertaining to the photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3, such as the gaps 184 between photovoltaics cells and the electrodes 185B, 185C. In general, the encompassing area 183 includes all active areas on the same face of the photovoltaic component 22. In addition, the encompassing area 183 may also include other areas, such as gaps 184 and electrodes 185A, 185B, 185C, pertaining to the photovoltaic component 22. The encompassing area 183 has been defined herein to enable formulation of design rules disclosed herein (see FIG. 17) that in turn are used to optimise the design of electronic devices disclosed herein to be physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The perimeter 181 of the encompassing area 183 is shown to be approximately square shaped but perimeter 181 may be rectangular in shape. In general, perimeter 181 has a polygon shape (square, rectangle etc.). The widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown with a doubled ended arrow and extends from the top left corner of the active area 183M1 to the bottom right corner of the active area 183M3. By symmetry, a further widest diameter (not shown) of the encompassing area 183 exists that extends from the top right corner of the active area 183M3 to the bottom left corner of the active area 183M 1 . A widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 may traverse areas of the photovoltaic component 22 that are not part of the active areas 183M 1 , 183M2 or 183M3, such as the gaps 184 between the photovoltaic cells 22M1 , 22M2 and 22M3 and the electrodes 185A, 185B and 185C. For diagrammatic simplicity, all figures disclosed herein except FIG. 161, a widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown to be the same as a widest diameter 222 of the photovoltaic component 22. However, it is the widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 that used in order to satisfy design rules disclosed herein (see FIG. 17). The perimeter 182 of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown to be approximately square shaped but perimeter 182 may be rectangular in shape. The perimeter 181 and the perimeter 182 may be one of the same for certain types of photovoltaic component 22. Alternatively, perimeter 182 may be slightly larger than perimeter 181. A central point 221 of the photovoltaic component 22 is shown. The central point 221 A may represent the centre of all the active areas 183M1 , 183M2 and 183M3 combined. The central point 221 A may represent the centre of the encompassing area 183. For diagrammatic simplicity, the centre point 221 and the centre point 221 A are shown to occur at the same spatial location in all figures disclosed herein. In other words, the centre point 221 and the centre point 221 A are one and the same. However, if the centre point 221 has a different spatial location to the centre point 221 A, then centre point 221 A is used in order to satisfy design rules disclosed herein (see FIG. 17).

[0222] FIG. 16J shows a plot of power gain of a photovoltaic component 22 with an optical magnifier 16 under diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Experiments were performed to measure the amount of electrical power generated by a photovoltaic component 22 with an optical magnifier 16 attached. The photovoltaic component 22 with an optical magnifier 16 are disclosed herein. Optical magnifiers 16 of various sizes were investigated. All optical magnifiers 16 were comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45. The first optical component 41 was a hemisphere fabricated from an acrylic material. Acrylic hemispheres of various diameters were used to obtain the various experimental measurements shown on the plot of FIG. 16J. The diameter of each hemisphere was equal to the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47. The second optical component 45 was a silicone material that had a refractive index similar to that of acrylic. All optical magnifiers 16 used to obtain the data points on the plot shown in FIG. 16J were configured so that R / T3~1 and in the range 0.9< R / T3<1 .1 . Experiments were also performed to measure the amount of electrical power generated by the same photovoltaic component 22 without an optical magnifier 16 attached. The amount of power generated by the photovoltaic component 22 was measured while the photovoltaic component 22 was placed in an artificially illuminated environment of constant lux. The artificially illuminated environment exposed the photovoltaic component 22 to the type of diffuse illumination that is typical of an indoor environment, such as an office, bedroom, corridor, warehouse etc. In other words, the lighting environment used for these experiments was typical of the diffuse artificial ambient illumination associated with an indoor environment. It is important to note that the lighting environment used for these experiments does not include diffuse sunlight or direct sunlight. Although much conventional art has been directed towards maximising the power generated from a photovoltaic device configured with at least 1 lens, conventional art does not disclose how to optimise lens design for an electronic device disclosed herein or photovoltaic component 22 disclosed herein that is subjected to diffuse artificial ambient illumination. There are 2 important differences between photovoltaic components 22 and associated electronic devices configured with a lens for solar applications and the photovoltaic components 22 and associated electronic devices disclosed herein. Firstly, solar electronic devices are configured to optimise light collection from the solar spectrum whereas photovoltaic components 22 and associated electronic devices disclosed herein are configured to optimise light collection from an artificial light spectrum, especially a spectrum that is typical of an LED. Secondly, solar electronic devices are configured to optimise light collection from direct solar illumination (i.e., the solar radiation has not been diffused by clouds and the solar light source can be treated as a single point source) whereas photovoltaic components 22 and associated electronic devices disclosed herein are configured to optimise light collection from extended diffuse light sources (i.e. , a light source that can’t be treated as a single point source). The photovoltaic component 22 used in these experiments had a square shaped encompassing area 183 that measured approximately 5mm x

[0223] 5mm and therefore had a widest diameter 222 of approximately 7.1 mm. A multi-meter was used to measure the photocurrent (i.e., the short-circuit photocurrent) generated by the photovoltaic component 22. The measured photocurrent is proportional to the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic component 22. The y-axis on the plot in FIG. 16J shows the power gain. The power gain was determined as the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic component 22 with an optical magnifier 16 attached divided by the amount of power generated by the same photovoltaic component 22 without the optical magnifier 16 attached. The x-axis on the plot in FIG. 16J shows a quantity called DESIGN METRIC #1 (DM#1) and the equation describing DM#1 is shown below:

[0224] WD#1*N2

[0225] DM#1 =

[0226] WD#2*N1

[0227] Where WD#1 is equal to a widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 , and, WD#2 is equal to a widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22, and, N1 is equal to the refractive index of the first optical component 41 , and, N2 is equal to the refractive index of the ambient medium surrounding the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41. Conventional art has previously implied that power gain for a square shaped photovoltaic component 22 is maximised when the quantity DM#1 equals 1 N2 (i.e., DM#1 =0.707). It was therefore a surprising result that power gain was observed to reach a maximum value when DM#1 was greater than 1. The plot shown in FIG. 16J shows for values of DM#1>1 , the power gain reaches a plateau. As the quantity DM#1 increases, the size of the optical magnifier 16 increases relative to the size of the photovoltaic component 22. When photovoltaic component 22 is configured such that DM#1 is less than 0.71 , the size is of the optical magnifier 16 is relatively small (which is commercially attractive) but the power gain is relatively low (which is commercially unattractive). When an electronic device is configured such that DM#1 is greater than 1.7, the size is of the optical magnifier 16 is relatively large (which is commercially unattractive) but the power gain is relatively high (which is commercially attractive). Consequently, there is a range of values for DM#1 that is of greatest commercial value that represents an attractive trade-off between the size of the optical magnifier 16 and the power gain of the photovoltaic component 22. In view of the conventional art, it is therefore a surprising result that 0.71 <DM#1<1.7 represents the range of greatest commercial value for DM#1 and preferably, 0.75<DM#1<1.4.

[0228] FIG. 16K shows a plot of power gain of a photovoltaic component 22 disclosed herein with an optical magnifier 16 under the same diffuse artificial ambient illumination as disclosed by the experimental description of FIG. 16J. Experiments were performed to measure the amount of electrical power generated by the photovoltaic component 22 disclosed herein with an optical magnifier 16 attached. Optical magnifiers 16 of various designs were investigated. All optical magnifiers 16 were comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45. All optical magnifiers 16 used to obtain data points on the plot shown in FIG. 16Kwere configured so that the metric DM#1 was slightly greater than 1 and approximately equal to 1.1. The first optical components 41 were fabricated from an acrylic material. The second optical component 45 was a silicone material that had a refractive index similar to that of acrylic. Experiments were also performed to measure the amount of power generated by the same photovoltaic component 22 without an optical magnifier 16 attached. The amount of power generated by the photovoltaic component 22 was measured while the photovoltaic component 22 was placed in an artificially illuminated environment of constant lux. The artificially illuminated environment exposed the photovoltaic component 22 to the type of diffuse illumination that is typical of an indoor environment, such as an office, bedroom, corridor, warehouse etc. The photovoltaic component 22 had a square shaped encompassing area 183 that measured approximately 5mm x 5mm and therefore had a widest diameter 222 of approximately 7.1 mm. A multi-meter was used to measure the photocurrent (i.e. , the short-circuit photocurrent) generated by the photovoltaic component 22. The measured photocurrent is proportional to the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic component 22. The y-axis on the plot in FIG. 16K shows the power gain. The power gain was determined as the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic component 22 with the optical magnifier 16 attached divided by the amount of power generated by the same photovoltaic component 22 without the optical magnifier 16 attached. The x-axis on the plot in FIG. 16K shows a quantity called DESIGN METRIC #2 (DM#2) where the quantity DM#2 is equal to T3 / R whereby T3 is the total thickness in the vertical direction (i.e., the Z direction) of the optical magnifier 16 measured in straight line from the apex 411 of the first optical component 41 to a central point 221 , 221 A on the surface of the photovoltaic component 22, and, R is a radius of curvature of the first optical component 41 . The plot shown in FIG. 16K shows when DM#2=1 , the power gain reaches a maximum value. As the quantity DM#2 increases, the size of the optical magnifier 16 increases. When an optical magnifier 16 is configured such that DM#2 is less than 0.2, the size is of the optical magnifier 16 is relatively small (which is commercially attractive) but the power gain is relatively low (which is commercially un attractive). When an electronic device is configured such that DM#2 is greater than 1 .5, the size is of the optical magnifier 16 is relatively large (which is commercially unattractive) and the power gain is not optimised (which is commercially unattractive). Consequently, there is a range of values for DM#2 that is of greatest commercial value that represents an attractive trade-off between the size of the optical magnifier 16 and the power gain of the photovoltaic component 22. In view of the conventional art, it is therefore a surprising result that 0.2<DM#2<1 .5 represents the range of greatest commercial value for DM#2 and preferably, 0.2<DM#2<0.95. A surprising result from these experiments is that an optical magnifier 16 configured such that DM#2<1 has both a relatively high power gain combined with a particularly compact form factor. Consequently, an optical magnifier 16 configured such that DM#2<1 is of particular commercial interest. For example, if the value of DM#2 is reduced from 1 .0 to 0.6, the power generated by the photovoltaic component 22 is reduced by approximately 5% (i.e., ~1 .93 -> ~1 .83). However, reducing the value of DM#2 from 1.0 to 0.6 reduces the volume (and also the mass) of the optical magnifier 16 by approximately 45%. Consequently, by configuring the optical magnifier 16 such that DM#1~1.1 and DM#2=0.6, a small reduction in power gain (power gain reduced by ~5%) will be accompanied by a huge reduction in volume and mass (volume and mass are both reduced by ~45%). Conventional art does not disclose the commercial benefits of such compact optical magnifier 16 designs.

[0229] FIG. 17 is a table stating 8 design rules (DESIGN RULE 1 , DESIGN RULE 2, DESIGN RULE 3, DESIGN RULE 4, DESIGN RULE 5, DESIGN RULE 6A, DESIGN RULE 6B, and DESIGN RULE 47) for electronic devices disclosed herein, to DESIGN RULES 1 , 2, and at least one of DESIGN RULE 6A and 6B. The DESIGN RULES disclosed in FIG. 17 are based on various figures disclosed herein. Since small area (<4cm2) circular photovoltaic components are more expensive to produce than square shaped photovoltaic components 22 or rectangular shaped photovoltaic components 22 of similar area (<4cm2), the DESIGN RULES disclosed in FIG. 17 enable electronics devices disclosed herein to utilize relatively low-cost photovoltaic components 22 and a relatively low-cost first optical component 41 . Consequently, the DESIGN RULES disclosed in FIG. 17 ensure that electronics devices disclosed herein are physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and have been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. DESIGN RULE 1 states “THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 IS CONFIGURED WITH A CONTINUOUS CONVEX SURFACE 47 COMPRISED OF A FIRST CONVEX PROFILE 47A IN A FIRST DIRECTION AND A SECOND CONVEX PROFILE 47B IN A SECOND DIRECTION THAT IS DIFFERENT TO THE FIRST DIRECTION, AND, AT LEAST A PORTION OF SAID CONVEX SURFACE 47 IS IN CONATACT WITH THE AMBIENT SURROUNDING MEDIUM”. DESIGN RULE 2 states “THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 IS EITHER SPHERICALLY SYMETRIC AROUND THE Z-AXIS OR HAS FOUR-FOLD ROTATIONAL SYMETRY AROUND THE Z-AXIS”. DESIGN RULE 3 states “AN OPTICAL AXIS 413 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 IS ARRANGED TO PASS THROUGH A CENTRAL POINT 221 OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT 22”. DESIGN RULE 4 states “A WIDEST DIAMETER 133 OF THE CONVEX SURFACE 47 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 , AND, A WIDEST DIAMETER 222 OF AN ENCOMPASSING AREA 183 OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT 22 ARE ALIGNED PARALLEL 414 TO EACH OTHER”. DESIGN RULE 5 states DESIGN METRIC #1 (DM#1) IS CONFIGURED TO BE THE RANGE 0.71<DM#1<1.7 WHERE DM#1 IS DEFINED BY THE EQUATION DM#1=((WD#1 *N2) / (WD#2 *N1)) WHERE WD#1 IS EQUAL TO A WIDEST DIAMETER 133 OF THE CONVEX SURFACE 47 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 , AND, WD#2 IS EQUAL TO A WIDEST DIAMETER 222 OF AN ENCOMPASSING AREA 183 OF THE PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT 22, AND, N1 IS EQUAL TO THE REFRACTIVE INDEX OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 , AND, N2 IS EQUAL TO THE REFRACTIVE INDEX OF THE AMBIENT MEDIUM SURROUNDING THE CONVEX SURFACE 47 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41”. DESIGN RULE 6A states “DESIGN METRIC #2 (DM#2) IS IN THE RANGE 0.2<DM#2<1 .5 WHERE DM#2 IS DEFINED BY THE EQUATION DM#2=T3 / R WHERE T3 IS THE TOTAL THICKNESS IN THE VERTICAL DIRECTION OF THE OPTICAL MAGNIFIER 16 MEASURED IN STRAIGHT LINE FROM THE APEX 411 OF THE CONVEX SURFACE 47 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41 TO A CENTRAL POINT 221 ON THE PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT 22, AND, R IS A RADIUS OF CURVATURE OF THE OF THE CONVEX SURFACE 47 FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 41”. DESIGN RULE 6B states “DESIGN METRIC #2 (DM#2) IS IN THE RANGE 0.2<DM#2<0.95”. DESIGN RULE 7 states “THE OPTICAL MAGNIFIER 16 IS CONFIGURED TO OPTICALLY MAGNIFY AT LEAST A PORTION OF AN ENCOMPASSING AREA 183 SO THAT THE APPARENT AREA 22A2 OF THE AT LEAST A PORTION APPEARS TO BE LARGER THAN, AND PREFERABLY 1 .2 TIMES LARGER THAN, THE ACTUAL AREA 22A1 OF THE AT LEAST A PORTION WHEN AN ENCOMPASSING AREA 183 IS VIEWED THROUGH THE OPTICAL MAGNIFIER 16 FROM AN ON-AXIS DIRECTION AND THE AMBIENT SURROUNDING MEDIUM HAS A REFRACTIVE INDEX OF LESS THAN 1 .4 AND PREFERABLY LESS THAN 1.1”.

[0230] FIG. 18A illustrates a 5-step fabrication method (steps 161 A through 165A inclusive) of example electronic devices 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 11 OF, 120A, 120B, 120C that are disclosed herein. Step 161 A shows the first step of the fabrication method. The first optical component 166 comprises a convex shape 47, casing sides 117, casing cover 118 and a receptacle feature 167. In general, the receptacle feature 167 contains at least a portion of the second optical component 45. The first optical component 166 is an example design of the first optical component 41 disclosed herein. The first optical component 166 may be understood in terms of the first optical component 41 , casing sides 117 and casing cover 118. The first optical component 166 may be fabricated as a single complete part by a suitable manufacturing process, such as an injection moulding process. Item 162A shows the second step of the fabrication method. Step 162A shows the manufacture of electronic device 20A without optical magnifier 16 that comprises a circuit board 21 , a photovoltaic component 22 and at least a circuit component 23. Alternatively, but not shown, Step 162A may result in the manufacture of electronic device 20B or 20C. All aspects of the electronic devices 20A, 20B or 20C are disclosed herein. Step163A shows the third step of the fabrication method. Step 163A shows a predetermined amount of the second optical component 45 is deposited into the receptacle 167 pertaining to the first optical component 166. Step 163A shows the first optical component 166 and the second optical component 45 are combined so that a portion of the first optical component 166 is optically coupled to a portion of the second optical component 45 in order to improve the energy harvesting efficiency. The second optical component 45 may be in a state that is relatively easy to deform when it is deposited into the receptacle feature 167 of the first optical component 166. The second optical component 45 may be in a fluid phase or a thickened fluid phase (such as a gel or paste) when it is deposited into the receptacle feature 167 of the first optical component 166. Step164A shows the fourth step of the fabrication method. Step 164A shows the electronic device 20A is deposited into the receptacle feature 167 of the first optical component 166 and in contact with the second optical component 45 while the second optical component 45 is in a first state that is relatively easy to deform. Alternatively, but not shown, Step 164A may show the electronic device 20B or 20C deposited in the receptacle feature 167 of the first optical component 166 and in contact with the second optical component 45 while the material comprising the second optical component 45 is in a deformable state. The second optical component 45 may encapsulate the photovoltaic component 22 so that a portion of the second optical component 45 is optically coupled to the photovoltaic component 22 in order to improve the energy harvesting efficiency. The second optical component 45 may encapsulate at least part of the circuit component 23. When the electronic device 20A, 20B or 20C is correctly positioned in contact with the second optical component 45 then the material comprising the second optical component 45 may set to a second state that is more robust to mechanical deformation that the first state. The second state may have either a rubber-like consistency or a solid consistency. Step 164A shows that the first optical component 166 is optically coupled to the second optical component 45 which in turn is optically coupled to the photovoltaic component 22. Therefore, the first optical component 166 is effectively optically coupled to the photovoltaic component 22 in order to improve the energy harvesting efficiency. Step165A shows the fifth step of the fabrication method. Step 165A shows the item formed in step 164A combined with the casing base 116 in order to yield the electronic device 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F, 120A, 120B or 120C. The casing base 116 may be introduced while the second optical component 45 is in the first state or second state or somewhere between the first and second states. A portion of the casing base 116 may be in contact with the second optical component 45. The casing base 116 may be attached to the item formed in step 164A using the second optical component 45 and / or mechanical clips (not shown). The adhesive properties of the second optical component 45 may be employed to attach the casing base 116 to the item formed in step 164A. Consequently, the second optical component 45 may simultaneously perform several distinct functions. A first function of the second optical component 45 is to optically couple the first optical component 41 , 166 to the photovoltaic component 22, thus improving the energy harvesting efficiency. A second function of the second optical component 45 is satisfy the DESIGN RULES 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F disclosed in FIG. 17, thus improving the energy harvesting efficiency. A third function of the second optical component 45 is to attach the casing base 116 to other components of an example electronic device disclosed herein, thus reducing manufacturing costs. A fourth function of the second optical component 45 is to at least partially encapsulate the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C thus protecting components 22, 23, 29 associated with of the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C from adverse environmental conditions, such as exposure to water. Such protection from environmental conditions may enable an electronic device as disclosed herein to operate in the rain or under water for prolonged periods without failure. A fifth function of the second optical component 45 is to increase the mechanical robustness of an example electronic device disclosed herein, thus preventing premature failure of an electronic device as disclosed herein.

[0231] FIG. 18B is a flowchart that describes a 5-step fabrication method (steps 161 B through 165B inclusive) of example electronic devices 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 11 OF, 120A, 120B, 120C. Step161A shown in FIG. 18A is analogous to Step 161 B shown in FIG. 18B. Step162A shown in FIG. 18A is analogous to Step 162B shown in FIG. 18B. Step163A shown in FIG. 18A is analogous to Step 163B shown in FIG. 18B. Step164A shown in FIG. 18A is analogous to Step 164B shown in FIG. 18B. Step165A shown in FIG. 18A is analogous to Step 165B shown in FIG. 18B. Step 161 B describes the first step of the fabrication method. Step 161 B states “FABRICATE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 166 COMPRISING CONVEX SURFACE 47, CASING SIDES 117, CASING COVER 118 AND A RECEPTACLE FEATURE 167”. Step 162B describes the second step of the fabrication method. Step 162B states “FABRICATE ELECTRONIC DEVICE 20A, 20B OR 20C”. Step 163B describes the third step of the fabrication method. Step 163B states “WHILE THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 MATERIAL IS IN A FIRST STATE, DEPOSIT THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 MATERIAL INTO THE RECEPTACLE FEATURE 167 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 166”. Step 164B describes the fourth step of the fabrication method. Step 164B states “WHILE THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 MATERIAL IS IN THE FIRST STATE, DEPOSIT ELECTRONIC DEVICE 20A, 20B OR 20C INTO THE RECEPTACLE FEATURE 167 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 166 AND IN CONTACT WITH THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 SO THAT THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 OPTICALLY COUPLES THE PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT 22 WITH THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 166”. Step 165B describes the fifth step of the fabrication method. Step 165B states “ATTACH CASING BASE 116 TO THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FORMED IN STEP 164B. FABRICATION IS COMPLETE WHEN BOTH THE CASING BASE 116 IS ATTACHED TO THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FORMED IN STEP 164B, AND, THE MATERIAL COMPRISING THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 IS IN A SECOND STATE. THE SECOND STATE OF THE MATERIAL COMPRISING THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 IS MORE RESISTANT TO MECHANICAL DEFORMATIONS THAN THE FIRST STATE”. The second optical component 45 may be an optical adhesive that bonds and optically couples the photovoltaic component 45 with the first optical component 166. The first state of the second optical component 45 may have a lower viscosity than the second state. Transition from the first state to the second state may be occur naturally over time. Transition from the first state to the second state may be accelerated via a heating process and / or exposure to UV light. The first state may have the consistency of a fluid. The second state may not have the consistency of a fluid. The second state may have the consistency of a gel or thixotropic paste. The second state may have the consistency of a solid.

[0232] With reference to FIG. 18A, 18B and various other figures disclosed herein, by depositing a predetermined amount of the second optical component 45 into the receptacle 167, several advantages may be achieved. A first advantage of the second optical component 45 is to enable a more compact design of the electronic device 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F, 120A, 120B or 120C than cited in the prior art. A second advantage of the second optical component 45 is to increase the energy harvesting capability for diffuse artificial ambient illumination of the electronic device 110, 120A, 120B or 120C by, firstly optically coupling the first optical component 166 to the second optical component 45, and secondly, by optically coupling the second optical component 45 to the photovoltaic component 22, and thirdly by satisfying the DESIGN RULES 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F disclosed in FIG. 17 . A third advantage of the second optical component 45 is to increase the robustness of the electronic device 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 110F, 120A, 120B or 120C to mechanical shock, thus improving the longevity of an electronic device. A fourth advantage of the second optical component 45 is to increase the robustness of the electronic device 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 11 OF, 120A, 120B or 120C to adverse environmental conditions, such as water exposure and / or exposure to humid conditions. A fifth advantage of the second optical component 45 is to adhere the casing base 116 to an example electronic device disclosed herein thus lowering manufacturing costs.

[0233] FIG. 19A illustrates a fabrication method comprised of 5 or 6 steps. Steps 171 A, 172A, 173A, 174A and 176A are required steps while step 175A is an optional step. The fabrication method shown is FIG. 19A may be used to manufacture example electronic devices 130, 140A, 140B,140C that are disclosed herein. The first optical component 179 comprises a convex shape 47, a receptacle feature 177 and joining features 1491. In general, the receptacle feature 177 contains at least a portion of the second optical component 45. The first optical component 179 is an example design of the first optical component 41 disclosed herein. The first optical component 179 may be fabricated as a single complete part by a suitable manufacturing process, such as an injection moulding process. Item 172A shows the second step of the fabrication method. Step 172A shows the manufacture of electronic device 20A without optical magnifier 16 that comprises a circuit board 21 , a photovoltaic component 22 and a circuit component 23. Alternatively, but not shown, Step 172A may result in the manufacture of electronic device 20B or 20C. All aspects of the electronic devices 20A, 20B or 20C have been described herein. Step173A shows the third step of the fabrication method. Step 173A shows the second optical component 45 is deposited into the receptacle feature 177 of the first optical component 176. Step 173A shows the first optical component 179 and the second optical component 45 are combined so that a portion of the first optical component 179 is optically coupled to the second optical component 45 in order to improve the energy harvesting efficiency. The second optical component 45 may be in a state that is relatively easy to deform when it is deposited into the receptacle feature 177 of the first optical component 179. The second optical component 45 may be in a fluid phase or a thickened fluid phase (such as a gel or paste) when it is deposited into the receptacle feature 177 of the first optical component 179. Step174A shows the fourth step of the fabrication method. Step 174A shows at least part of the electronic decide 20A, 20B or 20C is deposited into the receptable feature 177. Specifically, Step 174A shows the photovoltaic component 22 of the electronic device 20A is deposited into the receptacle feature 177 of the first optical component 179. The photovoltaic component 22 is placed in contact with the second optical component 45 while the second optical component 45 is in a first state that is relatively easy to deform. Alternatively, but not shown, Step 174A may show the photovoltaic component 22 of electronic device 20B or 20C deposited in the receptacle feature 177 of the first optical component 179 and in contact with the second optical component 45 while the material comprising the second optical component 45 is in a deformable state. In addition to the photovoltaic component 22, other components pertaining to the electronic devices 20A, 20B or 20C may also be in contact with the second optical component 45. The second optical component 45 may encapsulate the photovoltaic component 22 so that a portion of the second optical component 45 is optically coupled to the photovoltaic component 22 in order to improve the energy harvesting efficiency. When the electronic device 20A, 20B or 20C is correctly positioned in contact with the second optical component 45 then the material comprising the second optical component 45 may set to a second state that is more robust to mechanical deformation that the first state. The second state of the second optical component 45 may have either a rubber-like consistency or a solid consistency. Step175A shows the optional fifth step of the fabrication method. Step 175A shows the electronic device 20A is electrically connected to additional circuit board 131 via item 139. The electronic device 20A and additional circuit board 131 may also be mechanically connected (not shown) to each other to improve the robustness of the example electronic devices 130, 140A, 1406, 140C that are disclosed herein. Step 176A shows the item formed in step 174A or 175A is encased by casing 178. Casing 178 comprises: casing base 136 or 146, and, casing sides 137 or 147, and, casing cover 138 or 148.

