Patent Publication Number: US-10771115-B2

Title: Wireless power transmitting device and method for controlling the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/105,364 filed on Aug. 20, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/474,506 filed on Mar. 30, 2017, now U.S. patent Ser. No. 10/056,946, issued on Aug. 21, 2018, which is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/315,869 filed on Mar. 31, 2016, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0098432 filed on Aug. 2, 2016, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field 
     The following description relates to wireless power transmitting devices and methods for controlling the same, and more specifically, to wireless power transmitting devices configured to wirelessly transmit power to electronic devices and methods for controlling the same. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Portable digital communication devices have become indispensable to people. Customers desire to receive various high-quality services anytime, anywhere, and at a fast speed. Recent development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology bundles various sensors, home appliances, and communication devices into a single network. A diversity of sensors require a wireless power transmission system for seamless operations. 
     Wireless power transmission is produced using magnetic induction type, magnetic resonance type, or electromagnetic wave type, to remotely transmit power. 
     Such electromagnetic wave type remotely transmits power. Thus, it is important to determine, within a great degree of accuracy a location of the receivers at remote locations to effectively and efficiently deliver power to these receivers. 
     In order to determine the position or location of a target for charging, for instance, an electronic device, a conventional electromagnetic wave scheme forms radio frequency (RF) waves in multiple directions, receives information about power reception from the electronic device, and uses the received information to make such determination of the position or the location of the electronic device. However, the formation of RF waves in multiple directions and the reception of power-related information take a large amount of time and power. In particular, high-power transmission before sensing a target for charging is not likely to be done due to harm to humans. 
     The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present application. 
     SUMMARY 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     According to various embodiments, a wireless power transmitting device is described that determines a direction of wireless power transmission using communication signals from an electronic device and determines a precise location of the electronic device using the determined direction. A corresponding method is also described. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a wireless power transmitting device, including: a power transmission antenna comprising patch antennas; communication antennas; and a processor configured to receive, through the communication antennas, a communication signal from an electronic device, detect a direction in which the electronic device is positioned based on the communication signal received through the communication antennas and control to transmit the power, through the power transmission antenna, in the detected direction. 
     The processor may determine the direction in which the electronic device is positioned based on at least one of a difference in time of reception of the communication signal at each of the communication antennas and a difference in phase of the communication signal received by each of the communication antennas. 
     The processor may control the patch antennas so that sub-radio frequency (RF) waves of a first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the direction of the electronic device. 
     The processor may determine whether or not to adjust a magnitude of the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude based on whether received power-related information in a second communication signal received after the reception of the communication signal meets a preset condition. 
     The processor may control the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves of a second magnitude constructively interfere with each other in response to the received power-related information failing to meet the preset condition, and wherein the processor may determine whether or not to adjust the magnitude of the sub-RF waves of the second magnitude based on whether RX power-related information in a third communication signal received from the electronic device meets the preset condition. 
     The wireless power transmitting device may further include: a power source configured to supply the power; and a power amplifier configured to amplify the power, wherein the processor changes the magnitude of the sub-RF waves from the first magnitude to the second magnitude by changing an amplification gain of the power amplifier. 
     The processor may adjust the power provided to the patch antennas until the received power-related information meets the preset condition, and wherein the processor maintains the magnitude of the power supplied to the patch antennas in response to the received power-related information meeting the preset condition. 
     The processor may adjust the power provided to the patch antennas to a magnitude of the power to which the power is previously adjusted for the patch antennas in response to the received power-related information failing to meet a first condition and may adjust the power provided to the patch antennas to a half of the magnitude of the power to which the power is previously adjusted for the patch antennas in response to the received power-related information meeting the preset first condition and failing to meet a preset second condition. 
     The processor may adjust a phase of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the detected direction. 
     The wireless power transmitting device may further include: phase shifters, each shifting the phase of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas, wherein the processor may adjust the phase of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas by controlling each of the phase shifters. 
     The processor may adjust a magnitude of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the detected direction. 
     The communication signal may include at least one of identification information of the electronic device and rated power information about the electronic device, and wherein the processor may determine whether to charge the electronic device based on at least one of the identification information of the electronic device and the rated power information about the electronic device. 
     The processor may determine to charge the electronic device, may detect a movement of the electronic device while charging the electronic device with the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude, changes at least one of a magnitude of the sub-RF waves and the determined direction based on the movement of the electronic device, and charges the electronic device. 
