Coordinating complementary notifications across related computing devices connected to a wireless charging apparatus

The embodiments set forth a technique for coordinating notifications across computing devices placed onto a wireless charging apparatus. According to some embodiments, the technique can involve the wireless charging apparatus (1) receiving, from a first computing device, first information that includes (i) a first unique identifier (ID) associated with the first computing device, and (ii) one or more unique IDs that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device known to the first computing device. Subsequently, the wireless charging apparatus can receive, from a second computing device, second information that at least includes a second unique ID associated with the second computing device. Finally, the wireless charging apparatus can, in response to determining that the second unique ID is included in the one or more unique IDs, and cause both the first and second computing devices to display respective notifications in a coordinated manner.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to a wireless (e.g., inductive) charging apparatus capable of receiving/charging two or more computing devices. More particularly, the described embodiments involve enabling related computing devices to display complementary notifications in a coordinated manner as they are placed onto and removed from the wireless charging apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Recent years have shown a proliferation in the average number and types of computing devices that are owned by individuals. For example, it is common for an individual to own a laptop device, a tablet device, a smartphone device, a wearable device (e.g., fitness tracker), a pair of headphones, and so on. Notably, owning these devices can deliver a rich user experience as each device can provide specialized functionality to meet a given user's needs throughout the day. However, owning these devices can also present the ongoing challenge of effectively managing the charge levels of the batteries included in these devices so they can be readily utilized when needed. For example, charging multiple devices typically involves a mass of cables that consumes space and is difficult to manage. Moreover, many of the aforementioned devices lack the capability to display their battery statuses in a user-friendly manner. For example, battery statuses for wearable devices typically are presented via small displays or LEDs that can be difficult for users to interpret. As a result, users often fail to properly maintain the battery levels of their devices, which leads to frustrating scenarios where a device is needed but cannot power-on or function for a desirable amount of time.

SUMMARY

To cure the foregoing deficiencies, the representative embodiments set forth herein disclose various techniques for enabling related computing devices to display complementary notifications in a coordinated manner as they are placed onto and removed from a wireless charging apparatus.

According to some embodiments, a wireless charging apparatus can be configured to implement a method for carrying out the techniques described herein. In particular, the method can include the steps of (1) receiving, from a first computing device communicably coupled to the wireless charging apparatus, first information that includes (i) a first unique identifier (ID) associated with the first computing device, and (ii) one or more unique IDs that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device known to the first computing device, (2) receiving, from a second computing device communicably coupled to the wireless charging apparatus, second information that at least includes a second unique ID associated with the second computing device, and (3) in response to determining that the second unique II) is included in the one or more unique IDs: causing both the first and second computing devices to display respective notifications in a coordinated manner.

According to some embodiments, a computing device can also be configured to implement a method for carrying out the techniques described herein. In particular, the method can include the steps of (1) providing, in response to establishing a communication channel with a wireless charging apparatus, (i) a first unique ID associated with the computing device, and (ii) one or more unique IDs that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device known to the computing device, (2) receiving, from the wireless charging apparatus, a notification that a second computing device among the respective auxiliary computing devices is communicatively coupled to the wireless charging apparatus, wherein the notification includes a second battery status associated with the second computing device. (3) indicating, to the wireless charging apparatus, a time delay by which a second indication of the second battery status is to be displayed by the second computing device, and (4) displaying the second indication of the second battery status in accordance with the time delay.

Additionally, and according to some embodiments, a first computing device can be configured to participate in coordinated notifications (with other computing devices) in association with being placed onto and removed from a wireless charging apparatus. In particular, the first computing device can be configured to carry out steps that include (1) detecting a placement of the first computing device on the wireless charging apparatus. According to some embodiments, the first computing device can be configured to output a first indication of a first battery status of the first computing device in response to being placed on the wireless charging apparatus. Additionally, the steps can include (2) receiving a notification that a second computing device is placed on the wireless charging apparatus, (3) in response to identifying that the second computing device is known to the first computing device: receiving a second battery status associated with the second computing device, (4) indicating, to the second computing device, when a second indication of the second battery status is to be output by the second computing device, and (5) outputting the second indication of the second battery status. According to some embodiments, the second battery status can be output by both the first computing device and the second computing device in a coordinated manner. According to some embodiments, the first computing device and the second computing device communicate with one another over a cellular connection, a Bluetooth connection, a Near Field Communication (NFC) connection, or a WiFi connection.

Other embodiments include a non-transitory computer readable storage medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by a processor included in a computing device, cause the computing device to carry out the various steps of any of the foregoing methods. Further embodiments include a computing device that is configured to carry out the various steps of any of the foregoing methods.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the described embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Representative applications of apparatuses and methods according to the presently described embodiments are provided in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the described embodiments. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the presently described embodiments can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presently described embodiments. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting.

