Patent Publication Number: US-11646605-B2

Title: Wafer-level integrated antenna array for wireless battery charging

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/718,233, filed on Sep. 28, 2017 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,862,344 on Dec. 8, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The technology described herein relates generally to the field of wireless power transmission and reception processing and, more specifically, to apparatus and techniques to wirelessly deliver and receive energy and to provide the stored energy to devices incapable of being operated or recharged by wireless power. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many electronic devices are powered by batteries. Rechargeable batteries are often used to avoid the cost of replacing conventional dry-cell batteries and to conserve precious resources. The requirements of compact and faster devices that are enabled with standard wireless communication modules such as LTE, WiFi, and Bluetooth transceivers have become a basic standard of modern mobile devices. Today&#39;s information-oriented users demand more sophisticated applications, and are in need to be connected constantly. These rising demands require more computational and transmission power which leave batteries more thirsty for charge. 
     Recharging batteries with conventional rechargeable battery chargers requires access to an alternating current (AC) power outlet, which is sometimes not available or not convenient. 
     In the field of wireless charging, safe and reliable use within a business or home environment is of the utmost concern. To date, wireless charging has been limited to magnetic or inductive charging based solutions. Unfortunately, these solutions require a wireless power transmission system and a receiver to be in relatively close proximity to one another. Wireless power transmission at larger distances requires more advanced mechanisms such as, for example, transmission via radio frequency (RF) signals, ultrasonic transmissions, laser powering, to name a few, each of which presents a number of unique hurdles to commercial success. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for technology that overcomes the problem demonstrated above. The examples provided herein of some prior or related systems and their associated limitations are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of existing or prior systems will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the following Detailed Description. 
     OVERVIEW 
     In one example, a wireless power transmission system comprises an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas and a transceiver module configured to receive a plurality of beaconing signals via the antenna array from a wireless client during a beacon cycle. The system also comprises a controller configured to measure a phase of each of the plurality of beaconing signals and determine a transmit phase configuration for each of the antennas, and a transceiver module configured to send signals to the antenna array based on the transmit phase configuration for delivery of wireless power to the wireless client. 
     In another example, an electronics wafer comprises a wafer material having a shape defined by a perimeter, an electronic component layer formed into the wafer material; and an antenna array layer formed on top of the electronic component layer. The antenna array layer comprises a plurality of antenna groups comprising a plurality of antennas formed in each respective antenna group, and the plurality of antenna groups covers an entire area of the wafer material within the perimeter. 
     The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    depicts a block diagram including an example wireless power delivery environment illustrating wireless power delivery from one or more wireless power transmission systems to various wireless devices within the wireless power delivery environment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    depicts a sequence diagram illustrating example operations between a wireless power transmission system and a wireless receiver client for commencing wireless power delivery in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless power transmission system in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless power receiver client in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  depict diagrams illustrating an example multipath wireless power delivery environment in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating antenna array system according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram illustrating a single wafer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is a diagram illustrating a block diagram for an antenna group according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram illustrating a block diagram of the layers formed in wafer according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a representative mobile device or tablet computer with one or more wireless power receiver clients in the form of a mobile (or smart) phone or tablet computer device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG.  11    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in the example form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of the embodiments. 
     Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but no other embodiments. 
     The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that same thing can be said in more than one way. 
     Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only, and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. 
     Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples of instruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. 
       FIG.  1    depicts a block diagram including an example wireless power delivery environment  100  illustrating wireless power delivery from one or more wireless power transmission systems (WPTS)  101   a - n  (also referred to as “wireless power delivery systems”, “antenna array systems” and “wireless chargers”) to various wireless devices  102   a - n  within the wireless power delivery environment  100 , according to some embodiments. More specifically,  FIG.  1    illustrates an example wireless power delivery environment  100  in which wireless power and/or data can be delivered to available wireless devices  102   a - 102   n  having one or more wireless power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n  (also referred to herein as “clients” and “wireless power receivers”). The wireless power receiver clients are configured to receive and process wireless power from one or more wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n . Components of an example wireless power receiver client  103  are shown and discussed in greater detail with reference to  FIG.  4   . 
     As shown in the example of  FIG.  1   , the wireless devices  102   a - 102   n  include mobile phone devices and a wireless game controller. However, the wireless devices  102   a - 102   n  can be any device or system that needs power and is capable of receiving wireless power via one or more integrated power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n . As discussed herein, the one or more integrated power receiver clients receive and process power from one or more wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n  and provide the power to the wireless devices  102   a - 102   n  (or internal batteries of the wireless devices) for operation thereof. 
