Patent Publication Number: US-2011057891-A1

Title: Wireless power display device

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to: 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/241,327 entitled “WIRELESS POWER ENABLED MULTI-TOUCH TABLE” filed on Sep. 10, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/241,332 entitled “WIRELESS POWER ENABLED MULTI-TOUCH TABLE” filed on Sep. 10, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; and 
     U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/241,335 entitled “WIRELESS POWER ENABLED MULTI-TOUCH TABLE” filed on Sep. 10, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The present invention relates generally to wireless power, and more specifically to a display device configured to display data, convey wireless power, and communicate via near-field communication means. 
     2. Background 
     Typically, each battery powered device requires its own charger and power source, which is usually an AC power outlet. This becomes unwieldy when many devices need charging. 
     Approaches are being developed that use over the air power transmission between a transmitter and the device to be charged. These generally fall into two categories. One is based on the coupling of plane wave radiation (also called far-field radiation) between a transmit antenna and receive antenna on the device to be charged which collects the radiated power and rectifies it for charging the battery. Antennas are generally of resonant length in order to improve the coupling efficiency. This approach suffers from the fact that the power coupling falls off quickly with distance between the antennas. So charging over reasonable distances (e.g., &gt;1-2m) becomes difficult. Additionally, since the system radiates plane waves, unintentional radiation can interfere with other systems if not properly controlled through filtering. 
     Other approaches are based on inductive coupling between a transmit antenna embedded, for example, in a “charging” mat or surface and a receive antenna plus rectifying circuit embedded in the host device to be charged. This approach has the disadvantage that the spacing between transmit and receive antennas must be very close (e.g. mms). Though this approach does have the capability to simultaneously charge multiple devices in the same area, this area is typically small, hence the user must locate the devices to a specific area. 
     A need exists for a display device configured to display data and having a wireless charging system integrated therein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a simplified block diagram of a wireless power transfer system. 
         FIG. 2  shows a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic diagram of a loop antenna for use in exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a simplified block diagram of a transmitter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified block diagram of a receiver, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a simplified schematic of a portion of transmit circuitry for carrying out messaging between a transmitter and a receiver. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a display device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is another illustration of the display device of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a portion of a display of a display device having an electronic device positioned thereon, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a display of a display device having an electronic device positioned thereon and a plurality of display items, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is another illustration of a portion of a display of a display device having an electronic device positioned thereon and a plurality of display items, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a portion of a display of a display device having plurality of items displayed thereon, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a portion of a display of a display device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a portion of a display of a display device having plurality of items displayed thereon, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a plate positioned on a surface of a display device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cup positioned on a surface of a display device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating a method, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the novelty of the exemplary embodiments presented herein. 
     The words “wireless power” is used herein to mean any form of energy associated with electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetic fields, or otherwise that is transmitted between from a transmitter to a receiver without the use of physical electromagnetic conductors. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless transmission or charging system  100 , in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Input power  102  is provided to a transmitter  104  for generating a radiated field  106  for providing energy transfer. A receiver  108  couples to the radiated field  106  and generates an output power  110  for storing or consumption by a device (not shown) coupled to the output power  110 . Both the transmitter  104  and the receiver  108  are separated by a distance  112 . In one exemplary embodiment, transmitter  104  and receiver  108  are configured according to a mutual resonant relationship and when the resonant frequency of receiver  108  and the resonant frequency of transmitter  104  are very close, transmission losses between the transmitter  104  and the receiver  108  are minimal when the receiver  108  is located in the “near-field” of the radiated field  106 . 
     Transmitter  104  further includes a transmit antenna  114  for providing a means for energy transmission and receiver  108  further includes a receive antenna  118  for providing a means for energy reception. The transmit and receive antennas are sized according to applications and devices to be associated therewith. As stated, an efficient energy transfer occurs by coupling a large portion of the energy in the near-field of the transmitting antenna to a receiving antenna rather than propagating most of the energy in an electromagnetic wave to the far field. When in this near-field a coupling mode may be developed between the transmit antenna  114  and the receive antenna  118 . The area around the antennas  114  and  118  where this near-field coupling may occur is referred to herein as a coupling-mode region. 