The embodiments described herein set forth techniques for coordinating complementary notifications across related computing devices they are placed onto and removed from a wireless charging apparatus. According to some embodiments, the wireless charging apparatus can be configured to receive information from each computing device as it is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus. This information can include, for example, a unique identifier (ID) associated with the computing device, one or more unique IDs of other computing devices known to the computing (e.g., previously/actively paired computing devices), and a battery status of the computing device. In this manner, as new computing devices are placed onto the wireless charging apparatus, the wireless charging apparatus can reference the unique IDs to identify when at least two related computing devices are present. For example, when the wireless charging apparatus identifies that a first computing device and a second computing device are (1) placed on the wireless charging apparatus, and (2) related to one another, the wireless charging apparatus can cause the first computing device to display information about the second computing device on behalf of or in conjunction with information displayed by the second computing device.

Consider, for example, a scenario in which the first computing device is a smartphone device, and the second computing device is a smaller device that is related to the smartphone device (e.g., a smart watch device). In this scenario, when the smart watch device is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus (with the smartphone device already present), the wireless charging apparatus can (1) identify the relationship between the devices, and (2) notify the smartphone device of the presence/battery status of the smart watch device. In turn, the smartphone device can produce a notification associated with the battery status of the smart watch device, e.g., through one or more animations/sounds that provide a pleasant user experience. As mentioned above, the smart watch device can also be configured to produce a notification in conjunction with the notification produced by the smartphone device. In particular, the smartphone device can be configured to indicate, to the wireless charging apparatus, a time delay that will be honored by the smartphone device prior to producing the notification associated with the battery status of the smart watch device. In turn, the wireless charging apparatus provides the time delay to the smart watch device. In this manner, the smart watch device can display, in accordance with the time delay, a notification that includes one or more animations/sounds that complement the animations/sounds included in the notification produced by the smartphone device.

Additionally, it is noted that the smartphone device and the smart watch device can periodically/responsively issue relevant updates to the wireless charging apparatus while they remain connected to the wireless charging apparatus. For example, the smartphone device can indicate to the wireless charging apparatus whether it is appropriate for the smartphone device to display a notification associated with the smart watch device. The appropriateness can be based on, for example, whether the smartphone device is locked/unlocked, in-use/not in use, and so on. For example, when the smartphone device is in an unlocked state/in-use, the smartphone device can refuse to display any notifications associated with the smart watch device. Alternatively, the smartphone device can display an unobtrusive notification (e.g., a popup) of the battery status of the smart watch device to keep a user informed. Additionally, each of the smartphone device and the smart watch device can provide battery status updates to the wireless charging apparatus as they are charged to enable a variety of useful features to be implemented. This can enable, for example, the smartphone device to display the latest battery status of the smart watch device when the smart watch device is removed from the wireless charging surface, thereby enhancing the user experience.

A more detailed discussion of these techniques is set forth below and described in conjunction withFIGS. 1, 2A-2D, and 3-6, which illustrate detailed diagrams of systems and methods that can be used to implement these techniques.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram100of different computing devices that can be configured to implement various aspects of the techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. Specifically,FIG. 1illustrates a high-level overview of a wireless charging apparatus102that is configured to communicate with and provide an electrical charge to different computing devices120. Although not illustrated inFIG. 1, it is understood that the wireless charging apparatus102and the computing devices120each can include at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one storage device that collectively enable these devices to operate in accordance with this disclosure. For example, in a given device, instructions can be stored in the at least one storage device and loaded into the at least one memory for execution by the at least one processor to enable the techniques described herein to be implemented.

As shown inFIG. 1, the wireless charging apparatus102can include a power supply104, one or more indicators106, a memory (not illustrated inFIG. 1) for storing device information110, one or more communications components108, and at least one wireless charging surface112. According to some embodiments, the wireless charging surface112can implement any form of wireless (e.g., inductive) charging technology to enable one or more computing devices120to receive a charge when placed in proximity to (e.g., directly onto) the wireless charging surface112. For example, the wireless charging surface112can implement Qi wireless charging technology, Power Matters Alliance (PMA) technology, or any other form of wireless charging technology. It is noted, however, that wireless charging techniques are not required to implement the techniques described herein. On the contrary, the wireless charging surface112can be replaced or supplemented by any component (e.g., a conductor-based charging component) that enables computing devices120to receive a charge and communicate with the wireless charging apparatus102.

According to some embodiments, the indicators106included in the wireless charging apparatus102can include, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicate a variety of information to an end-user of the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, the LEDs can indicate whether the power supply104is receiving power from a power source, whether at least one computing device120is properly connected to and being charged via the wireless charging surface112, and so on. According to some embodiments, the communications component108can enable the wireless charging apparatus102to transmit information to and receive information from the computing devices120. According to some embodiments, this information can be transmitted between the wireless charging apparatus102and the computing devices120using “in-band” communications that coincide with any wireless charging technology implemented by the wireless charging apparatus102. In this manner, pre-existing relationships—e.g., Bluetooth pairings, Near Field Communication (NFC) pairing, WiFi pairings, etc.—are not required for the wireless charging apparatus102to effectively communicate with the computing devices120. Moreover, implementing in-band communications can enable the wireless charging apparatus102to communicate with a given computing device120even when the computing device120is operating in a minimal mode—e.g., airplane mode—where the primary communications components (e.g., cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.) within the computing device120are disabled. As described in greater detail herein, it is noted that while the techniques primarily involve the computing devices120communicating with the wireless charging apparatus102, other approaches can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, direct communication links (e.g., cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.) between the computing devices120can supplement or supplant the communications that take place by way of the wireless charging apparatus102to achieve the same or similar results.

It is noted that the internal components of the wireless charging apparatus102illustrated inFIG. 1and described herein do not represent an exhaustive list of what can be included in the wireless charging apparatus102. On the contrary, the wireless charging apparatus102can include any number of components that contribute to or supplement the embodiments described herein. For example, the wireless charging apparatus102can include display devices/speakers that can be used to inform end-users about information associated with the wireless charging apparatus102and/or the computing devices120. In another example, the wireless charging apparatus102can include any form of input device to enable interactions with the wireless charging apparatus102to take place, e.g., touch-screens, biometric sensors, buttons, dials, sliders, and so on. In yet another example, the wireless charging apparatus102can include any communication components (e.g., cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.) to enable the wireless charging apparatus102to communicate with the computing devices120.

According to some embodiments, the device information110can be used by the wireless charging apparatus102to manage the flow of information between the computing devices120in accordance with the techniques described herein. For example, when a computing device120is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102, the computing device120can transmit, e.g., via the in-band communications described herein, one or more packets128that include relevant information to enable the techniques described herein to be effectively implemented. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, a packet128transmitted by a computing device120can include a unique identifier (ID)122for the computing device120, one or more known unique IDs122of other computing devices120known to the computing device120, and miscellaneous information126associated with the computing device120, the purposes of which are described below in greater detail.

According to some embodiments, the unique ID122can take any form that enables the computing device120to be uniquely identifiable. For example, the unique ID122can be based on hardware/software properties (e.g., identifiers) associated with the computing device120. However, in some cases it can be desirable to separate the unique ID122from properties of the computing device120, especially in the interest of preserving privacy. For example, the unique ID122can be a randomly-generated string that is unrelated to the hardware/software properties of the computing device120. In this manner, nearby malicious devices attempting to snoop on information transmitted between the computing device120and the wireless charging apparatus102will only be able to gather innocuous data. Moreover, the embodiments described herein can involve periodically refreshing the unique IDs122of the computing devices120to further-thwart any malicious activity that may be attempted.

As described above, the packet(s)128transmitted by the computing device120can also one or more known unique IDs124, which represent the unique IDs122of other computing devices120that are relevant to the computing device120. According to some embodiments, these other computing devices120can represent devices with which the computing device120is actively paired or previously paired, e.g., wearable devices, headphones, speakers, sensors, and so on, that can directly communicate with the computing device120(e.g., cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.). In this manner, and as described in greater detail herein, the wireless charging apparatus102can utilize the unique IDs122and the known unique IDs124provided by various computing devices120to identify when interactions should take place between specific ones of the computing devices120. Additionally, and as described above, the packet(s)128transmitted by a computing device120can include miscellaneous information126about the computing device120that can be utilized by the wireless charging apparatus102to implement the techniques described herein. For example, the miscellaneous information126can include an indication of a type of the computing device120, including model information associated with the computing device120(e.g., a device name, model, color, etc.), state information associated with the computing device120(e.g., locked/unlocked), battery information associated with the computing device120, and so on.