     The processor may detect the movement of the electronic device using movement information about the electronic device in a second communication signal received from the communication antennas, may detect the movement of the electronic device based on a time of reception of a third communication signal by each of the communication antennas, or may detect the movement of the electronic device corresponding to a failure to meet a preset condition of RX power-related information in a fourth communication signal received after the reception of the third communication signal from the communication antennas. 
     Each of the communication antennas may receive other communication signal from another electronic device, and wherein the processor may determine a direction in which the other electronic device is positioned based on at least one of a difference in time of reception and a difference in phase of the other communication signal by each of the communication antennas from the other electronic device. 
     The processor may divide the patch antennas into a first patch antenna group to charge the electronic device and a second patch antenna group to charge the other electronic device based on any one or any combination of any two or more of a direction in which the electronic device is positioned, a direction in which the other electronic device is positioned, rated power information about the electronic device, and rated power information about the other electronic device, and wherein the processor may perform control so that the first patch antenna group charges the electronic device, and the second patch antenna group charges the other electronic device. 
     The processor may perform control so that the patch antennas charge the electronic device during a first period and the patch antennas charge the other electronic device during a second period. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, there is provided a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, including: receiving a communication signal from an electronic device; detecting a direction in which the electronic device is positioned based on the communication signal; and transmitting power wirelessly in the detected direction. 
     Detecting the direction of the electronic device based on the communication signal may include determining the direction of the electronic device based on at least one of a difference in time of reception of the communication signal and a difference in phase of the communication signal received by each of communication antennas in the wireless power transmitting device. 
     Transmitting the power in the detected direction may include controlling patch antennas in the wireless power transmitting device so that sub-radio frequency (RF) waves of a first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the direction of the electronic device. 
     The method may further include: determining whether to charge the electronic device with the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude depending on whether received (RX) power-related information in a second communication signal received after the reception of the communication signal meets a preset condition. 
     The method may further include: controlling the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves of a second magnitude constructively interfere with each other in response to the received power-related information being determined to fail to meet the preset condition; and determining whether to charge the electronic device with the sub-RF waves of the second magnitude depending on whether RX power-related information in a third communication signal received from the electronic device meets the preset condition. 
     Controlling the patch antennas so that the sub-radio frequency (RF) waves of the second magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the determined direction may include changing a magnitude of the sub-RF waves from the first magnitude to the second magnitude by varying an amplification gain of the power amplifier. 
     The method may further include: adjusting the power provided to the patch antennas until the received power-related information meets the preset condition; and charging the electronic device with the power provided to the patch antennas in response to the received power-related information meeting the preset condition. 
     The method may further include: adjusting the power provided to the patch antennas to a magnitude of the power to which the power is previously adjusted for the patch antennas in response to the received power-related information failing to meet a first condition; and adjusting the power provided to the patch antennas to a half of the magnitude of the power to which the power is previously adjusted for the patch antennas in in response to the received power-related information meeting the preset first condition and failing to meet a preset second condition. 
     Transmitting the power in the detected direction may include adjusting a phase of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the detected direction. 
     Adjusting the phase of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas may include adjusting the phase of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas by controlling each of phase shifters. 
     Transmitting the power in the detected direction may include adjusting a magnitude of the power inputted to each of the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the detected direction. 
     The communication signal may include at least one of identification information about the electronic device and rated power information about the electronic device, and wherein the method further may include determining whether to charge the electronic device based on at least one of the identification information about the electronic device and the rated power information about the electronic device. 
     The method may further include: determining to charge the electronic device, may detect a movement of the electronic device while charging the electronic device with the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude; and varying at least one of a magnitude of the sub-RF waves and the determined direction corresponding to the movement of the electronic device, and charges the electronic device. 
     Detecting the movement of the electronic device may include detecting the movement of the electronic device using movement information about the electronic device in a second communication signal received from communication antennas in the wireless power transmitting device, detecting the movement of the electronic device based on a time of reception of a third communication signal by each of the communication antennas, or detecting the movement of the electronic device corresponding to a failure to meet a preset condition of received (RX) power-related information in a fourth communication signal received after the reception of the third communication signal from the communication antennas. 
     The method may further include: receiving another communication signal from another electronic device; and determining a direction in which the other electronic device is positioned based on at least one of a difference in time of reception and a difference in phase of the other communication signal by each of communication antennas in the wireless power transmitting device from the other electronic device. 
     The method may further include: dividing the patch antennas into a first patch antenna group for charging the electronic device and a second patch antenna group for charging the other electronic device based on any one or any combination of any two or more of a direction in which the electronic device is positioned, a direction in which the other electronic device is positioned, rated power information about the electronic device, and rated power information about the other electronic device; and enabling the first patch antenna group to charge the electronic device and the second patch antenna group to charge the other electronic device. 
