Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device.
BACKGROUND
[002] Portable electronic devices such as smart phones, tablets, notebooks and other electronic devices have become an everyday need in the way we communicate and interact with others. The frequent use of these devices may require a significant amount of power, which may easily deplete the batteries attached to these devices. Therefore, a user is frequently needed to plug in the device to a power source and recharge such device. This may require having to charge electronic equipment at least once a day, or in high-demand electronic devices more than once a day.
[003] The wireless power transmission technology may be used to replace conventional methods of supplying or charging power through an electric wire. The wireless power transmission technology transmits electric energy in a form of electromagnetic wave, electromagnetic induction, or electromagnetic resonance, which wirelessly supplies power without a power line, such as an electric wire, anytime and anywhere. The wireless power transmission technology is a core technology for wirelessly charging electronic devices, wirelessly supplying or charging power to electric cars, wirelessly supplying power to a remote place, and supplying power through ubiquitous wireless sensors.
[004] Most of the conventional kinds of wireless power transmission products, may damage to an NFC circuit (near distance wireless communication technology) formed on a receiving end of a smart phone during the process of wireless power transmission.
[005] Therefore, there is a need of a system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[007] Before the present subject matter relating to a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user 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.
[008] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user 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.
[009] In an embodiment, a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device is disclosed. The system includes a wireless power transmitter, an antenna array, a near field communication controller, at least one or more processor and a memory. The wireless power transmitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field for wireless power transmission to the user device. The antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas strategically positioned to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission. The near field communication controller is configured to establish communication with the user device using NFC protocols for facilitating wireless power transmission.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device, the method includes the step of generating an electromagnetic field using a wireless power transmitter. The method includes the step of employing an antenna array to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission. The method includes the step of establishing communication with a user device through an NFC controller using NFC protocols. The method includes the step of controlling the operation of the wireless power transmitter, the antenna array, and the NFC controller using at least one processor. The method includes the step of storing and retrieving information related to communication protocols, power transmission parameters, and user device information in a memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a portable terminal to which a wireless charging apparatus is applied, according to a present embodiment.
[0014] Figure 2 illustrates an architecture for wireless power transmission, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the transceiving wireless power transmission device, according to an present embodiment.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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
[0018] 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 system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user 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 system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device is now described.
[0019] 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 system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user 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.
[0020] In an embodiment, a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device is disclosed. The system includes a wireless power transmitter, an antenna array, a near field communication controller, at least one or more processor and a memory. The wireless power transmitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field for wireless power transmission to the user device. The antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas strategically positioned to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission. The near field communication controller is configured to establish communication with the user device using NFC protocols for facilitating wireless power transmission.
[0021] In another implementation, the wireless power transmitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field for wireless power transmission to the user device.
[0022] In another implementation, the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas strategically positioned to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission.
[0023] In another implementation, the NFC controller is configured to establish communication with the user device using NFC protocols for facilitating wireless power transmission.
[0024] In another implementation, the at least one processor is programmed to control the operation of the wireless power transmitter, the antenna array, and the NFC controller to optimize wireless power transmission.
[0025] In another implementation, a power management module configured to monitor and regulate the power transmitted to the user device based on power requirements and device compatibility.
[0026] In another implementation, the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor for managing communication protocols, power transmission parameters, and user device information.
[0027] In another embodiment, a method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device, the method includes the step of generating an electromagnetic field using a wireless power transmitter. The method includes the step of employing an antenna array to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission. The method includes the step of establishing communication with a user device through an NFC controller using NFC protocols. The method includes the step of controlling the operation of the wireless power transmitter, the antenna array, and the NFC controller using at least one processor. The method includes the step of storing and retrieving information related to communication protocols, power transmission parameters, and user device information in a memory.
[0028] In another implementation, the method includes the step of monitoring and regulating the power transmitted to the user device based on power requirements and device compatibility.
[0029] In another implementation, the method includes the step of performing an operation, in response to the charging being complete, that disconnects the wireless charging controller from the user device.
[0030] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a portable terminal to which a wireless charging apparatus is applied, according to a present embodiment.
[0031] In an embodiment, a wireless charging apparatus and method that perform communication for wireless power transmission control by using non-contact local communication between a wireless power transmitter for transmitting wireless power and a wireless power receiver for receiving wireless power to perform charging. Some components for wireless charging arranged within the wireless power receiver and the remaining components for wireless charging arranged outside the wireless power receiver are connected through a pair of connection terminals. Particularly, embodiments of the present invention describe a case of using, for example, a Near Field Communication (NFC) scheme as the non-contact wireless local communication scheme.
[0032] The wireless charging apparatus, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a portable terminal corresponding to a wireless power receiver and a charging pad corresponding to a wireless power transmitter. The charging pad includes a second non-contact wireless local communication antenna, a second non-contact wireless local communication unit, a wireless power transmitter, and a transmission (TX) resonator.
[0033] The wireless power transmitter generates various types of messages required for wireless power transmission to transmit the generated messages to the portable terminal through the second non-contact wireless local communication unit. The wireless power transmitter receives a message transmitted from the portable terminal through the second non-contact wireless local communication unit. The wireless power transmitter calculates a supply power quantity to be transmitted through the TX resonator based on information received from the portable terminal. The wireless power transmitter transmits the calculated supply power quantity through the TX resonator. A first non-contact wireless local communication unit, a charging controller, a battery, a first switch, and a first terminal are arranged at the body. A first non-contact wireless local communication antenna, a wireless power receiver, a reception (RX) resonator, a second switch, and a second terminal are arranged at the battery cover. The portable terminal corresponds to the wireless power receiver for wirelessly receiving power from the charging pad and charging the power. The portable terminal includes a body, physically corresponding to a first area, and a battery cover, corresponding to a second area physically separated from the first area.
