Patent Application
20220096923
The number of types of electronic devices that are commercially available has increased tremendously the past few years and the rate of introduction of new devices shows no signs of abating. Devices such as tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, all-in-one computers, cell phones, storage devices, wearable-computing devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, adapters, and others, have become ubiquitous.
As a result of the ubiquity and increasing functionality of these electronic devices, they now travel with us wherever we go. They are often used during or in conjunction with many daily activities, either while performing an activity or in a manner that supplements an activity.
As a result of this constant companionship, it can be desirable for these electronic devices to be particularly adept at performing specific functions. Accordingly, it can be desirable to provide accessories that can improve one or more functionalities of an electronic device.
But it can be difficult to attach an accessory to an electronic device. Any significant effort in making such a connection can quickly reduce the desirability and usefulness of the accessory. Accordingly, it can be desirable that such an accessory be readily connected to an electronic device.
Some accessories can be difficult to use. They can have complicated interfaces and arcane instructions. This too can rapidly reduce the desirability and usefulness of the accessory. Accordingly, it can be desirable that such an accessory be easy and intuitive to use.
Also, some accessories can be rather bulky and difficult to carry along with an electronic device. Accordingly, it can be desirable that these accessories have a small and efficient form factor that makes them easy to transport.
Thus, what is needed are accessories that can improve a specific functionality of an electronic device, can readily attach to an electronic device, can be easy to use, and can have a small and efficient form factor.
Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide accessories that can improve one or more functionalities of an electronic device, can readily attach to an electronic device, can be easy to use, and can have a small and efficient form factor.
An illustrative embodiment of the present invention can provide a gaming accessory that can improve the game playing functionality of an electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, wearable computing device, or other computing device. This gaming accessory can provide a physical interface for controlling game activities on the electronic device such that a screen of the electronic device remains at least largely unobstructed during game play. The gaming accessory can include a tray, panel, or base and one or more game controllers that can attach to the tray, panel, base (generally referred to herein as a tray or base), or electronic device such that the game controllers are positioned on one or more sides of the electronic device. Each game controller can include one or more user-interface controls. The game controllers can be readily grasped during game play thereby improving the game playing functionality.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that readily attach to an electronic device. A gaming accessory can include an attachment feature that can attach the gaming accessory to a surface of an electronic device. The attachment feature can include a magnet. The attachment feature can also or instead include multiple magnets. The attachment feature can also or instead include a magnet array. The magnet array can be arranged in a circular pattern. The magnet array in the gaming accessory can be magnetically attracted to a corresponding magnetic array in the electronic device.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a gaming accessory having a fixed magnet array. In this arrangement it can be desirable to limit a strength of a magnetic field generated by the fixed magnetic array at a contacting surface of the gaming accessory in order to protect information that might be magnetically stored, for example on credit cards, transit passes, or elsewhere. But it can also be desirable to increase the magnetic field to improve the attachment of the gaming accessory to the electronic device. Accordingly, the magnetic field can be increased when the gaming accessory is or is about to be attached to the electronic device. For example, an electromagnet can be used. Current through the electromagnetic can be increased in order to increase magnetic attraction. Also or instead, the magnet array of a gaming accessory can be a moving magnet array. This moving magnet array can move from a first position away from a contacting surface to a second position near the contacting surface when the gaming accessory is or is about to be attached to the electronic device. When the gaming accessory is removed from the electronic device, the moving magnet array can return to the first position away from the contacting surface.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can further include an alignment feature for a gaming accessory, where the alignment feature can align the gaming accessory in a particular orientation relative to the electronic device. The alignment feature can include magnets in the magnet array. The alignment feature can also or instead be additional magnets that are separate and spaced apart from the magnet array.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that are easy to use. For example, these gaming accessories can include one or more game controllers that support user-interface controls such as a directional joystick, D-pad, button array, shoulder button, or other user-interface controls.
The use of these gaming accessories can further be simplified by providing circuitry and components that allow an electronic device to determine that a gaming accessory is attached. Once this determination is made, the electronic device can enter a gaming mode without further intervention. Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention can provide a gaming accessory that can be identified by an electronic device. Once an electronic device identifies that it is attached to a gaming accessory, the electronic device can commence various operations. More specifically, the electronic device can comprise a magnetometer. The magnetometer can detect the magnet array in the attached game controller. In response to this detection, the electronic device can generate a field using near-field communication circuitry. The near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device can use changes in this field to detect near-field communication circuitry in the attached gaming accessory and to read data from the gaming accessory. The near-field communication circuitry in the attached gaming accessory can include a tag, capacitors, and other components. The tag can include identifying information. In response to detecting a connection, the electronic device can enter a game-playing mode or take other appropriate actions.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that provide a small and efficient form factor. For example, an electronic device can be supported by a tray of a gaming accessory. The tray can be a case or cover that can be removably attached to the electronic device. A first game controller of the gaming accessory can be removably attached to a first side of the tray and a second game controller of the gaming accessory can be removably attached to a second side of the tray, where the first and second sides are opposing sides. The first game controller can alternatively be removably attached to a third side of the tray, where the third side is between the first side and the second side. The second game controller can alternately be removably attached to a fourth side of the tray, the fourth side opposite the third side. The first game controller and the second game controller can include tabs that can attach to grooves in sides of the tray. The first game controller and second game controller can include spring-biased or other contacts that can physically and electrically connect to corresponding contacts in the grooves in sides of the tray. These contacts can extend some of the length of a side of the tray such that the first game controller and second game controller can be removably attached at different positions along sides of the tray.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories arranged as a folio for an electronic device. This folio configuration can provide a small and efficient form factor for a gaming accessory. The folio can include a back panel or tray to support the electronic device. The back panel or tray can substantially cover a back side of the electronic device. The folio can include a cover connected to the back panel or tray by a hinge. The cover can be in a first position over a screen on a front side of the electronic device and a second position where the electronic device is at an oblique angle to the cover. The cover can include one or more openings. The electronic device can detect when the cover is in the first position, and in response, the electronic device can generate one or more icons or other images on the screen, where the one or more icons or other images on the screen align with the one or more openings on the cover. The remaining portions of the screen that are not aligned with the one or more openings can be turned off to save power. One or more user-interface controls can be located on either or both sides of the cover and can be used when the cover is in the second position or first position.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that can be attached to a back side of an electronic device in either a first orientation or a second orientation. When a gaming accessory is attached in a first orientation (for example, a landscape orientation), the gaming accessory can have an outline that is at least approximately coincident with the electronic device, thereby providing a gaming accessory with a highly efficient form factor. More specifically, the gaming accessory can include a base, a first game controller, and a second game controller. The first game controller and the second game controller can be in a first position where the first game controller and the second game controller are adjacent to the base. In this first position, the gaming accessory can be at least approximately coincident with the electronic device. The first game controller and the second game controller can move to a second position where the first game controller and the second game controller are away from the base. In this position, user-interface controls on the first game controller and the second game controller can be available for use at sides of the electronic device. When the gaming accessory is attached in the second orientation (for example a portrait orientation), user-interface controls on the first game controller and the second game controller can be available for use at sides of the electronic device when the first game controller and the second game controller are in the first position and adjacent to the base.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide other gaming accessories having a folio form factor. Such a gaming accessory can include a back panel or tray to support an electronic device. The back panel or tray can be connected to a cover via a hinge. The cover can include a cover screen that can act as a second screen to a screen on the electronic device. The cover screen can include one or more openings, where user-input controls can be located in each of the one or more openings. The cover screen can display images that are supplemental to images on the screen of the electronic device. The screen of the electronic device can display images that are supplemental to images on the cover screen. The screen on the electronic device and the cover screen can also display continuous images that are split between the two screens.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that can synchronize game play information between users. A gaming accessory can include a back panel or tray to support an electronic device. A first game controller can attach to the back panel or tray, or can fit over or otherwise attach to a first end of the electronic device, and a second game controller can attach to the back panel or tray, or can fit over or otherwise attach to a second end of the electronic device. The first game controller can be swappable between a first player and a second player. That is, the first player and the second player can swap first game controllers and attach the first game controllers to their gaming accessory. This can allow information from the first player's gaming accessory to synchronize with the second player's gaming accessory and information from the second player's gaming accessory to synchronize with the first player's gaming accessory.
These and other embodiments of the present invention can provide gaming accessories that can include a projector. A projector can project an image of game play onto a surface. The projected image can be the same or different as an image viewable on an electronic device attached to the gaming accessory.
Various types of data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from a game controller of a gaming accessory to an electronic device. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from a gaming accessory to an electronic device. The electronic device can provide information to the gaming accessory for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on the gaming accessory, as well as other types of information.
Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device in various ways. For example, data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using near-field communication circuitry. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using charging circuitry. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using electrical contacts. Data can be transferred between a gaming accessory and an electronic device using any one or a combination of these.
Again, data can be transferred from an accessory to an electronic device using near-field communication circuitry. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in an electronic device. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in the accessory can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device. From this, the data transmitted by the accessory can be read. Data can similarly be transmitted from the electronic device to the accessory.
Data can also or instead be transferred from a gaming accessory to an electronic device using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in the gaming accessory can generate currents in a coil of the gaming accessory. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in the electronic device. Control circuitry in the electronic device can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by the gaming accessory. Data can similarly be transferred from the electronic device to the gaming accessory.
Data can also or instead be transferred from a gaming accessory to an electronic device using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from the electronic device to the gaming accessory.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to a gaming accessory in various ways. For example gaming accessory can receive wired power. The gaming accessory can also or instead receive wireless power.
A gaming accessory can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in the gaming accessory that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source.
A gaming accessory for an electronic device can receive wireless power from the electronic device or other wireless charger. For example, the gaming accessory can include a charging coil and control circuitry that allow the gaming accessory to be inductively charged by either the electronic device, a wireless charger, or other charging device.
A gaming accessory for an electronic device can also act as a pass-through that allows an electronic device to be charged. For example, an electronic device in gaming accessory can be placed on a wireless charger. The wireless charger can charge the electronic device through the gaming accessory.
Various embodiments of the present invention can incorporate one or more of these and the other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be gained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
Gaming accessory 100 can include back panel or tray 110 supporting electronic device 190. Back panel or tray 110 (referred to herein as tray 110) can cover some or all of a back side (not shown) of electronic device 190. Tray 110 can further cover some or all of sides of electronic device 190, leaving a screen 192 on a front side of electronic device 190 at least largely unobstructed. Gaming accessory 100 can further include first game controller 120. First game controller 120 can include a tab (not shown) on side 122 that can fit in a slot (not shown) on side 112 of tray 110. First game controller 120 can include user-interface control 124, which can be a directional joystick, a button array, a shoulder button, or other user-interface control. Gaming accessory 100 can further include second game controller 130. Second game controller 130 can include a tab (not shown) on side 132 that can fit in a slot (not shown) on side 114 of tray 110. Second game controller 130 can include user-interface control 134, which can be a directional joystick, a button array, a shoulder button, or other user-interface control.
Gaming accessory 100 can provide an improved gaming functionality for electronic device 190. Specifically, in this configuration, first game controller 120 and second game controller 130 can be on sides of tray 110, thereby allowing screen 192 of electronic device 190 to remain at least largely unobstructed. First game controller 120 and second game controller 130 can easily be removed. Tray 110 can be used as a case or protective cover for electronic device 190 when first game controller 120 and second game controller 130 are removed. This configuration can provide a small and efficient form factor for gaming accessory 100.
Again, first game controller 120 can include a tab on side 122 that fits in a slot on side 112 of tray 110. Similarly, second game controller 130 can include a tab on side 114 that fits in a slot on side one 14 of tray 110. Contacts on each tab can mate with corresponding contacts in slots on sides of tray 110. One or more of these contacts can be spring biased or other types of contacts. Alternatively, first game controller 120 can magnetically attach to tray 110 at side 112. Similarly, second game controller 130 can magnetically attach to tray 110 at side 114.
Gaming accessory 100 can readily attach to electronic device 190. For example, tray 110 can fit around electronic device 190. Alternatively, tray 110 can magnetically attach to electronic device 190. This can be particularly true when tray 110 has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray 110 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 190. Tray 110 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 190. Tray 110 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 190. For example, tray 110 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 100. For example, tray 110 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 190 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray 110. From this, electronic device 190 can determine that it is attached to tray 110 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 100 to electronic device 190, and from electronic device 190 to gaming accessory 100. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 190. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 100 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 190. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 100 can be read by electronic device 190. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 190 to gaming accessory 100 Gaming accessory 100 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 100 to electronic device 190 using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 100 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 100. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device 190. Control circuitry in electronic device 190 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 100. Gaming accessory 100 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 100 to electronic device 190 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 190 to gaming accessory 100.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 100 and electronic device 190. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from first game controller 120, second game controller 130, or tray 110 of gaming accessory 100 to electronic device 190. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 100 to electronic device 190. Electronic device 190 can provide information to gaming accessory 100 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 100, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 100 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 100 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 100 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 100 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in first game controller 120, second game controller 130, or tray 110 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, electronic device 190, or other charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 100 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 190 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 100 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
In this example, first game controller 120 can be attached to side 112 of tray 110, while second game controller 130 can be attached to an opposing side 114 of tray 110. In this configuration, games can be played in a landscape orientation. Other configurations are possible. For example, first game controller 120 can be attached to side 116 of tray 110. Side 116 of tray 110 can be adjacent to side 112 and side 114 of tray 110. Second game controller 130 can be attached to side 118 of tray 110, where side 116 of tray 110 and side 118 of tray 110 are opposing sides. An example is shown in the following figure.
In these examples, electronic device 190 can be a smart phone, tablet, wearable computing device, or other electronic device. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, a larger screen of a tablet can encourage additional functionality, though this additional functionality can be provided when using a smart phone, wearable computing device, or other electronic device as well. Examples are shown in the following figure.
In this example, electronic device 390 can be a tablet computing device having a relatively larger screen 392. The relatively larger screen 392 can be subdivided to show two or more types of information. These two or more types of information can be provided by one, two, or more than two different applications. The division on the screen can be determined by the positions of first game controller 120 and second game controller along their corresponding sides of tray 140. In this example, first game controller 120 can be attached to side 142 of tray 140 at location 143, while second game controller 130 can be attached to side 144 of tray 140 at location 145. This can cause screen 392 to be subdivided into screen portion 394 and screen portion 396. Screen portion 394 and screen portion 396 can convey different types of information, where the different types of information are provided by the same or different sources or applications. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, first game controller 120 can connect to tray 110 at side 146, while second game controller 130 can connect to tray 110 at side 148. While in this example, tray 140 is shown as substantially covering a backside of electronic device 390, in these and other embodiments of the present invention, tray 140 can extend from first game controller 120 to second game controller 130 thereby covering only a portion of a backside of electronic device 390. For example, tray 140 can cover a portion of a backside of electronic device 390 that at least approximately aligns with screen portion 396.
Gaming accessory 400 can readily attach to electronic device 490. For example, tray 410 can fit around electronic device 490 leaving screen 492 at least largely unobstructed. Alternatively, tray 410 can magnetically attach to electronic device 490. This can be particularly true when tray 410 has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray 410 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 490. Tray 410 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 490. Tray 410 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 490. For example, tray 410 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 400. For example, tray 410 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 490 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray 410. From this, electronic device 490 can determine that it is attached to tray 410 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 400 to electronic device 490, and from electronic device 490 to gaming accessory 400. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 490. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 400 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 490. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 400 can be read by electronic device 490. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 490 to gaming accessory 400 Gaming accessory 400 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 400 to electronic device 490 using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 400 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 400. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device 490. Control circuitry in electronic device 490 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 400. Gaming accessory 400 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 400 to electronic device 490 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 490 to gaming accessory 400.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 400 and electronic device 490. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller 420 or other portion of gaming accessory 400 to electronic device 490. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 400 to electronic device 490. Electronic device 490 can provide information to gaming accessory 400 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 400, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 400 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 400 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 400 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 400 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller 420 or tray 410 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, electronic device 490, or other charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 400 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 490 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 400 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Game controller 520 can include one or more user-input controls, shown here as user-input controls 530 and 532. User-input controls 530 and 532, as with the other user-input controls shown herein, can include directional or D pads, joysticks, button pads, or other user-input controls. Game controller 520 can provide a cover for screen 592 of electronic device 590 when gaming accessory 500 is in a closed position, as shown in
In this way, functionality of electronic device 590 can be accessed even when the folio forming gaming accessory 500 is closed. For example, icon 594 can be touched in order to make a phone call, while calendar information can be accessed by touching icon 595. These icons can be replaced by images for a game by pressing gaming icon 596. Game play can then proceed with the touching of icons 595 in openings 540 controlling the gaming action.