     The method may further include: enabling the patch antennas to charge the electronic device during a first period and the patch antennas to charge the other electronic device during a second period. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, there is a method of a wireless power transmitting device, including: determining at least one of phases and amplitudes of sub-radio frequency (RF) waves generated from patch antennas; determining power magnitude applied to each of the patch antennas; forming an RF wave in a direction toward an electronic device using the determined power magnitude and the at least one of the phases and the amplitudes of the sub-RF waves; receiving information from the electronic device about power corresponding to the formed RF wave; in response to the received power information being below a threshold, adjusting the power magnitude applied to each patch antenna to form an adjusted RF wave; and in response to the received power information exceeding the threshold, maintaining the power magnitude applied to each patch antenna through the formed RF wave to perform wireless charging of the electronic device. 
     The method, wherein upon determining that the electronic device is positioned relatively to a side of the wireless power transmitting device, may further include: generating the sub-RF waves from two or more patch antennas positioned relatively to the side of the wireless power transmitting device after a generation of the sub-RF waves from other two or more patch antennas positioned relatively to another side of the wireless power transmitting device. 
     The sub-RF waves generated from the patch antennas may constructively interfere with each other based on a position of each patch antenna with respect to the electronic device. 
     The method may further include: detecting a movement of the electronic device while charging the electronic device with the sub-RF waves; varying at least one of the phases and the amplitudes of the sub-RF waves corresponding to the movement of the electronic device; adjusting the power magnitude applied to each patch antenna; and forming an adjusted RF wave in a direction toward the movement of the electronic device using the adjusted power magnitude and the varied at least one of the phases and the amplitudes of the sub-RF waves to charge the electronic device. 
     Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless power transmission system, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a difference in time of reception of communication signals, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a concept view illustrating a configuration to determine the distance between a wireless power transmitting device and an electronic device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a concept view illustrating a binary detection method, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are block diagrams illustrating a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate wireless charging for a plurality of electronic devices, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are flowcharts illustrating a method to control a plurality of electronic devices, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS. 13 to 15  are flowcharts illustrating a method for controlling a wireless power transmitting device according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless power transmitting device and an electronic device, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be to scale, and the relative size, proportions, and depiction of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity, illustration, and convenience. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein. However, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. For example, the sequences of operations described herein are merely examples, and are not limited to those set forth herein, but may be changed as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a certain order. Also, descriptions of features that are known in the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness. 
     The features described herein may be embodied in different forms, and are not to be construed as being limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided merely to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein that will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. 
     Throughout the specification, when an element, such as a layer, region, or substrate, is described as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” the other element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element, there can be no other elements intervening therebetween. 
     As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein to describe various members, components, regions, layers, or sections, these members, components, regions, layers, or sections are not to be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one member, component, region, layer, or section from another member, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first member, component, region, layer, or section referred to in examples described herein may also be referred to as a second member, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the examples. 
     Spatially relative terms such as “above,” “upper,” “below,” and “lower” may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element&#39;s relationship to another element as shown in the figures. Such spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as being “above” or “upper” relative to another element will then be “below” or “lower” relative to the other element. Thus, the term “above” encompasses both the above and below orientations depending on the spatial orientation of the device. The device may also be oriented in other ways (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein are to be interpreted accordingly. 
     The terminology used herein is for describing various examples only, and is not to be used to limit the disclosure. The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes,” and “has” specify the presence of stated features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and/or combinations thereof. 
     Due to manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, variations of the shapes shown in the drawings may occur. Thus, the examples described herein are not limited to the specific shapes shown in the drawings, but include changes in shape that occur during manufacturing. 
     The features of the examples described herein may be combined in various ways as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. Further, although the examples described herein have a variety of configurations, other configurations are possible as will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. 
     For example, examples of the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device, according to various embodiments, may include at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop computer, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), a MP3 player, a medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory-type device (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, contact lenses, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric- or clothes-integrated device (e.g., electronic clothes), a body attaching-type device (e.g., a skin pad), or a body implantable device. In some embodiments, examples of the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device may include at least one of a television, a digital video disk (DVD) player, an audio player, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washer, a drier, an air cleaner, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box, a gaming console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, or an electronic picture frame. 
