CONVEYING DEVICE INFORMATION RELATING TO WIRELESS CHARGING

• US 20100201533A1
• Filed: 10/02/2009
• Published: 08/12/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Qualcomm, Inc.
• Inventors: Keating, Virginia Walker, Burdo, Rinat, Kirby, Miles Alexander Lyell, Ozaki, Ernest T.
• Granted Patent: US 8,854,224 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/636.100
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/12 of the resonant type
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0047 with monitoring or indicating devices or circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0048 Detection of remaining charge capacity or state of charge [SOC]
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0049 Detection of fully charged condition

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging. A charging device configured to wirelessly charge one or more electronic devices may comprise at least one charging region, wherein each charging region of the at least one is configured for placement of one or more electronic devices. The charging device may further include an interface configured to convey information relating at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices placed within the at least one charging region.

Claims

1. A charging device configured to wirelessly charge one or more electronic devices, the charging device comprising:

at least one charging region configured for placement of one or more electronic devices; and

an interface configured to convey information relating to at least one electronic device of

the one or more electronic devices placed within the at least one charging region.

2. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the at least one charging region comprises an internal region configured to receive the one or more electronic devices.

3. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises at least one indicator display, each indicator display of the at least one associated with a charging region of the at least one charging region.

4. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises at least one indicator display configured to display at least one of graphics and alphanumeric text.

5. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises at least one indicator display configured to display an alphanumeric identifier identifying an electronic device positioned within an associated charging region of the at least one charging region.

6. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises at least one indicator display configured to display a charging status of an electronic device positioned within an associated charging region of the at least one charging region.

7. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the interface is configured to at least one of display information relating to the at least one electronic device and audibly convey information relating to the at least one electronic device.

8. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the interface is configured to audibly convey at least one a device label, a device type, and a charging status of at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

9. A charging system, comprising:

a charging device comprising;

at least one charging region configured to wirelessly charge an electronic device positioned therein; and

an interface having at least one indicator display, each indicator display configured to display a charging status of an electronic device positioned within an associated charging region; and

at least one electronic device having a display element, wherein a charging status of the at least one electronic device is displayed in each of the display element and an associated indicator display.

10. The charging system of claim 9, wherein each of the display element and the associated indicator display comprise a progress indicator having a plurality of lights configured for displaying a charging status of an associated electronic device.

11. A charging device configured to wirelessly charge at least one electronic device, the charging device comprising:

a charging region configured for placement of one or more electronic devices; and

an interface configured to convey information concerning a charging status of the one or more electronic devices.

12. The charging device of claim 11, wherein the interface is configured to at least one of audibly convey information and display information concerning a summary of a charging status of the one or more electronic devices.

13. The charging device of claim 11, wherein the interface comprises an indicator display configured to display one or more lights indicating one of that each electronic device of the one or more electronic devices is fully charged, that at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices is charging, and that no electronic device is charging.

14. The charging device of claim 11, wherein the charging device is configured to detect at least one detectable, non-chargeable device within the charging region.

15. A method of operating a charging device, comprising:

wirelessly transmitting power to one or more electronic devices positioned within a charging region of a charging device; and

conveying information related to at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein conveying information comprises audibly conveying at least one of a device label, a device type, and a charging status of the at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein conveying information comprises displaying at least one of a device label, a device type, and a charging status of the at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising vibrating the at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices in one of a plurality of patterns to indicate a charging status of the at least one electronic device.

19. A charging device, comprising:

means for wirelessly transmitting power to one or more electronic devices positioned within a charging region; and

means for conveying information related to at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

20. A method of operating a charging device, comprising:

transmitting wireless power to one or more electronic devices; and

conveying information related to a charging status of at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein conveying information comprises displaying information in an indicator display associated with a charging region having the at least one electronic device positioned therein.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein conveying information comprises conveying a summary of a charging status of each electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

23. The method of claim 20, further comprising detecting at least one non-chargeable device and conveying information related to the at least one non-chargeable device.

24. A charging device, comprising:

means for transmitting wireless power to one or more electronic devices; and

means for conveying information related to a charging status of at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices.

25. An electronic device, comprising:

means for conveying information indicative of a power level of the electronic device; and

means for conveying information relating to at least one wireless charger configured to charge the electronic device.

26. The electronic device of claim 25, wherein the information relating to at least one wireless charger comprises at least one of a map illustrating a location of the at least one wireless charger, navigational directions to the at least one wireless charger, and a location of the at least one wireless charger.

27. The electronic device of claim 25, wherein the electronic device is configured to at least one of audibly convey the information relating to at least one wireless charger and display the information relating to at least one wireless charger.

28. The electronic device of claim 25, wherein the electronic device is configured to convey information concerning a wireless charger closest thereto.