[0234] FIG. 19B is a flowchart that describes a 5 or 6-step fabrication method of example electronic devices 130, 140A, 1406, 140C that are disclosed herein. Steps 171 B, 172B, 173B, 174B and 176B are required steps while step 175B is an optional step. Step 171A shown in FIG. 19A is analogous to Step 171 B shown in FIG. 19B. Step 172A shown in FIG. 19A is analogous to Step 172B shown in FIG. 19B. Stepl 73A shown in FIG. 19A is analogous to Step 173B shown in FIG. 19B. Stepl 74A shown in FIG. 19A is analogous to Step 174B shown in FIG. 19B. Stepl 75A shown in FIG. 19A is analogous to Step 175B shown in FIG. 19B. Step 176A shown in FIG. 19A is analogous to Step 176B shown in FIG. 19B. Step 171 B describes the first step of the fabrication method. Step 171 B states “FABRICATE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 179 COMPRISING CONVEX SURFACE 47, JOINING FEATURES 1491 AND A RECEPTACLE FEATURE 177”. Step 162B describes the second step of the fabrication method. Step 162B states “FABRICATE ELECTRONIC DEVICE 20A, 20B OR 20C”. Step 163B describes the third step of the fabrication method. Step 163B states “WHILE THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 MATERIAL IS IN A FIRST STATE, DEPOSIT THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 MATERIAL INTO THE RECEPTACLE FEATURE 177 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 179”. Step 164B describes the fourth step of the fabrication method. Step 164B states “WHILE THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 MATERIAL IS IN THE FIRST STATE, DEPOSIT AT LEAST PART OF ELECTRONIC DEVICE 20A, 20B OR 20C INTO THE RECEPTACLE FEATURE 177 OF THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 179 AND IN CONTACT WITH THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 SO THAT THE SECOND OPTICAL COMPONENT 45 OPTICALLY COUPLES THE PHOTOVOLTAIC COMPONENT 22 WITH THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 179”. Step 175B describes the optional fifth step of the fabrication method. Step 175B states “IF REQUIRED, CONNECT ADDITONAL CIRCUIT BOARD 131 TO CIRCUIT BOARD 21”. Step 176B describes the final step of the fabrication method which may be the fifth step or the sixth step. Step 176B states “ENCASE ELECTRONIC DEVICE FORMED IN STEP 174B OR 175B WITH CASING 149. CASING 149 COMPRISES: CASING BASE 136 OR 146, .AND, CASING SIDES 137 OR 147, AND, CASING COVER 138 OR 148. THE JOINING FEATURES 1491 AND CASING COVER 138 OR 148 COMBINE TO SECURE THE FIRST OPTICAL COMPONENT 179 WITHIN THE CASING 149. THE JOINING FEATURES 1491 AND CASING COVER 138 OR 148 MAY BE COMBINED WITH AN ADHESIVE AND / OR WITH MECHANICAL CLIPS”. The second optical component 45 may be an optical adhesive that bonds and optically couples the photovoltaic component 45 with the first optical component 166. The first state of the second optical component 45 may have a lower viscosity than the second state of the second optical component 45. Transition from the first state to the second state may be occur naturally over time. Transition from the first state to the second state may be accelerated via a heating process and / or exposure to UV light. The first state may have the consistency of a fluid. The second state may not have the consistency of a fluid. The second state may have the consistency of a gel or thixotropic paste. The second state may have the consistency of a solid.

[0235] With reference to FIG. 19A and 19B, a first advantage of the second optical component 45 is to enable a more compact design of the electronic device 130, 140A, 140B or 140C than cited in the prior art. A second advantage of the second optical component 45 is to increase the energy harvesting capability for diffuse artificial ambient illumination of the electronic device 130, 140A, MOB or 140C by firstly optically coupling the first optical component 179 to the second optical component 45, and secondly, by optically coupling the second optical component 45 to the photovoltaic component 22. A third advantage of the second optical component 45 is to increase the robustness of the electronic device 130, 140A, MOB or 140C to mechanical shock. A fourth advantage of the second optical component 45 is to increase the robustness of the electronic device 130, 140A, MOB or 140C to water exposure and / or exposure to humid conditions.

[0236] The first optical component 41 , 166, 179 may be fabricated from a type of glass. The first optical component 41 , 166, 179 may be fabricated from a glass with a high refractive index, such as such as H-ZLAF90 for example. The first optical component 41 , 166, 179 may be fabricated from an optical plastic, such as poly(methyl methacrylate) or polycarbonate. Poly(methyl methacrylate) is often known as PMMA or acrylic. An advantage of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from a type of glass that has a higher refractive index than an optical plastic is greater energy harvesting capability. Advantages of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from an optical plastic may include lower cost, lighter weight and more physically robust than glass. One skilled in the art of optical plastics knows that acrylic (PMMA) has a higher of transparency than polycarbonate (i.e., acrylic has a lower absorption coefficient than polycarbonate). One skilled in the art of optical plastics knows that polycarbonate has a higher level of impact resistance and is more resistant to chemicals compared to acrylic. An important aspect of example electronic devices disclosed herein is that the novel optical magnifier 16 (comprised of the first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and the second optical component 45) associated with an example electronic device disclosed herein is more efficient at harvesting energy from ambient illumination than conventional art. Consequently, one skilled in the art of optical plastics would reasonably conclude that it would be preferable to fabricate the first optical component 41 , 166, 179 from an acrylic material because acrylic has a lower absorption coefficient than polycarbonate (i.e., acrylic absorbs less light per unit length than polycarbonate). One skilled in the art of optical plastics would therefore conclude a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic would harvest more energy from ambient illumination than a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate. With reference to FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B, optical simulations were conducted to investigate which optical plastic (acrylic or polycarbonate), would harvest more energy from ambient illumination. In other words, the optical simulations shown in FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B show the energy gain of two example electronic devices disclosed herein that are identical except for the material (acrylic or polycarbonate) that is used to fabricate the first optical component 41 , 166, 179. The optical simulations disclosed herein assume that the optical properties of the second optical component 45 are identical to the first optical component 41 , 166, 179. The optical simulations disclosed herein assume that the optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 has the properties R=T1+T2 (i.e., the optical magnifier 16 comprised of the first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and the second optical component 45 has the property that R=T1+T2).

[0237] FIG. 20A shows a plot 180A of the Simulated Power Gain for an example optical magnifier 16 (comprised of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and a second optical component 45) disclosed herein wherein the first optical component 41 , 166, 179 does not have an anti-reflection coating on disposed on its convex surface 47. FIG. 20B shows a plot 180B of the Simulated Power Gain for an example optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 disclosed herein comprised of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and a second optical component 45 wherein the first optical component 41 ,166, 179 has an anti-reflection coating on disposed on its convex surface 47 that reduces the surface reflectivity of the convex surface 47 to 1%. The power gain is defined as the power harvested by an example electronic device 40, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110A,110B, 110C, 110D, 110E, 11 OF, 120A, 120B, 120C, 130, 140A, 1406, 140C disclosed herein divided by the power harvested by the example electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C disclosed herein. In other words, the simulated power gain is defined as the power harvested by an example electronic device with an optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 (comprised of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and a second optical component 45) disclosed herein divided by an example electronic device without an optical magnifier disclosed herein. These simulations assumed that the example electronic devices with optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 satisfied the Design Rules 1 , 2, 3, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4E and 4F disclosed in FIG. 17 wherein T1+T2=R (see FIG. 4 etc). An equation describing the Simulated Power Gain of an example electronic device with optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 disclosed herein (comprised of a first optical component 16, 41 , 166, 179 and a second optical component 45) was derived from first principles by the applicants (i.e. , the inventors) and is shown below: Simulated Power Gain = n2.(1-Ref).10'A Rwhere quantity “n” is the refractive index of both the first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and the second optical components 45 (i.e., the first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and second, component 45 are arranged to have the same refractive index). The quantity “Ref’ is the Reflectance of the convex surface 47. For plot 180A, the quantity “Ref” is equal to ((|n-ns|) / (n+ns|))2where the quantity “n” is the refractive index of the first and second optical components 41 , 166, 179, 45 and the quantity “ns” is the refractive index of the medium surrounding the curved surface 47 of the first optical component 41 , 166, 179. For plots 180A and 1 SOB, the quantity “ns” is assumed to be equal to 1 (i.e., the medium surrounding the convex surface 47 is substantially equal to the refractive index of air). For plot 180A, the quantity “Ref” is equal to 0.040 for acrylic. For plot 180A, the quantity “Ref’ is equal to 0.060 for polycarbonate. For plot 1 SOB, the quantity “Ref’ is equal to 0.01 and represents the reflectance from a typical optical plastic, such as acrylic or polycarbonate, with a typical low-cost anti-reflection coating, such as a single layer of magnesium fluoride. The quantity “A” is a combined absorption coefficient of the first and second optical components 41 , 166, 179 45 determined from optical experiments performed by the inventors. The quantity “A” was determined for a typical polycarbonate material to be 0.0031 . The quantity “A” was determined for a typical acrylic material to be 0.00042. The quantity “R” is the radius of curvature of the convex surface 47 (see FIG. 4 etc).

[0238] Plot 180A shown in FIG. 20A demonstrates that if the radius of curvature, R, of the optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 (comprised of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and a second optical component 45) is less than 14mm, then the simulated power gain of an example electronic device disclosed herein is highest when the first component optical component 41 , 166, 179 is fabricated from a polycarbonate material (i.e., when R<14mm, a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate can harvest more ambient illumination than a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic). Plot 180A shown in FIG. 20A demonstrates that if the radius of curvature, R, is greater than 18mm, then the simulated power gain of an example electronic device disclosed herein is highest when the first component optical component 41 , 166, 179 is fabricated from an acrylic material (i.e., when R>18mm, a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic can harvest more power from ambient illumination than a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate). Plot 180A shown in FIG. 20A demonstrates that there is no significant difference in simulated power gain between a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic and a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate when the radius of curvature, R, is in the range 14mm to 18mm.

[0239] Plot 180B shown in FIG. 20B demonstrates that if the radius of curvature, R, of the optical magnifier 16, 41 , 166, 179, 45 (comprised of a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 and a second optical component 45) is less than 18mm, then the simulated power gain of an example electronic device disclosed herein is highest when the first component optical component 41 , 166, 179 is fabricated from a polycarbonate material (i.e., when R<18mm, a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate can harvest more ambient illumination than a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic). Plot 180B shown in FIG. 20B demonstrates that if the radius of curvature, R, is greater than 22mm, then the simulated power gain of an example electronic device disclosed herein is highest when the first component optical component 41 , 166, 179 is fabricated from an acrylic material (i.e., when R>22mm, a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic can harvest more power from ambient illumination than a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate). Plot 180B shown in FIG. 20B demonstrates that there is no significant difference in simulated power gain between a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from acrylic and a first optical component 41 , 166, 179 fabricated from polycarbonate when the radius of curvature, R, is in the range 18mm to 22mm.

[0240] With reference to FIG. 16D and FIG. 16F, it has been shown herein that multiple photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and associated first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D can be used to make an electronic device disclosed herein more lightweight and more compact in the Z direction without increasing the total active area or total encompassing area 183 of an electronic device. When placed in identical ambient illumination conditions, FIG. 16D and FIG. 16F harvest the same amount of optical power if the optical absorption of the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D are negligible as all first optical components 41 adhere to the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17. However, FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B show that the simulated power gain is dependent on the optical absorption of the first optical component 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D and therefore power gain is a function of a radius of curvature of the first optical component 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D. With reference to FIG. 16A and 16B, the power gain is a function of the distance between the apex 411 and central point 412 that pertain to the first optical component 41 , said distance between apex 411 and central point 412 is equal to the radius of curvature if the first optical component 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D is a hemisphere. In other words, the power gain may be a function of the height in the Z direction of the first optical component 41 . The power gain is also a function of the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17. In general, if the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17 are obeyed, and, the optical absorption of the first optical component 41 is not negligible, then increasing the physical size of the first optical component 41 will decrease the power gain because more light is absorbed by a larger first optical component 41 than a smaller first optical component 41. In general, if the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17 are obeyed, and, the optical absorption of both the first and second optical components 41 , 45 are not negligible, then increasing the physical size of at least one of the first and second optical components 41 , 45 will decrease the power gain because more light is absorbed by a larger optical path than a smaller optical path where the optical path is the distance travelled by light from the outer edge of the first optical component 41 to the photovoltaic component 22. The phenomena that increasing the physical size of the first optical component 41 will decrease the power gain will now be demonstrated by considering example electronic devices named Design 1 PV-A, Design 1 PV-P, Design 4PV-A and Design 4PV-P. For ease of understanding, it will be assumed that the first optical component 41 is a hemisphere for all example electronic devices named Design 1 PV-A, Design 1 PV-P, Design 4PV-A and Design 4PV- P. For ease of understanding, it will be assumed that the second optical component 45 has negligible thickness in the Z direction and negligible absorption for all example electronic devices named Design 1 PV-A, Design 1 PV-P, Design 4PV-A and Design 4PV-P; therefore the first optical component 41 is effectively in direct optical contact with the photovoltaic component 22.