Gaming accessory 500 can readily attach to electronic device 590. For example, tray 510 can fit around electronic device 590. Alternatively, tray 510 can magnetically attach to electronic device 590. This can be particularly true when tray 510 has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray 510 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 590. Tray 510 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 590. Tray 510 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 590. For example, tray 510 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 500. For example, tray 510 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 590 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray 510. From this, electronic device 590 can determine that it is attached to tray 510 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 500 to electronic device 590, and from electronic device 590 to gaming accessory 500. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 590. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 500 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 590. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 500 can be read by electronic device 590. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 590 to gaming accessory 500 Gaming accessory 500 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 500 to electronic device 590 using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 500 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 500. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in the electronic device. Control circuitry in electronic device 590 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 100. Gaming accessory 500 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 500 to electronic device 590 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 590 to gaming accessory 500.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 500 and electronic device 590. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller 520 of gaming accessory 500 to electronic device 590. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 500 to electronic device 590. Electronic device 590 can provide information to gaming accessory 500 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 500, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 500 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 500 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 500 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 500 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller 520 or tray 510 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 500 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 590 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 500 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
As shown in
Gaming accessory 600 can readily attach to electronic device 690. For example, tray 610 can fit around electronic device 690. Alternatively, tray 610 can magnetically attach to electronic device 690. This can be particularly true when tray 610 has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray 610 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 690. Tray 610 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 690. Tray 610 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 690. For example, tray 610 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 600. For example, tray 610 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 690 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray 610. From this, electronic device 690 can determine that it is attached to tray 610 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 600 to electronic device 690, and from electronic device 690 to gaming accessory 600. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 690. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 600 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 690. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 600 can be read by electronic device 690. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 690 to gaming accessory 600 Gaming accessory 600 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 600 to electronic device 690 using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 600 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 600. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device 690. Control circuitry in electronic device 690 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 600. Gaming accessory 600 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 600 to electronic device 690 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 690 to gaming accessory 600.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 600 and electronic device 690. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller 620 of gaming accessory 600 to electronic device 690. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 600 to electronic device 690. Electronic device 690 can provide information to gaming accessory 600 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 600, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 600 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 600 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 600 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 600 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller 620 or tray 610 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 600 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 690 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 600 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
In this configuration, games can be played in a landscape orientation. In these and other embodiments of the present invention, gaming accessory 800 can be used to play games in a portrait orientation. An example is shown in the following figure.
Gaming accessory 800 can readily attach to electronic device 890. For example, base 810 can fit around electronic device 890. Alternatively, base 810 can magnetically attach to electronic device 890. This can be particularly true when base 810 has a cover or back panel configuration. Base 810 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 890. Base 810 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 890. Base 810 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 890. For example, base 810 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 800. For example, base 810 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 890 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in base 810. From this, electronic device 890 can determine that it is attached to base 810 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 800 to electronic device 890, and from electronic device 890 to gaming accessory 800. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 890. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 800 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 890. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 800 can be read by electronic device 890. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 890 to gaming accessory 800 Gaming accessory 800 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 800 to electronic device using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 800 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 800. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device 890. Control circuitry in electronic device 890 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 800. Gaming accessory 800 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 800 to electronic device 890 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 890 to gaming accessory 800.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 800 and electronic device 890. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from first game controller 820 and second game controller of gaming accessory 800 to electronic device 890. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 800 to electronic device 890. Electronic device 890 can provide information to gaming accessory 800 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 800, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 800 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 800 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 800 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 800 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in first game controller 820 or base 810 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 800 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 890 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 800 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Game controller 1120 can include cover screen 1121. Opening 1122 and opening 1124 can be formed in cover screen 1121. Opening 1122 and opening 1124 can provide passage for user-interface control 1132 and user-interface control 1134. User-interface control 1132 and user-interface control 1134 can themselves have a screen, display, or icon on a top surface. Cover screen 1121 can act as a second screen to gameplay action on screen 1192 of electronic device 1190. Information on cover screen 1121 can be provided by the same or a different application as information displayed on screen 1192.
In this configuration, tray 1110 can include portion 1114 attached to hinge 1112. Portion 1114 can fold out away from a backside of electronic device 1190. Portion 1114 can act to prop-up electronic device 1190 when game controller 1120 is resting on a flat surface. Other configurations are possible. Examples are shown in the following figures.
The two screens, screen 1192 of electronic device 1190, and cover screen 1121 of game controller 1120 can be used as a single screen as shown in
Gaming accessory 1100 can readily attach to electronic device 1190. For example, tray 1110 can fit around electronic device 1190. Alternatively, tray 1110 can magnetically attach to electronic device 1190. This can be particularly true when tray 1110 has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray 1110 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 1190. Tray 1110 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 1190. Tray 1110 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 1190. For example, tray 1110 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 1100. For example, tray 1110 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 1190 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray 1110. From this, electronic device 1190 can determine that it is attached to tray 1110 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 1100 to electronic device 1190, and from electronic device 1190 to gaming accessory 1100. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 1190. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 1100 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 1190. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 1100 can be read by electronic device 1190. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 1190 to gaming accessory 1100 Gaming accessory 1100 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 1100 to electronic device 1190 using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 1100 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 1100. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device 1190. Control circuitry in electronic device 1190 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 1100. Gaming accessory 1100 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 1100 to electronic device 1190 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 1190 to gaming accessory 1100.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 1100 and electronic device 1190. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from game controller 1120 of gaming accessory 1100 to electronic device 1190. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 1100 to electronic device 1190. Electronic device 1190 can provide information to gaming accessory 1100 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 1100, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 1100 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 1100 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 1100 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 1100 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in game controller 1120 or tray 1110 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 1100 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 1190 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 1100 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable for a first gaming accessory used by a first game player to synchronize data with a second gaming accessory used by a second game player. An example is shown in the following figure.
Either or both first game controller 1520 and second game controller 1530 can be removed or otherwise detached from tray 1510. This operation can be performed by the first game player and second game player. The first game player the second game player can then swap one of their respective game controllers. By connecting the swapped game controller to the individual gaming accessories, data can be synchronized between the two gaming accessories. The first game player and second game player can then re-swap the game controllers for their original game controllers and can then commence with game playing.
For example, a first game player can connect a second game player's first game controller 1520 to their gaming accessory 1500, electronic device 1590, or both. The second game player can connect the first game player's first game controller 1520 to their gaming accessory 1500, electronic device 1590, or both. This can allow data from the first game player's gaming accessory 1500 to synchronize with the second game player's gaming accessory 1500, and from the second game player's gaming accessory 1500 to synchronize with the first game player's gaming accessory 1500. The first and second game players can re-swap their game controller and commence game play.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable for a game player to share an image with a second game player or other individuals. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide a projector that can project an image on to a surface. An example is shown in the following figure.
Gaming accessory 1600 can readily attach to electronic device 1690. For example, tray 1610 can fit around electronic device 1690. Alternatively, tray 1610 can magnetically attach to electronic device 1690. This can be particularly true when tray 1610 has a cover or back panel configuration. Tray 1610 can include a magnet that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet in electronic device 1690. Tray 1610 can also or instead include a number of magnets that can be attracted to a corresponding number of magnets an electronic device 1690. Tray 1610 can also or instead include a magnet array that can be attracted to a corresponding magnet array in electronic device 1690. For example, tray 1610 can include a magnet array such as primary magnetic alignment component 1716 (shown in
Further circuits and components can be included to improve the usefulness of gaming accessory 1600. For example, tray 1610 can include near field communications circuitry. Near field communications circuitry in electronic device 1690 can detect the presence of the near field communications circuitry in tray 1610. From this, electronic device 1690 can determine that it is attached to tray 1610 and can enter a gaming mode of operation.
These near-field communication circuits can also provide data from gaming accessory 1600 to electronic device 1690, and from electronic device 1690 to gaming accessory 1600. Current can be provided to a near-field communication coil in electronic device 1690. This current can generate a magnetic field. A tag coupled to a near-field communication coil in gaming accessory 1600 can provide a time-varying impedance to the magnet field in order to transmit data. The variation in the magnetic field can be detected by the near-field communication circuitry in the electronic device 1690. From this, the data transmitted by gaming accessory 1600 can be read by electronic device 1690. Data can similarly be transmitted from electronic device 1690 to gaming accessory 1600 Gaming accessory 1600 can include a near-field communication coil such as NFC coil 4664 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 1600 to electronic device 1690 using charging circuitry. For example, control circuitry in gaming accessory 1600 can generate currents in a coil of gaming accessory 1600. These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can be modulated. The modulation can be in amplitude, phase, frequency, or other parameter. The modulated time-varying magnetic field can induce currents in a corresponding coil in electronic device 1690. Control circuitry in electronic device 1690 can receive the induced currents and recover data transmitted by gaming accessory 1600. Gaming accessory 1600 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
Data can also or instead be transferred from gaming accessory 1600 to electronic device 1690 using Bluetooth or other wireless protocol. Data can similarly be transferred from electronic device 1690 to gaming accessory 1600.