     According to an embodiment, examples of the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device may include at least one of various medical devices (e.g., diverse portable medical measuring devices (a blood sugar measuring device, a heartbeat measuring device, or a body temperature measuring device), a magnetic resource angiography (MRA) device, a magnetic resource imaging (MRI) device, a computed tomography (CT) device, an imaging device, or an ultrasonic device), a navigation device, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver, an event data recorder (EDR), a flight data recorder (FDR), an automotive infotainment device, an sailing electronic device (e.g., a sailing navigation device or a gyro compass), avionics, security devices, vehicular head units, industrial or home robots, drones, automatic teller&#39;s machines (ATMs), point of sales (POS) devices, or internet of things (IoT) devices (e.g., a bulb, various sensors, a sprinkler, a fire alarm, a thermostat, a street light, a toaster, fitness equipment, a hot water tank, a heater, or a boiler). 
     According to various embodiments, examples of the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device may at least one of part of a piece of furniture, building/structure or vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measurement devices (e.g., devices for measuring water, electricity, gas, or electromagnetic waves). 
     According to embodiments, the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device may be flexible or may be a combination of the above-enumerated electronic devices. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device is not limited to the above-listed embodiments. As used herein, the term “user” may denote a human using the electronic device or another device (e.g., an artificial intelligent electronic device) using the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a wireless power transmission system, according to an embodiment. 
     The wireless power transmitting device  100  is to wirelessly transmit power to at least one electronic device  150  or  160 . According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  100  includes a plurality of patch antennas  111  to  126 . The patch antennas  111  to  126  are not limited as long as each is configured to be an antenna to generate radio frequency (RF) waves. At least one of an amplitude and a phase of RF waves generated by the patch antennas  111  to  126  is adjusted by the wireless power transmitting device  100 . For ease of description, RF wave generated by a single patch antenna  111  to  126  is denoted as a sub-RF wave. 
     According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  100  adjusts at least one of the amplitude and the phase of each of the sub-RF waves generated from each corresponding patch antennas  111  to  126 . 
     At times, the sub-RF waves may interfere with each other. For example, the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere, such as supplementing a strength of a sub-RF wave with another sub-RF wave, with each other at one point or destructively interfere, such as at least two sub-RF waves canceling each other or diminishing an intensity of one sub-RF wave by another sub-RF wave, at another point. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  100  may adjust at least one of the amplitude and phase of each of the sub-RF waves generated by the patch antennas  111  to  126  so that the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at a first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ). In one configuration, the first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ) is a position or location of the electronic device  150 . 
     For example, the wireless power transmitting device  100  determines that an electronic device  150  is positioned at the first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ). Here, the position of the electronic device  150  may be the position where, for instance, a power receiving antenna of the electronic device  150  is located. A method to determine the position of the electronic device  150  is described below in greater detail. In order for the electronic device  150  to wirelessly receive power at a higher transmission efficiency, the sub-RF waves need to constructively interfere with each other at the first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ). Accordingly, the wireless power transmitting device  100  controls the patch antennas  111  to  126  so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at the first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ). In an example, controlling the patch antennas  111  to  126  means controlling the magnitude of signals inputted to the patch antennas  111  to  126  or controlling the phase (or delay) of signals inputted to the patch antennas  111  to  126 . Further, beamforming, a technique to control RF waves to be subject or exposed to constructive interference at a certain point, would readily be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application. It is also apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application that the beamforming used herein is not particularly limited in type. For example, various beamforming methods may be adopted as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0099611, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0099755, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0100124, which are hereby incorporated by reference. An RF wave formed through beamforming is referred to as a pocket of energy. 
     Thus, an RF wave  130  formed by the sub-RF waves has a maximum amplitude at the first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ). At the first point (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ), the electronic device  150  receives power at a relatively higher efficiency. Further, the wireless power transmitting device  100  also detects an electronic device  160  positioned at a second point (x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ). The wireless power transmitting device  100  controls the patch antennas  111  to  126  so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at the second point (x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ) in order to charge the electronic device  160 . Thus, an RF wave  131  formed by the sub-RF waves has a maximum amplitude at the second point (x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ). At the second point (x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ), the electronic device  160  receives power at a relatively higher efficiency. 
     In an embodiment, the electronic device  150  is positioned relatively to the electronic device  160  and the wireless power transmitting device  100  at a right side thereof. In this embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  100  applies a relatively greater delay to sub-RF waves formed by the patch antennas (e.g.,  114 ,  118 ,  122 , and  126 ) positioned relatively to a right side of or closest to the electronic device  150 . In other words, a predetermined time after the sub-RF waves are formed by patch antennas (e.g.,  111 ,  115 ,  119 , and  123 ) positioned relatively to a left side of or furthest to the electronic device  150 , sub-RF waves are generated by the patch antennas (e.g.,  114 ,  118 ,  122 , and  126 ) positioned relatively to the right side. Thus, the sub-RF waves are configured to simultaneously meet at a relatively right-side point. In other words, the sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at the relatively right-side point. Where beamforming is conducted at a relatively middle point of the wireless power transmitting device  100 , the wireless power transmitting device  100  applies substantially the same delay to the left-side patch antennas (e.g.,  111 ,  115 ,  119 , and  123 ) and the right-side patch antennas (e.g.,  114 ,  118 ,  122 , and  126 ). Further, where beamforming is conducted at a relatively left-side point, the wireless power transmitting device  100  may apply a greater delay to the left-side patch antennas (e.g.,  111 ,  115 ,  119 , and  123 ) than to the right-side patch antennas (e.g.,  114 ,  118 ,  122 , and  126 ) of the wireless power transmitting device  100 . Also, according to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  100  substantially at a same time or simultaneously generates sub-RF waves through all of the patch antennas  111  to  126  and perform beamforming by adjusting the phase corresponding to the above-described delay. 
     As set forth above, the wireless power transmitting device  100  determines the position of the electronic devices  150  and  160  and enables the sub-RF waves to constructively interfere with each other at the determined position, allowing for wireless charging at a higher transmission efficiency. Further, the wireless power transmitting device  100  performs high-transmission efficiency wireless charging upon detection of the position of the electronic devices  150  and  160 . 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  210 , the wireless power transmitting device, for example, the wireless power transmitting device  100  described in  FIG. 1 , forms an RF for detecting an electronic device, such as the electronic device  150  of  FIG. 1 , in a first direction. In operation  220 , the wireless power transmitting device receives power-related information from the electronic device. In an example, the power-related information is information related to power that the electronic device receives from the wireless power transmitting device. For example, the power-related information includes magnitude of voltage, current, temperature, or power at a particular point, which is described below in further detail. The power-related information is not limited to such information; and additional information related to the magnitude of power that the electronic device receives from the wireless power transmitting device may be included. In operation  230 , the wireless power transmitting device determines whether the received power-related information meets a preset condition. For example, the wireless power transmitting device determines whether a voltage value an output end of an electronic device rectifier exceeds a preset threshold. The voltage value at the output end of the rectifier exceeding the preset threshold voltage is indicative that the electronic device has wirelessly received a sufficient magnitude of power. 
     In contrast, upon failure to meet the preset condition, at operation  240 , the wireless power transmitting device varies or adjusts a direction in which the RF wave is to be formed. Failure to meet the preset condition is determined to be the electronic device&#39;s failure to receive a sufficient amount or magnitude of power. The wireless power transmitting device varies the direction of RF wave until the preset condition is satisfied. In an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device varies or adjusts a transmission of the RF wave in a particular direction by controlling at least one of the amplitude and phase of the sub-RF waves produced by particular antennas in the wireless power transmitting device so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a point in the particular direction. Upon meeting the preset condition, in operation  250 , the wireless power transmitting device determines that the direction of RF wave is in the direction in which the electronic device is located or positioned. In operation  260 , the wireless power transmitting device forms an RF wave for wireless power transmission in the determined direction. Meanwhile, as described above, varying the direction of formation of RF wave until the preset condition renders determination of the position of the electronic device to take long. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     A wireless power transmitting device  300  includes a power source  301 , a power transmission antenna array (or an antenna array for power transmission)  310 , a processor  320 , a memory  330 , a communication circuit  340 , and antennas  341  to  343  for communication. An electronic device  350  is a device configured to wirelessly receive power and includes a power reception antenna (or an antenna for power reception)  351 , a rectifier  352 , a converter  353 , a charger  354 , a processor  355 , a memory  356 , a communication circuit  357 , and an antenna  358  for communication. 
     The power source  301  supplies power to be transmitted to the power transmission antenna array  310 . The power source  301  supplies, for instance, direct current (DC) power, in which case the wireless power transmitting device  300  may further include an inverter (not shown) that converts DC power into alternating current (AC) power and delivers the AC power to the power transmission antenna array  310 . Also, according to an embodiment, the power source  301  supplies AC power to the power transmission antenna array  310 . 
     The power transmission antenna array  310  includes patch antennas. For example, the patch antennas as shown in  FIG. 1  are in the power transmission antenna array  310 . A number or array form of the patch antennas is not limited. The power transmission antenna array  310  may form an RF wave using the power received from the power source  301 . The power transmission antenna array  310  forms the RF wave in a particular direction under the control of the processor  320 . In an example, the RF wave is formed in a particular direction by controlling at least one of the amplitude and phase of sub-RF waves so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a point in the particular direction. For example, the processor  320  controls each of phase shifters connected to the power transmission antenna array  310  or of at least one power amplifier included or connected to the power transmission antenna array  310 , which is described below in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Meanwhile, the power transmission antenna array  310  transmits power and may be referred to as an antenna for power transmission. 
     The processor  320  determines the direction in which the electronic device  350  is positioned to form the RF wave based on the determined direction. In other words, the processor  320  controls the patch antennas of the power transmission antenna array  310  that generates sub-RF waves so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a point in the determined direction. For example, the processor  320  controls at least one of the amplitude and phase of the sub-RF wave generated from each patch antenna by controlling the patch antennas or at least one of phase shifter (not shown) and a power amplifier (not shown) connected with the patch antennas. 
     The processor  320  determines the direction in which the electronic device  350  is positioned using communication signals received from the antennas  341  to  343 . In other words, the processor  320  controls at least one of the amplitude and phase of the sub-RF wave generated from each patch antenna using the communication signals received from the communication antennas  341  to  343 . Although three communication antennas  341  to  343  are shown, this is merely an example, and the number of communication antennas is not limited. For instance, at least two communication antennas  341  to  342  may be included in the embodiment of the wireless power transmitting device  300 . According to an embodiment, at least three communication antennas  341  to  343  are included to determine a three-dimensional (3D) direction, e.g., values θ and φ in the spherical coordinate system. Specifically, the communication antenna  358  of the electronic device  350  transmits a communication signal  359 . According to an embodiment, the communication signal  359  includes identification information identifying the electronic device  350  or includes information required to wireless charging. Thus, the wireless power transmitting device  300  determines the direction of the electronic device  350  using the communication signal for wireless charging, even without a separate hardware structure. Further, reception times of the communication signal  359  at the communication antennas  341  to  343  may differ. This is described below in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the electronic device  350  is positioned or located at a first point  410 . The electronic device  350  generates a communication signal that propagates, in space, in a shape of spherical waves as shown in  FIG. 4 . The spherical waves propagate from the first point  410 . The first point  410  is a point where the communication antenna  358  of the electronic device  350  is positioned. Accordingly, a time in which the communication signal from the electronic device  350 , through the communication antenna  358 , is received at a first communication antenna  341 , a time when the communication signal is received at a second communication antenna  342 , and a time when the communication signal is received at a third communication antenna  343  may differ. For example, the first communication antenna  341  closest to the first point  410  first receive the communication signal, the second communication antenna  342  subsequently receives the communication signal next, and the third communication antenna  343  lastly receives the communication signal.  FIG. 4  shows mere an example, and although the communication signal has a directional waveform, the times of reception by the communication antennas  341 ,  342 , and  343  may be different. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  300  may include three or more communication antennas, e.g., for the purpose of determining the direction of reception of the communication signal in a 3D space. 
     The processor  320  of the wireless power transmitting device  300  determines a direction of the electronic device  350  relative to the wireless power transmitting device  300  using the times (e.g., t 1 , t 2 , and t 3 ) of reception of the communication signal by the communication antennas  341 ,  342 , and  343 . For example, the processor  320  determines a direction of the electronic device  350  relative to the wireless power transmitting device  300  by determining time differences t 1 −t 2 , t 2 −t 3 , and t 3 −t 1  between the times t 1 , t 2 , and t 3 . For example, as t 1 −t 2  becomes closer to 0, the electronic device  350  may be determined to be more likely to be positioned on the line perpendicularly passing through the center of the line connecting the communication antenna  341  with the communication antenna  342 . Further, as t 1 −t 2  is a relatively greater positive value, the electronic device  350  may be determined to be more likely to be positioned closer to the communication antenna  342 . Further, as t 1 −t 2  is a relatively greater negative value, the electronic device  350  may be determined to be more likely to be positioned closer to the communication antenna  341 . The wireless power transmitting device  300  determines the 3D direction of the electronic device  350  relative to the wireless power transmitting device  300  by considering all of t 1 −t 2 , t 2 −t 3 , and t 3 −t 1 . The processor  320  determines a relative direction of the electronic device  350  using a process or method to determine a direction and stored in, for instance, the memory  330 . According to an embodiment, the processor  320  determines a relative direction of the electronic device  350  using a lookup table between the direction of the electronic device and the difference in reception time per communication antenna, which is stored in, for example, the memory  330 . The wireless power transmitting device  300  (or the processor  320 ) determines a relative direction of the electronic device  350  in various manners. For example, the wireless power transmitting device  300  (or the processor  320 ) determines a relative direction of the electronic device  350  in various ways, such as time difference of arrival (TDOA) or frequency difference of arrival (FDOA), and determining process of determining the direction of received signal is not limited in type. 
     Meanwhile, according to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  300  determines a relative direction of the electronic device  350  based on the phase of a communication signal received. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the distances between the communication antenna  358  of the electronic device  350  and the communication antennas  341 ,  342 , and  343  of the wireless power transmitting device  300  differ. Thus, the communication signal generated from the communication antenna  358  and received at each communication antenna  341 ,  342 , and  343  has a different phase. The processor  320  determines the direction of the electronic device  350  based on the differences in phase of the communication signal received by the communication antennas  341 ,  342 , and  343 . 
     The processor  320  then forms an RF wave in the direction of the electronic device  350  by controlling the power transmission antenna array  310  based on the direction of the electronic device  350 . Further, the processor  320  identifies the electronic device  350  using information contained in the communication signal  359 . 
     The communication signal  359  includes a unique identifier and a unique address of the electronic device  350 . The communication circuit  340  processes the communication signal  359  and provides information to the processor  320 . The communication circuit  340  and the communication antennas  341 ,  342 , and  343  may be manufactured based on various communication schemes, such as wireless-fidelity (Wi-Fi), bluetooth, zig-bee, and bluetooth low energy (BLE), which are not limited to a particular type. Further, the communication signal  359  includes rated power information about the electronic device  350 . The processor  320  determines whether to charge the electronic device  350  based on at least one of the unique identifier, unique address, and rated power information of the electronic device  350 . The processor  320  may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (AP), or a communication processor (CP), and the processor  320  may be implemented as a micro-controller unit or a mini computer. 
     Further, the wireless power transmitting device  300  processes the communication signal  359  to identify the electronic device  350 , to transmit power to the electronic device  350 , to send a request for RX power-related information to the electronic device  350 , and to receive power-related information from the electronic device  350 . In other words, the communication signal  359  may be used in a process for a subscription, command, or request between the wireless power transmitting device  300  and the electronic device  350 . 
     Meanwhile, the processor  320  controls the power transmission antenna array  310  to form an RF wave  311  in the determined direction of the electronic device  350 . The processor  320  forms the RF wave to detect and determine the distance to the electronic device  350  using another communication signal subsequently received as a feedback, which is described below in greater detail. 
     Thus, the processor  320  determines the direction of the electronic device  350  and the distance to the electronic device  350  and, thus, determines the position of the electronic device  350 . The processor  320  controls the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves generated from the patch antennas constructively interfere with each other at the position of the electronic device  350 . Therefore, the RF wave  311  may be transferred to the power reception antenna  351  at a relatively high transmission efficiency. The power reception antenna  351  at the electronic device  350  is an antenna configured to receive RF waves. Further, the power reception antenna  351  may be implemented in the form of an array of a plurality of antennas. The AC power received by the power reception antenna  351  may be rectified into DC power by the rectifier  352 . The converter  353  may convert the DC power into a voltage required and provide the voltage to the charger  354 . The charger  354  may charge a battery (not shown). Although not shown, the converter  353  may provide the converted power to a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) (not shown), and the PMIC (not shown) may provide power to various hardware structures of the electronic device  350 . 
     Also, the processor  355  monitors the voltage at the output end of the rectifier  352 . For example, the electronic device  350  may further include a voltage meter connected to the output end of the rectifier  352 . The processor  355  receives a voltage value from the voltage meter and monitors the voltage at the output end of the rectifier  352 . The processor  355  provides information containing the voltage value at the output end of the rectifier  352  to the communication circuit  357 . Although the charger  354 , converter  353 , and PMIC may be implemented in different hardware devices, at least two of these devices may be integrated into a single hardware device. 
     Further, the voltage meter may be implemented in various types, such as an electrodynamic instrument voltage meter, an electrostatic voltage meter, or a digital voltage meter, without limited in type thereto. The communication circuit  357  transmits the communication signal including RX power-related information using the communication antenna  358 . The received power-related information is information associated with the magnitude of power received, such as, for instance, the voltage at the output end of the rectifier  352 , and includes a current at the output end of the rectifier  352 . In this embodiment, the electronic device  350  may further include a current meter to measure current at the output end of the rectifier  352 . The current meter may be implemented in various types, such as a DC current meter, AC current meter, or digital current meter, without limited in type thereto. Further, the received power-related information may be measured at any point of the electronic device  350 , but not only at the output or input end of the rectifier  352 . 