     Each wireless power transmission system  101  can include multiple antennas  104   a - n , e.g., an antenna array including hundreds or thousands of antennas, which are capable of delivering wireless power to wireless devices  102 . In some embodiments, the antennas are adaptively-phased radio frequency (RF) antennas. The wireless power transmission system  101  is capable of determining the appropriate phases with which to deliver a coherent power transmission signal to the power receiver clients  103 . The array is configured to emit a signal (e.g., continuous wave or pulsed power transmission signal) from multiple antennas at a specific phase relative to each other. It is appreciated that the use of the term “array” does not necessarily limit the antenna array to any specific array structure. That is, the antenna array does not need to be structured in a specific “array” form or geometry. Furthermore, as used herein the term “array” or “array system” may be used to include related and peripheral circuitry for signal generation, reception and transmission, such as radios, digital logic and modems. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system  101  can have an embedded Wi-Fi hub for data communications via one or more antennas or transceivers. 
     The wireless devices  102  can include one or more power receiver clients  103 . As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  1   , power delivery antennas  104   a - 104   n  are shown. The power delivery antennas  104   a  are configured to provide delivery of wireless radio frequency power in the wireless power delivery environment. In some embodiments, one or more of the power delivery antennas  104   a - 104   n  can alternatively or additionally be configured for data communications in addition to or in lieu of wireless power delivery. The one or more data communication antennas are configured to send data communications to and receive data communications from the power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n  and/or the wireless devices  102   a - 102   n . In some embodiments, the data communication antennas can communicate via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, etc. Other data communication protocols are also possible. 
     Each power receiver client  103   a - 103   n  includes one or more antennas (not shown) for receiving signals from the wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n . Likewise, each wireless power transmission system  101   a - 101   n  includes an antenna array having one or more antennas and/or sets of antennas capable of emitting continuous wave or discrete (pulse) signals at specific phases relative to each other. As discussed above, each of the wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n  is capable of determining the appropriate phases for delivering the coherent signals to the power receiver clients  102   a - 102   n . For example, in some embodiments, coherent signals can be determined by computing the complex conjugate of a received beacon (or calibration) signal at each antenna of the array such that the coherent signal is phased for delivering power to the particular power receiver client that transmitted the beacon (or calibration) signal. 
     Although not illustrated, each component of the environment, e.g., wireless device, wireless power transmission system, etc., can include control and synchronization mechanisms, e.g., a data communication synchronization module. The wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n  can be connected to a power source such as, for example, a power outlet or source connecting the wireless power transmission systems to a standard or primary alternating current (AC) power supply in a building. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n  can be powered by a battery or via other mechanisms, e.g., solar cells, etc. 
     The wireless power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n  and/or the wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n  are configured to operate in a multipath wireless power delivery environment. That is, the power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n  and the wireless power transmission systems  101   a - 101   n  are configured to utilize reflective objects  106  such as, for example, walls or other RF reflective obstructions within range to transmit beacon (or calibration) signals and/or receive wireless power and/or data within the wireless power delivery environment. The reflective objects  106  can be utilized for multi-directional signal communication regardless of whether a blocking object is in the line of sight between the wireless power transmission system and the power receiver client. 
     As described herein, each wireless device  102   a - 102   n  can be any system and/or device, and/or any combination of devices/systems that can establish a connection with another device, a server and/or other systems within the example environment  100 . In some embodiments, the wireless devices  102   a - 102   n  include displays or other output functionalities to present data to a user and/or input functionalities to receive data from the user. By way of example, a wireless device  102  can be, but is not limited to, a video game controller, a server desktop, a desktop computer, a computer cluster, a mobile computing device such as a notebook, a laptop computer, a handheld computer, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a PDA, a Blackberry device, a Treo, and/or an iPhone, etc. By way of example and not limitation, the wireless device  102  can also be any wearable device such as smart watches, necklaces, rings or even devices embedded on or within the customer. Other examples of a wireless device  102  include, but are not limited to, safety sensors (e.g., fire or carbon monoxide), electric toothbrushes, electronic door lock/handles, electric light switch controller, electric shavers, etc. 
     Although not illustrated in the example of  FIG.  1   , the wireless power transmission system  101  and the power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n  can each include a data communication module for communication via a data channel. Alternatively, or additionally, the power receiver clients  103   a - 103   n  can direct the wireless devices  102   a - 102   n  to communicate with the wireless power transmission system via existing data communications modules. In some embodiments the beacon signal, which is primarily referred to herein as a continuous waveform, can alternatively or additionally take the form of a modulated signal. 