[0034] In the same embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device determines whether the charging is completed. When the charging of the battery is completed, the portable terminal performs the switching operations through the first switch and the second switch to connect the first non-contact wireless local communication unit with the first non-contact wireless local communication antenna.
[0035] Figure 2 illustrates an architecture for wireless power transmission, according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0036] In an embodiment, transmitter 302 may transmit and/or broadcast controlled power transmission waves 342 (e.g., microwaves, radio waves, ultrasound waves) that may converge in three-dimensional space. These power transmission waves 342 may be controlled through phase and/or relative amplitude adjustments to form constructive interference patterns (pocket-forming) in locations where a pocket of energy is intended. It should be understood also that the transmitter can use the same principles to create destructive interference in a location thereby creating a transmission null—a location where transmitted power transmission waves cancel each other out substantially and no significant energy can be collected by a receiver. In typical use cases the aiming of a power transmission signal at the location of the receiver is the objective; and in other cases it may be desirable to specifically avoid power transmission to a particular location; and in other cases it may be desirable to aim power transmission signal at a location while specifically avoiding transmission to a second location at the same time. The transmitter takes the use case into account when calibrating antennas for power transmission. A receiver 320 may then utilize power transmission waves 342 emitted by the transmitter 302 to establish a pocket of energy, for charging or powering an electronic device 313, thus effectively providing wireless power transmission. Pockets of energy may refer to areas or regions of space where energy or power may accumulate in the form of constructive interference patterns of power transmission waves 342. In other situations there can be multiple transmitters 302 and/or multiple receivers 320 for powering various electronic equipment for example smartphones, tablets, music players, toys and others at the same time.
[0037] Communications components 324 may enable receiver 320 to communicate with the transmitter 302 by transmitting control signals 345 over a wireless protocol. The wireless protocol can be a proprietary protocol or use a conventional wireless protocol, such as Bluetooth®, BLE, Wi-Fi, NFC, ZigBee, and the like. Communications component 324 may then be used to transfer information, such as an identifier for the electronic device 313, as well as battery level information, geographic location data, or other information that may be of use for transmitter 302 in determining when to send power to receiver 320, as well as the location to deliver power transmission waves 342 creating pockets of energy.
[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic view of the transceiving wireless power transmission device, according to an present embodiment.
[0039] In an present embodiment, the transceiving wireless power transmission device further includes a battery pack 4050. The receiving controller 40 is connected to the charging input end of the battery pack 4050, and the transmitting controller 50 and the power supply unit for the transmitting controller 51 are respectively connected to the output ends of the battery pack 4050. The wireless electrical energy transmitted to the receiving controller 40 can be transferred to charge the battery pack 4050. When needing to discharge, the battery pack 4050 supplies power to the transmitting controller 50 by the power supply unit for the transmitting controller 51, and then the transmitting controller 50 transmits the electrical energy to the full-bridge switch 30, finally transmits the electrical energy out by the transmitting and receiving coil 20. When an NFC circuit is possible formed on a wireless transmission receiving end and transmitted to the transmitting and receiving coil 20, the transceiving wireless power transmission device is needed to connect to an NFC induction coil 60 and an NFC modulating unit 61. In the present embodiment, the NFC modulating unit 61 is connected between the transmitting controller 50 and the NFC induction coil 60. The NFC modulating unit 61 can determine whether an NFC circuit is formed on a wireless transmission receiving end by induction of the NFC induction coil 60. When the NFC circuit is detected in the wireless transmission receiving end, the NFC modulating unit 61 transmits the detection data to the full-bridge switch 30 by the transmitting controller 50, at this time, the full-bridge switch 30 provides a protection of the NFC circuit on the wireless transmission receiving end by not carrying out the wireless transmission or enabling other protective devices.
[0040] Although the description provides implementations of a system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user 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 system and method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device, comprising:
a wireless power transmitter;
an antenna array;
a near field communication controller;
at least one or more processor; and
a memory.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless power transmitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field for wireless power transmission to the user device.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antenna array comprises a plurality of antennas strategically positioned to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the NFC controller is configured to establish communication with the user device using NFC protocols for facilitating wireless power transmission.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is programmed to control the operation of the wireless power transmitter, the antenna array, and the NFC controller to optimize wireless power transmission.
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a power management module configured to monitor and regulate the power transmitted to the user device based on power requirements and device compatibility.
7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor for managing communication protocols, power transmission parameters, and user device information.
8. A method for an NFC based wireless power transmission to a user device, comprising:
generating an electromagnetic field using a wireless power transmitter;
employing an antenna array to enhance the efficiency and coverage of wireless power transmission;
establishing communication with a user device through an NFC controller using NFC protocols;
controlling the operation of the wireless power transmitter, the antenna array, and the NFC controller using at least one processor; and
storing and retrieving information related to communication protocols, power transmission parameters, and user device information in a memory.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising monitoring and regulating the power transmitted to the user device based on power requirements and device compatibility.
10. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the step of performing an operation, in response to the charging being complete, that disconnects the wireless charging controller from the user device.