       FIG. 2  shows a simplified schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system. 
     The transmitter  104  includes an oscillator  122 , a power amplifier  124  and a filter and matching circuit  126 . The oscillator is configured to generate a signal at a desired frequency, which may be adjusted in response to adjustment signal  123 . The oscillator signal may be amplified by the power amplifier  124  with an amplification amount responsive to control signal  125 . The filter and matching circuit  126  may be included to filter out harmonics or other unwanted frequencies and match the impedance of the transmitter  104  to the transmit antenna  114 . 
     The receiver  108  may include a matching circuit  132  and a rectifier and switching circuit  134  to generate a DC power output to charge a battery  136  as shown in  FIG. 2  or power a device coupled to the receiver (not shown). The matching circuit  132  may be included to match the impedance of the receiver  108  to the receive antenna  118 . The receiver  108  and transmitter  104  may communicate on a separate communication channel  119  (e.g., Bluetooth, zigbee, cellular, etc). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , antennas used in exemplary embodiments may be configured as a “loop” antenna  150 , which may also be referred to herein as a “magnetic” antenna. Loop antennas may be configured to include an air core or a physical core such as a ferrite core. Air core loop antennas may be more tolerable to extraneous physical devices placed in the vicinity of the core. Furthermore, an air core loop antenna allows the placement of other components within the core area. In addition, an air core loop may more readily enable placement of the receive antenna  118  ( FIG. 2 ) within a plane of the transmit antenna  114  ( FIG. 2 ) where the coupled-mode region of the transmit antenna  114  ( FIG. 2 ) may be more powerful. 
     As stated, efficient transfer of energy between the transmitter  104  and receiver  108  occurs during matched or nearly matched resonance between the transmitter  104  and the receiver  108 . However, even when resonance between the transmitter  104  and receiver  108  are not matched, energy may be transferred at a lower efficiency. Transfer of energy occurs by coupling energy from the near-field of the transmitting antenna to the receiving antenna residing in the neighborhood where this near-field is established rather than propagating the energy from the transmitting antenna into free space. 
     The resonant frequency of the loop or magnetic antennas is based on the inductance and capacitance. Inductance in a loop antenna is generally simply the inductance created by the loop, whereas, capacitance is generally added to the loop antenna&#39;s inductance to create a resonant structure at a desired resonant frequency. As a non-limiting example, capacitor  152  and capacitor  154  may be added to the antenna to create a resonant circuit that generates resonant signal  156 . Accordingly, for larger diameter loop antennas, the size of capacitance needed to induce resonance decreases as the diameter or inductance of the loop increases. Furthermore, as the diameter of the loop or magnetic antenna increases, the efficient energy transfer area of the near-field increases. Of course, other resonant circuits are possible. As another non-limiting example, a capacitor may be placed in parallel between the two terminals of the loop antenna. In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that for transmit antennas the resonant signal  156  may be an input to the loop antenna  150 . 
       FIG. 4  is a simplified block diagram of a transmitter  200 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The transmitter  200  includes transmit circuitry  202  and a transmit antenna  204 . Generally, transmit circuitry  202  provides RF power to the transmit antenna  204  by providing an oscillating signal resulting in generation of near-field energy about the transmit antenna  204 . By way of example, transmitter  200  may operate at the 13.56 MHz ISM band. 
     Exemplary transmit circuitry  202  includes a fixed impedance matching circuit  206  for matching the impedance of the transmit circuitry  202  (e.g., 50 ohms) to the transmit antenna  204  and a low pass filter (LPF)  208  configured to reduce harmonic emissions to levels to prevent self-jamming of devices coupled to receivers  108  ( FIG. 1 ). Other exemplary embodiments may include different filter topologies, including but not limited to, notch filters that attenuate specific frequencies while passing others and may include an adaptive impedance match, that can be varied based on measurable transmit metrics, such as output power to the antenna or DC current draw by the power amplifier. Transmit circuitry  202  further includes a power amplifier  210  configured to drive an RF signal as determined by an oscillator  212 . The transmit circuitry may be comprised of discrete devices or circuits, or alternately, may be comprised of an integrated assembly. An exemplary RF power output from transmit antenna  204  may be on the order of 2.5 Watts. 
     Transmit circuitry  202  further includes a controller  214  for enabling the oscillator  212  during transmit phases (or duty cycles) for specific receivers, for adjusting the frequency of the oscillator, and for adjusting the output power level for implementing a communication protocol for interacting with neighboring devices through their attached receivers. 
     The transmit circuitry  202  may further include a load sensing circuit  216  for detecting the presence or absence of active receivers in the vicinity of the near-field generated by transmit antenna  204 . By way of example, a load sensing circuit  216  monitors the current flowing to the power amplifier  210 , which is affected by the presence or absence of active receivers in the vicinity of the near-field generated by transmit antenna  204 . Detection of changes to the loading on the power amplifier  210  are monitored by controller  214  for use in determining whether to enable the oscillator  212  for transmitting energy to communicate with an active receiver. 
     Transmit antenna  204  may be implemented as an antenna strip with the thickness, width and metal type selected to keep resistive losses low. In a conventional implementation, the transmit antenna  204  can generally be configured for association with a larger structure such as a table, mat, lamp or other less portable configuration. Accordingly, the transmit antenna  204  generally will not need “turns” in order to be of a practical dimension. An exemplary implementation of a transmit antenna  204  may be “electrically small” (i.e., fraction of the wavelength) and tuned to resonate at lower usable frequencies by using capacitors to define the resonant frequency. In an exemplary application where the transmit antenna  204  may be larger in diameter, or length of side if a square loop, (e.g., 0.50 meters) relative to the receive antenna, the transmit antenna  204  will not necessarily need a large number of turns to obtain a reasonable capacitance. 
     The transmitter  200  may gather and track information about the whereabouts and status of receiver devices that may be associated with the transmitter  200 . Thus, the transmitter circuitry  202  may include a presence detector  280 , an enclosed detector  290 , or a combination thereof, connected to the controller  214  (also referred to as a processor herein). The controller  214  may adjust an amount of power delivered by the amplifier  210  in response to presence signals from the presence detector  280  and the enclosed detector  290 . The transmitter may receive power through a number of power sources, such as, for example, an AC-DC converter (not shown) to convert conventional AC power present in a building, a DC-DC converter (not shown) to convert a conventional DC power source to a voltage suitable for the transmitter  200 , or directly from a conventional DC power source (not shown). 
     As a non-limiting example, the presence detector  280  may be a motion detector utilized to sense the initial presence of a device to be charged that is inserted into the coverage area of the transmitter. After detection, the transmitter may be turned on and the RF power received by the device may be used to toggle a switch on the Rx device in a pre-determined manner, which in turn results in changes to the driving point impedance of the transmitter. 
     As another non-limiting example, the presence detector  280  may be a detector capable of detecting a human, for example, by infrared detection, motion detection, or other suitable means. In some exemplary embodiments, there may be regulations limiting the amount of power that a transmit antenna may transmit at a specific frequency. In some cases, these regulations are meant to protect humans from electromagnetic radiation. However, there may be environments where transmit antennas are placed in areas not occupied by humans, or occupied infrequently by humans, such as, for example, garages, factory floors, shops, and the like. If these environments are free from humans, it may be permissible to increase the power output of the transmit antennas above the normal power restrictions regulations. In other words, the controller  214  may adjust the power output of the transmit antenna  204  to a regulatory level or lower in response to human presence and adjust the power output of the transmit antenna  204  to a level above the regulatory level when a human is outside a regulatory distance from the electromagnetic field of the transmit antenna  204 . 
     As a non-limiting example, the enclosed detector  290  (may also be referred to herein as an enclosed compartment detector or an enclosed space detector) may be a device such as a sense switch for determining when an enclosure is in a closed or open state. When a transmitter is in an enclosure that is in an enclosed state, a power level of the transmitter may be increased. 
     In exemplary embodiments, a method by which the transmitter  200  does not remain on indefinitely may be used. In this case, the transmitter  200  may be programmed to shut off after a user-determined amount of time. This feature prevents the transmitter  200 , notably the power amplifier  210 , from running long after the wireless devices in its perimeter are fully charged. This event may be due to the failure of the circuit to detect the signal sent from either the repeater or the receive coil that a device is fully charged. To prevent the transmitter  200  from automatically shutting down if another device is placed in its perimeter, the transmitter  200  automatic shut off feature may be activated only after a set period of lack of motion detected in its perimeter. The user may be able to determine the inactivity time interval, and change it as desired. As a non-limiting example, the time interval may be longer than that needed to fully charge a specific type of wireless device under the assumption of the device being initially fully discharged. 
       FIG. 5  is a simplified block diagram of a receiver  300 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The receiver  300  includes receive circuitry  302  and a receive antenna  304 . Receiver  300  further couples to device  350  for providing received power thereto. It should be noted that receiver  300  is illustrated as being external to device  350  but may be integrated into device  350 . Generally, energy is propagated wirelessly to receive antenna  304  and then coupled through receive circuitry  302  to device  350 . 
     Receive antenna  304  is tuned to resonate at the same frequency, or near the same frequency, as transmit antenna  204  ( FIG. 4 ). Receive antenna  304  may be similarly dimensioned with transmit antenna  204  or may be differently sized based upon the dimensions of the associated device  350 . By way of example, device  350  may be a portable electronic device having diametric or length dimension smaller that the diameter of length of transmit antenna  204 . In such an example, receive antenna  304  may be implemented as a multi-turn antenna in order to reduce the capacitance value of a tuning capacitor (not shown) and increase the receive antenna&#39;s impedance. By way of example, receive antenna  304  may be placed around the substantial circumference of device  350  in order to maximize the antenna diameter and reduce the number of loop turns (i.e., windings) of the receive antenna and the inter-winding capacitance. 
     Receive circuitry  302  provides an impedance match to the receive antenna  304 . Receive circuitry  302  includes power conversion circuitry  306  for converting a received RF energy source into charging power for use by device  350 . Power conversion circuitry  306  includes an RF-to-DC converter  308  and may also in include a DC-to-DC converter  310 . RF-to-DC converter  308  rectifies the RF energy signal received at receive antenna  304  into a non-alternating power while DC-to-DC converter  310  converts the rectified RF energy signal into an energy potential (e.g., voltage) that is compatible with device  350 . Various RF-to-DC converters are contemplated, including partial and full rectifiers, regulators, bridges, doublers, as well as linear and switching converters. 
     Receive circuitry  302  may further include switching circuitry  312  for connecting receive antenna  304  to the power conversion circuitry  306  or alternatively for disconnecting the power conversion circuitry  306 . Disconnecting receive antenna  304  from power conversion circuitry  306  not only suspends charging of device  350 , but also changes the “load” as “seen” by the transmitter  200  ( FIG. 2 ). 
     As disclosed above, transmitter  200  includes load sensing circuit  216  which detects fluctuations in the bias current provided to transmitter power amplifier  210 . Accordingly, transmitter  200  has a mechanism for determining when receivers are present in the transmitter&#39;s near-field. 
     When multiple receivers  300  are present in a transmitter&#39;s near-field, it may be desirable to time-multiplex the loading and unloading of one or more receivers to enable other receivers to more efficiently couple to the transmitter. A receiver may also be cloaked in order to eliminate coupling to other nearby receivers or to reduce loading on nearby transmitters. This “unloading” of a receiver is also known herein as a “cloaking.” Furthermore, this switching between unloading and loading controlled by receiver  300  and detected by transmitter  200  provides a communication mechanism from receiver  300  to transmitter  200  as is explained more fully below. Additionally, a protocol can be associated with the switching which enables the sending of a message from receiver  300  to transmitter  200 . By way of example, a switching speed may be on the order of 100 μsec. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, communication between the transmitter and the receiver refers to a device sensing and charging control mechanism, rather than conventional two-way communication. In other words, the transmitter uses on/off keying of the transmitted signal to adjust whether energy is available in the near-filed. The receivers interpret these changes in energy as a message from the transmitter. From the receiver side, the receiver uses tuning and de-tuning of the receive antenna to adjust how much power is being accepted from the near-field. The transmitter can detect this difference in power used from the near-field and interpret these changes as a message from the receiver. 
     Receive circuitry  302  may further include signaling detector and beacon circuitry  314  used to identify received energy fluctuations, which may correspond to informational signaling from the transmitter to the receiver. Furthermore, signaling and beacon circuitry  314  may also be used to detect the transmission of a reduced RF signal energy (i.e., a beacon signal) and to rectify the reduced RF signal energy into a nominal power for awakening either un-powered or power-depleted circuits within receive circuitry  302  in order to configure receive circuitry  302  for wireless charging. 
     Receive circuitry  302  further includes processor  316  for coordinating the processes of receiver  300  described herein including the control of switching circuitry  312  described herein. Cloaking of receiver  300  may also occur upon the occurrence of other events including detection of an external wired charging source (e.g., wall/USB power) providing charging power to device  350 . Processor  316 , in addition to controlling the cloaking of the receiver, may also monitor beacon circuitry  314  to determine a beacon state and extract messages sent from the transmitter. Processor  316  may also adjust DC-to-DC converter  310  for improved performance. 
       FIG. 6  shows a simplified schematic of a portion of transmit circuitry for carrying out messaging between a transmitter and a receiver. In some exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a means for communication may be enabled between the transmitter and the receiver. In  FIG. 6  a power amplifier  210  drives the transmit antenna  204  to generate the radiated field. The power amplifier is driven by a carrier signal  220  that is oscillating at a desired frequency for the transmit antenna  204 . A transmit modulation signal  224  is used to control the output of the power amplifier  210 . 
     The transmit circuitry can send signals to receivers by using an ON/OFF keying process on the power amplifier  210 . In other words, when the transmit modulation signal  224  is asserted, the power amplifier  210  will drive the frequency of the carrier signal  220  out on the transmit antenna  204 . When the transmit modulation signal  224  is negated, the power amplifier will not drive out any frequency on the transmit antenna  204 . 
     The transmit circuitry of  FIG. 6  also includes a load sensing circuit  216  that supplies power to the power amplifier  210  and generates a receive signal  235  output. In the load sensing circuit  216  a voltage drop across resistor R s  develops between the power in signal  226  and the power supply  228  to the power amplifier  210 . Any change in the power consumed by the power amplifier  210  will cause a change in the voltage drop that will be amplified by differential amplifier  230 . When the transmit antenna is in coupled mode with a receive antenna in a receiver (not shown in  FIG. 6 ) the amount of current drawn by the power amplifier  210  will change. In other words, if no coupled mode resonance exist for the transmit antenna  204 , the power required to drive the radiated field will be a first amount. If a coupled mode resonance exists, the amount of power consumed by the power amplifier  210  will go up because much of the power is being coupled into the receive antenna. Thus, the receive signal  235  can indicate the presence of a receive antenna coupled to the transmit antenna  235  and can also detect signals sent from the receive antenna. Additionally, a change in receiver current draw will be observable in the transmitter&#39;s power amplifier current draw, and this change can be used to detect signals from the receive antennas. 
     Various exemplary embodiments as described herein are related to a display device having a wireless charging system integrated therein and configured to visually display data, audibly display data, or both. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display device may comprise a multi-touch display. As a more specific example, the display device may comprise a multi-touch display integrated within a table (e.g., a table within a restaurant or a library). 
     As described more fully below, the display device may be configured to access data stored within an electronic device, which is positioned within an associated near-field region (e.g., a positioned on a surface of the display device). For example, the display device may be configured to access, and possibly retrieve, data (e.g., audio files, data files, or video files) stored on an electronic device positioned within a near-field region. Moreover, as described below, the display device may be configured to display data (e.g., audio files, data files, or video files), which was accessed, and possibly retrieved, from the electronic device. According to one exemplary embodiment, the display device may be configured to display images, videos, graphics, alphanumeric text, or any combination thereof. 
     According to one exemplary embodiment, the display device may be configured to access data stored on one or more electronic devices positioned within a near-field region and which is related to an educational class (e.g., lecture slides, a class syllabus, or a lecture video). Moreover, the display device may be configured to display the accessed data (e.g., the lecture slides, the class syllabus, and/or the lecture video) on a display surface of the device. As another example, the display device may be configured to access data, which is stored on an electronic device and is related to a user. More specifically, as an example, data, related to a user, and stored on the user&#39;s electronic device, may comprise medical conditions (e.g., allergies or dietary constraints), user preferences (e.g., favorite foods, favorite drinks, or favorite sports teams), and the like. Additionally, the display device may be configured to generate and display data, which is customized according to the data related to the user. According to one exemplary embodiment, the display device, which in this embodiment may comprise a restaurant table, may be configured to access data related to a user&#39;s known allergies and food preferences and, in response thereto, may generate a virtual menu having appropriate menu items considering allergies and/or preferences of the user. Stated another way, in the context of a restaurant, display device  700  may be configured to generate and display a personalized food and beverage menu according to the user&#39;s favorite foods, favorite drinks, allergies, and/or dietary constraints. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a display device  700  configured for wireless charging, in accordance with various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Display device  700  may include a display  701 , which may comprise, for example only, a touch sensitive screen. In addition, device  700  may include an antenna  702  configured to wirelessly transmit power within an associated near-field region, transmit data within an associated near-field region, receive data within an associated near-field region, or any combination thereof. It is noted that display device  700  may wirelessly convey power to one or more electronic devices (e.g., mobile telephone  704  and camera  706 ), which are positioned within an associated near-field region, to power the one or more electronic devices, charge the one or more electronic devices, or a combination thereof.  FIG. 8  is another illustration of display device  700  including antenna  702 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , display device  700  may be integrated within a table. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , as configured, display device  700  may detect and authenticate the presence of an electronic device (e.g., mobile telephone  704  and camera  706 ) positioned on a surface  701  thereof. The presence of an electronic device, for example, mobile phone  704  or digital camera  706 , positioned upon surface  701  may be determined by detecting a field disturbance of a magnetic field established between antenna  702  and an antenna (not shown) within the electronic device (e.g., mobile phone  704 ) and configured for receiving wireless power. In addition to detecting the presence of an electronic device, a field disturbance may indicate that an electronic device is ready to receive wireless power, or ready to transmit or receive information. 
     Furthermore, as noted above and, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, display device  700  may be configured to access, and possible retrieve, data from an electronic device (e.g., mobile telephone  704 ) positioned within an associated near-field region. More specifically, as an example, display device  700  may be configured to establish a communication link with mobile telephone  704  and, upon establishing the communication link, may access information (e.g., audio files, data files, or video files) stored on mobile telephone  704 . It is noted that the communication link may be established through any known and suitable manner. For example, the communication link may be established via near-field communication (NFC) means. 
     Additionally, after a data link has been established and data is transferred from the electronic device to device  700 , a user may interact with the data in a user-friendly, multi-touch way, while the electronic device positioned on surface  701  receives a wireless charge. As an example, data transferred from the electronic device may be conveyed (e.g., photographs may be displayed or music may be played) on surface  701  while the electronic device is charging. It is noted that a device user may access and interact with data stored on and electronic device without transferring the data from the electronic device to display device  700 . It is further noted that display device  700  may enable for communication between electronic devices positioned within an associated near-field region. For example, with reference to  FIG. 7 , display device  700  may enable for mobile telephone  704  and camera  706  to exchange data, such as images. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a portion of a display surface  710  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) having an electronic device  712  positioned within an associated near-field region. As noted above, display device  700  may be configured to display data relating to electronic device  712 . For example, battery state information (i.e., a charging level) related to a battery of electronic device  712  may be displayed on display surface  710 . More specifically, battery state information may displayed on display surface  710  as an analog representation, such as, for example only, a percentage of fill in a circle, as indicated by reference numeral  714 . Furthermore, arrows  717  and  719 , which are displayed on display surface  710 , may be rotate (i.e., spin) around electronic device  712  to indicate that electronic device  712  is receiving a wireless charge. 
     With further reference to  FIGS. 7-9 , display device  700  may be configured to display interactive icons  715 , which may enable a user to access data stored within electronic device  712 , initiate an application of electronic device  712 , or a combination thereof. For example, a device user may activate an email application via an icon  715  and, thereafter, may read and/or compose an email via an email application displayed on surface  701 . As another example, a device user may activate an internet browser via an icon  715  and, thereafter, may browse the internet via an internet browser displayed on surface  701 . 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a portion of a display surface  720  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) having an electronic device  712  positioned within an associated near-field region. With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  10 , display device  700  may be configured to retrieve data from electronic device  712  and display the data (e.g., images  716 ) on display surface  720 . Display device  700  may further be configured to display an interface  718 , such as, for example, a QWERTY keyboard. Accordingly, display device  700  may enable a device user to use an application (e.g., email) of electronic device  712  via display surface  720 . More specifically, as an example, a device user may initiate, via icon  715 , an email application stored on electronic device  712  and compose and send an email via interface  718 . Display device  700  may also be configured to display another interface  722  including additional information such as queries, thumbnails, emails, etc. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a portion of a display surface  730  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) having electronic device  712  positioned within an associated near-field region. As noted above, display device  700  may be configured to display data relating to electronic device  712 . For example, battery state information (i.e., a charging level) related to a battery of electronic device  712  may be displayed on display surface  730 . More specifically, battery state information may displayed on display surface  730  as an analog representation, such as, for example only, a percentage of fill in a circle, as indicated by reference numeral  714 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  11 , display device  700  may be configured to access data, which is stored on electronic device  712  and which is related to a user of the electronic device. Stated another way, data stored on electronic device  712  may be communicated to display device  700 . More specifically, as an example, data, related to a user, and stored on the electronic device  712 , may include medical conditions (e.g., allergies or dietary constraints), user preferences (e.g., favorite foods and favorite drinks), and the like. Additionally, display device  700  may be configured to generate and display data, which is customized (e.g., personalized food and beverage menu), according to the data that is related to the user and stored on electronic device  712 . According to one exemplary embodiment, display device  700 , which in this embodiment may be integrated within a restaurant table, may be configured to access data related to a user&#39;s known allergies and food preferences and, in response thereto, may generate and display data, such as, for example, an allergy warning  724  or calorie content  726 , on surface  730 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts a portion of a display surface  740  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). With reference to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  12 , display device  700  may be configured to generate and display data, such as a virtual menu  728  including prices of menu items, and possibly an image  730  of a selected menu item. It is noted that the data (e.g., virtual menu  728 ) displayed on display surface  740  may be customized for a particular user (e.g., according to allergies, dietary constraints, and/or preferences of the user). Furthermore, a user may interact with virtual menu  728  to order one or more menu items. 