Various types of data can be transferred between gaming accessory 1600 and electronic device 1690. For example, button press information, pressure information, directional information, and other types of information can be sent from first game controller 1620 and second game controller 1630 of gaming accessory 1600 to electronic device 1690. Battery charge status and other status information can also be sent from gaming accessory 1600 to electronic device 1690. Electronic device 1690 can provide information to gaming accessory 1600 for the illumination of light-emitting diodes on gaming accessory 1600, as well as other types of information.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, power can be provided to gaming accessory 1600 in various ways. For example, gaming accessory 1600 can receive wired power. Gaming accessory 1600 can also or instead receive wireless power. Gaming accessory 1600 can receive wired power through a connector receptacle in first game controller 1620, second game controller 1630, or tray 1610 that can accept a corresponding connector insert attached to a first end of a cable. A second end of the cable can be attached to a power source, such as a host device, electronic device 1690, or other charging or other power source. Gaming accessory 1600 can receive wireless power from the electronic device 1690 or other wireless charger. For example, gaming accessory 1600 can include a charging coil such as wireless transmitter coil 4612 (shown in
In these examples, electronic device 190, 390, 490, 590, 690, 890, 1190, 1590, and 1690 and the other electronic devices can be the same or similar electronic device, such as a phone, tablet, wearable computing device, or other electronic device.
Described herein are various embodiments of magnetic alignment systems and components thereof. A magnetic alignment system can include annular alignment components, where each annular alignment component can comprise a ring of magnets (or a single annular magnet) having a particular magnetic orientation or pattern of magnetic orientations such that a “primary” annular alignment component can attract and hold a complementary “secondary” annular alignment component. Magnetic alignment components can be incorporated into a variety of devices, and a magnetic alignment component in one device can attract another device having a complementary magnetic alignment component into a desired alignment and/or hold the other device in a desired alignment. (Devices aligned by a magnetic alignment system may be said to be “attached” to each other.)
For purposes of the present description, a number of different categories of devices can be distinguished. As used herein, a “portable electronic device” refers generally to any electronic device that is portable and that consumes power and provides at least some interaction with the user. Examples of portable electronic devices include: smart phones and other mobile phones; tablet computers; laptop computers; wearable devices (e.g., smart watches, headphones, earbuds); and any other electronic device that a user may carry or wear. Other portable electronic devices can include robotic devices, remote-controlled devices, personal-care appliances, and so on.
An “accessory device” (or “accessory”) refers generally to a device that is useful in connection with a portable electronic device to enhance the functionality and/or esthetics of the portable electronic device. Many categories of accessories may incorporate magnetic alignment. For example, one category of accessories includes wireless charger accessories. As used herein, a “wireless charger accessory” (or “wireless charger device” or just “wireless charger”) is an accessory that can provide power to a portable electronic device using wireless power transfer techniques. A “battery pack” (or “external battery”) is a type of wireless charger accessory that incorporates a battery to store charge that can be transferred to the portable electronic device. In some embodiments, a battery pack may also receive power wirelessly from another wireless charger accessory. Wireless charger accessories may also be referred to as “active” accessories, in reference to their ability to provide and/or receive power. Other accessories are “passive accessories” that do not provide or receive power. For example, some passive accessories are “cases” that can cover one or more surfaces of the portable electronic device to provide protection (e.g., against damage caused by impact of the portable electronic device with other objects), esthetic enhancements (e.g., decorative colors or the like), and/or functional enhancements (e.g., cases that incorporate storage pockets, batteries, card readers, or sensors of various types). Cases can have a variety of form factors. For example, a “tray” can refer to a case that has a rear panel covering the back surface of the portable electronic device and side surfaces to secure the portable electronic device in the tray while leaving the front surface (which may include a display) exposed. A “sleeve” can refer to a case that has front and back panels with an open end (or “throat”) into which a portable electronic device can be inserted so that the front and back surfaces of the device are covered; in some instances, the front panel of a sleeve can include a window through which a portion (or all) of a display of the portable electronic device is visible. A “folio” can refer to a case that has a retention portion that covers at least the back surface (and sometimes also one or more side surfaces) of the portable electronic device and a cover that can be closed to cover the display or opened to expose the display. It should be understood that not all cases are passive accessories. For example, a “battery case” can incorporate a battery pack in addition to protective and/or esthetic features; a battery case can be shaped generally as a tray, sleeve, or folio. Other examples of active cases can include cases that incorporate card readers, sensors, batteries, or other electronic components that enhance functionality of a portable electronic device.
In the present description, a distinction is sometimes made between a “charge-through accessory,” which is an accessory that can be positioned between a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device without interfering with wireless power transfer between the wireless charger device and the portable electronic device, and a “terminal accessory,” which is an accessory that is not a charge-through accessory. A wireless charging accessory is typically a terminal accessory, but not all terminal accessories provide wireless charging of a portable electronic device. For example some terminal accessories can be “mounting” accessories that are designed to hold the portable electronic device in a particular position. Examples of mounting include tripods, docking stations, other stands, or mounts that can hold a portable electronic device in a desired position and/or orientation (which might or might not be adjustable). Such accessories might or might not incorporate wireless charging capability.
According to embodiments described herein, a portable electronic device and an accessory device can include complementary magnetic alignment components that facilitate alignment of the accessory device with the portable electronic device and/or attachment of the accessory device to the portable electronic device. The magnetic alignment components can include annular magnetic alignment components that, in some embodiments, can surround inductive charging transmitter and receiver coils. In the nomenclature used herein, a “primary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a wireless charger device or other terminal accessory. A “secondary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a portable electronic device. An “auxiliary” annular magnetic alignment component refers to an annular magnetic alignment component used in a charge-through accessory. (In this disclosure, adjectives such as “annular,” “magnetic,” “primary,” “secondary” and “auxiliary” may be omitted when the context is clear.)
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include a rotational magnetic alignment component that facilitates aligning two devices in a preferred rotational orientation. A rotational magnetic alignment component can include, for example, one or more magnets disposed outboard of an annular alignment component. It should be understood that any device that has an annular alignment component might or might not also have a rotational alignment component, and rotational alignment components may be categorized as primary, secondary, or auxiliary depending on the type of device.
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can also include a near-field communication (NFC) coil and supporting circuitry to allow devices to identify themselves to each other using an NFC protocol. An NFC coil in a particular device can be an annular coil that is disposed inboard of the annular alignment component or outboard of the annular alignment component. For example, in a device that has an annular alignment component surrounding an inductive charging coil, the NFC coil can be disposed in an annular gap between the inductive charging coil and the annular alignment component. It should be understood that an NFC component is optional in the context of providing magnetic alignment.
To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device 1704 and wireless charger device 1702 can include inductive coils 1710 and 1712, respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. For example, inductive coil 1712 can be a transmitter coil that generates a time-varying magnetic flux 1714, and inductive coil 1710 can be a receiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response to time-varying magnetic flux 1714. The received electric current can be used to charge a battery of portable electronic device 1704, to provide operating power to a component of portable electronic device 1704, and/or for other purposes as desired. (“Wireless power transfer” and “inductive power transfer,” as used herein, refer generally to the process of generating a time-varying magnetic field in a conductive coil of a first device that induces an electric current in a conductive coil of a second device.)
To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to align inductive coils 1712 and 1710. According to some embodiments, magnetic alignment system 1706 can provide such alignment. In the example shown in
According to embodiments described herein, a magnetic alignment component (including a primary or secondary alignment component) of a magnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have its magnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magnetic attraction between the primary and secondary magnetic alignment components provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuate magnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a second direction different from (e.g., opposite to) the first direction. As will be described, different configurations can provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.
As shown in
Primary alignment component 1816 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets 1826, and secondary alignment component 1818 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets 1828. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 1826 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 1828, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 1826 and secondary magnets 1828 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 1826 (or secondary magnets 1828) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 1826 (or secondary magnets 1828) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets 1826 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 1830, and secondary magnets 1828 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 1832. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 1826 or secondary magnets 1828, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 1816 can also include an annular shield 1814 (also referred to as a DC magnetic shield or DC shield) disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 1826. In some embodiments, shield 1814 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 1826 to secure primary magnets 1826 into position. Shield 1814 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 1816, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 1816 from magnetic interference.
Primary magnets 1826 and secondary magnets 1828 (and all other magnets described herein) can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. In some embodiments, the magnets can be plated with a thin layer (e.g., 23-13 μm) of NiCuNi or similar materials. Each primary magnet 1826 and each secondary magnet 1828 can have a monolithic structure having a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shown by magnetic polarity indicators 1815, 1817 in
As shown in
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 1800 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 1816 and secondary alignment component 1818 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component 1816 and/or secondary alignment component 1818 can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting magnetic alignment components 1816 and 1818 into arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because (for some types of magnetic material) smaller arcuate segments may be less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing.
