Determining device, method for determining of transmitting parameter, energy transmitting device and method for wirelessly transmitting energy

According to an embodiment, a determining device for determining a transmission parameter for wirelessly transmitting energy (414) from a sending device (402) to a receiving apparatus (401) is provided, comprising: an authorization checking device which is configured to carry out an authorization (403, 404, 405, 406) in order to determine whether the receiving apparatus is authorized to receive energy from the sending device, a sending/receiving apparatus which is configured to send and receive messages (409, 410, 411) during a message exchange with the receiving apparatus in order to determine the transmission parameter (413); and a parameter determining device which is configured to determine the transmission parameter (413) based on the authorization and based on the message exchange, if the receiving apparatus is authorized to receive energy from the sending device.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a national stage entry according to 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT application No.: PCT/EP2010/051381 filed on Feb. 4, 2010, which claims priority from German application No.: 10 200 007 464.3 filed on Feb. 4, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a determining device for determining a transmitting parameter for wireless transmission of energy, a method for determining a transmitting parameter, an energy transmitting device as well as a method for wirelessly transmission of energy.

BACKGROUND

In order to energize an electronic device, energy may be transmitted wirelessly, for example using electromagnetic waves, to the electronic device. However, since providing of energy causes costs, it is desirable to control who receives transmitted energy.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment, a determining device for determining a transmission parameter for wirelessly transmitting energy from a sending device to a receiving apparatus (for example an electronic apparatus) is provided, which includes: an authorization checking device configured to carry out an authorization in order to determine whether a receiving apparatus is allowed to receive energy from the sending device; a sending/receiving apparatus which is configured to send and receive messages when exchanging messages with the receiving apparatus in order to determine the transmission parameter; and a parameter determining device which is configured to determine the transmission parameter based on the authorization and based on the message exchange if the receiving apparatus is allowed to receive energy from the sending device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Electrical energy is often transmitted wirelessly, for example using induction. Transmitting energy using induction is done using a sender coil in which a varying magnetic field is generated which induces an electric current in a receiving coil. The energy may thus be transmitted over relatively small distances, typically in the range of centimeters.

Further, electric energy may be transmitted via electromagnetic waves. In this approach, electromagnetic waves are radiated from a sending antenna which is provided with an oscillating voltage. A further antenna receives the electromagnetic waves and converts them into an electric current. Using this technology, the energy may be transmitted over comparatively large distances, typically in the range of kilometers. Further, it is possible to radiate electromagnetic waves in particular directions in a concentrated manner using directional antennas or several antennas which are controlled in a suitable manner.

Electric energy may also be transmitted using laser radiation. In this technology, electrical energy is converted into spatially strongly focused light which is also strongly focused regarding the frequency using a laser. The light beam is received using a light converter and is converted into an electrical current. The transmission using laser radiation may be interpreted as a special case of a transmitting strong directional electromagnetic waves.

If resonating receivers are used, electrical energy may be transmitted if electromagnetic waves are used efficiently over mid range distances like in the range of meters. In this example, electromagnetic fields of a particular form/shape are generated which propagate only over a limited distance. Here, the electromagnetic waves are radiated into all directions. A receiving oscillating circuit substantially receives/takes energy only from electromagnetic waves which correspond to its eigen-frequency. Objects having an eigen-frequency which does not correspond to the frequency of the radiated waves do not receive energy or receive only little energy from the electromagnetic field and therefore do not disturb the electromagnetic field.

The propagation of electromagnetic waves is typically disturbed by objects located in the proximity. The electromagnetic waves may be changed using diffraction, refraction and reflection. Signals may be sent using electromagnetic waves such that disturbances are taken into account. The disturbances may be taken into account such that a resulting receiving signal which is received by a receiving apparatus is optimum for this receiver.

In the following, “optimum” or an “optimum configuration” for example of a signal, for example a configuration is understood which is optimum regarding a predetermined optimum criteria (which for example bases on a transmission model for an electromagnetic wave), in other words, which represents an optimum solution of an optimization problem corresponding to the optimization criteria. “Optimum” may be, however, in other embodiments, a “very good” solution, i.e. a configuration which fulfils the predetermined optimum criteria very good, for example, which deviates from the optimum criteria (regarding a predetermined measuring unit) only within a predetermined tolerance range.