Additionally, and although not illustrated inFIG. 1, it will be understood that the various computing devices120described herein include hardware/software components that enable the computing devices120to interface with the wireless charging apparatus102, which can include, for example, receiving energy from the wireless charging apparatus102(e.g., via the wireless charging surface112), communicating with the wireless charging apparatus102, and so on. It will be further understood that the various computing devices120can include hardware/software elements that enable the computing devices120to implement the techniques described herein at varying levels. For example, computing devices120having larger display devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) can be designated as primary/high-priority devices that display information about known computing devices120as they are placed onto/removed from the wireless charging apparatus102. Continuing with this example, computing devices120having smaller displays (e.g., smart watches) can be designated as secondary/low priority devices that should only display information when the primary/high-priority devices are not present on the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, when only a smart watch computing device120is present on the wireless charging apparatus102, and a pair of wireless headphones is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102, the smart watch computing device120can take on the responsibility of displaying information about the wireless headphones in conjunction with/on behalf of the wireless headphones. It is noted that the foregoing examples are not meant to be exhausting in any way, and that the computing devices120described herein can be configured in any fashion to achieve different variations on the techniques described herein.

Accordingly,FIG. 1sets forth an overview of different configurations of the wireless charging apparatus102/computing devices120that can be utilized to enable the implementation of the embodiments described herein. As described in greater detail below, these components can be utilized to provide a rich user experience through coordinated/complementary notifications when two or more related computing devices120are placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102for charging.

FIGS. 2A-2Dillustrate conceptual diagrams of example computing devices120displaying complementary notifications in a coordinated manner as they are placed onto and removed from the wireless charging apparatus102, according to some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 2A, a first step210can involve a computing device120-1being placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. This can represent, for example, when a user places the computing device120-1onto the wireless charging apparatus102with the intent to charge the computing device120-1via the wireless charging techniques described herein. As shown inFIG. 2A, step210can involve the computing device120-1transmitting one or more packets128to the wireless charging apparatus102. As previously described above, these packets128can include information associated with the computing device120-1, e.g., a unique ID122, known unique IDs124, and miscellaneous information126.

As shown inFIG. 2A, example information transmitted by the packets128is placed into the device information110by the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, the value “DEVICE_1” can be assigned as the unique ID122, the values “DEVICE_2” and “DEVICE_3” can be assigned as the known unique IDs124, and the value “SMARTPHONE, 52% BAT” can be assigned as the miscellaneous information126. In this example, the computing device120-1has an assigned unique ID122of “DEVICE_1”, where the computing device120-1has been previously paired with two other computing devices120—a computing device120-2having the unique ID122“DEVICE_2”, and a computing device120-3having the unique ID122“DEVICE_3”. Moreover, in this example the computing device120-1is a smartphone device whose battery level is at 52% when the computing device120-1is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. Additionally, as shown inFIG. 2A, the wireless charging apparatus102can assign, within the device information110for the computing device120-1, a “STATE INFO” property200that identifies whether the computing device120-1is present on or absent from the wireless charging apparatus102. The “STATE INFO” property200can also identify additional information about the computing device120-1, e.g., whether the computing device120-1is assigned as a high-priority device/low-priority device for displaying complementary notifications associated with other related computing devices120that are placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102(as previously described above). As described in greater detail herein, the “STATE INFO” property200can enable the wireless charging apparatus102to appropriately respond to and instruct the other computing devices120-2,3when they are placed onto/removed from the wireless charging apparatus102.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 2A, the computing device120-1is the first and only computing device120present on wireless charging apparatus102. In this regard, and according to some embodiments, the computing device120-1can be responsible for displaying its own battery status, which is illustrated inFIG. 2Aas the notification202. As shown inFIG. 2A, the notification202can indicate, by way of one or more animations/sounds, (1) the type of the computing device120-1(i.e., “SMARTPHONE”), and (2) the battery status for the computing device120-1. It is noted that the content associated with the notification202illustrated inFIG. 2Ais merely exemplary, and that any content, in any form, sequence, manner, etc., can be utilized when producing the notification202.

Accordingly, at the conclusion of the first step210illustrated inFIG. 2A, the first computing device120-1provides useful information via the notification202, and is receiving power from the wireless charging apparatus102to charge any internal batteries included in the computing device120-1. At this point, the computing device120-1can now function as a supplemental device for displaying complementary notifications associated with the computing devices120-2,3when they are placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, a second step220illustrated inFIG. 2Bcan involve the computing device120-2being placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. As shown inFIG. 2B, and in accordance with the techniques described herein, the computing device120-2can provide, via one or more packets128, information about the computing device120-2to the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, the computing device120-2can provide the value “DEVICE_2” as the unique ID122, the values “DEVICE_1” and “DEVICE_3” as the known unique IDs124, and the value “WEARABLE, 17% BAT” as the miscellaneous information126. For example, inFIG. 2A, the computing device120-2can represent a smart watch, a fitness tracker, an augmented reality device, a sensor, and so on.