As noted above with reference to
As shown in
Primary alignment component 1916 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of primary magnets 1926, and secondary alignment component 1918 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets 1928. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 1926 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 1928, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required; for example, as described below a sector may include multiple magnets. Primary magnets 1926 and secondary magnets 1928 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 1926 (or secondary magnets 1928) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 1926 (or secondary magnets 1928) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets 1926 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 1930, and secondary magnets 1928 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 1932. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 1926 or secondary magnets 1928, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 1916 can also include an annular shield 1914 (also referred to as a DC magnetic shield or DC shield) disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 1926. In some embodiments, shield 1914 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 1926 to secure primary magnets 1926 into position. Shield 1914 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 1916, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 1916 from magnetic interference.
Primary magnets 1926 and secondary magnets 1928 can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet 1928 can have a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in the radial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarity indicator 1917 in
In some embodiments, each secondary magnet 1928 can be made of a magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in the transverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer. Similarly, each primary magnet 1926 can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet 1926 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region 1952 and outer arcuate magnetic region 1954; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region 1956 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic (or demagnetized) material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region 1952 and outer arcuate magnetic region 1954. DC shield 1914 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel or low carbon steel, and can be plated, e.g., with 21-10 μm of matte Ni. Alternatively, DC shield 1914 can be formed of a magnetic material having a radial magnetic orientation (in the opposite direction of secondary magnets 1928). In some embodiments, DC shield 1914 can be omitted entirely.
As shown in
While each primary magnet 1926 includes two regions of opposite magnetic orientation, it should be understood that the two regions can but need not provide equal magnetic field strength. For example, outer arcuate magnetized region 1954 can be more strongly polarized than inner arcuate magnetized region 1952. Depending on the particular implementation of primary magnets 1926, various techniques can be used to create asymmetric polarization strength. For example, inner arcuate region 1952 and outer arcuate region 1954 can have different radial widths; increasing radial width of a magnetic region increases the field strength of that region due to increased volume of magnetic material. Where inner arcuate region 1952 and outer arcuate region 1954 are discrete magnets, magnets having different magnetic strength can be used.
In some embodiments, having an asymmetric polarization where outer arcuate region 1954 is more strongly polarized than inner arcuate region 1952 can create a flux “sinking” effect toward the outer pole. This effect can be desirable in various situations. For example, when primary magnet 1926 is disposed within a wireless charger device and the wireless charger device is used to charge a “legacy” portable electronic device that has an inductive receiver coil but does not have a secondary (or any) annular magnetic alignment component, the (DC) magnetic flux from the primary annular alignment component may enter a ferrite shield around the inductive receiver coil. The DC magnetic flux can contribute to saturating the ferrite shield and reducing charging performance. Providing a primary annular alignment component with a stronger field at the outer arcuate region than the inner arcuate region can help to draw DC magnetic flux away from the ferrite shield, which can improve charging performance when a wireless charger device having an annular magnetic alignment component is used to charge a portable electronic device that lacks an annular magnetic alignment component.
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 1900 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 1916 and secondary alignment component 1918 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as 176 magnets, 178 magnets, 192 magnets, 196 magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component 1918 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly, primary alignment component 1916 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetization pattern as described above, or primary alignment component 1916 can be formed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outer annular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of nonmagnetic material disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annular magnet. In some embodiments, a construction using multiple arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets are less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magnetic orientations of the various magnetic alignment components or individual magnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axial directions. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides a closed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondary alignment components.
As noted above, in embodiments of magnetic alignment systems having closed-loop magnetic orientations, such as magnetic alignment system 1900, secondary alignment component 1918 can have a magnetic orientation with a radial component. For example, in some embodiments, secondary alignment component 1918 can have a magnetic polarity in a radial orientation.
When primary alignment component 2116 and secondary alignment component 2118 are aligned, the radially symmetrical arrangement and directional equivalence of magnetic polarities of primary alignment component 2116 and secondary alignment component 2118 allow secondary alignment component 2118 to rotate freely (relative to primary alignment component 2116) in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the lateral plane while maintaining alignment along the axis.
As used herein, a “radial” orientation need not be exactly or purely radial. For example,
In some embodiments, a radial magnetic orientation in a secondary alignment component 2118 (e.g., as shown in
Similarly,
As shown in
As shown in
Depending on the particular configuration of magnets, various design choices can be used to increase the sensation of snappiness for a closed-loop magnetic alignment system. For example, reducing the amount of magnetic material in the devices in areas near the magnetic alignment components—e.g., by using less material or by increasing the distance between the magnetic alignment component and the other magnetic material—can reduce stray fields and increase the perceived “snapping” effect of the magnetic alignment components. As another example, increasing the magnetic-field strength of the alignment magnets (e.g., by increasing the amount of material) can increase both shear and normal forces. As yet another example, the widths of the magnetized regions in the primary annular alignment component (and/or the relative strength of the magnetic field in each region) can be optimized based on the particular magnetic orientation pattern for the secondary annular alignment component (e.g., whether the secondary annular alignment components have the purely radial magnetic orientation of
A radially-symmetric closed-loop magnetic alignment system (e.g., magnetic alignment system 2100 of
In some embodiments, a closed-loop magnetic alignment system can be designed to provide one or more preferred rotational orientations.
A complementary primary alignment component can have sectors with correspondingly alternating magnetic orientations. For example,
As shown in
An alternating arrangement of magnetic polarities as shown in
In the examples shown in
In other embodiments, a variety of force profiles can be created by changing the magnetic orientations of different sectors within the primary and/or secondary alignment components. As just one example,
In the second half 2605, sectors 2628a-d have magnetic polarities oriented substantially parallel to bisector line 2601 rather than radially. In particular, sectors 2628a and 2628b have magnetic polarities oriented in a first direction parallel to bisector line 2601, while sectors 2628c and 2628d have magnetic polarities oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of the magnetic polarities of sectors 2628a and 2628b. A complementary primary alignment component can have an inner annular region with magnetic north pole oriented toward secondary alignment component 2618, an outer annular region with magnetic north pole oriented away from secondary alignment component 2618, and a central non-magnetized region, providing a closed-loop magnetic orientation as described above. The asymmetric arrangement of magnetic orientations in secondary alignment component 2618 can modify the shear force profile such that secondary alignment component 2618 generates less shear force resisting motion in the direction toward second half 2605 (upward in the drawing) than in the direction toward first half 2603 (downward in the drawing). In some embodiments, an asymmetrical arrangement of this kind can be used where the primary alignment component is mounted in a docking station and the secondary alignment component is mounted in a portable electronic device that docks with the docking station. Assuming secondary annular alignment component 2618 is oriented in the portable electronic device such that half-annulus 2605 is toward the top of the portable electronic device, the asymmetric shear force can facilitate an action of sliding the portable electronic device downward to dock with the docking station or upward to remove it from the docking station, while still providing an attractive force to draw the portable electronic device into a desired alignment with the docking station.
In the embodiments described above, the secondary annular magnetic alignment component has a magnetic orientation that is generally aligned in the transverse plane. In some alternative embodiments, a secondary annular magnetic alignment component can instead have a quad-pole configuration similar to that of primary annular magnetic alignment component 1916 of
It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples are illustrative and not limiting. Sectors of a primary and/or secondary alignment component can include magnetic elements with the magnetic polarity oriented in any desired direction and in any combination, provided that the primary and secondary alignment components of a given magnetic alignment system have complementary magnetic orientations that exert forces toward the desired position of alignment. Different combinations of magnetic orientations may create different shear force profiles, and the selection of magnetic orientations may be made based on a desired shear force profile (e.g., high snappiness), avoidance of DC flux leakage into other components, and other design considerations.
