Smart Cover Optical Powering via Camera Flash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication technologies face challenges in powering smart covers efficiently, particularly due to limited power sources and the need for hardwired connections, which restricts the functionality and autonomy of these covers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for wireless optical powering of smart covers using a mobile device's camera flash to transmit optical energy, supplemented by radio frequency signals, allowing for dynamic power adjustment based on requirements and enabling the operation of electronic components within the cover without physical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections are used to power smart covers, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to required physical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired connections with optical wireless transmission. The camera flash emits light that is detected by a photodetector in the smart cover, eliminating the need for physical power connections while maintaining reliable power transfer between the mobile device and the cover.
2Ease of operation
If optical powering is used to power smart covers, then ease of operation is improved by eliminating physical connections, but power transmission efficiency deteriorates compared to direct electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed illumination from the camera flash rather than continuous light emission. This periodic action allows the photodetector to accumulate energy in intervals, improving overall power transmission efficiency while maintaining the wireless optical powering benefit of eliminated physical connections.
3Loss of information
If existing wireless communication technologies are used, then communication capability is improved, but power supply capability deteriorates due to limited power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the camera flash serve multiple functions: it acts as both a lighting source for photography and a wireless power transmission source for the smart cover. This multi-functionality allows the mobile device to provide both communication and power supply capabilities using existing components, eliminating the need for separate power sources in the smart cover.
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
This solution provides a reliable and efficient means to power smart covers wirelessly, enhancing their functionality and autonomy by utilizing the camera flash for optical energy transmission and radio frequency signals for power management, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional power sources and connections.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing the camera flash for optical energy transmission
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency signals for power management
Data Source
AI summary
Example method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for wireless powering of passive objects contained in a functional exchangeable cover of an apparatus. Example embodiments of the invention include a method comprising: receiving, by an apparatus, a signal indicating that a functional exchangeable cover attached to the apparatus requests optical powering, the signal being at least one of a mechanical signal, an electrical signal, or a wireless signal; switching on, by the apparatus, an optical energy source in the apparatus in response to received signal; and transmitting, by the apparatus, from the optical energy source, optical power to the functional exchangeable cover attached to the apparatus.