AUTOMATED CHARGING
First Claim
1. A method comprising:
- detecting a presence of a power-consuming device within a neighborhood of a charging device;
determining a power level of the power-consuming device without direct physical contact between the charging device and the power-consuming device; and
determining whether to charge the power-consuming device based at least in part on the power level of the power-consuming device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automated charging device detects a presence of a power-consuming device. The automated charging device may determine whether the power-consuming device is in need of recharging by determining a status of a power level of the power-consuming device. In response to determining that the power-consuming device is due for recharging, the automated charging device may direct a wireless power source to the power-consuming device without user intervention and/or instruction. The automated charging device may detect a location of the power-consuming device and use the detected location to appropriately direct the wireless power source to the power-consuming device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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detecting a presence of a power-consuming device within a neighborhood of a charging device; determining a power level of the power-consuming device without direct physical contact between the charging device and the power-consuming device; and determining whether to charge the power-consuming device based at least in part on the power level of the power-consuming device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method executable by a power-consuming device, the method comprising:
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receiving a light beam from a charging device; in response to receiving the light beam, determining a power level; and contactlessly and wirelessly signaling the power level to the charging device, the signaling indicating enabling the charging device to determine a status of the power level of the power-consuming device. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A power-consuming device comprising:
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a rechargeable power unit; a power monitoring unit configured to determine a power level of the rechargeable power unit without drawing power from the rechargeable power unit; an energy generation unit configured to generate power, provide the generated power to the power monitoring unit and charge the rechargeable power unit in response to the power monitoring unit determining that the power level of the rechargeable power unit is less than a predetermined threshold; and a signaling unit configured to signal a status of the power level of the rechargeable power unit to a remote charging device in response to receiving an instruction from the power monitoring unit.
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Specification