In various embodiments described above, a magnetic alignment system can provide robust alignment in a lateral plane and may or may not provide rotational alignment. For example, radially symmetric magnetic alignment system 2100 of
As described above, components of a magnetic alignment system can include a primary annular alignment component 2716 disposed in accessory 2702 and a secondary annular alignment component 2718 disposed in portable electronic device 2704. Primary annular alignment component 2716 can be similar or identical to any of the primary alignment components described above. For example, primary annular alignment component 2716 can be formed of arcuate magnets 2726 arranged in an annular configuration. Although not shown in
Likewise, secondary annular alignment component 2718 can be similar or identical to any of the secondary alignment components described above. For example, secondary annular alignment component 2718 can be formed of arcuate magnets 2728 arranged in an annular configuration. Although not shown in
As described above, primary annular alignment component 2716 and secondary annular alignment component 2718 can provide shear forces that promote alignment in the lateral plane so that center point 2701 of primary annular alignment component 2716 aligns with center point 2703 of secondary annular alignment component 2718. However, primary annular alignment component 2716 and secondary annular alignment component 2718 might not provide torque forces that favor any particular rotational orientation, such as portrait orientation.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can incorporate one or more rotational alignment components in addition to the annular alignment components. The rotational alignment components can include one or more magnets that provide torque about the common axis of the (aligned) annular alignment components, so that a preferred rotational orientation can be reliably established. For example, as shown in
According to some embodiments, each of primary rotational alignment component 2722 and secondary rotational alignment component 2724 can be implemented using one or more magnets (e.g., rare earth magnets such as NdFeB) each of which has each been magnetized such that its magnetic polarity is oriented in a desired direction. In the example of
Rotational alignment components 2722 and 2724 can have various patterns of magnetic orientations. As long as the magnetic orientations of rotational alignment components 2722 and 2724 are complementary to each other, a torque toward the target rotational orientation can be present when the devices are brought into lateral alignment and close to the target rotational orientation.
Other configurations can provide reliable alignment as well as a stronger, or more salient, “clocking” sensation for the user. A “clocking sensation,” in this context, refers to a user-perceptible torque about the common axis of the annular alignment components that urges toward the target rotational alignment and/or resists small displacements from the target rotational alignment. A greater variation of torque as a function of rotational angle can provide a more salient clocking sensation. Following are examples of magnetization configurations for a rotational alignment component that can provide more salient clocking sensations than the z-pole configuration of
It should be understood that the examples in
In some embodiments, the selection of a magnetization pattern for a rotational alignment component can be based on optimizing the torque profile. For example, as noted above, it may be desirable to provide a salient clocking sensation to a user when close to the desired rotational alignment. The clocking sensation can be a result of torque about a rotational axis defined by the annular alignment components. The amount of torque depends on various factors, including the distance between the axis and the rotational alignment component (distance y0 in
In the example shown in
It will be appreciated that the foregoing examples of rotational alignment components are illustrative and that variations or modifications are possible. In some embodiments, a rotational alignment component can be provided as an optional adjunct to an annular alignment component, and a device that has both an annular alignment component and a rotational alignment component can align laterally to any other device that has a complementary annular alignment component, regardless of whether the other device has or does not have a rotational alignment component. Thus, for example, portable electronic device 2704 of
In some embodiments, a magnetic alignment system can align more than two devices. Examples of magnetic alignment systems with three annular alignment components (referred to as primary, secondary, and auxiliary annular magnetic alignment components) will now be described. It should be understood that the primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components described in this section can be identical to primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components described above and that a given pair primary and secondary annular magnetic alignment components can be used with or without an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component. It should also be understood that a system where alignment is desired may include more than three devices and that additional auxiliary annular alignment components can be provided to facilitate alignment of more than three devices.
To enable wireless power transfer, portable electronic device 3504 and wireless charger device 3502 can include inductive coils 3510 and 3512, respectively, which can operate to transfer power between them. For example, inductive coil 3512 can be a transmitter coil that generates a time-varying magnetic flux 3514, and inductive coil 3510 can be a receiver coil in which an electric current is induced in response to time-varying magnetic flux 3514. The received electric current can be used to charge a battery of portable electronic device 3504, to provide operating power to a component of portable electronic device 3504, and/or for other purposes as desired. In some embodiments, wireless power transfer between wireless charger device 3502 and portable electronic device 3504 can occur regardless of whether accessory 3520 is present.
Accessory 3520 can be an accessory that is used with portable electronic device 3504 to protect, enhance, and/or supplement the aesthetics and/or functions of portable electronic device 3504. For example, accessory 3520 can be a protective case, an external battery pack, a camera attachment, or any other charge-through accessory. In some embodiments, accessory 3520 can include one or more wireless charging coils 3538. For example, accessory 3520 can be a portable external battery pack that can be attached to and carried together with portable electronic device 3504. In some embodiments, accessory 3520 can operate wireless charging coil 3538 as a receiver coil to charge its onboard battery (e.g., from wireless charger device 3502) or as a transmitter coil to provide power to portable electronic device 3504. In some embodiments, accessory 3520 cam include separate transmitter and receiver coils 3538. Accessory 3520 can operate coil(s) 3538 to transmit power or to receive and store power depending on current conditions. In still other embodiments, accessory 3520 can be an “unpowered” or “passive” accessory such as a case that contains no active circuitry, and wireless charging coil 3538 can be omitted. In such cases, accessory 3520 can be designed not to inhibit wireless power transfer between wireless charger device 3502 and portable electronic device 3504. For instance, relevant portions of accessory 3520 can be made of a material such as plastic, leather, or other material that is transparent to time-varying magnetic flux 3514.
To enable efficient wireless power transfer, it is desirable to align inductive coils 3512 and 3510 (and coil 3538 in embodiments where coil 3538 is present). According to some embodiments, magnetic alignment system 3506 can provide such alignment. In the example shown in
Magnetic alignment system 3506 can enable modularity in that various types of accessories 3520 can align with primary and/or secondary magnetic alignment components 3516, 3518, provided that accessory 3520 includes auxiliary alignment component 3570. For instance, in some embodiments (e.g., where accessory 3520 is a protective case), accessory 3520 can mechanically couple to portable electronic device 3504 in a fixed position such that auxiliary magnetic alignment component 3570 is aligned with secondary magnetic alignment component 3518, and portable electronic device 3504 can rely wholly or partially on auxiliary magnetic alignment component 3570 to align with primary alignment component 3518 of wireless charger device 3502. Accordingly, when accessory 3520 is positioned on charging surface 3508 of wireless charger device 3502 such that primary alignment component 3516 is aligned with auxiliary alignment component 3570, secondary alignment component 3518 of portable electronic device 3504 is also aligned with primary alignment component 3570, and efficient wireless power transfer is supported.
As another example, in some embodiments where accessory 3520 is an external battery, auxiliary alignment component 3570 can attract to and align with secondary alignment component 3518 so that power from an internal power source (not shown) within accessory 3520 can be wirelessly transferred to portable electronic device 3504 using inductive coil 3538 and inductive coil 3510. The modularity of magnetic alignment system 3506 can also enable wireless charger device 3502 to stack with portable electronic device 3504 and accessory 3520. For example, auxiliary alignment component 3570 can attract and align to secondary alignment component 3518 and at the same time can attract and align to primary alignment component 3516. Accordingly, when portable electronic device 3504, accessory 3520, and wireless charger device 3502 are all stacked together, power can be transmitted wirelessly from wireless charger device 3502 to accessory 3520 (e.g., to charge an internal battery of accessory 3520) and from accessory 3520 to portable electronic device 3504. Both power transfers can be performed simultaneously; i.e., wireless charger device 3502 can provide power to accessory 3520 at the same time that accessory 3520 provides power to portable electronic device 3504. In some embodiments, to enable simultaneous power transfers, accessory 3520 can include two inductive coils 3538, one for receiving power and one for transmitting power. In other embodiments, the power transfers can be performed sequentially; e.g., wireless charger device 3502 can provide power to accessory 3520, and at a time when wireless charger device 3502 is not providing power, accessory 3520 can provide power to portable electronic device 3504.
According to embodiments described herein, an alignment component (including a primary, secondary, or auxiliary alignment component) of a magnetic alignment system can be formed of arcuate magnets arranged in an annular configuration. In some embodiments, each magnet can have its magnetic polarity oriented in a desired direction so that magnetic attraction between the primary, secondary, and auxiliary alignment components provides a desired alignment. In some embodiments, an arcuate magnet can include a first magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a first direction and a second magnetic region with magnetic polarity oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. As will be described, different configurations can provide different degrees of magnetic field leakage.
As shown in
Primary alignment component 3616 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more primary arcuate magnets 3626. Secondary alignment component 3618 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more secondary arcuate magnets 3628. Auxiliary alignment component 3570 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of one or more auxiliary arcuate magnets 3672. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 3626 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 3628 and to the number of auxiliary magnets 3670, and each sector includes exactly one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 3626, secondary magnets 3628, and auxiliary magnets 3672 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 3626 (or secondary magnets 3628 or auxiliary magnets 3672) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 3626 (or secondary magnets 3628 or auxiliary magnets 3672) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, primary magnets 3626 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 3630, secondary magnets 3628 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 3632, and auxiliary magnets 3672 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 3674. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 3626 or adjacent secondary magnets 3628 or adjacent auxiliary magnets 3672, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 3616 can also include an annular shield 3614 disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 3626. In some embodiments, shield 3614 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 3626 to secure primary magnets 3626 into position. Shield 3614 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 3616, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 3616 from magnetic interference.