As a brief aside, it is noted that each of the computing devices120placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102can periodically/responsively issue packets128to provide relevant updates to the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, the device information110can be updated to manage a status property for each computing device120that indicates whether the computing device120is capable of displaying a complementary notification. Again, this can be based on, for example, whether the computing device120is locked/unlocked, in-use/not in use, and so on. In another example, the device information110can be updated to reflect the battery statuses of the computing devices120as they are charged via the wireless charging apparatus102, e.g., as shown by the battery status of the computing device120-1advancing from 52% to 60% between the times at which step210ofFIG. 2Aand step220ofFIG. 2Boccur. Notably, a variety of useful features can be implemented by keeping the battery statuses up-to-date within the device information110. For example, when a pair of headphones is removed from the wireless charging apparatus102, and an associated device having a display (e.g., a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, a smart watch, etc.) remains on the wireless charging apparatus102, the associated device can display an indication of the latest battery status of the headphones. In this manner, a user who is removing the headphones from the wireless charging apparatus102can promptly receive an easy-to-read indication (via the display of the associated device) of the battery status of the headphones, thereby enhancing the user experience.

Additionally, by updating the information described herein, one or more of the computing devices120can promptly display a summary of information about associated devices that are placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. This can occur, for example, when a trigger occurs at a given computing device120, e.g., when a home/power button is pressed on the computing device120, when the computing device120is moved while placed on the wireless charging apparatus102(e.g., nudged by a user), when the computing device120detects that a user is in proximity to the computing device120, and so on. For example, when a smartphone, a smart watch, and a pair of headphones are charging on the wireless charging apparatus102, the smartphone can be configured to display, in response to any of the aforementioned triggers, an up-to-date summary of its own battery status, the battery status of the smart watch, and the battery status of the headphones. According to some embodiments, the smartphone can also be configured to cause one or more of the smart watch/headphones to present information through the complementary notifications in a coordinated manner.

Returning back now toFIG. 2B, it is noted that, according to some embodiments, the computing devices120can be configured to omit known unique IDs124from the packets128any time they represent redundant information. Consider, for example, a first computing device120that is paired only with a second computing device120(and vice-versa). In this example, when the first computing device120is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102and provides a known unique ID124that corresponds to the unique ID122of the second computing device, it would be redundant for the second computing device120to provide a known unique ID124that corresponds to the unique ID122of the first computing device120. Instead, the wireless charging apparatus102can readily identify the relationship by comparing the unique ID122of the second computing device120against the known unique IDs124of the first computing device120(managed within the device information110) to identify the relationship, and carry out the same techniques described herein in accordance with the identification of the relationship.

In any case, when the information associated with the computing device120-2is incorporated into the device information110, the wireless charging apparatus102can identify that the computing device120-1and the computing device120-2are relevant to one another. In turn, the wireless charging apparatus102can query the computing device120-1(e.g., via one or more packets128) to identify whether the computing device120-1is willing to display a notification206in association with the computing device120-2. According to some embodiments, the query can include the miscellaneous information126provided by the computing device120-2to minimize the number of messages transmitted between the computing device120-1, the wireless charging apparatus102, and the computing device120-2, thereby reducing overall latency and improving the overall user experience. In particular, this approach will enable the computing device120-1to be in possession of the necessary information to display within the notification206should the computing device120-1accept the responsibility to do so. For example, the computing device120-1can indicate an acceptance to display the notification206when the computing device120-1remains on the wireless charging apparatus102and is in a locked and/or inactive state. Alternatively, the computing device120-1can indicate a refusal to display the notification206when the computing device120-1is in an unlocked state and/or is being actively utilized by a user.

In the example illustrated inFIG. 2B, the computing device120-1indicates, to the wireless charging apparatus102, an acceptance to display the notification206in association with the computing device120-2being placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. According to some embodiments, the computing device120-1can indicate the acceptance by transmitting one or more packets128to the wireless charging apparatus102. According to some embodiments, the packets128can indicate a time delay by which the computing device120-1plans on displaying the notification206. In this manner, the wireless charging apparatus102can forward the time delay to the computing device120-2, where the time delay also indirectly indicates to the computing device120-2an acceptance by the computing device120-1to display the notification206. In turn, the computing device120-2can prepare to display a complementary notification210in accordance with the time delay provided by the computing device120-1.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the notification206is displayed by the computing device120-1when the time delay is satisfied, and can indicate information about the computing device120-2through one or more animations/sounds. For example, the animations/sounds can display “WEARABLE BATTERY 17%”. Moreover, in accordance with the satisfaction of the time delay, and in conjunction with the notification206, the notification210produced by the computing device120-2can include miscellaneous information presented through one or more animations/sounds, e.g., when the computing device120-2includes a display device (e.g., a smart watch). In another example, when the computing device120-2does not include a display device, but includes one or more LEDs, the LED(s) can be utilized to communicate information to a user, e.g., pulsating animations that coincide with the animations/sounds displayed by the computing device120-1. In another example, the LED(s) can display a solid orange light that indicates that the computing device120-2is being charged, a solid green light that indicates that the computing device120-2is fully charged, and so on. In any case, the user experience can be enhanced as useful information about the computing device120-2is displayed in an aesthetically-pleasing manner between the computing device120-1and the computing device120-2even when the computing device120-2includes only a small display device or no display device at all.