     Furthermore, according to one exemplary embodiment, display device  700  may be configured to, upon a device user positioning an electronic device within a near-field region, automatically order one or more menu items according to stored preferences of the user. As another example, display device  700  may facilitate a payment process (e.g., at a restaurant) by linking to a user&#39;s checking account via the user&#39;s electronic device, which is positioned within a near-field region of display device  700 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a portion of a display surface  820  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) including battery state information (i.e., a charging level) associated with a user&#39;s device positioned on display surface  820 . More specifically, for example, display surface  820  may display battery state information (i.e., a charging level) associated with a battery of a device user&#39;s laptop that is positioned within an associated near-field region (indicated by reference numeral  822 ), a battery of the device user&#39;s mobile telephone that is positioned within an associated near-field region (indicated by reference numeral  824 ), and a battery of the device user&#39;s kindle that is positioned within an associated near-field region (indicated by reference numeral  826 ). More specifically, battery state information may displayed on display surface  820  as an analog representation, such as, for example only, a percentage of fill in a circle, as described above. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates at least a portion of a display surface  830  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) displaying data related to an education class, such as course content, including slides, video podcasts, notes, textbook, etc. As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , display surface  830  may be configured to display data (e.g., multi-media content), which was retrieved from one or more electronic devices positioned thereon. For example only, display surface  830  may be configured to retrieve, from one or more electronic device, and display lecture slides  834 , a podcast  842 , syllabus  832 , and a class calendar  836 . Furthermore, display surface  700  may display an area  830  (e.g., a scribble pad) configured to enable one or more device users to take notes, which may be saved onto one or more electronic devices positioned on display surface  830 . As another example, display surface  700  may display additional data  838  such as information related to a class textbook, class notes, audio and/or audio related to a class, and class slides. Moreover, as noted above, display surface  820  may be configured to display battery state information  844  (i.e., a charging level) associated with one or more devices positioned thereon. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 14 , it is noted that according to one exemplary embodiment, one or more individuals (e.g., students) positioned proximate a table (e.g., a table within a library) having display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) integrated therein, may visualize, and possible interact with data, which is related to an education class, displayed on display surface  830 . It is further noted that the data related to the educational class and displayed on display surface  830  may originate from one or more electronic devices positioned thereon. Exemplary embodiments described herein enable for integration of multimedia educational course content into a mobile device, which may mitigate the problem of having to carry heavy books, laptops, etc. Display device  700  not only provides access to, and possibly manipulation of, the course content, but may also serve as a reliable power source. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a portion of a display surface  808  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) having a plate positioned thereon. According to one exemplary embodiment, display device  700  may be configured to convey wireless power, which may be received by plate  800 . Furthermore, upon receiving wireless power, plate  800  may be configured to heat or cool itself via thermoelectric methods (i.e., Peltier effect). More specifically, for example, plate  800  may include a device (e.g., a chip) for enabling plate  800 , upon receipt of wireless power, to cool or heat itself via thermoelectric methods known in the art. Display surface  808  may further include a virtual controller  809  configured to enable a device user to control a temperature of plate  800 . More specifically, for example, a device user may interact with virtual controller  809  via touch to adjust a temperature of plate  800 . 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another portion of display surface  808  of display device  700  (see  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) having a cup  810  positioned thereon. According to one exemplary embodiment, display device  700  may be configured to convey wireless power, which may be received by cup  810 . Furthermore, upon receiving wireless power, cup  810  may be configured to heat or cool itself via thermoelectric methods (i.e., Peltier effect). More specifically, for example, cup  810  may include a device (e.g., a chip) for enabling cup  810 , upon receipt of wireless power, to cool or heat itself via thermoelectric methods known in the art. Display surface  808  may further include a virtual controller  819  configured to enable a device user to control a temperature of cup  810 . More specifically, for example, a device user may interact with virtual controller  819  via touch to adjust a temperature of cup  810 . With continued reference to  FIG. 16 , cup  810  may be further configured to, upon receipt of wireless power, display data (e.g., an image or a video) on a portion of cup  810 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , an image  812  is displayed on a bottom portion of cup  810 . 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a method  980 , in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. Method  980  may include transmitting wireless power from a transmit antenna of a device to one or more chargeable devices positioned within an associated charging region (depicted by numeral  982 ). Method  980  may further include displaying data on a display surface of the device associated with the one or more chargeable devices (depicted by numeral  984 ). 
     Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof. 
     Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. 
     The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memory, Read Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. 
     In one or more exemplary embodiments, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     The previous description of the disclosed exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these exemplary embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.