Primary magnets 3626, secondary magnets 3628, and auxiliary magnets 3672 can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each primary magnet 3626, each secondary magnet 3628, and each auxiliary magnet 3672 can have a monolithic structure having a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity aligned in the axial direction as shown by magnetic polarity indicators 3615, 3617, 3619 in
As shown in
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 3600 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 3616, auxiliary alignment component 3670, and secondary alignment component 3618 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. Similarly, the number of auxiliary magnets need not be equal to either the number of primary magnets or the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, primary alignment component 3616 and/or secondary alignment component 3618 and/or auxiliary alignment component 3670 can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet; however, segmenting alignment components 3616, 3618, and 3670 into arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing, as described above with reference to
As noted above with reference to
As shown in
Primary alignment component 3716 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of primary magnets 3726; secondary alignment component 3718 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of secondary magnets 3728; and auxiliary alignment component 3770 can include a number of sectors, each of which can be formed of a number of auxiliary magnets 3772. In the example shown, the number of primary magnets 3726 is equal to the number of secondary magnets 3728 and to the number of auxiliary magnets 3772, and each sector includes one magnet, but this is not required. Primary magnets 3726, secondary magnets 3728, and auxiliary magnets 3772 can have arcuate (or curved) shapes in the transverse plane such that when primary magnets 3726 (or secondary magnets 3728 or auxiliary magnets 3772) are positioned adjacent to one another end-to-end, primary magnets 3726 (or secondary magnets 3728 or auxiliary magnets 3772) form an annular structure as shown. In some embodiments, adjacent primary magnets 3726 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 3730, adjacent secondary magnets 3728 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 3732, and adjacent auxiliary magnets 3772 can be in contact with each other at interfaces 3780. Alternatively, small gaps or spaces may separate adjacent primary magnets 3726, adjacent secondary magnets 3728, or adjacent auxiliary magnets 3772, providing a greater degree of tolerance during manufacturing.
In some embodiments, primary alignment component 3716 can also include an annular shield 3714 disposed on a distal surface of primary magnets 3726. In some embodiments, shield 3714 can be formed as a single annular piece of material and adhered to primary magnets 3726 to secure primary magnets 3726 into position. Shield 3714 can be formed of a material that has high magnetic permeability, such as stainless steel, and can redirect magnetic fields to prevent them from propagating beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 3716, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components located beyond the distal side of primary alignment component 3716 from magnetic interference. In some embodiments, auxiliary alignment component 3770 does not include a similar shield, so that a stronger magnetic attraction with primary alignment component 3716 can be provided.
Primary magnets 3726, secondary magnets 3728, and auxiliary magnets 3772 can be made of a magnetic material such as an NdFeB material, other rare earth magnetic materials, or other materials that can be magnetized to create a persistent magnetic field. Each secondary magnet 3728 can have a single magnetic region with a magnetic polarity having a component in the radial direction in the transverse plane (as shown by magnetic polarity indicator 3717 in
In some embodiments, each secondary magnet 3726 can be made of a magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetic orientation having a radial component in the transverse plane can be created, e.g., using a magnetizer.
Similarly, each primary magnet 3726 can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each primary magnet 3726 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region 3752 and outer arcuate magnetic region 3754; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region 3756 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region 3752 and outer arcuate magnetic region 3754. Any manufacturing technique that can be used to form primary magnets 3726 can also be used to form auxiliary magnets 3772. Thus, each auxiliary magnet 3772 can be made of a single piece of magnetic material that has been ground and shaped into an arcuate structure, and a magnetizer can be applied to the arcuate structure to induce an axial magnetic orientation in one direction within an inner arcuate region of the structure and an axial magnetic orientation in the opposite direction within an outer arcuate region of the structure, while demagnetizing or avoiding creation of a magnetic orientation in the central region. In some alternative embodiments, each auxiliary magnet 3772 can be a compound structure with two arcuate pieces of magnetic material providing inner arcuate magnetic region 3774 and outer arcuate magnetic region 3776; in such embodiments, central non-magnetized region 3778 can be can be formed of an arcuate piece of nonmagnetic (or demagnetized) material or formed as an air gap defined by sidewalls of inner arcuate magnetic region 3774 and outer arcuate magnetic region 3776. It should be understood that in some embodiments one manufacturing technique can be used for primary magnets 3726 while a different manufacturing technique can be used for auxiliary magnets 3772; for example, each auxiliary magnet 3772 can be monolithic while each primary magnet 3726 is a compound structure. As long as the magnetic fields of the various magnets align as described, alignment between devices can be provided. Further, as described above with reference to
As shown in
Accordingly, the respective magnetic orientations of inner arcuate magnetic regions 3752, 3774, secondary magnet 3728 and outer arcuate magnetic region 3776, 3778 can generate magnetic fields 3740 that exert an attractive force between primary magnet 3726 and auxiliary magnet 3772 and between auxiliary magnet 3772 and secondary magnet 3728, thereby facilitating alignment between respective electronic devices in which primary alignment component 3716, auxiliary alignment component 3770, and secondary alignment component 3718 are disposed (e.g., as shown in
It will be appreciated that magnetic alignment system 3700 is illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For instance, while primary alignment component 3716, auxiliary alignment component 3772, and secondary alignment component 3718 are each shown as being constructed of eight arcuate magnets, other embodiments may use a different number of magnets, such as sixteen magnets, thirty-six magnets, or any other number of magnets, and the number of primary magnets need not be equal to the number of secondary magnets. Similarly, the number of auxiliary magnets need not be equal to either the number of primary magnets or the number of secondary magnets. In other embodiments, secondary alignment component 3718 can be formed of a single, monolithic annular magnet. Similarly, primary alignment component 3716 and/or auxiliary alignment component 3772 can each be formed of a single, monolithic annular piece of magnetic material with an appropriate magnetization pattern as described above, or primary alignment component 3716 and/or auxiliary alignment component 3772 can each be formed of a monolithic inner annular magnet and a monolithic outer annular magnet, with an annular air gap or region of nonmagnetic material disposed between the inner annular magnet and outer annular magnet. However, a construction using multiple arcuate magnets may improve manufacturing because smaller arcuate magnets are less brittle than a single, monolithic annular magnet and are less prone to yield loss due to physical stresses imposed on the magnetic material during manufacturing. It should also be understood that the magnetic orientations of the various components or individual magnets do not need to align exactly with the lateral and axial directions. The magnetic orientation can have any angle that provides a closed-loop path for a magnetic field through the primary and secondary alignment components.
In embodiments described above, it is assumed (though not required) that the magnetic alignment components are fixed in position relative to the device enclosure and do not move in the axial or lateral direction. This provides a fixed magnetic flux. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move in the axial direction. For example, in various embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable to limit the magnetic flux provided by these magnetic structures. Limiting the magnetic flux can help to prevent the demagnetization of various charge and payment cards that a user might be carrying with an electronic device that incorporates one of these magnetic structures. But in some circumstances, it can be desirable to increase this magnetic flux in order to increase a magnetic attraction between an electronic device and an accessory or a second electronic device. Also, it can be desirable for one or more of the magnetic alignment components to move laterally. For example, an electronic device and an attachment structure or wireless device can be offset from each other in a lateral direction. The ability of a magnetic alignment component to move laterally can compensate for this offset and improve coupling between devices, particularly where a coil moves with the magnetic alignment component. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide structures where some or all of the magnets in these magnetic structures are able to change positions or otherwise move. Examples of magnetic structures having moving magnets are shown in the following figures.
With this configuration, it can take a large amount of magnetic attraction for magnet 3810 to separate from shield 3820. Accordingly, these and other embodiments of the present invention can include a shield that is split into a shield portion and a return plate portion. For example, in
In
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, various housings and structures can be used to guide a moving magnet. Also, various surfaces can be used in conjunction with these moving magnets. These surfaces can be rigid. Alternatively, these surfaces can be compliant and at least somewhat flexible. Examples are shown in the following figures.
In
In
As shown in
This is illustrated here as discontinuity 4420. As shown in
With no offset between first magnet 4110 and second magnet 4160, there it is no shear force to move second magnet 4170 relative to first magnet 4110, as shown in
The magnetic shear force can continue to drop off along curve 4530 as the offset increases. The difference between curve 4530 and curve 4540 can show the increase in magnetic attraction between a phone or other electronic device, such as second electronic device 4160 and an attachable wallet or wireless charging device, such as first electronic device 4100, that results from first magnet 4110 being able to move axially. It should also be noted that in this example first magnet 4110 does not move in a lateral direction, though in other examples it is capable of such movement. Where first magnet 4110 is capable of moving in a lateral direction, curve 4530 can remain at zero until the lateral movement of the second magnet 4170 overcomes the range of possible lateral movement of first magnet 4110.