Electromagnetic waves may also be radiated by a plurality of antennas such that they are received from a particular receiving apparatus in an optimum manner.

Typically, when radiating electrical energy using electromagnetic waves, when the electromagnetic waves are radiated undirectionally, the energy transmission is not efficient. When directionally transmitting electromagnetic waves in order to transfer energy, the case may occur that the electromagnetic waves are disturbed by objects located along the transmission direction. Thus, the efficiency of the energy transmission may be significantly reduced.

Further, when radiating wirelessly energy, there may occur the case that the energy is received by undesired receivers to which the energy actually should not be transmitted, i.e. receiver may receive energy which should not receive energy (from the viewpoint of the provider of the transmitted energy).

One idea which underlies embodiments may be seen in that the electromagnetic field which is formed from an energy sender, for example from an energy supply device, is formed spatially and temporarily such that a selected receiver receives the energy in an optimum manner. The generated electromagnetic field can be formed such that undesired (non selected) receiver receive little energy via the generated electromagnetic field as possible. The electromagnetic field may for example be selected in dependence on the transmission characteristics of energy signals, i.e. of signals which are for example (very) suitable for transmitting energy from the energy sender to be energy receiver. The transmission characteristics, for example transmission parameter, can be determined (e.g. measured) by the energy sender or by the receiver using test signals which are for example transmitted between the energy sender and the receiver. The used test signals may for example be negotiated between the energy sender and the receiver.

According to an embodiment, the negotiation of test signals for determining a transmission characteristic of energy signals between the energy sender and the energy receiver is carried out when authorizing the receiver, for example when authorizing in the receiver at the energy sender or at an authorization device coupled to the energy sender.

According to embodiments, electrical energy may be transmitted over mid range distances efficiently. In addition, it can be avoided that the energy transmission is disturbed by objects located within the transmission path. According to embodiments, it is possible that an undesired receiver, for example a receiver which is not allowed to receive energy from the energy sender, or to which no energy from the energy sender should be transferred, receives as little energy as possible. A desired energy receiver, for example a receiver which is allowed to receive energy from the energy sender, can be determined using for example an authorization.

According to an embodiment, a determining device for determining one or several transmission parameter(s) for wirelessly transmitting energy from a sending device to a receiving apparatus is provided. An example of such a determining device is illustrated inFIG. 1.

FIG. 1shows a determining device100according to an embodiment.

The determining device100includes an authorization checking device101which is configured to carry out an authorization in order to determine whether the receiving apparatus is authorized to receive energy from the sending device.

The determining device100further includes a sending/receiving apparatus102which is configured to send and receive messages when exchanging messages with the receiving apparatus in order to determine the transmission parameter(s).

The determining device100further includes a parameter determining device103which is configured to determine the transmission parameter(s) based on the authorization and based on the message exchange if the receiving apparatus is authorized to receive energy from the sending device.

The determining device does not have to be provided within a apparatus, but may also be distributed over several apparatuses. For example, the parameter determining device may be provided within the energy receiver, for example a mobile apparatus, for example a mobile phone, for example a mobile wireless phone, and the authorization device may be provided within the energy sender, for example a stationary energy supplying device. Thus, “device” may be understood as an arrangement distributed over several apparatuses or arrangements.

According to an embodiment, an energy transferring device is provided, as shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 2shows an energy transmission device200for transmitting of energy wirelessly to a receiving apparatus.

The energy transmission device200includes a sending device201configured to radiate energy.

The energy transmission device200shows a receiving apparatus202which is configured to receive a message from the receiving apparatus out of which the amount of energy which has been provided to the receiving apparatus via the radiated energy can be determined.

The energy transmission device200further includes a comparing device203which is configured to compare the amount of radiated energy with the amount of energy supplied to the receiving apparatus.

A controlling device204of the energy transmission device200is configured to control the sending device201to further radiate energy to the receiving apparatus based on the comparison.

Within the scope of this description, the terms “coupled” or “connected” may respectively mean directly coupled/connected or indirectly coupled/connected.

A memory which is used in the embodiments may for example be a volatile memory, for example a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or a non-volatile memory, for example a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) memory, a EPROM (Erasable PROM) memory, a EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM) or a flash memory, for example a floating gate memory, a charge trapping memory, a MRAM (Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory) memory or a PCRAM (Phase Change Random Access Memory) memory.

