Gaming Controller Optical Charging With Beam Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless gaming controllers require active user intervention for recharging, often leading to forgotten charging, especially by children, resulting in depleted batteries.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system using optical power transmission with a scanning mirror and photovoltaic sensor, allowing automatic charging during gameplay and when controllers are left in random locations, utilizing a DC/DC voltage converter to manage different voltage requirements for controller circuits and batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If inductive charging is used with a charging mat or docking station, then wireless recharging is enabled, but the user must actively place the controller on the charging device, leading to forgotten charging
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically initiates and maintains charging without user intervention. The beam tracking system autonomously follows the controller's movements, and the charging process continues seamlessly whether the controller is stationary or being actively used during gameplay.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging infrastructure is pre-established with a transmitter positioned in the room that continuously emits the optical beam. The system is prepared in advance to charge the controller whenever it enters the beam's coverage area, eliminating the need for users to remember to charge it.
2Ease of operation
If the controller is moved during gameplay, then usability is maintained, but inductive charging effectiveness is lost due to short range
Solution Approach 1:
The optical beam transmission system dynamically adapts to the controller's movements through active tracking. The scanning mirror adjusts the beam direction in real-time to maintain continuous power transmission regardless of the controller's position or orientation within the room.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from short-range contact-based inductive charging to long-range optical beam transmission, adding spatial freedom to the charging process. The beam can traverse across the room to reach the controller wherever it is positioned, eliminating the limited proximity requirement of traditional inductive charging.
3Reliability
If optical power beam tracking is implemented, then charging continues during controller movement, but system complexity increases with scanning mirror and tracking application
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning mirror acts as an intermediary component that translates tracking information into beam direction adjustments. This mediator enables the system to maintain accurate beam tracking without requiring complex direct control mechanisms, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Use of energy by moving object
If photovoltaic cell and DC/DC converter are added to the controller, then optical power can be converted and stored, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic cell and DC/DC converter combination creates a universal charging unit that can handle various voltage requirements. This multi-functional charging unit not only converts optical power to electrical energy but also manages voltage regulation for both the controller circuits and battery charging, reducing the need for separate specialized components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous charging without user intervention, ensuring the gaming controller remains operational even when left unattended, by using a virtual junction to supply current to both the controller circuits and batteries.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic cell adapted to receive a beam of optical power from a transmitting unit, and to convert the optical power into an output current in a charger unit
Data Source
AI summary
New systems for the wireless recharging of the batteries of game controllers, without the need for placing the game controller on a dedicated charging device such as an inductively coupled charging pad or its charging docking station. Wireless charging can continue even when the gaming controllers are being moved, when in use during the gaming session, and certainly when the controller is left by the user in some random location in the area in which the system is installed. A transmitter beams optical power, such as a laser beam, to an optical power receiver located on the controller itself, which, using a photovoltaic cell and an appropriate voltage converter, converts the optical beam power to a current for charging the battery. A beam aiming mechanism, such as a scanning mirror, is provided to ensure correct tracking of the game controller, according to the outputs of a beam tracking application.