In these and other embodiments of the present invention, it can be desirable to further increase this shear force. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can provide various high friction or high stiction surfaces, suction cups, pins, or other structures to increase this shear force.
For various applications, it may be desirable to enable a device having a magnetic alignment component to identify other devices that are brought into alignment. In some embodiments where the devices support a wireless charging standard that defines a communication protocol between devices, the devices can use that protocol to communicate. For example, the Qi standard for wireless power transfer defines a communication protocol that enables a power-receiving device (i.e., a device that has an inductive coil to receive power transferred wirelessly) to communicate information to a power-transmitting device (i.e., a device that has an inductive coil to generate time-varying magnetic fields to transfer power wirelessly to another device) via a modulation scheme in the inductive coils. The Qi communication protocol or similar protocols can be used to communicate information such as device identification or charging status or requests to increase or decrease power transfer from the power-receiving device to the power-transmitting device.
In some embodiments, a separate communication subsystem, such as a Near-Field Communication (NFC) subsystem can be provided to enable additional communication, including device identification, from a tag circuit located in one device to a reader circuit located in another device. (As used herein, “NFC” encompasses various protocols, including known standard protocols, that use near-field electromagnetic radiation to communicate data between antenna structures, e.g., coils of wire, that are in proximity to each other.) For example, each device that has an annular magnetic alignment component can also have an NFC coil that can be disposed inboard of and concentric with the annular magnetic alignment component. Where the device also has an inductive charging coil (which can be a transmitter coil or a receiver coil), the NFC coil can be disposed in an annular gap between the inductive charging coil and the annular magnetic alignment component. In some embodiments, an NFC protocol can be used to allow a portable electronic device to identify an accessory device when the respective magnetic alignment components of the portable electronic device and the accessory device are brought into alignment. For example, the NFC coil of a portable electronic device can be coupled to an NFC reader circuit while the NFC coil of an accessory device is coupled to an NFC tag circuit. When devices are brought into proximity, the NFC reader circuit of the portable electronic device can be activated to read the NFC tag of the accessory device. In this manner, the portable electronic device can obtain information (e.g., device identification) from the accessory device.
In some embodiments, an NFC reader in a portable electronic device can be triggered by detecting a change in a DC (or static) magnetic field within the portable electronic device that corresponds to a change expected when an accessory device having a complementary magnetic alignment component is brought into alignment. When the expected change is detected, the NFC reader can be activated to read an NFC tag in the other device, assuming the other device is present.
Examples of devices incorporating NFC circuitry and magnetic alignment components will now be described.
In some embodiments, an NFC tag may be located in a device that includes a wireless charger and an annular alignment structure. The NFC tag can be positioned and configured such that when the wireless charger device is aligned with a portable device having a complementary annular alignment structure and an NFC reader, the NFC tag is readable by the NFC reader of the portable electronic device.
A wireless transmitter coil assembly 4611 can be disposed within enclosure 4604. Wireless transmitter coil assembly 4611 can include a wireless transmitter coil 4612 for inductive power transfer to another device as well as AC magnetic and/or electric shield(s) 4613 disposed around some or all surfaces of wireless transmitter coil 4612. Control circuitry 4614 (which can include, e.g., a logic board and/or power circuitry) to control wireless transmitter coil 4612 can be disposed in the center of coil 4612 and/or underneath coil 4612. In some embodiments, control circuitry 4614 can operate wireless transmitter coil 4612 in accordance with a wireless charging protocol such as the Qi protocol or other protocols.
A primary annular magnetic alignment component 4616 can surround wireless transmitter coil assembly 4611. Primary annular magnetic alignment component 4616 can include a number of arcuate magnet sections arranged in an annular configuration as shown. Each arcuate magnet section can include an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a central arcuate region that is not magnetically polarized. (Examples are described above.) In some embodiments, the diameter and thickness of primary annular magnetic alignment component 4616 is chosen such that arcuate magnet sections of primary annular magnetic alignment component 4616 fit under a lip 4609 at the top surface of enclosure 4604, as best seen in
A support ring subassembly 4640 can include an annular frame 4642 that extends in the axial direction and a friction pad 4644 at the top edge of frame 4642. Friction pad 4644 can be made of a material such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as thermoplastic urethane (TPU) and can provide support and protection for charging surface 4606. Frame 4642 can be made of a material such as polycarbonate (PC), glass-fiber reinforced polycarbonate (GFPC), or glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (GFPA). Frame 4642 can have an NFC coil 4664 disposed thereon. For example, NFC coil 4664 can be a four-turn or five-turn solenoidal coil made of copper wire or other conductive wire that is wound onto frame 4642. NFC coil 4664 can be electrically connected to NFC tag circuitry (not shown) that can be part of control circuitry 4614. The relevant design principles of NFC circuits are well understood in the art and a detailed description is omitted. Frame 4642 can be inserted into a gap region 4617 between primary annular magnetic alignment component 4616 and wireless transmitter coil assembly 4611. In some embodiments, gap region 4617 is shielded by AC shield 4613 from AC electromagnetic fields generated in wireless transmitter coil 4612 and is also shielded from DC magnetic fields of primary annular magnetic alignment component 4616 by the closed-loop configuration of the arcuate magnet sections.
As described above, an accessory device such as a case for a mobile phone may include an auxiliary magnetic alignment component, with or without a wireless charging coil. The auxiliary magnetic alignment component can act as a “repeater” to support the use of a primary magnetic alignment component and a secondary alignment component to align the wireless charging transmitter coil of a charger device with the wireless charging receiver coil of a portable electronic device while the portable electronic device is attached to (e.g., inserted into) the accessory device.
In some embodiments, an NFC tag circuit and coil may be incorporated into an accessory device having an auxiliary magnetic alignment component. The NFC tag can be read by the NFC reader of the portable electronic device (e.g., using NFC coil 5060 and associated NFC reader circuit of portable electronic device 5004 as described above), allowing the portable electronic device to identify the accessory device when the accessory device is in proximity and aligned with the portable electronic device.
Rear panel 4802 can include an auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component 4870. Auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component 4870 can include a number of arcuate magnets 4872 arranged in an annular configuration as shown. Each arcuate magnet 4872 can include an inner arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a first axial direction, an outer arcuate region having a magnetic polarity oriented in a second axial direction opposite the first axial direction, and a central arcuate region that is not magnetically polarized. (Examples are described above.) Auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component 4870 can align with secondary annular magnetic alignment component 5018 of electronic device 5002.
An NFC tag circuit assembly 4866 can be disposed inboard of auxiliary annular magnetic alignment component 4616. In some embodiments, all or part of region 4805 of rear panel 4802, inboard of NFC tag circuit assembly 4866, can be a cutout area.
It will be appreciated that the NFC tag and NFC reader circuits described above are illustrative and that variations and modifications are possible. For example, coil designs can be modified by replacing wound wire coils with etched coils (or vice versa) and solenoidal coils with flat coils (or vice versa). “Wound wire” coils can be made using a variety of techniques, including by winding a wire, by stamping a coil from a copper sheet and molding plastic over the stamped part, or by using a needle dispenser to deposit wire on a plastic part; the wire can be heated so that it embeds into the softened plastic. Etched coils can be made by coating a surface with metal and etching away the unwanted metal. The number of turns in various NFC coils can be modified for a particular application. The choice of wound wire coils or etched coils for a particular device may depend on various design considerations. For instance, in devices that have an internal logic board, a wound wire NFC coil can terminate to the logic board; where a logic board is absent, an etched coil may simplify termination of the coil. Other design considerations may include the Q factor of the coil (a wound coil can provide higher Q in a smaller space) and/or ease of assembly.
Further, where a device that has an NFC tag circuit also has active circuitry (such as wireless charger devices that have active circuitry to control charging behavior), the NFC tag circuit is not limited to being a passive tag; an active NFC tag circuit can be provided to enable two-way communication with a compatible portable electronic device. For example, active NFC circuits in a portable electronic device and a wireless charger device can be used to support delivery of firmware updates to the wireless charger device.
Proximity-detection techniques can also be varied. For example, a different type of magnetometer (e.g., a single-axis magnetometer) can be used, or multiple magnetometers in different locations relative to the magnetic alignment components can be used. In some embodiments, a Hall effect sensor can be used instead of a magnetometer, although false positives may increase because a Hall effect sensor can generally only indicate a change or no-change rather than measuring a magnitude or direction of change.
It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled so as to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly indicated to users.
The above description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Thus, it will be appreciated that the invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/083,425, filed Sep. 25, 2020, which is incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63083425 | Sep 2020 | US |