[0241] With reference to FIG. 16D, consider an example electronic device (named “Design 1 PV-A” for ease of understanding) that includes a single photovoltaic component 22 and an associated first optical component 41 (without an anti-reflection coating) that is fabricated from an acrylic material. With reference to FIG. 16D, consider an example electronic device (named “Design 1 PV-P” for ease of understanding) that includes a single photovoltaic component 22 and an associated first optical component 41 (without an anti-reflection coating) that is fabricated from a polycarbonate material. The active area and aspect ratio of the single photovoltaic component 22 used in Design 1 PV-A is identical to the active area and aspect ratio of the single photovoltaic component 22 used in Design 1 PV-P. The active area and aspect ratio of the single photovoltaic component 22 used in Design 1 PV-A and Design 1 PV-P is such that, according to the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17, the first optical component 41 associated with example electronic devices Design 1 PV-A and Design 1 PV-P should have a radius of curvature equal to 20mm (assuming that a hemispherical shape is chosen for the first optical component 41). With reference to FIG. 16F, consider an example electronic device (named “Design 4PV-A” for ease of understanding) that includes four identical photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and associated first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D respectively (without an anti-reflection coating) that are fabricated from an acrylic material. With reference to FIG. 16F, consider an example electronic device (named “Design 4PV-P” for ease of understanding) that includes four identical photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D and associated first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41C, 41 D respectively (without an anti-reflection coating) that are fabricated from a polycarbonate material. The active areas and encompassing areas 183 and the aspect ratios of the photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D used in Design 4PV-A and Design 4PV-P are identical. The active areas and aspect ratios of the photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D used in Design 1 PV-A, Design 1 PV-P, Design 4PV-A and Design 4PV-P is such that, according to the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17, the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D associated with example electronic devices Design 4PV-A and Design 1 PV-P should all have a radius of curvature equal to 10mm (assuming that a hemispherical shape is chosen for the first optical component 41). With reference to FIG. 20A, the simulated power gain for Design 4PV-P is greater than Design 4PV-A. With reference to FIG. 20A, the simulated power gain for Design 4PV-A is greater than Design 1 PV-A. With reference to FIG. 20A, the simulated power gain for Design 1 PV-A is greater than Design 1 PV-P. In other words, FIG. 20A, shows that the simulated power gain for Design 4PV-P > Design 4PV-A > Design 1 PV-A > Design 1 PV-P. Therefore, the example electronic devices with four photovoltaic components 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D (Design 4PV-P and Design 4PV-A) disclosed herein have higher energy gain than the example electronic devices with one photovoltaic component 22 (Design 1 PV-P and Design 1 PV-A). Consequently, it has been shown that if the absorption of the first optical component 41 is not negligible, and, the design rules of FIG. 17 have been obeyed, and, the total active area of the photovoltaic components associated with an electronic device disclosed herein remains constant, then increasing the number of photovoltaic components 22 and associated first optical components 41 may enable an electronic device disclosed herein with the following advantages: increased power gain, reduced weight, and, reduced size in the Z direction. There may also be an advantage in terms of cost since the mass of material required fabricate the first optical components 41 , 41 A, 41 B, 41 C, 41 D of Design 4PV-P and Design 4PV-A is half the mass of the material required fabricate the first optical component 41 of Design 1 PV-P and Design 1 PV-A. FIG. 21 A shows a timepiece 510 in the X-Y plane. The timepiece may be a clock, a watch, or a chronometer. The timepiece 510 includes hands 511 that point to the hours and minutes. The timepiece 510 includes an optical magnifier 16 comprised of a first optical component 41. Although not shown explicitly in FIG. 21 A and 21 B, the functional form in the x-direction of the convex surface pertaining to the first optical component 41 may be different to the functional form in the y-direction of the convex surface pertaining to the first optical component 41 . The timepiece 510 includes at least one photovoltaic component 22. The timepiece 510 includes an information display 512. The information display may display a date. Both the photovoltaic component and the information display are located under the first optical component 41 . The information display 512 may be a date indicator for example. An example arrangement of the photovoltaic component(s) 22 and information display 512 shown in FIG. 21 A but it should be understood that the photovoltaic component(s) 22 and information display 512 may be arranged in such a way as to improve the aesthetic value of the timepiece 510. FIG. 21 B shows a timepiece 510 in the Z-Y plane. The first optical component 41 pertaining to the timepiece 510 includes a convex part 41 A for magnifying objects situated underneath said convex part 41 A, such as the photovoltaic components(s) 22 and the information display 512. The first optical component 41 pertaining to the timepiece 510 increases the apparent size (i.e., magnifies) of both the photovoltaic component(s) 22 and information display 512. Increasing the apparent size of the photovoltaic component(s) 22 increases the amount of energy that can be harvested from the ambient illumination. Increasing the apparent of size the information display 512 improves the readability of the information display 512. The first optical component 41 pertaining to the timepiece 510 may also include a non-convex part 41 B for protecting delicate features pertaining to the timepiece, such as the hands etc. There may be a gap 513 between the first optical component 41 and the photovoltaic component 22 to allow the hands 511 to pass between the first optical component 41 and the photovoltaic component 22. FIG. 22A shows the electronic device 220A which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). The optical magnifier 16 is configured to magnify at least a portion of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 so that the apparent area 22A2 of said encompassing area 183 appears to be larger than, and preferably 1.2 times larger than, the actual area 22A1 of the encompassing area 183 when the encompassing area 183 is viewed through the optical magnifier from an on-axis direction; and; the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1 .4 and preferably less than 1.1. Electronic device 220A is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has surprisingly good light energy harvesting capabilities for diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 220A may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. The widest diameter 133A of the convex surface 47 is shown. Unlike previous embodiments disclosed herein that conform to design rules 5 of FIG. 17, the widest diameter 133A is the same size, or substantially the same size, as the widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 pertaining to the photovoltaic component 22 where the term “substantially the same size” is defined to be up to 15% greater than the widest diameter 222 of the photovoltaic component 22. In other words, the widest diameter 133A has the same, or substantially the same, lateral dimensions, in the X-Y plane as the photovoltaic component 22. In general, the optical magnifier 16 has a widest diameter configured to be up to 15% greater than the widest diameter of the photovoltaic component 22. The electronic device 220A may be combined with any casing item disclosed herein, such as a casing base 116, 146, casing sides 117, 147 and / or casing cover 118, 148. It was a surprising result that the optical magnifier 16 associated with electronic device 220A had a power gain of approximately 20% (i.e. , electronic device 220A produced a photocurrent that was approximately 20% higher than a similar electronic device without an optical magnifier 16). The use of magnification equations does not predict any such power gain and therefore this is a surprising result to one of ordinary skill in the art. The inventors suspect that waveguiding within the optical magnifier 16 may be responsible for the power gain. Although the measured power gain of electronic device 220A was significantly lower than electronic devices disclosed herein that comply with the design rules 5 of FIG. 17, electronic device 220A has the advantage of being significantly more compact than the electronic devices disclosed herein that comply with the design rules 5 out in FIG. 17.

[0242] FIG. 22B shows the electronic device 220B which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 only). Electronic device 220B is identical to electronic device 220B except that the optical magnifier 16 pertaining to electronic device 220B is configured without the second optical component 45. Electronic device 220B is configured so that the first optical component 41 is formed directly on top of the photovoltaic component 22, thus negating the need for the second optical component 45. The first optical component 41 may be formed directly on top of the photovoltaic component 22 during the manufacturing process of the photovoltaic component 22. Photovoltaic components 22 are often fabricated with an encapsulation layer. The first optical component 41 may be fabricated from the same material that is used to fabricate an encapsulation layer for the photovoltaic component 22. Consequently, the first optical component 41 performs both an encapsulation function and an optical magnification function. Electronic device 220B may be cheaper to manufacture than electronic device 220A. Electronic device 220B is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has surprisingly good light energy harvesting capabilities for diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Electronic device 220B had the same surprisingly high power gain as electronic device 220A. Electronic device 220B may be cheaper to manufacture than electronic device 220A.

[0243] FIG. 22C shows a perspective view of the optical magnifier 16 and photovoltaic component 22 that are used in electronic device 220A. The optical magnifier 16 of electronic device 220A comprises the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45.

[0244] FIG. 22D shows a perspective view of the optical magnifier 16 and photovoltaic component 22 that are used in electronic device 220B. The optical magnifier 16 of electronic device 220B comprises the first optical component 41 only.

[0245] An electronic device with an optical magnifier 16 as disclosed herein configured as a first example portable Internet of Things (loT) device, hereafter the first loT electronic device 551 will now be described in further detail. The first loT electronic device 551 is shown in FIG. 23A. The first loT electronic device 551 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The first loT electronic device 551 may be configured with a photovoltaic component 22 that is an indoor photovoltaic component 22. The first loT electronic device 551 is configured with a casing 115 that is comprised the following casing aspects: a casing base 116, casing sides 117 and a casing cover 118. At least one of the casing base 116, casing sides 117 and casing cover 118 is fabricated from a material that is optically opaque and / or optically diffuse. The term “portable” is used to indicate that the first loT electronic device 551 may be easily carried in a single hand. The term “portable” is justified since the physical dimensions of the first example portable Internet of Things (loT) device do not exceed 15mm by 15mm by 12mm in the X, Y and Z directions respectively wherein the Z-direction is measured from the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 to the bottom of the casing base 116, as shown by the double ended arrow labelled “T5” in FIG. 11A. The term “portable” is also justified since the mass of the first loT electronic device 551 does not exceed 6 grams and preferably does not exceed 2 grams. The physical appearance of the first loT electronic device 551 resembles the electronic device 150 shown in FIG. 15A through FIG. 15D inclusive. The first loT electronic device 551 does not have any batteries. The first loT electronic device 551 derives all its electrical power requirements from a photovoltaic component 22 that harvests energy from the ambient surroundings. The first loT electronic device 551 is configured to transmit data via a wireless transmitter to a network of wireless receivers. The first loT electronic device 551 may also be configured to transmit data via a wireless transmitter to other loT devices. The data transmitted by the first loT electronic device 551 may be processed by other electronic devices not disclosed herein in order to locate the first loT electronic device 551. In other words, the data transmitted by the first loT electronic device 551 may be used to track the location of the first loT electronic device 551. The optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and second optical component 45. The first optical component 41 comprises glass, or preferably, an optical plastic such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 has either 4-fold rotational symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis or, preferably, spherical symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis. The first optical component 41 has a continuous convex surface 47. At least a portion of the convex surface 47 is exposed to ambient illumination. A widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 is in the range 5mm to 13mm (i.e., 5mm<WD#1 <13mm). The optical axis 413 of the first optical component 41 passes through a central point 221 , 221 A of the photovoltaic component 22. The photovoltaic component 22 may be comprised of 1 , 2, 3 or 4 photovoltaic cells connected in series. The photovoltaic component 22 is preferably comprised of 3 photovoltaic cells connected in series as shown in FIG. 161. The photovoltaic component 22 may be rectangular shaped but is preferably square shaped. The perimeter 181 that describes the outermost extent of all the active areas 183M1 , 183M2 and 183M3 that comprise the photovoltaic component 22 may be rectangular in shape but is preferably square shaped. In other words, the perimeter 181 that describes the outermost extent of the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 may be rectangular in shape but is preferably square shaped. The optical magnifier 16 is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the encompassing area 183 so that the apparent area 22A2 of said encompassing area 183 appears to be larger than, and preferably 1.2 times larger than, the actual area 22A1 of the encompassing area 183 when the encompassing area 183 is viewed through the optical magnifier 16 from an on-axis direction 42, and, the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1 .4 and preferably less than 1.1. The total encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is <30mm2and preferably <20mm2. The widest diameter 222 of the encompassing area 183 pertaining to the photovoltaic component 22 is in the range 4mm to 8mm (i.e., 3.5mm<WD#2<8mm). The photovoltaic component 22 is disposed on the top side of a circuit board

[0246] 21 . The first loT electronic device 551 includes a single circuit board 21 that is populated by various electrical components on both the top side and the bottom side in order to achieve a compact design. The first loT electronic device 551 includes an energy management circuit. At least part of the energy management circuit is disposed on the top side of the circuit board 21 . The energy management circuit includes at least one circuit component 23 that is a capacitor 23 and said capacitor 23 is disposed on the top side of the circuit board 21 . The height H22 of the capacitor 23 is greater than the height H21 of the photovoltaic component 22 (i.e., H22>H21). The height H22 of the capacitor 23 is approximately 1 mm greater than the height H21 of the photovoltaic component

[0247] 22, thus a novel optical magnifier 16 comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45 is required to enable both a compact design and good energy harvesting capability for diffuse ambient illumination. The capacitor(s) 23 of the energy management circuit have a total capacitance of <350pF and preferably <150pF. The energy management circuit may be configured with three capacitors 23 with a first capacitor having a capacitance of 47pF, a second capacitor 23 having a capacitance of 47pF and a third capacitor 23 having a capacitance of 22pF. At least one of the capacitors 23 pertaining to the energy management circuit is at least partially located underneath the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 when viewed from an on-axis direction 42 in order to achieve a more compact design of the first example portable Internet of Things (loT) device. In other words, at least some of the X and Y coordinates that locate at least one of the capacitors 23 are the same as at least some of the X and Y coordinates that locate the first optical component 41 (i.e., at least one of the capacitors 23 and the first optical component 41 overlap at least some of their respective X and Y coordinates). At least one of the capacitors 23 is at least partially encapsulated by the second optical component 45. The first loT electronic device 551 includes an application circuit. At least part of the application circuit is disposed on the bottom side of the circuit board 21 . The application circuit includes a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter is located on the bottom side of the circuit board 21. The type of wireless transmitter 29 may be selected from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), Long-Term Evolution Machine Type Communication (LTE-M or LTE-MTC) or Narrowband Internet of Things(NB-loT) or any combination thereof. The type of wireless transmitter 29 is preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) type or Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) type. The first loT electronic device 551 may be configured with a casing cover 118 and a casing cover aperture 118A that prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the casing cover aperture 118A. Alternatively, and with reference to FIG 11 B or 11C, 11 E, 11 F, the first loT electronic device 551 may be configured such that the first optical component 41 and at least a portion of the casing 115 are different aspects of one and the same unit. The first loT electronic device 551 may be configured to conform to the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17. The first loT electronic device 551 may be configured to conform to the designs disclosed in FIG. 16A through 16K inclusive.

[0248] Experiments performed by the inventors have shown that electronic devices disclosed herein are able to operate (i.e., perform useful work) at low levels of diffuse artificial ambient illumination where electronic devices of conventional art are not able to operate owing to the implementation of a novel optical magnifier 16 that increases the amount of energy that can be harvested from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Said experiments will now be described. With reference to FIG. 23A, a first loT electronic device 551 with a novel optical magnifier 16 was fabricated (hereafter, a first loT Device 551). The first optical component 41 was comprised of an acrylic hemisphere with a base diameter of 10mm (the widest diameter 133 was 9.5mm). The second optical component 45 was comprised of an epoxy resin (i.e., a type of optical glue). The casing base 116, casing sides 117 and casing cover 118 were 3D printed using resin materials. The casing cover 118 was comprised of an optically clear resin material called “Veroclear” that simulates PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), commonly known as acrylic. The photovoltaic component 22 was comprised of 3 photovoltaic cells (comprised of lll-V semiconductor materials) connected in series so that the photovoltaic component has an operating voltage of between 2.5V and 3.7V. The height H22 of the capacitor 23 is approximately 1 mm greater than the height H21 of the photovoltaic component 22, thus a novel optical magnifier 16 comprised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45 is required to enable both a compact design and good energy harvesting capability for diffuse ambient illumination. The encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 was approximately 10mm2. The perimeter 182 of the photovoltaic component 22 was square shaped and measured 4mm by 4mm. The casing cover 118 and the first optical component 41 were configured so that the first optical component 41 could not pass through an aperture 118A of the casing cover 118. A second loT electronic device 552 without a novel optical magnifier 16 (i.e., conventional art) was fabricated (hereafter, a second loT electronic device 552). Neither the first loT electronic device 551 nor the second loT electronic device 552 had any batteries, therefore all the energy requirements of the said loT electronic devices was harvested from the diffuse ambient illumination. Both the first and second loT electronic devices included additional components associated with an energy management circuit and an application circuit, but these additional components are not shown for reasons of brevity. The first loT electronic device 551 the second loT electronic device 552 were identical in all respects except that the second loT electronic device 552 did not have an aperture 118A in the casing cover 118 and the second loT electronic device 552 did not have an optical magnifier 16. After experiments were performed using the second loT electronic device 552, the casing cover 118 show in FIG. 23B was removed and replaced with i) a casing cover 118 with an aperture 118A, 118A1 , and, ii) first optical component 41 , and, iii) second optical component 45 in order to realise the first loT electronic device 551 shown in FIG. 23A. Experiments were then performed using the first loT electronic device 551 . The purpose of performing the experiments in this manner was to ensure that any advantages of the first loT electronic device 551 over the second loT electronic device 552 were wholly due to the optical magnifier 16 and the casing cover 118 with aperture 118A, 118A1 as all other components comprising both the first and loT electronic devices 551 , 552 were identical.

[0249] The first loT electronic device 551 and second loT electronic device 552 were configured to send a wireless beacon signal to a remote receiver (not shown) when the first and second loT electronic devices 551 , 552 had harvested sufficient energy from the diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Each time the first loT electronic device 551 and second loT electronic device 552 transmitted a beacon signal, the first and second loT electronic devices 551 , 552 were considered to have performed a measurable amount of “useful work”. Although the first loT electronic device 551 and second loT electronic device 552 were configured to send a wireless beacon signal, the first and second loT electronic devices 551 , 552 may have been configured to perform alternative and / or additional work tasks as disclosed herein, such as a sensing operation and / or a switching operation etc. when sufficient energy had been harvested from the diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Experiments were conducted whereby the first loT electronic device 551 and second loT electronic device 552 were placed in a lightbox with a controllable lux level that provided diffuse artificial ambient illumination. While the first and second loT electronic devices 551 , 552 were in the lightbox, the average beacon interval time was measured for the first and second loT electronic devices 551 , 552 as a function of the diffuse artificial ambient illumination level measured in lux. A table showing these experimental results is shown in FIG. 23C. When the diffuse artificial ambient illumination was 800 lux, the average beacon interval time for the first loT electronic device 551 was 2.83 seconds. In other words, on average, a wireless beacon signal was sent by the first loT electronic device 551 to a wireless receiver every 2.83 seconds when the diffuse artificial ambient illumination was set to 800 lux. When the diffuse artificial ambient illumination was set to 800 lux, the average beacon interval time for the second loT electronic device 552 was 9.24 seconds. Consequently, the first loT electronic device 551 was able to perform more useful work at a given level of diffuse artificial ambient illumination than the second loT electronic device 552 since the first loT electronic device 551 could send more beacon signals in a given time than the second loT electronic device 552. In other words, the first loT electronic device 551 had a higher beacon signal repetition rate than the second loT electronic device 552. The improvement factor in FIG. 23C shows how much more useful work was performed by the first loT electronic device 551 than the second loT electronic device 552. The improvement factorwas calculated by dividing the average beacon interval time of the second loT Device 552 with the average beacon interval time of the first loT Device 551 . A shorter beacon interval time (i.e., a higher repetition rate for beacon signals) is more desirable than a longer beacon interval time (i.e., a lower repetition rate for beacon signals) since a shorter beacon interval time means that more useful work is being performed.

[0250] To one of ordinary skill in the art, the measured improvement factor shown in FIG. 23C should be the same as, or substantially similar to, the power gain shown in FIGs. 16J, 16K, 20A and 20B since, for example, harvesting twice as much electrical energy should result in performing twice as much useful work. Based on optical magnification equations, material absorption and accounting for the Fresnel reflections at the surfaces of the optical magnifier 16, the simulated power gain was calculated to be in the range 2.0 to 2.2 when the first optical component 41 is fabricated from an acrylic material (see FIGs. 20A and 20B). Measurement of the power gain (i.e., measurement of current produced by a photovoltaic component 22 with an optical magnifier 16 divided by the current produced by a photovoltaic device 22 without an optical magnifier 16) revealed a maximum value of power gain to be in the range 1.9 to 2.0 (see FIGs. 16J and 16K). Measurements of the power gain (see FIGs. 16J and 16K) and were found to be in reasonably good agreement with the simulated power gain (see FIGs. 20A and 20B). However, for all values of diffuse artificial ambient illumination lux shown in table of FIG. 23C, the measured improvement factor is significantly higher than the power gain shown in FIGs. 16J, 16K, 20A and 20B and consequently, magnitude of the measured improvement factor is a first surprising result to one of ordinary skill in the art. As an example, FIG. 23C shows that the first loT electronic device 551 was found to perform 3.27 times more useful work than the second loT electronic device 552 when measurements were performed at 800 Lux. Based on power gain simulations and experiments disclosed herein (see FIGs. 16J, 16K, 20A and 20B) the improvement factorwas expected to be in the range 1.9 to 2.2. It was therefore a first surprising result that the measured improvement factor is significantly higher (at least 45% higher at 800 lux) than the expected improvement factor (the expected improvement factor being equal to the power gain). By comparing FIG. 23A with FIG. 23B, one of ordinary skill in the art would identify that the second loT electronic device 552 has two additional optical interfaces located between the diffuse artificial ambient illumination and the photovoltaic component 22. The first additional optical interface is at the boundary between the bottom side of the casing cover 118 the air contained within the casing 115. The second additional optical interface is at the boundary between the air contained within the casing 115 and the top side of the photovoltaic component 22. The first and second additional interfaces will reflect a proportion of the incident light and would therefore cause an increase in the measured improvement factor. It should be noted that the top side of the photovoltaic component 22 has an anti-reflection coating, so reflection loses from the second additional interface are almost negligible. Calculations by the inventors suggest that reflections from first and second additional interfaces may cause an increase in the measured improvement factor by up to 15%. Consequently, the measured improvement factor remains significantly higher than expected (at least 45% higher at 800 lux than expected) by one of ordinary skill in the art. The reason(s) for a significantly higher improvement factor than expected may be attributed to none, one or more of the following reasons: the photovoltaic component 22 capturing stray light from within the casing 115, the casing cover 118 and second optical component 45 guiding additional light towards the photovoltaic component 22, reflections from the circuit board 21 and reflections from the circuit component 23 entering the photovoltaic component 22.

[0251] The measured improvement factor shown in FIG. 23C was also found to increase as the lux level of the diffuse artificial ambient illumination was decreased, which was a second surprising result that could not reasonably be predicted by one of ordinary skill in the art. By varying the lux level of diffuse artificial ambient illumination from the lightbox, it was found that the first loT electronic device

[0252] 551 (with Optical Magnifier 16) could transmit a beacon signal (i.e. , was able to perform useful work) when exposed to diffuse artificial ambient illumination of 15 lux. By varying the lux level of diffuse artificial ambient illumination, it was found that the second loT electronic device 552 (without Optical Magnifier 16) could not transmit a beacon signal (i.e., was not able to perform any useful work) when exposed to diffuse artificial ambient illumination of 15 lux. The second loT electronic device 552 (without Optical Magnifier 16) was not able to perform any useful work no matter how long the second loT electronic device 552 was exposed to diffuse artificial ambient illumination of 15 lux. Consequently, the improvement factor of the first loT electronic device 551 over the second loT electronic device 552 becomes infinite at 15 lux. The inability of the second loT electronic device

[0253] 552 to perform any useful work below a given threshold of diffuse artificial ambient illumination is a second surprising result to one of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill in the art would reasonably assume that the second loT electronic device 552 should be able to perform useful work after a sufficiently long time has elapsed, since sufficient energy required to perform useful work should eventually be harvested from the diffuse ambient illumination. However, detailed investigations by the inventors suspect that the first loT electronic device 551 and second loT electronic device 552 lost tiny amounts of energy via various dissipation mechanisms. Note: the term “lost energy” in this context refers energy that has performed non-useful work in both the first and second loT electronic devices 551 , 552; such lost energy may contribute to unwanted heating of both the first and second loT electronic devices. Consequently, when the rate of energy lost via dissipation mechanisms in an loT electronic device is commensurate with the rate energy is harvested by said loT electronic device, then said loT electronic device will never acquire sufficient energy to perform any useful work. If dissipation mechanisms did not occur, then the improvement factor in FIG. 23C would have a constant value for all levels of diffuse ambient illumination. However, as the level of diffuse artificial ambient illumination is reduced, the improvement factor increases in a non-linear fashion. Consequently, the comparative advantage of the first loT electronic device 551 over the second loT electronic device 552 also increases in a non-linear fashion as the level of diffuse artificial ambient illumination is reduced. The observed exponential growth in the improvement factor was therefore a second surprising result that is not obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0254] The experiments described in relation to FIG. 23A, 23B and 23C have shown two surprising results that could not reasonable be anticipated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The first surprising result enables a first significant advantage of the first loT electronic device 551 with an optical magnifier 16 over the second loT electronic device 552 without an optical magnifier. The first advantage is that an loT electronic device 551 with an optical magnifier 16 can perform more useful work from diffuse artificial ambient illumination than a comparable loT electronic device 552 without an optical magnifier 16. The first advantage is not obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art since the magnitude of the improvement factor was significantly higher than predicted using reasonable equations and performing reasonable experiments. The second surprising result enables a second significant advantage of the first loT electronic device 551 with an optical magnifier 16 the over second loT electronic device 552 without an optical magnifier. The second advantage is that an loT electronic device 551 with an optical magnifier 16 can at least perform some useful work when the diffuse artificial ambient illumination level falls below a given threshold value whereas a comparable loT electronic device 552 without an optical magnifier 16 (i.e., conventional art) would not be able to perform any useful work below said threshold value. The second advantage is not obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. The first and second advantages therefore enable loT Devices with a competitive commercial advance to be realised.