The term “device” may for example be a circuit or a plurality of circuits which may be located in different apparatuses.

According to an embodiment, “circuit” may be understood as any unit which interprets logic, and which may be hardware, software, firmware or any combination thereof. Thus, “circuit” may be understood, according to one embodiment, as a hard wired logic circuit, or as a programmable logic circuit, for example a programmable processor, for example a microprocessor (for example a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) processor or a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor. The term “circuit” may also mean a software implemented on a processor, or a software carried out by a processor, for example a computer program, for example a computer program written in program code for a virtual machine like a Java computer program. The term “circuit” may, according to one embodiment, mean each kind of implementation of the functionality which is described in the following description.

FIG. 3shows a communication arrangement300according to an embodiment.

A communication arrangement300includes a receiver, here a mobile phone301and an energy supply device302, which in the following may also be named as energy sender, sender, or energy sender station. The mobile phone301includes a first sending/receiving apparatus303, and the energy supply device302includes a second sending/receiving apparatus304. Via the sending/receiving apparatuses303,304the mobile phone301and the energy supply device302can communicate, for example wirelessly, for example using one of the communication technologies Bluetooth, WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or for example using a mobile communication technology, for example GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System), FOMA (Freedom of Mobile Access) or CDMA2000 (CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access). The sending/receiving apparatuss303,304may also be configured to communicate wire based or cable based.

The mobile phone301includes an energy receiving apparatus305. The energy supply device302includes in this example a plurality of energy sending devices306,307,308, via which the energy supply device302may radiate energy, for example using electromagnetic waves, which can be received by the mobile phone301using the energy receiving apparatus305.

For example, the user of the mobile phone301may not want to load the mobile phone301in a stationary manner, for example by using of a power supply pack which is coupled to the mobile phone301and to a power point in order to remain reachable via his mobile phone301, but may want to supply the mobile phone301with energy using the energy receiving apparatus305which may for example be realized as coil or antenna. The energy supplying station302may for example be operated by the user in his apartment. If the mobile phone301has to be supplied with energy from the energy supply station302, for example because the accumulator of the mobile phone301has to be charged, the mobile phone301initiates a communication connection, for example via Bluetooth, between the first sending/receiving apparatus303to the second sending/receiving apparatus304of the energy supply device302. Via the thus generated communication connection, the mobile phone301will for example firstly be authorized at the energy supply device302. For example, the energy supply device302determines whether the mobile phone301is authorized to receive energy from the energy supplying station302and that the mobile phone301is authorized to request that the energy supplying device302transmits energy to the mobile phone301.

The authorization of the mobile phone301at the energy supply device302may be carried out automatically using authorization information stored within the mobile phone301, or for example by requesting of necessary authorization information from the user of the mobile phone301. For example, the user301may be requested to enter a password or a secret number code via which the energy supply device302may determine whether the user, and thus his mobile phone301is authorized to receive energy from the energy supply device302.

In this example, a test signal, for example a training sequence, and a frequency or a frequency range is assigned to the mobile phone301as soon as it has been authorized by the energy supply device302. The test signal and the assigned frequency or the assigned frequency range can be indicated to the mobile phone301by the energy supply device302for example using a respective identifier.

The preceding and also the further flow is indicated inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4shows a news flowchart diagram400according to an embodiment.

The news flow indicated takes place between a mobile phone401, for example the mobile phone301of the communication device300, and an energy supply device402, for example the energy supply device302of the communication arrangement300as indicated inFIG. 3.

In this example, the authorization of the mobile phone401at the energy supply device402is carried out using the transmission of a challenge message403at404from the energy supply device406to the mobile phone401. In order to be successfully authorized, the mobile phone401has to answer to the challenge message403in the right way, for example, by transmitting a particular authorization information, for example a password. At405, the mobile phone401transmits correspondingly an answer message406to the energy supply device402. It is assumed that the answer message406meets the requirements of an authorization, and correspondingly, at408, the mobile phone401is authorized by the energy supply device402, for example by using an authorization checking device of the energy supply device402.

In the case in which the answer message406does not meet the requirements of an authorization, the mobile phone401is for example not authorized at the energy supply device402. The flow is terminated in this case, or the mobile phone401again is given a chance to transmit a corrected answer message406as an answer to the challenge message403. If the mobile phone401is not authorized, the energy supply device402for example regards it as undesired receiver which is not authorized to receive energy from the energy supply device402.