As described herein, computing devices120will regularly be placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102under expected use-case environments. To capture how the embodiments described herein manage such events,FIG. 2Cillustrates a third step230in which a third computing device120-3is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102(while the computing device120-1and the computing device120-2remain on the wireless charging apparatus102). As shown inFIG. 2C, and in accordance with the techniques described herein, the computing device120-3can provide, via one or more packets128, information about the computing device120-3to the wireless charging apparatus102. For example, the computing device120-3can provide the value “DEVICE_3” as the unique ID122, the values “DEVICE_1” and “DEVICE_2” as the known unique IDs124, and the value “HEADPHONES, 23% BAT” as the miscellaneous information126. For example, inFIG. 2C, the computing device120-3can represent a pair of wireless headphones associated with both the computing device120-1and the computing device120-2.

As shown inFIG. 2C, and as previously described above, the wireless charging apparatus102can receive the packets128and add the information about the computing device120-3to the device information110. In turn, the wireless charging apparatus102can identify that the computing device120-1and the computing device120-2are known to the computing device120-3, and issue messages (e.g., via packets128) that include information about the computing device120-3. Again, such information can include a type of the computing device120-3, a battery status of the computing device120-3, and so on. In turn, the computing device120-1and the computing device120-2can indicate whether they are willing (as described herein) to display a notification in association with the appearance of the computing device120-3. According to some embodiments, when two or more computing devices120are involved in displaying a notification, a primary computing device (e.g., the computing device120-1) can indicate a time delay by which the notification should be displayed, where the other computing devices120act in accordance with the time delay.

For example, inFIG. 2C, the computing device120-1can indicate, to the wireless charging apparatus102, a time delay at which a notification214will be displayed at the computing device120-1. In turn, the wireless charging apparatus102can provide the time delay to both the computing device120-2and the computing device120-3, whereupon the computing device120-2and the computing device120-3can prepare to display notifications218and222, respectively. As shown inFIG. 2C, the notification214displayed by the computing device120-1can present the information “HEADPHONES BATTERY 23%” by way of one or more animations/sounds. Additionally, the notification218produced by the computing device120-2can communicate miscellaneous information about the computing device120-3by way of one or more animations/sounds. For example, continuing with the example scenario described above in which the computing device120-2represents a smart watch, the computing device120-2can display miscellaneous information in conjunction with the notification214displayed by the computing device120-1. Additionally, in this example scenario, the notification222produced by the computing device120-3can be optional, and can be used communicate miscellaneous information by way of one or more animations/sounds in accordance with the time delay and one or more of the notification214and the notification218. For example, the computing device120-3—which, withinFIG. 2C, can represent a pair of wireless headphones—can include an LED that operates in conjunction with the animations/sounds. In another example, one or more of the speakers included in the pair of wireless headphones can be used to play an audible sound that operates in conjunction with the animations/sounds.

Additionally, it is noted that computing devices120will regularly be removed from the wireless charging apparatus102under expected use-case scenarios. To capture how the embodiments described herein manage such events,FIG. 2Dillustrates a fourth step240in which the computing device120-2is removed from the wireless charging apparatus102(while the computing device120-1and the computing device120-3remain on the wireless charging apparatus102). As shown inFIG. 2D, and in accordance with the techniques described herein, the device information110can be updated to reflect that the computing device120-2is now absent from the wireless charging apparatus102. In turn, the wireless charging apparatus102can be configured to notify the related computing devices120—i.e., the computing device120-1and the computing device120-3—that the computing device120-2is no longer present. At this point, the computing device120-1can optionally display (e.g., if locked/in use, as described herein) a notification226that provides the up-to-date battery status of the computing device120-2by way of one or more animations/sounds. Additionally, the computing device120-3can optionally display a notification230that provides miscellaneous information (as previously described herein) about the computing device120-2by way of one or more animations/sounds.

Accordingly,FIGS. 2A-2Dillustrate scenarios in which computing devices120can display, in a coordinated manner, complementary notifications in accordance with (1) their placement onto/removal from the wireless charging apparatus102, and (2) the presence of other known computing devices120. In association withFIGS. 2A-2D, additionalFIGS. 3-5—which are described below—provide high-level breakdowns of the techniques described herein.