[0255] An electronic device with an optical magnifier 16 as disclosed herein that has been configured as a third example portable Internet of Things (loT) device, hereafter the third loT electronic device 553 will now be described in further detail. The third loT electronic device 553 is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The third loT electronic device 553 is shown in FIG. 24. The term “portable” is used to indicate that the third loT electronic device 553 may be easily carried in a single hand. The term “portable” is justified since the physical dimensions of the third loT electronic device 553 do not exceed 70mm by 70mm by 35mm in the X, Y and Z directions respectively wherein the Z-direction is measured from the apex 411 of the convex surface 47 pertaining to the first optical component 41 to the bottom of the casing base 116, as shown by the double ended arrow labelled “T5” in FIG. 14G. The term “portable” is also justified since the mass of the third loT electronic device 553 does not exceed 210 grams and preferably does not exceed 70 grams. The physical appearance of the third loT electronic device 553 resembles the electronic devices FIG. 15A through FIG. 15D inclusive. The optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and second optical component 45. The first optical component 41 comprises glass, or preferably, an optical plastic such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 has either 4- fold rotational symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis or, preferably, spherical symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis. The first optical component 41 has a continuous convex surface 47. At least a portion of the convex surface 47 is exposed to ambient illumination. A widest diameter 133 of the first optical component 41 is in the range 16mm to 30mm (i.e., 16mm<WD#1<30mm). The optical axis 413 of the first optical component 41 passes through a central point 221 , 221 A of the photovoltaic component 22. The first optical component 41 may be configured with a joining feature 1491. The third loT electronic device 553 is configured with a casing 115 that comprises the following aspects: a casing base 146, casing sides 147 and a casing cover 148. At least one of the casing base 146, casing sides 147 and casing cover 148 may be fabricated from a material that is not optically transparent. At least 2 of the casing aspects may be configured to be different aspects of one and the same casing item. The casing 115, and specifically, the casing cover 148 may be configured with an aperture 148A to expose at least a portion of the first optical component 41 to an ambient surrounding medium. The casing cover 148 may be configured with a reciprocal joining feature 1491 R. The first optical component 41 and the aperture 148A may be configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the aperture 148A in the casing 115. The joining feature 1491 and the aperture 148A may be configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the aperture 148A in the casing 115. As shown in FIG. 24, the joining feature 1491 , reciprocal joining feature 1491 R and the aperture 148A may be configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component 41 from passing completely through the aperture 148A in the casing 115. The third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with a first optical component 41 and a casing item 115 that includes at least the casing cover 118 such that the first optical component 41 and said casing item are different aspects of one and the same unit. The third loT electronic device 553 is configured with a single circuit board 21 that is populated by various electrical components on both the top side and the bottom side in order to achieve a compact design. The third loT electronic device 553 includes an energy management circuit. The energy management circuit includes the photovoltaic component 22 and at least one circuit component 23 that is an energy storage unit 23. The energy storage unit 23 may be a rechargeable battery, a lithium ion battery or supercapacitor or preferably, a hybrid supercapacitor, or any combination thereof. The energy storage unit 23 may be disposed on the top side of the circuit board but is preferably disposed on the bottom side of the circuit board 23, as shown in FIG. 24. An example hybrid supercapacitor 23 of the energy management circuit has a total capacitance of <50F and preferably <10F. The third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with a photovoltaic component 22 that is an indoor photovoltaic component 22. The photovoltaic component 22 may be comprised of 1 , 2, 3 or 4 photovoltaic cells connected in series. The photovoltaic component 22 has an outer perimeter 182 in the shape of either a square or a rectangle. The encompassing area 183 has an outer perimeter 181 in the shape of either a square or a rectangle. The optical magnifier 16 is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the encompassing area 183 so that the apparent area 22A2 of said encompassing area 183 appears to be larger than, and preferably 1.2 times larger than, the actual area 22A1 of the encompassing area 183 when the encompassing area 183 is viewed through the optical magnifier 16 from an on-axis direction 42, and, the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1 .4 and preferably less than 1.1. The total encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 is <300mm2and preferably <200mm2. The widest diameter 222 of the active area 183 pertaining to the photovoltaic component 22 is in the range 11 mm to 19mm (i.e. , 11 mm<WD#2<19mm). The photovoltaic component 22 is disposed on the top side of the circuit board 21 . The third loT electronic device 553 includes an application circuit. At least part of the application circuit is disposed on the bottom side of the circuit board 21 and at least part of the application circuit is disposed on the top side of the circuit board 21. The application circuit includes at least one associated sensor 145D. The at least one associated sensor 145D may sense a concentration level of gas. The gas may be an organic gas. The gas may be associated with air quality monitoring, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, sulphur dioxide and volatile organic compound(s) or any combination thereof. The at least one associated sensor 145D may be disposed on the top side of the circuit board but is preferably disposed on the bottom side of the circuit board 21 , as show in FIG. 24. The application circuit also includes a wireless transmitter 29. The wireless transmitter 29 may be disposed on the top side of the circuit board 23 but is preferably disposed on the bottom side of the circuit board 21 , as shown in FIG. 24. The third loT electronic device 553 is configured to transmit data via the wireless transmitter 29 to a network of wireless receivers. The third loT electronic device 553 may also be configured to transmit data via the wireless transmitter 29 to other loT electronic devices. The transmitted data includes, but is not limited to, data acquired by at least one of the associated sensors 145D. The type of wireless transmitter 29 may be selected from Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), Long-Term Evolution Machine Type Communication (LTE-M or LTE-MTC) or Narrowband Internet of Things(NB-loT) or any combination thereof. The type of wireless transmitter 29 is preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) type or Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) type. The type of wireless transmitter 29 is preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) type or Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) type. The type of wireless transmitter 29 is preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) type or Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) type. The third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) 143. The LED 143 is configured so that light emitted from the LED 143 is transmitted through the first optical component 41 and into the ambient surroundings, thus conveying information to a user, a third party, a further external electronic device (not shown) or any combination thereof. At least one of the X, Y and Z location coordinates of the LED 143 is the same as X, Y and Z location coordinates of the first optical component 41. As shown in FIG. 24, the LED 143 is preferably disposed underneath the first optical component 41 , thus the X and Y location coordinates of the LED 143 overlap with some of the X and Y location coordinates of the first optical component 41 . The third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with at least one user input aspect 142 that is capable of receiving a physical input from a user. The user input aspect(s) 142 may comprise a switch or a button or any combination therefor. The user input aspect(s) may be mechanically operated, touch operated, proximity operated or any combination thereof. Preferably, the third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with 3 independent user input aspect(s) 142, 142A, 142B and 142C. The user input aspects 142, 142A, 142B and 142C are located on the outside of the casing 115 and are electrically connected (not shown) to the circuit board 21. The third loT electronic device 553 is preferably configured with a switch 142A. Preferably, the switch 142A is disposed on the outside of a casing side 147 as shown in FIG. 24. The switch 142, 142A may be electrically connected to the energy management circuit. The switch 142, 142A may connect and disconnect the energy storage unit 23 from the energy management circuit. The switch 142, 142A may connect and disconnect the energy management circuit from the application circuit. The third loT electronic device 553 is preferably configured with a first push button 142B that is disposed on the outside of the casing cover 148. The application circuit may be configured to perform a calibration action on the at least one associated sensor 145D when the push button 142, 142B is pressed (i.e., when the button has been activated by a user). The third loT electronic device 553 is preferably configured with a second push button 142C that is disposed on the outside of the casing cover 148. The application circuit may be configured to perform the following sequence of actions when the button 142, 142B is pressed (i.e., when the button has been activated by a user): firstly, obtain data that has been collected from the at least one sensor 145D, and secondly, transmit said data via the wireless transmitter 29 to a network of wireless receivers or other loT electronic devices or combination thereof. The casing 115 of the third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with at least one aperture 145X. The aperture 145X is depicted by a chequerboard pattern in FIG. 24. The casing 115 of the third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with a plurality of apertures (i.e., more than one aperture) 145X1 , 145X2, as depicted by a chequerboard pattern in FIG. 24. A first casing side 1471 may be configured with a first plurality of apertures 145X1 . A second casing side 1472, that is different to the first casing side 1471 , may be configured with a second plurality of apertures 145X2 as depicted by a further chequerboard pattern in FIG. 24. Preferably, each casing side 147 pertaining to the third loT electronic device 553 may be configured with a plurality of apertures 145, 145X1 , 145X2. Each aperture 145 may be circular shaped or slit shaped or any combination thereof. The apertures 145X1 , 145X2 may be arranged in a 1 -dimensional pattern, such as a rows or columns. The apertures 145X1 , 145X2 may be arranged in a 2-dimensional pattern, such as a square pattern or hexagonal pattern. The apertures 145, 145X1 , 145X2 are configured to allow gas or gases contained in an ambient surrounding medium to flow through the interior of the casing 115 thus enabling the at least one associated sensor 145D to sense a concentration level of gas or gases in the ambient surrounding medium. The apertures 145, 145X1 , 145X2 in the casing 115 and other features disclosed herein of the third loT electronic device 553 are thus configured in order to achieve the collection of data and wireless transmission of said data that is indicative of the concentration level of at least one type of gas that may be present in the ambient surrounding medium. The flow of gas or gases though interior of the casing 115 may be via a passive diffusion process or via a process of externally generated gas currents or any combination thereof. The apertures 145, 145X1 , 145X2 are configured to maximise the flow of gas or gases through the interior of the casing 115 without significantly degrading the mechanical stability of the casing 115. The size of each aperture 145, 145X1 , 145X2 is configured to conform with an Ingress Protection Level of 2, 3 or, preferably, 4. If the aperture ratio is defined by the total area of apertures 145 pertaining to a casing side 147 divided by the total area of said casing side 147, then an aperture ratio in the range 0.5% to 50% was found to be a suitable compromise between good gas flow and good mechanical stability. Preferably, the aperture ratio is configured to be in the range 1% to 15%. The second loT electronic device 552 may be configured to conform to the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17. The second loT electronic device 552 may be configured to conform to the designs disclosed in FIG. 16A through 16K inclusive.

