Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device.
BACKGROUND
[002] Typically, each battery powered device requires its own charger and power source, which is usually an AC power outlet. This becomes unwieldy when many devices need charging. Approaches are being developed that use over the air power transmission between a transmitter and the device to be charged. These generally fall into two categories. One is based on the coupling of plane wave radiation (also called far-field radiation) between a transmit antenna and receive antenna on the device to be charged which collects the radiated power and rectifies it for charging the battery. Antennas are generally of resonant length in order to improve the coupling efficiency.
[003] An RF field generated by an NFC reader can be used to charge the battery of the secondary device. This process is referred to as wireless charging. Some wireless charging devices may use low frequency (LF) transmitters to charge the battery of the secondary device; an example of such a device is the so-called Qi-charger. Qi is an open interface standard that defines wireless power transfer using inductive charging over distances of up to 4 cm; this standard has been developed by the Wireless Power Consortium. So charging over reasonable distances (e.g., >1-2 m) becomes difficult. Additionally, since the system radiates plane waves, unintentional radiation can interfere with other systems if not properly controlled through filtering.
[004] Therefore, there is a need of a system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[006] Before the present subject matter relating to an NFC based platform and method for charging device, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[007] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an NFC based platform and method for charging device. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[008] In an embodiment, an NFC based platform for charging device, the system includes a charging station equipped with NFC communication capabilities, a communication module, a power transfer circuitry, an authentication logic and a control logic. The communication module within the charging station is configured to establish a communication link with an NFC-enabled device. The power transfer circuitry within the charging station is configured to transfer power wirelessly to the NFC-enabled device through the established communication link. The authentication logic within the charging station is configured to verify the identity and authorization of the NFC-enabled device for power transfer. The control logic within the charging station is configured to regulate the power transfer based on the authentication and authorization status of the NFC-enabled device.
[009] In another embodiment, a method for charging device in an NFC based platform, the method includes the step of initiating an NFC communication link between an NFC-enabled device and a charging station. The method includes the step of authenticating the NFC-enabled device through the exchange of secure authentication information. The method includes the step of authorizing the power transfer from the charging station to the NFC-enabled device based on the authentication result. The method includes the step of wirelessly transferring power from the charging station to the NFC-enabled device through the established NFC communication link. The method includes the step of regulating the power transfer based on the real-time status of the NFC-enabled device and the charging station.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0010] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific system or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0011] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0012] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system.
[0013] Figure 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of an NFC device.
[0014] Figure 3 illustrates an functional block diagram of an RFID reader that may provide the short range wireless radio frequency communicator of communications apparatus embodying invention.
[0015] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
[0016] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device is now described.
[0018] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device can be utilized in any situation. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0019] In an embodiment, an NFC based platform for charging device, the system includes a charging station equipped with NFC communication capabilities, a communication module, a power transfer circuitry, an authentication logic and a control logic. The communication module within the charging station is configured to establish a communication link with an NFC-enabled device. The power transfer circuitry within the charging station is configured to transfer power wirelessly to the NFC-enabled device through the established communication link. The authentication logic within the charging station is configured to verify the identity and authorization of the NFC-enabled device for power transfer. The control logic within the charging station is configured to regulate the power transfer based on the authentication and authorization status of the NFC-enabled device.
[0020] In another implementation, the authentication logic utilizes secure NFC communication protocols to ensure the secure exchange of authentication information between the charging station and the NFC-enabled device.
[0021] In another implementation, a user interface on the charging station for user interaction, wherein the user interface facilitates the initiation and termination of the power transfer process.
[0022] In another implementation, the charging unit comprises a low frequency, LF, transmitter configured to transfer power to the external device.
[0023] In another implementation, the wireless data link comprises at least one of an NFC connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a 60 GHz connection, or a UWB connection.