FIG. 3illustrates a method300that involves the wireless charging apparatus102causing computing devices120that are coupled to the wireless charging apparatus102to display complementary notifications in a coordinated manner, according to some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 3, the method300begins at step302, the wireless charging apparatus102establishes, in response to detecting a first presence of a first computing device120, a first communication channel with the first computing device120. Again, the communication channel can be an “in-band” communication channel associated with the wireless charging techniques implemented between the wireless charging apparatus102and the first computing device120. However, it is noted that the techniques described herein are not limited only to such in-band communications, and that any form of communication can be utilized to enable the wireless charging apparatus102and the computing devices120to communicate with one another. For example, existing communication channels (e.g., cellular, Bluetooth, NFC, WiFi, etc.) formed between the wireless charging apparatus102/computing devices120can be used to exchange information in lieu of/addition to the communication channels described herein. At step304, the wireless charging apparatus102receives, from the first computing device120, first information that includes (1) a first unique ID122associated with the first computing device120, and (2) one or more unique IDs124that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device120known to the first computing device.

At step306, the wireless charging apparatus102establishes, in response to detecting a second presence of a second computing device120, a second communication channel with the second computing device120. At step308, the wireless charging apparatus102receives, from the second computing device120, second information that includes (1) a second unique ID122associated with the second computing device120. Notably, in step308the known unique IDs124associated with the second computing device120can be omitted from the second information when the known unique IDs124are redundant to the wireless charging apparatus102, as previously described herein. However, it is by no means a requirement to omit the known unique IDs124at step308. On the contrary, the second computing device120can be configured to provide a complete collection of the known unique IDs124to the wireless charging apparatus102to enable the wireless charging apparatus102to readily identify related computing devices120as they are placed onto and removed from the wireless charging apparatus102.

Finally, at step310, the wireless charging apparatus102determines that the second unique ID122is included in the one or more unique IDs124(provided by the first computing device120), and, in response, causes both the first computing device120and the second computing device120to display respective notifications in a coordinated manner. The notifications can include, for example, information about one or more of the first computing device120and the second computing device120(e.g., device types, battery statuses, etc.).

FIG. 4illustrates a method400that involves a first computing device120coupling to the wireless charging apparatus102and displaying complementary notifications in a coordinated manner with other related computing devices120that are coupled to the wireless charging apparatus102, according to some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 4, the method400begins at step402, where the first computing device120establishes a communication channel with a wireless charging apparatus102. At step404, the first computing device120provides, by way of the communication channel, (1) a first unique ID122associated with the first computing device120, (2) one or more unique IDs124that are each associated with a respective auxiliary computing device120known to the first computing device120, and (3) a first battery status for the first computing device120.

At step406, the first computing device120receives, from the wireless charging apparatus102, a notification that a second computing device120among the respective auxiliary computing devices120is communicatively coupled to the wireless charging apparatus102, where the notification includes a second battery status associated with the second computing device120. At step408, the first computing device120determines whether the first computing device120is unlocked/in-use. If, at step408, the first computing device120determines that the first computing device120is unlocked/in-use, then the method400transitions to step414, where the first computing device120indicates that it will not display a notification in conjunction with the second computing device120being coupled to the wireless charging apparatus102. Alternatively, if, at step408, the first computing device120determines that the first computing device120is not unlocked/in-use, then the method400transitions to step410, which is described below in greater detail.

At step410, the first computing device120indicates, to the wireless charging apparatus102, a time delay by which an indication of the second battery status is to be displayed by the first computing device120. At step412, the first computing device120displays the indication of the second battery status in accordance with the time delay. Although not illustrated inFIG. 4, it is noted that the second computing device120can also be configured to display animations/sounds in accordance with the time delay provided by the first computing device120(as described herein).

FIG. 5illustrates a method500that involves a smartphone502and a smart watch504displaying complementary notifications in accordance with their placement onto the wireless charging apparatus102, according to some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 5, the method500begins at step510, where the smartphone502is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. At step512, the smartphone502provides, to the wireless charging apparatus102, a unique ID122, known unique IDs124, and a battery status (i.e., miscellaneous information126) for the smartphone502. At step513, the smartphone502itself can display the battery status of the smartphone502. In turn, at step514, the wireless charging apparatus102registers—e.g., within the device information110—the unique ID122, the known unique IDs124, and the battery status provided by the smartphone502.

