Controlling a wireless power transmitter based on human presence
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for proximity sensing in a wireless power transmitter, comprising:
- a transmitter coil configured to generate a magnetic field for charging a battery of a wireless power receiver;
a capacitive proximity sensor adjacent to the transmitter coil; and
a controller configured to;
determine a capacitance level measured by the capacitive proximity sensor;
compare the capacitance level to a baseline capacitance level to determine a capacitance change;
identify a proximity detection of an object by determining that the capacitance change is above a threshold capacitance change; and
in response to the proximity detection, reduce a strength of the magnetic field to continue charging and reduce RF exposure below an exposure level specified by a regulatory specification.
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Abstract
Techniques for proximity sensing in a wireless power transmitter in a system, method, and apparatus are described herein. For example, an apparatus may include a transmitter coil configured to generate a magnetic field. The apparatus may also include a controller configured to reduce a strength of the magnetic field based on a proximity detection of an object.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An apparatus for proximity sensing in a wireless power transmitter, comprising:
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a transmitter coil configured to generate a magnetic field for charging a battery of a wireless power receiver; a capacitive proximity sensor adjacent to the transmitter coil; and a controller configured to; determine a capacitance level measured by the capacitive proximity sensor; compare the capacitance level to a baseline capacitance level to determine a capacitance change; identify a proximity detection of an object by determining that the capacitance change is above a threshold capacitance change; and in response to the proximity detection, reduce a strength of the magnetic field to continue charging and reduce RF exposure below an exposure level specified by a regulatory specification. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for proximity sensing in a wireless power transmitter, comprising:
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generating a magnetic field at a transmitter coil for charging a battery of a wireless power receiver; receiving a capacitance level from a capacitive proximity sensor; comparing the capacitance level to a baseline capacitance level to determine a capacitance change; identifying a proximity detection of an object by determining that the capacitance change is above a threshold capacitance change; and in response to the proximity detection, reducing a strength of the magnetic field to continue charging and reduce RF exposure below an exposure level specified by a regulatory specification. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for proximity sensing in a wireless power transmitter, comprising:
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a transmitter coil configured to generate a magnetic field for charging a battery of a wireless power receiver; a proximity sensor configured to detect a change in capacitance associated with an object near the transmitter coil; and a controller configured to; determine a capacitance level measured by the proximity sensor; compare the capacitance level to a baseline capacitance level to determine a capacitance change; identify a proximity detection of an object by determining that the capacitance change is above a threshold capacitance change; and in response to the proximity detection, reduce a strength of the magnetic field to continue charging and reduce RF exposure below an exposure level specified by a regulatory specification. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification