Systems and methods for assigning groups of antenas of a wireless power transmitter to different wireless power receivers, and determining effective phases to use for wirelessly transmitting power using the assigned groups of antennas
First Claim
1. A method for wireless power transmission, the method comprising:
- receiving by a transmitter that includes a communications component, a plurality of antennas and a controller;
via the communications component, a first control signal from a first electronic device coupled to a first receiver, the first control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the first electronic device, andvia the communications component, a second control signal from a second electronic device coupled to a second receiver, the second control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the second electronic device;
assigning, by the controller of the transmitter, (i) a first group of the plurality of antennas of the transmitter to the first electronic device and (ii) a second group of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device, wherein the first and second groups of antennas are distinct;
determining, by the controller of the transmitter;
a first effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the first electronic device, anda second effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the second electronic device; and
transmitting;
via the first group of the plurality of antennas, power transmission signals to the location of the first electronic device using the first effective waveform feature; and
via the second group of the plurality of antennas, power transmission signals to the location of the second electronic device using the second effective waveform feature.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The embodiments described herein include a transmitter that transmits a power transmission signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF) signal waves) to create a three-dimensional pocket of energy. At least one receiver can be connected to or integrated into electronic devices and receive power from the pocket of energy. The transmitter can locate the at least one receiver in a three-dimensional space using a communication medium (e.g., Bluetooth technology). The transmitter generates a waveform to create a pocket of energy around each of the at least one receiver. The transmitter uses an algorithm to direct, focus, and control the waveform in three dimensions. The receiver can convert the transmission signals (e.g., RF signals) into electricity for powering an electronic device. Accordingly, the embodiments for wireless power transmission can allow powering and charging a plurality of electrical devices without wires.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for wireless power transmission, the method comprising:
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receiving by a transmitter that includes a communications component, a plurality of antennas and a controller; via the communications component, a first control signal from a first electronic device coupled to a first receiver, the first control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the first electronic device, and via the communications component, a second control signal from a second electronic device coupled to a second receiver, the second control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the second electronic device; assigning, by the controller of the transmitter, (i) a first group of the plurality of antennas of the transmitter to the first electronic device and (ii) a second group of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device, wherein the first and second groups of antennas are distinct; determining, by the controller of the transmitter; a first effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the first electronic device, and a second effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the second electronic device; and transmitting; via the first group of the plurality of antennas, power transmission signals to the location of the first electronic device using the first effective waveform feature; and via the second group of the plurality of antennas, power transmission signals to the location of the second electronic device using the second effective waveform feature. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A transmitter for wireless power transmission comprising:
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a plurality of antennas configured to transmit power transmission signals; a communications component configured to receive; a first control signal from a first electronic device coupled to a first receiver, the first control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the first electronic device, and a second control signal from a second electronic device coupled to a second receiver, the second control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the second electronic device; a controller, operatively coupled with the communications component and circuitry for controlling the plurality of antennas, the controller configured to; assign (i) a first group of the plurality of antennas of the transmitter to the first electronic device and (ii) a second group of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device, wherein the first and second groups of antennas are distinct; determine, by the controller of the transmitter; a first effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the first electronic device, and a second effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the second electronic device; and cause transmission; via the first group of the plurality of antennas, of power transmission signals to the location of the first electronic device using the first effective waveform feature; and via the second group of the plurality of antennas, of power transmission signals to the location of the second electronic device using the second effective waveform feature. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, storing one or more programs configured for execution by one or more processors of a transmitter that includes a communications component, a plurality of antennas and a controller, the one or more programs including instructions that when executed by the one or more processors cause the transmitter to:
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receive; via the communications component, a first control signal from a first electronic device coupled to a first receiver, the first control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the first electronic device, and via the communications component, a second control signal from a second electronic device coupled to a second receiver, the second control signal comprising information used to identify a location of the second electronic device; assign, by the controller, (i) a first group of the plurality of antennas of the transmitter to the first electronic device and (ii) a second group of the plurality of antennas to the second electronic device, wherein the first and second groups of antennas are distinct; determine, by the controller; a first effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the first electronic device, and a second effective waveform feature for transmitting power transmission signals to the second electronic device; and transmit; via the first group of the plurality of antennas, power transmission signals to the location of the first electronic device using the first effective waveform feature; and via the second group of the plurality of antennas, power transmission signals to the location of the second electronic device using the second effective waveform feature.
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Specification