At step516, a smart watch504is placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. At step518, the smart watch504provides, to the wireless charging apparatus102, a unique ID122, known unique IDs124, and a battery status for the smart watch504. Again, and as previously described above, it is noted that it can be optional for the smart watch504to provide the known unique IDs124, as it is likely that the wireless charging apparatus102will be able to match the unique ID122of the smart watch504with the known unique IDs124provided by the smartphone502. In any case, at step520, the wireless charging apparatus102registers the unique ID122, the known unique IDs124, and the battery status of the smart watch504. At step522, the wireless charging apparatus102identifies that the smart watch504and the smartphone502are related devices.

In response to the identification that occurs at step522, at step524, the wireless charging apparatus102provides the battery status of the smart watch504to the smartphone502. In turn, at step526, the smartphone502provides, to the wireless charging apparatus102, a time delay by which a first notification including the battery status of the smart watch504is to be displayed by the first computing device120. At step528, the wireless charging apparatus102informs (e.g., via packets128) the smart watch504of the time delay. Accordingly, at step530, the smart watch504prepares to display a second notification (e.g., including complementary information to the first notification) in accordance with the time delay. Finally, at steps532and534, the smartphone502and the smart watch504display the first notification and the second notification, respectively, in accordance with the time delay.

Additionally, it is noted that the orders/manners in which the foregoing interactions between the wireless charging apparatus102and the various computing devices120can be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the computing devices120can be configured submit fewer parameters to the wireless charging apparatus102when being placed upon/establishing a communication channel with the wireless charging apparatus102. This can be implemented, for example, to establish a more reactive environment in which the wireless charging apparatus102queries present computing devices120(if any) about whether they are familiar with a new computing device120that is being placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102(e.g., as opposed to the computing devices120notifying the wireless charging apparatus102about known computing devices120when being placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102). In this manner, flexible operating environments can be implemented in which the wireless charging apparatus102/computing devices120can be configured to effectively identify appropriate times at which to coordinate notifications between computing devices120that are known to one another. Moreover, it is noted that the informational components that are communicated between the wireless charging apparatus102and the computing devices120can be transmitted using fewer (or more) messages in comparison to the various examples described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Additionally, it is noted that the embodiments set forth herein do not require computing devices120to be known to one another in order to participate in the coordinated notification schemes described herein. For example, it might be beneficial for a user to place their wearable computing device120—e.g., one that does not have a built-in display device-onto the wireless charging apparatus102, upon which an unrelated (e.g., a friend or family member's) computing device120—e.g., one having a built-in display—and that is placed on the wireless charging apparatus102—assists in displaying relevant information (e.g., a battery status) associated with the wearable computing device120. In this regard, the computing devices120can be configured (e.g., via a settings menu) to participate or ignore coordinated notification events when unknown computing devices120are placed onto the wireless charging apparatus102. It is additionally noted that the embodiments set forth herein can be adapted to include computing devices120that are not necessarily placed on the wireless charging apparatus102as participants in the coordinated notification schemes described herein. For example, the wireless charging apparatus102can be configured to notify nearby computing devices120(e.g., via a direct connection, the Internet, etc.) when other computing devices120are placed onto/removed from the wireless charging apparatus102. This can be beneficial, for example, when a user places their wearable computing device120onto the wireless charging apparatus102, but is holding their smartphone computing device120away from (e.g., above or near) the wireless charging apparatus102. In this regard, the wireless charging apparatus102can provide information to the smartphone computing device120about the wearable computing device120, whereupon the smartphone computing device120can display the information in a coordinated manner.

FIG. 6illustrates a detailed view of a computing device600that can represent the computing devices ofFIG. 1used to implement the various techniques described herein, according to some embodiments. For example, the detailed view illustrates various components that can be included in the computing device102/wireless charging apparatus102described in conjunction withFIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 6, the computing device600can include a processor602that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the computing device600. The computing device600can also include a user input device608that allows a user of the computing device600to interact with the computing device600. For example, the user input device608can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, and so on. Still further, the computing device600can include a display610that can be controlled by the processor602(e.g., via a graphics component) to display information to the user. A data bus616can facilitate data transfer between at least a storage device640, the processor602, and a controller613. The controller613can be used to interface with and control different equipment through an equipment control bus614. The computing device600can also include a network/bus interface611that couples to a data link612. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface611can include a wireless transceiver.

As noted above, the computing device600also includes the storage device640, which can comprise a single disk or a collection of disks (e.g., hard drives). In some embodiments, storage device640can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memory or the like. The computing device600can also include a Random-Access Memory (RAM)620and a Read-Only Memory (ROM)622. The ROM622can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The RAM620can provide volatile data storage, and stores instructions related to the operation of applications executing on the computing device600.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. The described embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, hard disk drives, solid state drives, and optical data storage devices. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.