       FIG.  2    is a sequence diagram  200  illustrating example operations between a wireless power delivery system (e.g., WPTS  101 ) and a wireless power receiver client (e.g., wireless power receiver client  103 ) for establishing wireless power delivery in a multipath wireless power delivery environment, according to an embodiment. Initially, communication is established between the wireless power transmission system  101  and the power receiver client  103 . The initial communication can be, for example, a data communication link that is established via one or more antennas  104  of the wireless power transmission system  101 . As discussed, in some embodiments, one or more of the antennas  104   a - 104   n  can be data antennas, wireless power transmission antennas, or dual-purpose data/power antennas. Various information can be exchanged between the wireless power transmission system  101  and the wireless power receiver client  103  over this data communication channel. For example, wireless power signaling can be time sliced among various clients in a wireless power delivery environment. In such cases, the wireless power transmission system  101  can send beacon schedule information, e.g., Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle, power cycle information, etc., so that the wireless power receiver client  103  knows when to transmit (broadcast) its beacon signals and when to listen for power, etc. 
     Continuing with the example of  FIG.  2   , the wireless power transmission system  101  selects one or more wireless power receiver clients for receiving power and sends the beacon schedule information to the select power receiver clients  103 . The wireless power transmission system  101  can also send power transmission scheduling information so that the power receiver client  103  knows when to expect (e.g., a window of time) wireless power from the wireless power transmission system. The power receiver client  103  then generates a beacon (or calibration) signal and broadcasts the beacon during an assigned beacon transmission window (or time slice) indicated by the beacon schedule information, e.g., Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle. As discussed herein, the wireless power receiver client  103  include one or more antennas (or transceivers) which have a radiation and reception pattern in three-dimensional space proximate to the wireless device  102  in which the power receiver client  103  is embedded. 
     The wireless power transmission system  101  receives the beacon from the power receiver client  103  and detects and/or otherwise measures the phase (or direction) from which the beacon signal is received at multiple antennas. The wireless power transmission system  101  then delivers wireless power to the power receiver client  103  from the multiple antennas  104  based on the detected or measured phase (or direction) of the received beacon at each of the corresponding antennas. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system  101  determines the complex conjugate of the measured phase of the beacon and uses the complex conjugate to determine a transmit phase that configures the antennas for delivering and/or otherwise directing wireless power to the power receiver client  103  via the same path over which the beacon signal was received from the power receiver client  103 . 
     In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system  101  includes many antennas; one or more of which are used to deliver power to the power receiver client  103 . The wireless power transmission system  101  can detect and/or otherwise determine or measure phases at which the beacon signals are received at each antenna. The large number of antennas may result in different phases of the beacon signal being received at each antenna of the wireless power transmission system  101 . As discussed above, the wireless power transmission system  101  can determine the complex conjugate of the beacon signals received at each antenna. Using the complex conjugates, one or more antennas may emit a signal that takes into account the effects of the large number of antennas in the wireless power transmission system  101 . In other words, the wireless power transmission system  101  can emit a wireless power transmission signal from the one or more antennas in such a way as to create an aggregate signal from the one or more of the antennas that approximately recreates the waveform of the beacon in the opposite direction. Said another way, the wireless power transmission system  101  can deliver wireless RF power to the client device via the same paths over which the beacon signal is received at the wireless power transmission system  101 . These paths can utilize reflective objects  106  within the environment. Additionally, the wireless power transmission signals can be simultaneously transmitted from the wireless power transmission system  101  such that the wireless power transmission signals collectively match the antenna radiation and reception pattern of the client device in a three-dimensional (3D) space proximate to the client device. 
     As shown, the beacon (or calibration) signals can be periodically transmitted by the power receiver clients  103  within the power delivery environment according to, for example, the BBS, so that the wireless power transmission system  101  can maintain knowledge and/or otherwise track the location of the power receiver clients  103  in the wireless power delivery environment. The process of receiving beacon signals from a wireless power receiver client at the wireless power transmission system and, in turn, responding with wireless power directed to that particular client is referred to herein as retrodirective wireless power delivery. 
     Furthermore, as discussed herein, wireless power can be delivered in power cycles defined by power schedule information. A more detailed example of the signaling required to commence wireless power delivery is described with reference to  FIG.  3   . 
       FIG.  3    is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless power transmission system  300 , in accordance with an embodiment. As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  3   , the wireless charger  300  includes a master bus controller (MBC) board and multiple mezzanine boards that collectively comprise the antenna array. The MBC includes control logic  310 , an external data interface (I/F)  315 , an external power interface (I/F)  320 , a communication block  330  and proxy  340 . The mezzanine (or antenna array boards  350 ) each include multiple antennas  360   a - 360   n . Some or all of the components can be omitted in some embodiments. Additional components are also possible. For example, in some embodiments only one of communication block  330  or proxy  340  may be included. 
     The control logic  310  is configured to provide control and intelligence to the array components. The control logic  310  may comprise one or more processors, FPGAs, memory units, etc., and direct and control the various data and power communications. The communication block  330  can direct data communications on a data carrier frequency, such as the base signal clock for clock synchronization. The data communications can be Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc., including combinations or variations thereof. Likewise, the proxy  340  can communicate with clients via data communications as discussed herein. The data communications can be, by way of example and not limitation, Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™, ZigBee™, etc. Other communication protocols are possible. 
     In some embodiments, the control logic  310  can also facilitate and/or otherwise enable data aggregation for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. In some embodiments, wireless power receiver clients can access, track and/or otherwise obtain IoT information about the device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded and provide that IoT information to the wireless power transmission system  300  over a data connection. This IoT information can be provided via an external data interface  315  to a central or cloud-based system (not shown) where the data can be aggregated, processed, etc. For example, the central system can process the data to identify various trends across geographies, wireless power transmission systems, environments, devices, etc. In some embodiments, the aggregated data and or the trend data can be used to improve operation of the devices via remote updates, etc. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the aggregated data can be provided to third party data consumers. In this manner, the wireless power transmission system acts as a Gateway or Enabler for the IoTs. By way of example and not limitation, the IoT information can include capabilities of the device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded, usage information of the device, power levels of the device, information obtained by the device or the wireless power receiver client itself, e.g., via sensors, etc. 
     The external power interface  320  is configured to receive external power and provide the power to various components. In some embodiments, the external power interface  320  may be configured to receive a standard external 24 Volt power supply. In other embodiments, the external power interface  320  can be, for example, 120/240 Volt AC mains to an embedded DC power supply which sources the required 12/24/48 Volt DC to provide the power to various components. Alternatively, the external power interface could be a DC supply which sources the required 12/24/48 Volts DC. Alternative configurations are also possible. 
     In operation, the master bus controller (MBC), which controls the wireless power transmission system  300 , receives power from a power source and is activated. The MBC then activates the proxy antenna elements on the wireless power transmission system and the proxy antenna elements enter a default “discovery” mode to identify available wireless receiver clients within range of the wireless power transmission system. When a client is found, the antenna elements on the wireless power transmission system power on, enumerate, and (optionally) calibrate. 
     The MBC then generates beacon transmission scheduling information and power transmission scheduling information during a scheduling process. The scheduling process includes selection of power receiver clients. For example, the MBC can select power receiver clients for power transmission and generate a Beacon Beat Schedule (BBS) cycle and a Power Schedule (PS) for the selected wireless power receiver clients. As discussed herein, the power receiver clients can be selected based on their corresponding properties and/or requirements. 
     In some embodiments, the MBC can also identify and/or otherwise select available clients that will have their status queried in the Client Query Table (CQT). Clients that are placed in the CQT are those on “standby”, e.g., not receiving a charge. The BBS and PS are calculated based on vital information about the clients such as, for example, battery status, current activity/usage, how much longer the client has until it runs out of power, priority in terms of usage, etc. 
     The Proxy AE broadcasts the BBS to all clients. As discussed herein, the BBS indicates when each client should send a beacon. Likewise, the PS indicates when and to which clients the array should send power to and when clients should listen for wireless power. Each client starts broadcasting its beacon and receiving power from the array per the BBS and PS. The Proxy can concurrently query the Client Query Table to check the status of other available clients. In some embodiments, a client can only exist in the BBS or the CQT (e.g., waitlist), but not in both. The information collected in the previous step continuously and/or periodically updates the BBS cycle and/or the PS. 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating example components of a wireless power receiver client, in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated in the example of  FIG.  4   , the receiver  400  includes control logic  410 , battery  420 , an IoT control module  425 , communication block  430  and associated antenna  470 , power meter  440 , rectifier  450 , a combiner  455 , beacon signal generator  460 , beacon coding module  462  and an associated antenna  480 , and switch  465  connecting the rectifier  450  or the beacon signal generator  460  to one or more associated antennas  490   a - n . Some or all of the components can be omitted in some embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiver client does not include its own antennas but instead utilizes and/or otherwise shares one or more antennas (e.g., Wi-Fi antenna) of the wireless device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded. Moreover, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiver client may include a single antenna that provides data transmission functionality as well as power/data reception functionality. Additional components are also possible. 
     A combiner  455  receives and combines the received power transmission signals from the power transmitter in the event that the receiver  400  has more than one antenna. The combiner can be any combiner or divider circuit that is configured to achieve isolation between the output ports while maintaining a matched condition. For example, the combiner  455  can be a Wilkinson Power Divider circuit. The rectifier  450  receives the combined power transmission signal from the combiner  455 , if present, which is fed through the power meter  440  to the battery  420  for charging. In other embodiments, each antenna&#39;s power path can have its own rectifier  450  and the DC power out of the rectifiers is combined prior to feeding the power meter  440 . The power meter  440  can measure the received power signal strength and provides the control logic  410  with this measurement. 
     Battery  420  can include protection circuitry and/or monitoring functions. Additionally, the battery  420  can include one or more features, including, but not limited to, current limiting, temperature protection, over/under voltage alerts and protection, and coulomb counting/monitoring. 
     The control logic  410  can receive the battery power level from the battery  420  itself. The control logic  410  may also transmit/receive via the communication block  430  a data signal on a data carrier frequency, such as the base signal clock for clock synchronization. The beacon signal generator  460  generates the beacon signal, or calibration signal, transmits the beacon signal using either the antenna  480  or  490  after the beacon signal is encoded. 
     It may be noted that, although the battery  420  is shown as charged by, and providing power to, the receiver  400 , the receiver may also receive its power directly from the rectifier  450 . This may be in addition to the rectifier  450  providing charging current to the battery  420 , or in lieu of providing charging. Also, it may be noted that the use of multiple antennas is one example of implementation and the structure may be reduced to one shared antenna. 
     In some embodiments, the control logic  410  and/or the IoT control module  425  can communicate with and/or otherwise derive IoT information from the device in which the wireless power receiver client  400  is embedded. Although not shown, in some embodiments, the wireless power receiver client  400  can have one or more data connections (wired or wireless) with the device in which the wireless power receiver client  400  is embedded over which IoT information can be obtained. Alternatively, or additionally, IoT information can be determined and/or inferred by the wireless power receiver client  400 , e.g., via one or more sensors. As discussed above, the IoT information can include, but is not limited to, information about the capabilities of the device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded, usage information of the device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded, power levels of the battery or batteries of the device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded, and/or information obtained or inferred by the device in which the wireless power receiver client is embedded or the wireless power receiver client itself, e.g., via sensors, etc. 
     In some embodiments, a client identifier (ID) module  415  stores a client ID that can uniquely identify the power receiver client in a wireless power delivery environment. For example, the ID can be transmitted to one or more wireless power transmission systems when communication is established. In some embodiments, power receiver clients may also be able to receive and identify other power receiver clients in a wireless power delivery environment based on the client ID. 
     An optional motion sensor  495  can detect motion and signal the control logic  410  to act accordingly. For example, a device receiving power may integrate motion detection mechanisms such as accelerometers or equivalent mechanisms to detect motion. Once the device detects that it is in motion, it may be assumed that it is being handled by a user, and would trigger a signal to the array to either to stop transmitting power, or to lower the power transmitted to the device. In some embodiments, when a device is used in a moving environment like a car, train or plane, the power might only be transmitted intermittently or at a reduced level unless the device is critically low on power. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  depict diagrams illustrating an example multipath wireless power delivery environment  500 , according to some embodiments. The multipath wireless power delivery environment  500  includes a user operating a wireless device  502  including one or more wireless power receiver clients  503 . The wireless device  502  and the one or more wireless power receiver clients  503  can be wireless device  102  of  FIG.  1    and wireless power receiver client  103  of  FIG.  1    or wireless power receiver client  400  of  FIG.  4   , respectively, although alternative configurations are possible. Likewise, wireless power transmission system  501  can be wireless power transmission system  101  depicted in  FIG.  1    or wireless power transmission system  300  of  FIG.  3   , although alternative configurations are possible. The multipath wireless power delivery environment  500  includes reflective objects  506  and various absorptive objects, e.g., users, or humans, furniture, etc. 
     Wireless device  502  includes one or more antennas (or transceivers) that have a radiation and reception pattern  510  in three-dimensional space proximate to the wireless device  502 . The one or more antennas (or transceivers) can be wholly or partially included as part of the wireless device  502  and/or the wireless power receiver client (not shown). For example, in some embodiments one or more antennas with resonant frequencies supporting communication technologies, e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc. of the wireless device  502  can be utilized and/or otherwise shared for wireless power reception. As shown in the example of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the radiation and reception pattern  510  comprises a lobe pattern with a primary lobe and multiple side lobes. Other patterns are also possible. 
     The wireless device  502  transmits a beacon (or calibration) signal over multiple paths to the wireless power transmission system  501 . As discussed herein, the wireless device  502  transmits the beacon in the direction of the radiation pattern  510  such that the strength of the received beacon signal by the wireless power transmission system, e.g., RSSI, depends on the radiation pattern  510 . For example, beacon signals are not transmitted where there are nulls in the radiation pattern  510  and beacon signals are the strongest at the peaks in the radiation pattern  510 , e.g., peak of the primary lobe. As shown in the example of  FIG.  5 A , the wireless device  502  transmits beacon signals over five paths P 1 -P 5 . Paths P 4  and P 5  are blocked by reflective and/or absorptive object  506 . The wireless power transmission system  501  receives beacon signals of increasing strengths via paths P 1 -P 3 . The bolder lines indicate stronger signals. In some embodiments the beacon signals are directionally transmitted in this manner to, for example, avoid unnecessary RF energy exposure to the user. 
     A fundamental property of antennas is that the receiving pattern (sensitivity as a function of direction) of an antenna when used for receiving is identical to the far-field radiation pattern of the antenna when used for transmitting. This is a consequence of the reciprocity theorem in electromagnetics. As shown in the example of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B , the radiation pattern  510  is a three-dimensional lobe shape. However, the radiation pattern  510  can be any number of shapes depending on the type or types, e.g., horn antennas, simple vertical antenna, etc. used in the antenna design. For example, the radiation pattern  510  can comprise various directive patterns. Any number of different antenna radiation patterns is possible for each of multiple client devices in a wireless power delivery environment. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 A , the wireless power transmission system  501  receives the beacon (or calibration) signal via multiple paths P 1 -P 3  at multiple antennas or transceivers. As shown, paths P 2  and P 3  are direct line of sight paths while path P 1  is a non-line of sight path. Once the beacon (or calibration) signal is received by the wireless power transmission system  501 , the power transmission system  501  processes the beacon (or calibration) signal to determine one or more receive characteristics of the beacon signal at each of the multiple antennas. For example, among other operations, the wireless power transmission system  501  can measure the phases at which the beacon signal is received at each of the multiple antennas or transceivers. 
     The wireless power transmission system  501  processes one or more receive characteristics of the beacon signal at each of the multiple antennas to determine or measure one or more wireless power transmit characteristics for each of the multiple RF transceivers based on one or more receive characteristics of the beacon (or calibration) signal as measured at the corresponding antenna or transceiver. By way of example and not limitation, the wireless power transmit characteristics can include phase settings for each antenna or transceiver, transmission power settings, etc. 
     As discussed herein, the wireless power transmission system  501  determines the wireless power transmit characteristics such that, once the antennas or transceivers are configured, the multiple antennas or transceivers are operable to transmit a wireless power signal that matches the client radiation pattern in the three-dimensional space proximate to the client device.  FIG.  5 B  illustrates the wireless power transmission system  501  transmitting wireless power via paths P 1 -P 3  to the wireless device  502 . Advantageously, as discussed herein, the wireless power signal matches the client radiation and reception pattern  510  in the three-dimensional space proximate to the client device. Said another way, the wireless power transmission system will transmit the wireless power signals in the direction in which the wireless power receiver has maximum gain, e.g., will receive the most wireless power. As a result, no signals are sent in the directions in which the wireless power receiver cannot receive, e.g., due to nulls and blockages. In some embodiments, the wireless power transmission system  501  measures the RSSI of the received beacon signal and if the beacon is less than a threshold value, the wireless power transmission system will not send wireless power over that path. 
     The three paths shown in the example of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are illustrated for simplicity, it is appreciated that any number of paths can be utilized for transmitting power to the wireless device  502  depending on, among other factors, reflective and absorptive objects in the wireless power delivery environment. 
     In retrodirective wireless power delivery environments, wireless power receivers generate and send beacon (or calibration) signals that are received by an array of antennas of a wireless power transmission system. The beacon signals provide the charger with timing information for wireless power transfers, and also indicate directionality of the incoming signal. As discussed herein, this directionality information is employed when transmitting in order to focus energy (e.g., power wave delivery) on individual wireless power receiver clients. Additionally, directionality facilitates other applications such as, for example, tracking device movement. 
     In some embodiments, wireless power receiver clients in a wireless power delivery environment are tracked by a wireless power transmission system using a three dimensional angle of incidence of an RF signal (at any polarity) paired with a distance determined by using an RF signal strength or any other method. As discussed herein, an array of antennas capable of measuring phase (e.g., the wireless power transmission system array) can be used to detect a wavefront angle of incidence. A distance to the wireless power receiver client can be determined based on the angle from multiple array segments. Alternatively, or additionally, the distance to the wireless power receiver client can be determined based on power calculations. 
     In some embodiments, the degree of accuracy in determining the angle of incidence of an RF signal depends on the size of the array of antennas, number of antennas, number of phase steps, method of phase detection, accuracy of distance measurement method, RF noise level in environment, etc. In some embodiments, users may be asked to agree to a privacy policy defined by an administrator for tracking their location and movements within the environment. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the system can use the location information to modify the flow of information between devices and optimize the environment. Additionally, the system can track historical wireless device location information and develop movement pattern information, profile information, and preference information. 
       FIG.  6    is a diagram illustrating an antenna array system  600  according to some embodiments. As shown, the antenna array system  600  is positioned within WPTS  101  for transmitting the wireless power to wireless power receiver clients  103  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). 