[0256] An electronic device with an optical magnifier 16 as disclosed herein that has been configured as a fourth example portable Internet of Things (loT) device, hereafter the fourth loT electronic device 554A will now be described in further detail. The fourth loT electronic device 554A is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. The fourth loT electronic device 554A is shown in FIG. 25A. The term “portable” is used to indicate that the fourth loT electronic device 553 may be easily carried in a single hand. The term “portable” is justified since the physical dimensions of the fourth loT electronic device 554A enable it to be placed inside a volume that does not exceed 50mm by 50mm by 50mm in the X, Y and Z directions respectively and preferably does not exceed 25mm by 25mm by 25mm in the X, Y and Z directions. The term “portable” is also justified since the mass of the fourth loT electronic device 553 does not exceed 200 grams and preferably does not exceed 50 grams. The fourth loT electronic device 554A comprises an optical magnifier 16 and the electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. The optical magnifier 16 comprises a pair of first optical components 41 and a second optical component 45. The pair of first optical components 41 comprises an upper first optical component 41 U and a lower first optical component 41 L. The pair of first optical components 41 are comprised of glass, or preferably, an optical plastic such as acrylic or polycarbonate. The convex surfaces 47 of the pair of first optical components 41 have either 4-fold rotational symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis or, preferably, spherical symmetry when rotated around the Z-axis. The pair of first optical components 41 have a continuous convex surface 47. The convex surface 47 of the upper first optical component 41 U may have an identical shape (i.e., identical surface profile) to the lower first optical component 41 L. At least a portion of the convex surfaces 47 are exposed to ambient illumination. In general, the upper first optical component 41 U may be identical to the lower first optical component 41 L. If the electronic device 20E as shown in FIG. 2E is configured with an optical magnifier 16 as shown in FIG. 25A then the upper first optical component 41 U is associated with the top side of the encompassing area 183A of the photovoltaic component 22 and the lower first optical component 41 L is associated with the bottom side of the encompassing area 183B of the photovoltaic component 22. If the electronic device 20F as shown in FIG. 2F is configured with an optical magnifier 16 as shown in FIG. 25A then the upper first optical component 41 U is associated with the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 that is disposed on the outward facing side 24A of the circuit board 21 A and the lower first optical component 41 L is associated with the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 that is disposed on the outward facing side 24B of circuit board 21 B. If the electronic device 20G as shown in FIG. 2G is configured with an optical magnifier 16 as shown in FIG. 25A then the upper first optical component 41 U is associated with the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 that is disposed on the top side 24 of the circuit board 21 and the lower first optical component 41 L is associated with the encompassing area 183 of the photovoltaic component 22 that is disposed on the bottom side 25 of the circuit board 21 . In general, the fourth loT electronic device 554A is configured with a first encompassing area 1831 that is configured to face in first direction and optically coupled to the upper first optical component 41 U via the second optical component 45, and, configured with a second encompassing area 1832 that is configured to face in second direction, that is opposite to the first direction, and optically coupled to the lower first optical component 41 L via the second optical component 45. The upper first optical component 41 U and the first encompassing area 1831 are said to be associated with each other since ambient illumination incident on the first encompassing area 1831 is incident via the upper first optical component 41 U. The lower first optical component 41 L and the second encompassing area 1832 are said to be associated with each other since ambient illumination incident on the second encompassing area 1832 is incident via the lower first optical component 41 L. The fourth loT electronic device 554A is configured with an optical magnifier 16 as shown in FIG. 25A such that the upper first optical component 41 U of the optical magnifier 16 has at least a portion that is optically coupled to a first portion of the second optical component 45, and, the second optical component 45 has at least a portion that is optically coupled the first encompassing area 1831 , and, the lower first optical component 41 L of the optical magnifier 16 has at least a portion that is optically coupled to the second optical component 45, and, the second optical component 45 has at least a portion that is optically coupled the second encompassing area 1832 wherein the first encompassing area 1831 and the second encompassing area 1832 are configured to face in opposite directions, and, the first and second active areas 1831 , 1832 are at least partially encapsulated by the second optical component 45. The optical axis 413 of the upper first optical component 41 U is configured to pass through a central point 221 , 221 A of the first encompassing area 1831. The optical axis 413 of the lower first optical component 41 L is configured to pass through a central point 221 , 221 A of the second encompassing area 1832. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured such that the upper first optical component 41 , 41 U and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same unit. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured such that the lower first optical component 41 , 41 L and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same unit. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured such that the second optical component 45 and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same. In general, the optical magnifier 16 and the casing 115 are one and the same. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured with at least one photovoltaic component 22 that is an indoor photovoltaic component 22. The fourth loT electronic device 554A includes an energy management circuit. The energy management circuit includes at least one photovoltaic component 22 and at least one circuit component 23. The at least one circuit component 23 includes at least one energy storage unit 23. The energy storage unit 23 may be a capacitor, supercapacitor, rechargeable battery, a lithium-ion battery or a hybrid supercapacitor, or any combination thereof. Preferably, the energy storage unit 23 pertaining to the fourth loT electronic device 554A comprises at least one capacitor. The capacitor(s) 23 of the energy management circuit may have a total capacitance of <1000pF and preferably <250pF. The photovoltaic component(s) 22 may be comprised of 1 , 2, 3 or 4 photovoltaic cells connected in series. The photovoltaic component(s) 22 has an outer perimeter 182 in the shape of either a square or a rectangle. The active areas 183, 1831 , 1832 have an outer perimeter 181 in the shape of either a square or a rectangle. The optical magnifier 16 is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the first encompassing area 1831 so that the apparent area 22A2 of said first encompassing area 1831 appears to be larger than, and preferably 1.2 times larger than, the actual area 22A1 of the first encompassing area 1831 when the first encompassing area 1831 is viewed through the associated portion of the optical magnifier 16 from an on-axis direction 42 (i.e., in the negative Z direction), and, the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1 .4 and preferably less than 1.1 . The optical magnifier 16 is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the second encompassing area 1832 so that the apparent area 22A2 of said second encompassing area 1832 appears to be larger than, and preferably 1.2 times larger than, than the actual area 22A1 of the second encompassing area 1832 when the second encompassing area 1832 is viewed through the associated portion of the optical magnifier 16 from an on-axis direction 42 (i.e., in the positive Z direction), and, the ambient surrounding medium has a refractive index of less than 1 .4 and preferably less than 1.1. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured to conform to the design rules disclosed in FIG. 17. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured to conform to the designs disclosed in FIG. 16A through 16K inclusive. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured with at least one Light Emitting Diode (LED) 143. The at least one LED 143 is configured so that light emitted from the at least one LED 143 is transmitted through the upper first optical component 41 U or transmitted through the lower first optical component 41 L or any combination thereof into the ambient surroundings, thus conveying information to a user, a third party, a further external electronic device (not shown) or any combination thereof. The outermost surfaces of the fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured to form one of the following shapes: an ellipsoid, an oblate spheroid, a prolate spheroid or sphere. The outermost surfaces of the fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured to resemble a tube with a convex spherical surface attached to each end of said tube. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may be configured so that the outermost surface of the fourth loT electronic device 554A is invariant when rotated around the Z-axis. At least a portion of the upper first optical component 41 , 41 U and / or a portion of the lower first optical component 41 , 41 L may be in direct mechanical contact with a portion of the electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. At least a portion of the upper first optical component 41 , 41 U and / or at least a portion of the lower first optical component 41 , 41 L may be in direct mechanical contact with at least one circuit board 21 , 21 A, 21 B pertaining to electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. At least a portion of the upper first optical component 41 , 41 U and / or at least a portion of the lower first optical component 41 , 41 L is configured to mechanically support at least one circuit board 21 , 21 A, 21 B pertaining to electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. Said direct mechanical contact and said mechanical support feature are not shown for reasons of brevity. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, the casing 115 may be attached to a keyring, carabiner, hook or similar (not shown) so that the fourth loT electronic device 554A may be secured to a person, an animal or an external article of sentimental or financial value. The fourth loT electronic device 554A may enable the location tracking of a person, an animal or an external article of sentimental and / or financial value.

[0257] An electronic device with an optical magnifier 16 as disclosed herein that has been configured as a fifth example portable Internet of Things (loT) device, hereafter the fifth loT electronic device 554B will now be described in further detail. The fifth loT electronic device 554B is shown in FIG. 25B. The fifth loT electronic device 554B has many similarities with the fourth loT electronic device 554A and therefore only the differences between the fifth loT electronic device 554B and the fourth loT electronic device 554A will be described. The fifth loT electronic device 554B may be configured such that the upper first optical component 41 , 41 U and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same unit. The fifth loT electronic device 554B may be configured such that the lower first optical component 41 , 41 L and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same unit. An electronic device with an optical magnifier 16 as disclosed herein that has been configured as a sixth example portable Internet of Things (loT) device, hereafter the sixth loT electronic device 554C will now be described in further detail. The sixth loT electronic device 554C is shown in FIG. 25C. The sixth loT electronic device 554C has many similarities with the fourth loT electronic device 554A and therefore only the differences between the sixth loT electronic device 554C and the fourth loT electronic device 554A will be described. The sixth loT electronic device 554C may be configured such that the upper first optical component 41 , 41 U and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same unit. The sixth loT electronic device 554C may be configured such that the lower first optical component 41 , 41 L and at least a portion of the casing 115 are one and the same unit. The sixth loT electronic device 554C is configured such that at least one casing side 115, 117, 147 surrounds a central portion of the sixth loT electronic device 554C. Although 2 distinct casing sides 115, 117, 118 appear to be shown in the cross-sectional view of the sixth loT electronic device 554C, the casing sides 115, 117, 147 may be one and the same unit that surround the sixth loT electronic device 554C. At least a portion of at least one casing side 115, 117, 147 and the upper first optical component 41 U may be different aspects of one and the same unit. At least a portion of at least one casing side 115, 117, 147 and the lower first optical component 41 L may be different aspects of one and the same unit. At least a portion of a casing side 115, 117, 147 is in direct mechanical contact with a portion of the electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. At least a portion of a casing side 115, 117, 147 is in direct mechanical contact with at least one circuit board 21 , 21A, 21 B pertaining to electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. At least a portion of a casing side 115, 117, 147 is configured to mechanically support at least one circuit board 21 , 21 A, 21 B pertaining to electronic device 20E, 20F or 20G. Said mechanical support feature are not shown for reasons of brevity.

[0258] An electronic device with an optical magnifier 16 as disclosed herein that has been configured as a seventh example portable Internet of Things (loT) device, hereafter the seventh loT electronic device 554D will now be described in further detail. The seventh loT electronic device 554D is shown in FIG. 25D. The seventh loT electronic device 554D has many similarities with the sixth loT electronic device 554C and therefore only the differences between the seventh loT electronic device 554D and the sixth loT electronic device 554C will be described. The casing sides 115, 117, 147 may be one and the same unit that surrounds a central portion of the seventh loT electronic device 554D. The casing sides 115, 117, 147 may be configured with a recess 252 as shown in FIG. 25D. The recess 252 may house a strap 253. The strap may be an organic material, such as cotton or an inorganic material, such as plastic or metal. The strap may be a ball and chain type of strap. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, at least a portion of the strap 253 may be in direct mechanical contact with the second optical component 45. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, a portion of the strap 253 may be mechanically secured to the seventh loT electronic device 554D via the casing sides 115, 117, 147 or second optical component 45 or upper first optical component 41 , 41 U or lower first optical component 41 , 41 L or any combination thereof. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, at a portion of the strap 253 may extend away from the recess 252. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, a portion of the strap 253 may be connected an affixing item, such as a keyring, carabiner, hook or similar (not shown). The strap 253 and / or affixing item may enable the seventh loT electronic device 554D to be secured to a person, an animal or an external article of sentimental and / or financial value. The seventh loT electronic device 554D may enable the location tracking of a person, an animal or an external article of sentimental and / or financial value.

[0259] With reference to FIG. 26A (a side view in X-Z plane) and 26B (a plan view in the X-Y plane), the electronic device 555 with an optical magnifier 16 will now be described in further detail. Electronic device 555 comprises an optical magnifier 16 that is further compromised of a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45 as disclosed herein. Electronic device 555 also comprises a photovoltaic component 22. The photovoltaic component 22 of electronic device 555 may be same photovoltaic component 22 that comprises the electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E or 20G. In other words, electronic device 555 may also comprise electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E or 20G. Aside from the photovoltaic component 22, the details of electronic device 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D, 20E or 20G have been omitted for diagrammatic clarity. As described herein, a portion of the first optical component 41 is optically coupled to a portion of the second optical component 45. As described herein, a portion of the second optical component 45 is optically coupled to at least a portion of the photovoltaic component 22. Electronic device 555 also comprises a coating 261 . The coating 261 has been illustrated with vertical stripes for diagrammatic identification purposes only. The coating 261 is disposed on a portion of the first optical component 41 . The coating 261 may be disposed on a flat surface pertaining to the first optical component 41 . The coating 261 may be disposed on at least a portion of the non-convex surface 47N pertaining to the first optical component 41 . The coating 261 may comprise a paint type material that is applied directly onto a portion of the first optical component 41. Alternatively, the coating 261 may comprise a plastic material with an adhesive layer, such as vinyl sheet, that is applied directly onto the first optical component 41 such that said adhesive layer binds the plastic material to the first optical component 41 . Alternatively, the coating 261 may comprise a paper material with an adhesive layer that is applied directly onto the first optical component 41 such that said adhesive layer binds the paper material to the first optical component 41 . Alternatively, the coating 261 may be printed directly onto the first optical component 41 . Alternatively, the first optical component 41 and the coating 261 may be fabricated using a bi-injection moulding process whereby the first optical component 41 is fabricated from a first material that is optically transparent and the coating 261 is fabricated from a second material that has different optical properties to the first optical material. The coating 261 may have a uniform colour (including black or white), or may have a pattern of colours, or may contain a picture, or may contain text, or any combination thereof. At least a portion of the coating 261 may be configured from a material that has specular reflective (i.e., mirror-like) property. As shown in FIG. 26B, the coating 261 and photovoltaic component 22 are visible when viewed through the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 (the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45 have been omitted for diagrammatic clarity in FIG. 26B). Electronic device 555 may be configured to resemble an artificial eye for atheistic purposes, prosthetic purposes or for use in toys or models. For example, electronic device 555 may be configured as an artificial eye for a soft toy wherein the photovoltaic component resembles the pupil of an eye and the coating 261 resembles the iris or sclera of an eye. The electronic device 555 may have one or more of following functions: a tracking function for locating the electronic device 555, a sensing function, a data logging function or any combination thereof. Some applications for electronic device 555 may not prioritise a compact form factor and therefore electronic device 555 may be configured not to comply with one or more of the design rules set out in FIG. 17.