[0024] In another embodiment, a method for charging device in an NFC based platform, the method includes the step of initiating an NFC communication link between an NFC-enabled device and a charging station. The method includes the step of authenticating the NFC-enabled device through the exchange of secure authentication information. The method includes the step of authorizing the power transfer from the charging station to the NFC-enabled device based on the authentication result. The method includes the step of wirelessly transferring power from the charging station to the NFC-enabled device through the established NFC communication link. The method includes the step of regulating the power transfer based on the real-time status of the NFC-enabled device and the charging station.
[0025] In another implementation, the authentication step utilizes cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the authentication information exchanged between the NFC-enabled device and the charging station.
[0026] In another implementation, the method includes the step of notifying the user of the NFC-enabled device about the charging status through visual, auditory, or haptic feedback.
[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system.
[0028] In an embodiment, a wireless power transfer system. The transmitter 104 includes an oscillator 122, a power amplifier 124 and a filter and matching circuit 126. The oscillator is configured to generate at a desired frequency, which may be adjusted in response to adjustment signal 123. The oscillator signal may be amplified by the power amplifier 124 with an amplification amount responsive to control signal 125. The filter and matching circuit 126 may be included to filter out harmonics or other unwanted frequencies and match the impedance of the transmitter 104 to the transmit antenna 114.
[0029] Input power is provided to a transmitter for generating a radiated field for providing energy transfer. A receiver couples to the radiated field and generates an output power for storing or consumption by a device (not shown) coupled to the output power. Both the transmitter and the receiver are separated by a distance. Transmitter further includes a transmit antenna for providing a means for energy transmission and receiver further includes a receive antenna for providing a means for energy reception. The transmit and receive antennas are sized according to applications and devices associated therewith. As stated, an efficient energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the energy in the near field of the transmitting antenna to a receiving antenna rather than propagating most of the energy in an electromagnetic wave to the far field. When in this near field a coupling mode may be developed between the transmit antenna and the receive antenna. The area around the antennas and where this near-field coupling may occur is referred to herein as a coupling-mode region.
[0030] The receiver may include a matching circuit 132 and a rectifier and switching circuit 134 to generate a DC power output to charge a battery 136 as shown in FIG. 2 or power a device coupled to the receiver (not shown). The matching circuit 132 may be included to match the impedance of the receiver 108 to the receiver antenna 118.
[0031] In an embodiment, the detection unit is configured to determine whether or not a relationship between a resonant frequency of the external device and a field strength of the NFC device can be approximated as a linear relationship, and to conclude that the external device is a passive NFC device if said relationship cannot be approximated as a linear relationship. In particular, a non-linear relationship between the resonant frequency and the field strength provides a suitable indication of the passive nature of the external device. Alternatively, the detection unit may be configured to carry out a network analysis or to use network analysis results provided by a network analyzer to determine whether or not the relationship between the resonant frequency of the external device and the field strength of the NFC device can be approximated as a linear relationship. In that case, the resonant frequency of the external device may be measured directly, such that no load measurements need to be performed. Furthermore, in a practical implementation, the charging unit comprises an LF transmitter configured to transfer power to the external device.
[0032] Figure 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of an NFC device.
[0033] In an embodiment, the NFC device 200 comprises an antenna 202, a charging unit 204, a detection unit 206 and a controller 208. It is noted that, although the components 202, 204, 206, 208 have been shown as separate components, some of these components may be integrated into a single unit or device. For instance, the detection unit 206 and the controller 208 may form a single unit, and the detection unit 206 and/or controller 208 may be embedded in the charging unit 204. The antenna 202 is configured to enable wireless communication with an external device (not shown). Furthermore, the charging unit 204 is configured to charge the external device by transferring power to said external device through the antenna 202. Furthermore, the detection unit 206 is configured to detect whether the external device is a passive NFC device. Finally, the controller 208 is configured to control the charging unit 204 in dependence on an output of the detection unit 206, wherein said output indicates whether the external device is a passive NFC device. In this way, since the charging unit 204 is controlled by taking into account whether the external device is a passive NFC device, damage to the external device may be avoided. As mentioned above, a passive NFC device may be damaged relatively quickly when it is exposed to a charging unit which is not intended for charging such a passive device.