     Antenna array system  600  includes a plurality of electronics wafers  602  having antenna elements  604  integrated thereon. The term wafer is used to indicate any size or type of wafers (being made of one or more semiconductor materials including silicon, quartz, gallium arsenide, gallium nitride, etc.). Embodiments of the invention target higher frequencies (e.g., wavelengths in the microwave frequency region (0.3 to 300 gigahertz (GHz)) such as 24 GHz and 60 GHz and wavelengths in the terahertz frequency region (0.3 to 3 terahertz)), hence an antenna array accommodated on a wafer&#39;s surface or within a chip is advantageous. In addition, a small separation distance (e.g., λ/10) between the antenna elements  604  may also be utilized to achieve a more compact design. The antenna array system  600  may be used for signal reception or transmission. 
     The antenna elements  604  receive or transmit incident electromagnetic waves. There are many candidate antenna designs that may be suitable such as a printed half-wave dipole or monopole, a microstrip patch, an inverted F, and slot antennas as examples. Some of these topologies may be disregarded due to their weight or size. Some topologies maybe preferred due to their capability of minimizing the re-radiation of harmonics. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a single wafer  602  according to an embodiment. A plurality of antenna groups  606  are formed on wafer  602 . As shown, the shape of each antenna group  606  is pre-defined and formed into a hexagonal shape of the same size. Additionally, each antenna group  606  includes the same number of antennas  604 . Antenna groups  606  cover or use up the entire area of one side of the wafer  602 . As used herein, using the entire area of the side of wafer  602  is defined as forming a maximum number of same-sized antenna groups  606  that fit within the perimeter of at least one of the sides of the wafer  602 . That is, while there may be some areas of the wafer  602  not covered by an antenna group  606 , these areas cannot support additional same-sized antenna groups  606  formed on the wafer  602 . Instead, such additional antenna groups would be required to have their shape modified from the other antenna groups  606 . While the shape of antenna groups  606  is shown in  FIG.  7    as a hexagonal shape that maximize the surface area of the wafer  602  covered by antennas, other shapes are contemplated herein. Accordingly, such other shapes for antenna groups  606  may also be populated to use or cover the entire area or surface of wafer  602 . 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a block diagram for an antenna group  606  according to an embodiment. For each antenna group  606 , a single phase-locked loop (“PLL”)  608  feeds signals from a plurality of transceivers  610  to respective antennas  604 . These signals are signals designed to deliver wireless power as described herein. Each transceiver  610  includes, for example, a power amplifier  612 , one or more filters  614 , and an analog-to-digital converter  616 . 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a block diagram of the layers formed in wafer  602  according to an embodiment. Wafer  602  includes a first, bottom electronic component layer  618  on which transceivers  610  and PLL  608  are formed into the wafer material using methods known in the art. A second, top antenna array layer  620  includes antennas  604  also formed into a wafer material and attached to bottom layer  618 . 
       FIG.  10    depicts a block diagram illustrating example components of a representative mobile device or tablet computer  1000  with a wireless power receiver or client in the form of a mobile (or smart) phone or tablet computer device, according to an embodiment. Various interfaces and modules are shown with reference to  FIG.  10   , however, the mobile device or tablet computer does not require all of modules or functions for performing the functionality described herein. It is appreciated that, in many embodiments, various components are not included and/or necessary for operation of the category controller. For example, components such as GPS radios, cellular radios, and accelerometers may not be included in the controllers to reduce costs and/or complexity. Additionally, components such as ZigBee radios and RFID transceivers, along with antennas, can populate the Printed Circuit Board. 
     The wireless power receiver client can be a power receiver client  103  of  FIG.  1   , although alternative configurations are possible. Additionally, the wireless power receiver client can include one or more RF antennas for reception of power and/or data signals from a power transmission system, e.g., wireless power transmission system  101  of  FIG.  1   . 
       FIG.  11    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine, in the example form, of a computer system within which a set of instructions, for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, may be executed. 
     In the example of  FIG.  11   , the computer system includes a processor, memory, non-volatile memory, and an interface device. Various common components (e.g., cache memory) are omitted for illustrative simplicity. The computer system  1100  is intended to illustrate a hardware device on which any of the components depicted in the example of  FIG.  1    (and any other components described in this specification) can be implemented. For example, the computer system can be any radiating object or antenna array system. The computer system can be of any applicable known or convenient type. The components of the computer system can be coupled together via a bus or through some other known or convenient device. 
     The processor may be, for example, a conventional microprocessor such as an Intel Pentium microprocessor or Motorola power PC microprocessor. One of skill in the relevant art will recognize that the terms “machine-readable (storage) medium” or “computer-readable (storage) medium” include any type of device that is accessible by the processor. 
     The memory is coupled to the processor by, for example, a bus. The memory can include, by way of example but not limitation, random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). The memory can be local, remote, or distributed. 