At409, the training sequence and may be the frequency or the frequency range assigned to the mobile phone401are indicated to the mobile phone401using a corresponding signaling message410.

At411, the mobile phone401sends the assigned test signal using the energy receiving apparatus305(for example a receiving coil or a receiving antenna) to the energy supply device402, for example by using the assigned frequency or the assigned frequency range. The energy supply device402receives the radiated test signal, for example using the energy sending devices306,307,308.

At412, the energy supply device402determines, for example using a determining device provided for this purpose, transmission characteristics of the transmission between the energy receiving apparatus305and the energy sending devices306,307,308based on the received training sequence411. For example, the energy supply device402estimates the pulse responses of the transmission channels between the energy receiving element305of the mobile phone401and the energy sending devices (or the energy sending elements)306,307,308of the energy supply device402). For example, for each energy sending device306,307,308of the energy supply device302, an estimation of the corresponding channel pulse response of the transmission channel between the energy receiving apparatus305and the corresponding energy sending element306,307,308is carried out.

Based on the determined transmission characteristics, the energy supply device402determines at413transmission parameter(s) for the transmission of energy from the energy supply device402to the mobile phone401. For example, the determined transmission parameter(s) define the signal form for energy signals which are sent by one or several of the energy sending devices306,307,308for transmission of energy to the mobile phone401from the energy supply device402.

At414, the energy supply device402transmits energy to the mobile phone401according to the determined transmission parameter, for example by using of energy signals which are formed depending on estimated impulse responses of the transmission channel(s) between the energy receiving element (energy receiving apparatus)305and the energy sending devices306,307,308. The energy signals are for example formed such that the energy transmission is optimum or as good as possible regarding the determined transmission characteristics (for example based on a predetermined transmission model). Additionally or alternatively, if the energy supply device302transmits energy to the mobile phone301, the mobile phone301may report back how much energy has been received by the energy supplying device302, and the energy supply device302carries out the further radiating of energy to the mobile phone301based on this information, for example based on a comparison of the radiated energy with the energy received by the mobile phone301. A corresponding flow according to this embodiment is shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 5shows a message flow diagram500according to one embodiment.

The illustrated message flow takes place between a mobile phone501, which for example corresponds to the mobile phone301of the communication arrangement300, and an energy supply device502which for example corresponds to the energy supply device302of the communication arrangement300.

At503, the energy supply device502transmits energy to the mobile phone501.

At504the mobile phone501transmits a report message505using the sending/receiving apparatus305, for example, using Bluetooth, to the energy supply device502, via which it is indicated to the energy supply device502how much energy the mobile phone501has received or receives from the energy supply device502.

At506, the energy supply device502compares the radiated energy with the energy received by the mobile phone501.

Based on this comparison, for example the further energy transmission to the mobile phone501is carried out. For example, the energy supply device502calculates in507if the transmission efficiency is too low, for example if a ratio of the energy received by the mobile phone501to the energy radiated by the energy supply device502is very low, for example is below a predetermined threshold value, other energy sending signals, for example energy sending signals with a different form compared to the form of the energy sending signal is used for transmission of energy at503which also are optimized for the energy transmission, for example according to determined transmission characteristics between the mobile phone and the energy supply device502.

For example, several solutions exist for an optimization of the energy sending signals and, if the transmission efficiency is low, a different solution as the solution used up to this point for energy transmission is used. This alternative energy signals are possibly better for energy transmission to the mobile phone501in a way that the energy transmission is more efficient, since for example undesired receiver of the energy using the alternative sending signals receive less energy than using the sending signals used before.

At508, energy is transmitted from the energy supply device502to the mobile phone501using the possibly new selected energy sending signals.

Further, the energy supplying device502may request the mobile phone501to transmit the test signal to the energy supply device502again if the energy supply device502is not able to determine alternative energy sending signals which are optimum or sufficiently efficient. The energy supply device502may in this case determine the transmission characteristics of the transmission between the mobile phone and the energy supply device502again. For example, the energy supplying device502may determine new transmission parameters if the estimated transmission characteristics (for example estimated pulse responses) are different (have changed) compared to previously determined transmission characteristics (for example, estimation of pulse responses). For example, the energy supply device502determines new energy sending signals (optimum for the energy transmission) and sends them.

If, during a repeated determination of the transmission characteristics the transmission characteristics have not changed since the last determination of the transmission characteristics, and if the efficiency of the energy supply device is too low, for example if the ratio of received energy to radiated energy lies below a predetermined threshold value, according to an embodiment, the energy transmission may be terminated, and the energy supply device502may communicate this to the mobile phone501. The mobile phone501may for example request the user of the mobile phone501to change his location, thereby changing the location of the mobile phone501.

In the following, a flowchart for energy transmission from the energy supply device502to the mobile device501referring toFIG. 6will be given.

The flowchart starts at601.

At602, the energy supply device302determines transmission characteristics of at least one communication channel which may be used to transfer energy between the energy by device302and the mobile phone301.

At603, the energy supply device302determines energy sending signals for transmitting energy to the mobile phone301based on the results of602.

At604, the energy supply device302sends out the determined (calculated) energy sending signals.

At605, the energy supply device302receives from the mobile phone301the information how much energy of the radiated energy could be received by the mobile phone301.

At606, the energy supply device302determines whether the ratio of the amount of energy which has been received by the mobile phone302to the amount of energy which has been radiated from the energy supply device302in order to supply the mobile phone301lies above a predetermined threshold value. If this is the case, at604it is continued with the sending of the energy sending signals determined.

If this is not the case, it will be checked at607whether alternative energy sending signals, for example energy sending signals, also (like the energy signals used at604) ensure, based on the determined transmission characteristics, optimum energy transmission (referring to the determined transmission characteristics).

If this is the case, the flowchart returns to603, and the alternative energy sending signals are calculated.

If this is not the case, the transmission characteristics of the transmission between the mobile phone301and the energy supply device are determined in an analogue manner with respect to602at608. At609, it is proven whether the transmission characteristics have been changed. If this is the case, the flowchart returns to603. If this is not the case, the mobile phone301is informed at610that no energy transmission is carried out at this time, and the flowchart is terminated at611.

The energy supplying device302may further communicate to the mobile phone301at which point of time the mobile phone301(repeatedly) should transmit the test signal to the energy supplying device302, for example it can be communicated that the mobile phone301should repeat the transmission of the test signal periodically. At these points of time the energy supplying device302estimates the transmission characteristics of the transmission channel(s) between the mobile phone301and the energy supplying device302(again). If the transmission characteristics have been changed, the energy supply device302may determine optimized energy sending signals, and may transmit energy using these energy sending signals to the mobile phone301. This approach can be in particular adopted if the energy transmission has been temporarily interrupted due to the low transmission efficiency.

The determination of the energy sending signals to be used, i.e. generally of the transmission parameters to be used for the transmission of energy from the energy supplying device302to the mobile phone301may be carried out depending on the determined transmission characteristics in different ways. For example, the energy sending signals may be adopted with respect to their frequency (or with respect to their frequency range), their phase and their signal basic form.

For example, the energy sending signals which are radiated from different energy sending devices306,307,308may be delayed using phase adaptations such that the main components of the energy signals which are transmitted between the energy sending devices306,307,308and the mobile phone301using the transmission channels constructively interfere, i.e. constructive superposition of energy sending signals sent by the different energy sending devices306,307,308at the energy receiving apparatus305occurs.

For example particular spatial areas will be provided with a lot of energy when radiating signals using different antennas, whereas other areas will be provided with little or no energy.

The more sending elements (energy sending devices)306,307,308are used in order to radiate the energy to be transferred, the more detailed the optimum energy transferring can be influenced, i.e. the more exactly the spatial areas may be defined which are supplied best with energy. Thus, for example, using several or a plurality of sending elements306,307,308, several spatial areas (locations) having optimum energy transmission, and several locations having minimal energy transmission, may be defined.

Thus, for example, at particular locations in an apartment of the user, a high energy transferring efficiency may be achieved, whereas at particular locations of a neighboring apartment, a very little energy transferring efficiency may be achieved.

This may be desirable, if it should be avoided that a user in a neighboring apartment receives energy with a receiver from the energy supplying device302.

According to an embodiment, the energy transmission does not need authorization. This may for example be useful if the energy is provided independently from the user, for example in a hotel.

In addition, according to an embodiment, the energy supply device302may not send energy sending signals if presently no receiver is authorized at the energy supplying device302for receiving of energy.

Embodiments may also be used for energy transmission systems for which resonance reception of transmitted energy is used. Here, different resonance frequencies may be distributed for different (eventually authorized) receiver. For example, the energy supplying device302may communicate to a receiver a resonance frequency assigned to the receiver, for example during an authorization of the receiver. In this scenario, the parameter determining device may be interpreted as the unit in the energy receiver which receives the assigned resonance frequency (in this case the transmission parameter(s) to be determined), thereby determining it during a message exchange. In this embodiment, the authorization device would be located in the energy sender. Thus, this is an example for the case that the authorization device and the parameter determining device may be located within different apparatuses, respectively.

According to an embodiment, the same transmission technology as used for transmitting energy from the energy sender to the energy receiver is used for negotiating (for example for negotiating of a so-called test signal) between a receiver, (for example, the mobile301) and the energy sender (for example, the energy supplying device302), and perhaps for authorizing the energy receiver at the energy sender. As an alternative to the negotiation of one or several test signals and other parameters to be used, according to one embodiment, one or more test signals and parameters may be assigned in a fixed manner to an energy receiver, for example to a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card of a mobile participating apparatus.

In addition thereto, according to an embodiment, the energy receiver (for example the mobile phone301) may comprise several energy receiving apparatuss305, for example coils or antennas, wherein these are used for receiving of transmitted energy.

The sending/receiving apparatuss303,304of the energy receiver and the energy sender302may be embodied differently.

Also, the energy sending devices306,307,308may differ from each other and may differ from the energy receiving apparatus(s)305(at least partly).

The determination of the transmission characteristics of one or several transmission channels between the energy sender and the energy receiver which are used for energy transmission, may be repeated, for example periodically.

According to an embodiment, the energy sending signals are formed such that the transmitted energy is minimal at particular predetermined locations within the space. Thus, the energy transmission to undesired user (undesired receiver) may be selectively suppressed. For example, the energy sending signals may be formed such (more generally: the transmission parameter(s) may be chosen such that) no or little energy may be received at locations outside of a predetermined user area (for example the regular user area), for example within a neighboring apartment of the user.

Further, according to an embodiment, the energy sending signal used for energy transmission may be negotiated between the energy sender and the energy receiver. For example, the modulation of the energy sending signal may be negotiated between the energy sender (for example the energy supplying device302), and the energy receiver (for example the mobile phone301). For example, pseudo random sequences may be negotiated as modulation sequence.

The authorization of an energy receiver at the energy sender may be coupled to a payment process. This may for example be provided in energy supplying devices of mobile electrical apparatuses at public places.

Embodiments may not only used for energy supply, but also for information transmission, for example between the energy sender and the energy receiver.

According to an embodiment, not the energy supply device302or not the energy supply device302alone determines the transmission characteristics, but the energy receiver, for example the mobile phone301. For example, the energy sender may communicate to the energy receiver which test signal or which test signals are radiated from the energy sender. The energy sender uses this test signals or these test signals via the energy sending devices306,307,308. Different test signals may be sent from different energy sending devices306,307,308. The energy receiver receives the sent-out test signals or the sent-out test signal and determines, based thereon, transmission characteristics of the energy transmission of the energy sender to the energy receiver.

The estimated transmission characteristics or transmission parameters determined by the energy receiver (for example from a parameter determination device of the energy receiver) based on the estimated transmission characteristics, are communicated from the energy receiver to the energy sender, for example using Bluetooth.

In order to avoid that an energy receiver which is not authorized to receive energy from the energy sender transmits transmission parameters or estimated transmission characteristics to the energy sender which for an energy transmission to the energy receiver would be optimum or from which a very efficient energy transfer to the non-authorized energy receiver would result, the message exchange between the energy receiver and the energy sender may be carried out encrypted after authorization of the energy receiver at the energy sender has been carried out.

An example for such a measure is shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 7shows a message flowchart diagram700according to an embodiment.

The message flow shown takes place between an energy receiver701and an energy sender702, for example an energy supply device.

The energy receiver701is for example a portable electronic apparatus, for example an electronic communication apparatus like a cellular phone participant apparatus or a portable telephone.

At703, an authorization of the energy receiver701at the energy sender702is carried out. This may for example be done, as indicated inFIG. 4, by using a challenge message403and a corresponding response message406.

In this example, it is assumed that the energy sender702determines the transmission characteristics.

During the authorization at703, it is possible in this context to negotiate one or several keys between the energy receiver701and the energy sender702in order to encrypt the message exchange during the determination of the transmission characteristics, for example a symmetrical key or one or several pairs of public key and private key.

For example, the sender702communicates at704to the energy receiver701in an encrypted manner which test signal the energy receiver701should transmit to the energy sender702in order to estimate the transmission characteristics. The test signal to be used, for example a pseudo random sequence may be explicitly indicated in a message705, or also be identified using an identification, for example an index of an entry of a list of test signals.

Since the message705is encrypted, an energy receiver which is not authorized for receiving of energy, cannot determine which test signal is to be transmitted in order to transmit the transmission characteristics to the energy sender702.

Thus, the non-authorized energy receiver could only transmit a false test signal to the energy sender702, which would however yield to an estimation of transmission characteristics, since the energy sender702expects a different test signal, from which transmission parameter would result which (with a high probability) would yield to an energy transfer with low efficiency to the non-authorized energy receiver.

At706, the (authorized) energy receiver701transmits the test signal indicated by the message705(or transmits also several test signals which have been indicated using the message705) to the energy sender702.

At707, the energy sender702estimates the transmission characteristics and determines the transmission parameter based on this estimation.

At708, the energy sender702transmits energy to the energy receiver701based on the particular transmission parameters, for example using a calculated signal form.

A further example for an encrypted message exchange (or at least a partially encrypted message exchange) for estimation of the transmission characteristics is illustrated inFIG. 8, wherein in this example the energy receiver carries out the estimation of the transmission characteristics.

FIG. 8shows a message flowchart diagram800according to an embodiment.

The message flow indicated inFIG. 8takes place between an energy receiver801, for example the mobile phone301, and an energy sender802, for example the energy supply device302.

At803, the energy receiver801authorizes itself at the energy sender802, for example using a challenge response message pair, as shown with reference toFIG. 4.

For example, during the authorization at803, one or several keys are negotiated in an analog manner to the authorization at703, which has been explained making reference toFIG. 7.

At804, the energy receiver801and the energy sender802negotiate a test signal (or several test signals) to be used for the estimation of the transmission characteristics. This may be done encrypted, for example by indicating via the energy sender802or also by indicating via the energy receiver801which test signal should be used for estimating the transmission characteristics.

At805, the energy sender802sends the negotiated test signal (or the negotiated test signals) to the energy receiver801.

At806, the energy receiver801determines, based on the transmitted test signal (or the transmitted test signals) the transmission characteristics of a transmission from the energy sender to the energy receiver801.

At807, the energy receiver801transmits the determined transmission characteristics to the energy sender802using an encrypted message808. As an alternative, the energy receiver801may determine transmission parameters for an energy transmission to the energy sender802to the energy receiver801from the transmission characteristics which it has determined, and transmit these using the encrypted message808to the energy sender802.

At809, the energy sender802sends energy to the energy receiver801according to transmission parameters determined based on the transmission characteristics.

According to an embodiment, the transmission characteristics or the transmission parameters may be transmitted from the energy receiver801to the energy sender802using a message signed (signature) by the energy receiver801such that the energy sender802can make sure that the transmission parameter or the transmission characteristics are transmitted from an energy receiver which is authorized for receiving energy from the energy sender802.

Various embodiments provide an efficient way for wirelessly transmitting energy to a selected receiver.

According to an embodiment, a determining device for determining a transmission parameter for wirelessly transmitting energy from a sending device to a receiving apparatus (for example an electronic apparatus) is provided, which comprises: an authorization checking device configured to carry out an authorization in order to determine whether a receiving apparatus is allowed to receive energy from the sending device; a sending/receiving apparatus which is configured to send and receive messages when exchanging messages with the receiving apparatus in order to determine the transmission parameter; and a parameter determining device which is configured to determine the transmission parameter based on the authorization and based on the message exchange if the receiving apparatus is allowed to receive energy from the sending device.

According to an embodiment, the determination of the transmission parameter for the energy transfer to a receiving apparatus is coupled to the authorization of the receiving apparatus, for example to an authorization at the sending device. According to an embodiment, it can be in particular avoided that an undesired receiver to which no energy should be transferred from the viewpoint of the operator of the sending device, can manipulate the transmission parameters used by the sending device in a way that energy can be efficiently transmitted to the undesired receiver.

The determination of the transmission parameter based on the authorization may for example include that an exchanged message is encrypted according to an encryption scheme negotiated at the authorization, or according to one or more keys negotiated at the authorization. The determining of the transmitting parameter based on the authorization may also include that a message individually selected for the authorized receiving apparatus, for example an individual test message, is selected for the receiving apparatus. Moreover, the determining of the transmission parameter based on the authorization may also include that the transmission parameter is only determined if an authorized receiving apparatus exists.

According to an embodiment, the transmission parameter is determined based on the transmission of a test message from the receiving apparatus to the sending device, or from the sending device to the receiving apparatus.

The determining device may further include a selection device configured to select the test message.

The test message may be individually selected for the receiving apparatus.

According to an embodiment the transmission parameter indicates a property of an energy signal via which energy is transmitted from the sending device to the receiving apparatus.

The parameter determining device may be configured to determine the transmission parameter in a way that the energy signal fulfils a predetermined optimum criteria.

The optimum criteria may for example be a criteria regarding the transmission efficiency to be expected using the energy signal. The transmission efficiency to be expected may for example be determined based on a transmission model, the respective transmission parameter, and the determined transmission characteristics.

The authorization may for example be carried out based on an authorization message sent from the receiving apparatus to the authorization checking device.

According to an embodiment, the parameter determining device is positioned within the sending device.

According to an embodiment, the parameter determining device is positioned within the receiving apparatus.

The receiving apparatus may for example be a mobile receiving apparatus, for example an electronic communication apparatus.

According to an embodiment, the determining device is configured to determine the transmission parameter if a ration between the amount of energy radiated from the sending device and the amount of energy which is provided to the receiving apparatus through the radiated energy lies above a predetermined threshold value.

According to an embodiment, an energy supply device including a determining device as described above, is provided.

According to an embodiment, a method for determining of a transmission parameter usable for wirelessly transmitting energy from a sending device to a receiving apparatus is provided, which includes: carrying out of a authorization in order to determine whether the receiving apparatus is authorized to receive energy from the sending device; sending and receiving of messages when exchanging messages with the receiving apparatus in order to determine the transmission parameter; and determining of the transmission parameter based on the authorization, and based on the message exchange, if the receiving apparatus is authorized to receive energy from the sending device.

According to an embodiment, an energy transmitting device for wirelessly transmitting energy to a receiving apparatus is provided, including: a sending device which is configured to radiate energy; a receiving apparatus which is configured to receive a message from the receiving apparatus, from which the amount of energy which has been provided to the receiving apparatus through the radiated energy can be determined; a comparison device which is configured to compare the amount of radiated energy with the amount of energy provided to the receiving apparatus; and a controlling device which is configured to control, based on the comparison, the sending device to further radiate energy to the receiving apparatus.

According to an embodiment, it is determined how large the part of the energy which is received by the receiving apparatus is, compared to the (whole) radiated energy. If this part is low, for example if the ratio of received energy to radiated energy lies below a predetermined threshold value, it can be assumed that an undesired receiver receives a part of the radiated energy, or could receive this part of the radiated energy. In this case, the transmission parameters of the transmission could be changed, for example a different energy signal could be used for transmission which may differ from the energy signal used before for example in phase or in the used frequency range.

The comparison device may for example be configured to determine the ratio of the amount of energy radiated from the sending device to the amount of energy provided to the receiving apparatus through the radiated energy.

The controlling device may for example be configured to control a determining device for determining of a transmission parameter for transmitting energy, if the ratio of the amount of energy radiated from the sending device to the amount of energy which is provided to the receiving apparatus through the radiated energy lies above a predetermined threshold value.

The controlling device may for example be configured to interrupt the radiating of energy to the receiving apparatus if no transmission parameters can be determined for which a lower ratio of the amount of energy radiated from the sending device to the amount of energy which is provided to the receiving apparatus through the radiated energy is to be expected than the determined ratio.

According to an embodiment the controlling device is configured to control the determining device at a later point of time to determine a transmission parameter for the transmission of energy, if the radiation of the energy is interrupted.

The receiving apparatus may for example be a mobile electronic apparatus.