[0034] The controller is further configured to prevent the charging unit from charging the external device if the detection unit has detected that the external device is a passive NFC device, or to reduce the amount of power transferred by the charging unit if the detection unit has detected that the external device is a passive NFC device. This further facilitates avoiding damage to the external device, because it may be ensured that no excessive amount of power is transferred to a passive NFC device. The detection unit is configured to determine whether or not a relationship between a resonant frequency of the external device and a field strength of the NFC device can be approximated as a linear relationship, and to conclude that the external device is a passive NFC device if said relationship cannot be approximated as a linear relationship.
[0035] Figure 3 illustrates an functional block diagram of an RFID reader that may provide the short range wireless radio frequency communicator of communications apparatus embodying invention.
[0036] The RFID reader 300 has a signal communicator 300 a comprising an RF signal generator 301 for generating an RF signal for supply to an antenna 302 (for example a coil) to cause a magnetic field (represented by the symbol referenced 305) to be generated in the space around the reader 300 and a demodulator 303 for demodulating a signal inductively coupled to the antenna 302. A reader controller 304 (for example a processor, state machine, RISC processor or microcontroller) is provided to control operation of the signal communicator 300 a. When the controller 304 causes the signal generator 301 to generate an RF signal (which may or may not be modulated) so as to seek to initiate communication, any short range wireless radio frequency communicator (for example an RFID tag or NFC communicator operating in tag mode) within range of the magnetic field 305, will respond to the signal from the reader 300, in such a way that a modulated signal from that short range wireless radio frequency communicator is present at the antenna 302. The reader demodulator 303 provides a demodulated signal to the reader controller 304 which will affect the operation of the reader 300 in a manner which will depend upon at least one of data obtained from the demodulated signal and functionality of the reader 300.
[0037] The controller, interface and/or data store may be within the larger device or system or the functions of any or all of these components may be split between the larger device or system and the communications apparatus.
[0038] Although the description provides implementations of a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or systems. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for a near field communication (NFC) based platform and method for charging device.
, Claims:We claim:
1. An NFC based platform for charging device, comprising:
a charging station equipped with NFC communication capabilities;
a communication module within the charging station configured to establish a communication link with an NFC-enabled device;
a power transfer circuitry within the charging station configured to transfer power wirelessly to the NFC-enabled device through the established communication link;
an authentication logic within the charging station configured to verify the identity and authorization of the NFC-enabled device for power transfer; and
a control logic within the charging station configured to regulate the power transfer based on the authentication and authorization status of the NFC-enabled device.
2. The NFC based platform for charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the authentication logic utilizes secure NFC communication protocols to ensure the secure exchange of authentication information between the charging station and the NFC-enabled device.
3. The NFC based platform for charging device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user interface on the charging station for user interaction, wherein the user interface facilitates the initiation and termination of the power transfer process.
4. The NFC based platform for charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging unit comprises a low frequency, LF, transmitter configured to transfer power to the external device.
5. The NFC based platform for charging device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless data link comprises at least one of an NFC connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a 60 GHz connection, or a UWB connection.
6. A method for charging device in an NFC based platform, comprising:
initiating an NFC communication link between an NFC-enabled device and a charging station;
authenticating the NFC-enabled device through the exchange of secure authentication information;
authorizing the power transfer from the charging station to the NFC-enabled device based on the authentication result;
wirelessly transferring power from the charging station to the NFC-enabled device through the established NFC communication link; and
regulating the power transfer based on the real-time status of the NFC-enabled device and the charging station.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the authentication step utilizes cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the authentication information exchanged between the NFC-enabled device and the charging station.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising notifying the user of the NFC-enabled device about the charging status through visual, auditory, or haptic feedback.