     The bus also couples the processor to the non-volatile memory and drive unit. The non-volatile memory is often a magnetic floppy or hard disk, a magnetic-optical disk, an optical disk, a read-only memory (ROM), such as a CD-ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM, a magnetic or optical card, or another form of storage for large amounts of data. Some of this data is often written, by a direct memory access process, into memory during execution of software in the computer  1100 . The non-volatile storage can be local, remote, or distributed. The non-volatile memory is optional because systems can be created with all applicable data available in memory. A typical computer system will usually include at least a processor, memory, and a device (e.g., a bus) coupling the memory to the processor. 
     Software is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or the drive unit. Indeed, for large programs, it may not even be possible to store the entire program in the memory. Nevertheless, it should be understood that for software to run, if necessary, it is moved to a computer readable location appropriate for processing, and for illustrative purposes, that location is referred to as the memory in this paper. Even when software is moved to the memory for execution, the processor will typically make use of hardware registers to store values associated with the software, and local cache that, ideally, serves to speed up execution. As used herein, a software program is assumed to be stored at any known or convenient location (from non-volatile storage to hardware registers) when the software program is referred to as “implemented in a computer-readable medium”. A processor is considered to be “configured to execute a program” when at least one value associated with the program is stored in a register readable by the processor. 
     The bus also couples the processor to the network interface device. The interface can include one or more of a modem or network interface. It will be appreciated that a modem or network interface can be considered to be part of the computer system. The interface can include an analog modem, isdn modem, cable modem, token ring interface, satellite transmission interface (e.g. “direct PC”), or other interfaces for coupling a computer system to other computer systems. The interface can include one or more input and/or output devices. The I/O devices can include, by way of example but not limitation, a keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, disk drives, printers, a scanner, and other input and/or output devices, including a display device. The display device can include, by way of example but not limitation, a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), or some other applicable known or convenient display device. For simplicity, it is assumed that controllers of any devices not depicted in the example of  FIG.  11    reside in the interface. 
     In operation, the computer system  1100  can be controlled by operating system software that includes a file management system, such as a disk operating system. One example of operating system software with associated file management system software is the family of operating systems known as Windows® from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash., and their associated file management systems. Another example of operating system software with its associated file management system software is the Linux operating system and its associated file management system. The file management system is typically stored in the non-volatile memory and/or drive unit and causes the processor to execute the various acts required by the operating system to input and output data and to store data in the memory, including storing files on the non-volatile memory and/or drive unit. 
     Some portions of the detailed description may be presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of operations leading to a desired result. The operations are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. 
     It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “computing” or “calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system&#39;s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. 
     The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Various general purpose systems may be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or it may prove convenient to construct more specialized apparatus to perform the methods of some embodiments. The required structure for a variety of these systems will appear from the description below. In addition, the techniques are not described with reference to any particular programming language, and various embodiments may thus be implemented using a variety of programming languages. 
     In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in a client-server network environment or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. 
     The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a laptop computer, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, an iPhone, a Blackberry, a processor, a telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. 
     While the machine-readable medium or machine-readable storage medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” and “machine-readable storage medium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the presently disclosed technique and innovation. 
     In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of the disclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programs typically comprise one or more instructions set at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or more processing units or processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform operations to execute elements involving the various aspects of the disclosure. 
     Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fully functioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that the disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution. 
     Further examples of machine-readable storage media, machine-readable media, or computer-readable (storage) media include but are not limited to recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives, optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission type media such as digital and analog communication links. 
     Embodiments of the invention allow stand-alone clients to receive power charge on-board power sources or to alternatively or in addition thereto utilize the received power directly for its power needs as the power is received. An example includes consumer electronics with or without battery power that receive wireless power and are able to operate by consuming received power from a wireless power transmission system. Another example includes supplying wireless power to devices such as drones or other devices located a great distance from the wireless power transmission system. Through the use of embodiments of the invention, great distances can be traversed with wireless power to supply the power needs to such remote devices. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling of connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. 
     The above detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are, at times, shown as being performed in a series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further, any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges. 
     The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     Any patents and applications and other references noted above, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the disclosure can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the disclosure. 
     These and other changes can be made to the disclosure in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description describes certain embodiments of the disclosure, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the teachings can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the subject matter disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the disclosure encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosure under the claims. 
     While certain aspects of the disclosure are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the disclosure in any number of claim forms. For example, while only one aspect of the disclosure is recited as a means-plus-function claim under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6, other aspects may likewise be embodied as a means-plus-function claim, or in other forms, such as being embodied in a computer-readable medium. (Any claims intended to be treated under 35 U.S.C. § 112, ¶6 will begin with the words “means for”.) Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the disclosure. 
     The detailed description provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily only the system described above. The elements and acts of the various examples described above can be combined to provide further implementations of the invention. Some alternative implementations of the invention may include not only additional elements to those implementations noted above, but also may include fewer elements. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description defines certain examples of the invention, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the invention disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.