[0260] With reference to FIG. 27A (a side view in X-Z plane) and 27B (a plan view in the X-Y plane), the electronic device 556 with an optical magnifier 16 will now be described in further detail. Electronic device 556 has essentially the same features as electronic device 555 except that electronic device 556 has both a first coating 261 and a second coating 262. The first coating 261 of electronic device 556 has the same material properties as the coating 261 of electronic device 555, therefore the properties of the first coating 261 have been previously described. However, the spatial extent of the first coating 261 of electronic device 556 and the coating 261 of electronic device 555 may be different, as shown by comparing and contrasting FIG. 26B and FIG. 27B. The second coating 262 has been illustrated with horizontal stripes for diagrammatic identification purposes only. The first coating 261 and second coating 262 have different optical properties and are therefore different in appearance. The second coating 262 is disposed on a portion of the first optical component 41. The first coating 261 may be disposed on a first portion of the first optical component 41 while the second coating 262 may be disposed on a second portion of the first optical component 41 wherein said first and second portions may be different. The second coating 262 may be disposed on a flat surface pertaining to the first optical component 41 . The second coating 262 may be disposed on at least a portion of the non-convex surface 47N pertaining to the first optical component 41. The second coating 262 may comprise a paint type material that is applied directly onto a portion of first optical component 41 as shown. Alternatively, the second coating 262 may comprise a plastic material with an adhesive layer, such as vinyl sheet, that is applied directly onto the first optical component 41 such that said adhesive layer binds the plastic material to the first optical component 41 . Alternatively, the second coating 262 may comprise a paper material with an adhesive layer that is applied directly onto the first optical component 41 such that said adhesive layer binds the paper material to the first optical component 41 . Alternatively, the second coating 262 may be printed directly onto the first optical component 41 . Alternatively, the first optical component 41 and the second coating 262 may be fabricated using a bi-injection moulding process whereby the first optical component 41 is fabricated from a first material that is optically transparent and the second coating 262 is fabricated from a second material that has different optical properties to the first optical material. The second coating 262 may have a uniform colour (including black or white), or may have a pattern of colours, or may contain a picture, or may contain text, or any combination thereof. At least a portion of the second coating 262 may be configured from a material that has a specular reflective (i.e. , mirror-like) property. As shown in FIG. 27B, the first coating 261 and the second coating 262 and photovoltaic component 22 are all visible when viewed through the convex surface 47 of the first optical component 41 (the first optical component 41 and the second optical component 45 have been omitted for diagrammatic clarity in FIG. 27B). Electronic device 556 may be configured to resemble an artificial eye for atheistic purposes, prosthetic purposes or for use in toys or models. For example, electronic device 556 may be configured as an artificial eye for a soft toy wherein the photovoltaic component resembles the pupil of an eye and the second coating 262 resembles the pupil, iris or sclera of the eye and the first coating 261 resembles the iris or sclera of the eye. The electronic device 556 may have one or more of following functions: a tracking function for locating the electronic device 556, a sensing function, a data logging function or any combination thereof. Some applications for electronic device 556 may not prioritise a compact form factor and therefore electronic device 556 may be configured not to comply with one or more of the design rules set out in FIG. 17. The first coating 261 may be known as a coating 261. The second coating 262 may be known as a further coating 262. The first coating 261 is not an anti-reflection coating. The second coating 262 is not an anti-reflection coating. In general, a first coating 261 may be disposed on at least a first portion of the non-convex surface 47N pertaining to the first optical component, and, a second coating may be disposed on at least a second portion of the non-convex surface 47N pertaining to the first optical component wherein the first coating has a different appearance to the second coating, and, the first portion is different to the second portion. FIG. 28A shows the electronic device 280A which includes electronic device 20A and novel optical magnifier 16 (the novel optical magnifier 16 comprises a first optical component 41 and a second optical component 45). Electronic device 280A is physically compact, lightweight, low-cost and has been optimised to harvest energy from diffuse artificial ambient illumination. Although not shown for reasons of brevity, electronic device 280A may include electronic device 20B, electronic device 20C or electronic device 20D. In contrast to FIG. 7, FIG. 28A shows that the second optical component 45 may not encapsulate the circuit component 23. In contrast to FIG. 7, FIG. 28A shows that the second optical component 45 may not completely encapsulate the photovoltaic unit 22. In other words, the second optical component 45 is adhered to the uppermost surface of the photovoltaic unit 22 but the second optical component 45 is not adhered to the sides of the photovoltaic unit 22. The second optical component 45 may comprise a pressure-sensitive, double-sided adhesive tape 45G, such as an acrylic tape or an acrylic foam tape that may have a viscoelastic acrylic foam core. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 28A, the lateral extent (i.e. , the dimension in X and Y directions) of the second optical component 45 may be the same, or substantially the same (i.e., ±1 mm), as the lateral extent of the photovoltaic unit 22. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 28A, the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 may be the same, or substantially the same (i.e., ±1 mm), as the lateral extent of the base 41 F of first optical component 41 . Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 28A, the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 may be the same, or substantially the same (i.e., ±1 mm), as the lateral extent of the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47. Note: with reference to the first optical component 41 in FIG. 14G and FIG. 28B, the lateral extent of the base 41 F of the first optical component 41 may be different from the lateral extent of the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47. As shown in FIG. 28A, the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 may be between the lateral extent of the base 41 F (or widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47) and the lateral extent of the photovoltaic unit 22. If the second optical component 45 comprises a pressure-sensitive, double-sided adhesive tape 45G then it is preferable that the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 is larger than lateral extent of the photovoltaic unit 22.

[0261] FIG. 28B shows the electronic device 280B that is identical to the electronic device 280A shown in FIG. 28A apart from 2 features. The first featured difference is that the first optical component 41 of electronic device 280B has a joining feature 1491 . The second featured difference is that the lateral extent of the second optical component 45. FIG. 28B shows that the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 is the same, or substantially the same (i.e., ±1 mm), as the base 41 F of the first optical component 41 . Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 28B, the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 may be the same, or substantially the same (i.e., ±1 mm), as the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47. When the first optical component 41 has a joining feature 1491 , it was found particularly advantageous, in terms of ease of manufacture and highly efficient energy harvesting from ambient illumination, to configure the lateral extent of the second optical component 45 to be the same, or substantially the same (i.e., ±1 mm), as the widest diameter 133 of the convex surface 47, and, to arrange lateral position (i.e., the position in terms of X and Y) of the second optical component 45 to be the same as the lateral...

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A portable electronic device configured to generate electrical energy from ambient illumination comprising an optical magnifier and a photovoltaic component wherein the photovoltaic component comprises an active area that converts the ambient illumination into electrical energy, and, the optical magnifier is configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the active area so that the apparent area of the at least a portion of the active area appears to be larger than the actual area of the at least a portion of the active area when: the active area is viewed through the optical magnifier from an on-axis direction, and an ambient medium that surrounds the portable electronic device has a refractive index of less than 1.40.

2. The portable electronic device according to claim 1 is configured such that all electrical energy generated from the ambient illumination by the portable electronic device is consumed or stored or converted to a further form of energy or any combination thereof within the portable electronic device itself.

3. The portable electronic device according to any preceding claim wherein the photovoltaic component has a largest outer perimeter in the shape of a square or a rectangle.

4. The portable electronic device according to any preceding claim wherein the active area has an outer perimeter in the shape of a polygon.

5. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the optical magnifier is configured to have a Design Metric #2, known as “DM#2” hereafter, that is in the range 0.2<DM#2<1 .5 where DM#2 is defined by the equation DM#2=T3 / R where the quantity identified as “T3” is equal to the total thickness in the vertical direction of the optical magnifier measured in a straight line from an apex of a convex surface pertaining to the optical magnifier to a central point on an encompassing area, and, the quantity identified as “R” is a radius of curvature of the convex surface wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

6. The portable electronic device according to any preceding claim further comprising a casing wherein the photovoltaic component is housed within the casing.

7. The portable electronic device according to claim 6 wherein the casing comprises the following casing aspects: a casing base, casing sides and a casing cover wherein the casing coveris configured with an aperture to expose at least a portion of the optical magnifier to the ambient medium.

8. The portable electronic device according to claim 7 wherein at least two of the casing aspects are configured to be different aspects of one and the same casing item.

9. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the optical magnifier comprises a first optical component comprised of a first optical material and a second optical component comprised of a second optical material wherein: the first optical component is configured with a convex surface that is continuous and comprised of a first convex profile in a first direction, and, a second convex profile in a second direction that is different to the first direction, and, at least a portion of the convex surface is in contact with the ambient medium; and the first optical component has a portion that is optically coupled to a portion of the second optical component; and the second optical component has a portion that is optically coupled to the active area; and the photovoltaic component is at least partially encapsulated by the second optical component.

10. The portable electronic device of claim 9 wherein the first convex profile is configured to be the same as the second convex profile.11 . The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 10 wherein the first optical component is configured with either spherical symmetry around an axis or four-fold symmetry around an axis.

12. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 11 wherein the first optical component has an optical axis that is configured to pass through a central point of an encompassing area wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

13. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 12 wherein the first optical component is configured to have a widest diameter of its convex surface aligned parallel to a widest diameter of the encompassing area wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

14. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 13 wherein the first optical component is configured to have a Design Metric #1 , known as “DM#1” hereafter, that is in the range0.71 <DM#1 <1.7 where DM#1 is defined by the equation DM#1 =((WD#1 *N2) / (WD#2*N1)) where the quantity identified as “WD#1” is equal to a widest diameter of the convex surface of the first optical component, and, the quantity identified as “WD#2” is equal to a widest diameter of an encompassing area, and, the quantity identified as “N1” is equal to the refractive index of the first optical component, and, the quantity identified as “N2” is equal to the refractive index of the ambient medium wherein the encompassing area is continuous and configured to be the smallest square or rectangle that encompasses all active areas pertaining to the photovoltaic component that face in the same direction.

15. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 14 wherein the first optical component and at least a portion of the casing are configured to be different aspects of one and the same unit.

16. The portable electronic device of claim 15 wherein the one and the same unit is fabricated using a bi-injection moulding process wherein the first optical component aspect is fabricated from a material that is optically transparent and the at least a portion of the casing aspect is fabricated from a material that is not optically transparent.

17. The portable electronic device of any claim from 15 to 16 wherein the one and the same unit is configured with a receptacle feature that contains at least a portion of the second optical component.

18. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 14 wherein the first optical component and an aperture in the casing are configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component from passing completely through the aperture in the casing, and, the aperture in the casing is further configured to expose at least a portion of the convex surface to the ambient medium.

19. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 14 wherein the first optical component is configured with a joining feature; and, the casing is configured with an aperture wherein the joining feature is further configured to prevent the whole of the first optical component from passing completely through the aperture in the casing, and, the aperture in the casing is further configured to expose at least a portion of the convex surface to the ambient medium.

20. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 14 wherein the first optical component is configured with a joining feature, and, the casing is configured with an aperture and a reciprocal joining feature wherein the joining feature and reciprocal joining feature are further configured to cooperate with each other in order to prevent whole of the first optical component from passing completely through the aperture in the casing, and, the aperture in the casing is further configured to expose at least a portion of the convex surface to the ambient medium.21 . The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 14 wherein the first optical component is configured with a receptacle feature that contains at least a portion of the second optical component.

22. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 14 wherein the first optical component is configured with a first coating disposed on a first portion of the first optical component and the first coating comprises a colour or a pattern of colours or a picture or a set of text or any combination thereof.

23. The portable electronic device of claim 22 wherein the first optical component is configured with a second coating disposed on a second portion of the first optical component and comprised of a colour or a combination of colours or a picture or a set of text or any combination thereof wherein: the second coating is different to the first coating, and the second portion is different to the first portion24. The portable electronic device of claim 9 wherein the second optical component is an optical adhesive material.

25. The portable electronic device of claim 24 wherein the optical adhesive material comprises a pressure-sensitive, double-sided acrylic adhesive tape with a viscoelastic acrylic foam core.

26. The portable electronic device of any claim from 9 to 24 wherein an elastic seal is disposed between the first optical component and a portion of the casing.

27. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim further comprising an energy management circuit that comprises an energy storage unit and the photovoltaic component wherein: the energy storage unit is configured to store electrical energy harvested from the ambient illumination by the photovoltaic component; and the photovoltaic component is disposed on a top side of a common circuit board.

28. The portable electronic device of claim 27 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor or battery or supercapacitor or hybrid supercapacitor or any combination thereof.

29. The portable electronic device of claim 27 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor that is disposed on the top side of the common circuit board.

30. The portable electronic device of claim 27 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a battery or supercapacitor or hybrid supercapacitor or any combination thereof that is disposed on the bottom side of the common circuit board.31 . The portable electronic device of any claim from 27 to 30 wherein the energy management circuit is further configured to be electrically connected to an application circuit wherein: the energy management circuit provides electrical power to the application circuit; and the application circuit comprises a wireless transmitter; and at least part of the application circuit is disposed on the bottom side of the common circuit board.

32. The portable electronic device of claim 31 wherein the wireless transmitter is disposed on the bottom side of the common circuit board.

33. The portable electronic device of any claim from 31 to 32 wherein the energy management circuit further comprises a user operated switch that is configured with at least two user selectable states and the user operated switch is disposed on the outside of the casing and further configured to: in response to a first user selected state, make an electrical connection between at least two of the following entities: the energy storage unit, the power management circuit and the application circuit; and in response to a second user selected state, break an electrical connection between at least two of the following entities: the energy storage unit, the power management circuit and the application circuit.

34. The portable electronic device of any claim from 31 to 33 wherein the application circuit further comprises a sensor configured to collect data related to at least one of the following items: orientation, acceleration, temperature, humidity, air pressure, magnetic field, sound, ultra-sound, infra-red radiation, visible radiation, ultra-violet radiation, electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic spectra, ambient illumination, lux, a gas, gases, proximity, images, touch, a fluid, fluids, mass or any combination thereof.

35. The portable electronic device of claim 34 wherein the application circuit further comprises a user operated button that is disposed on the outside of the casing and wherein the application circuit is further configured to perform, in response to a press of the button: a calibration process for the sensor, or a collection of data related to the current status of the sensor, or a transmission of data collected by the sensor via the wireless transmitter, or any combination thereof.

36. The portable electronic device of any claim from 31 to 35 wherein the application circuit further comprises a light emitting diode (LED) that is disposed on the top side of the common circuitboard and the light emitting diode is configured so that at least a portion of the light emitted from the light emitting diode travels through a portion of the first optical component and into the ambient medium.

37. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the optical magnifier has a widest diameter configured to be up to 15% greater than the widest diameter of the photovoltaic component.

38. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the photovoltaic component is configured to be a monofacial type of photovoltaic component with the active area configured to face in a first direction, and, the portable electronic device of claim 1 comprises a further monofacial type of photovoltaic component with an active area configured to face in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

39. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim wherein the photovoltaic component is configured to be a bifacial type of photovoltaic component with the active area configured to face in a first direction, and, a further active area that faces in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction.

40. The portable electronic device of any preceding claim, configured as a wearable timepiece for displaying the time and displaying at least one further piece of information wherein the optical magnifier is further configured to optically magnify at least a portion of the information display.41 . The portable electronic device of any preceding claim, configured to generate electrical energy from ambient illumination wherein the ambient illumination is artificial and diffuse.

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