     Further, as set forth above, the processor  355  transmits a communication signal  359  including identification information about the electronic device  350 . The memory  356  stores a process or method to control various hardware devices or elements in the electronic device  350 . 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  510 , a wireless power transmitting device (or a processor) receives a communication signal from an electronic device through each of a plurality of communication antennas. In operation  520 , the wireless power transmitting device determines the direction from the wireless power transmitting device to the electronic device based on at least one of differences in time of reception and differences in phase between communication signals respectively received through the communication antennas. 
     In operation  530 , the wireless power transmitting device (or a plurality of antenna patches) controls the patch antennas to form the RF wave corresponding to each of test distances in the determined direction. 
     In operation  540 , the wireless power transmitting device determines the distance between the wireless power transmitting device and the electronic device based on the received power-related information from the electronic device. Specifically, the wireless power transmitting device provides a first magnitude of power to the patch antennas. The RF wave has a first distance in which case the wireless power transmitting device receives RX power-related information (for instance, voltage at the output end of the rectifier of the electronic device) from the electronic device. Further, the wireless power transmitting device provides a second magnitude of power to the patch antennas. The RF wave has a second distance in which case the wireless power transmitting device receives RX power-related information (for instance, voltage at the output end of the rectifier of the electronic device) from the electronic device. In an example, varying the distance of formation of the RF wave means that the wireless power transmitting device varies the point where the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other. For example, the distance of formation of RF wave is varied by changing the magnitude of power applied to the patch antennas. 
     In an embodiment, where the electronic device is positioned away from the wireless power transmitting device by a second distance, a relatively large magnitude of power is received where the wireless power transmitting device forms a second distance of RF wave. Accordingly, the voltage at the output end of the electronic device has a relatively large value. The wireless power transmitting device determines that the electronic device is positioned away from the wireless power transmitting device at the second distance, based on the received power-related information (for instance, the voltage at the output end of the rectifier) from the electronic device. The wireless power transmitting device may pre-store information about the relationship between the distance and magnitude of power applied and may determine the distance using the relationship information. Further, according to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device may not determine the distance to the electronic device, which is described below in greater detail. 
     The wireless power transmitting device determines the position of the electronic device by determining the distance from the wireless power transmitting device and the direction of the electronic device. The wireless power transmitting device controls each of the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at the position of the electronic device. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 6  is described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 7 .  FIG. 7  is a concept view illustrating a configuration to determine the distance between a wireless power transmitting device and an electronic device  750  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In operation  610 , as illustrated in, e.g.,  FIG. 7 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  determines at least one of the phase and amplitude of sub-RF waves generated from the patch antennas  711  to  726  to form an RF wave for detection in a determined direction (θ,φ). For example, upon determining that the electronic device  750  is positioned relatively to a right side of the wireless power transmitting device  700 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  applies a relatively large delay to sub-RF waves generated from patch antennas positioned relatively to the right side, compared to sub-RF waves generated from patch antennas positioned relatively to a left side of the wireless power transmitting device  700 , so that the sub-RF waves generated from the patch antennas  711  to  726  constructively interfere with each other, by considering the position or the location of each patch antenna  711  to  726  in the wireless power transmitting device  700  with respect to the electronic device  750 . In other words, the sub-RF waves from the patch antennas positioned relatively at the right side of the wireless power transmitting device  700  may be generated after or within a predetermined time delay after the sub-RF waves from the patch antennas positioned relatively to the left side of the wireless power transmitting device  700 , and accordingly, the sub-RF waves from the patch antennas may simultaneously meet, that is, constructively interfere with each other at a relatively right-side point. Furthermore, as described above, the wireless power transmitting device  700  forms sub-RF waves from all the patch antennas  711  to  726  substantially at a same time. In this case, the wireless power transmitting device  700  adjusts the phase of the sub-RF waves respectively generated from the patch antennas  711  to  726 , allowing the sub-RF waves to constructively interfere with each other relatively to the right side of the wireless power transmitting device  700 . 
     In one illustrative example, upon determining that the electronic device  750  is positioned relatively at an upper side of the wireless power transmitting device  700 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  applies a relatively large delay to sub-RF waves generated from patch antennas positioned relatively at an upper side of the wireless power transmitting device  700  so that the sub-RF waves generated from the patch antennas  711  to  726  constructively interfere with each other relatively at an upper side. In other words, the sub-RF waves from the patch antennas positioned relatively at an upper side are generated later than, after, or subsequent to the sub-RF waves from the patch antennas positioned relatively at a lower side. Accordingly, the sub-RF waves from the patch antennas simultaneously meet, that is, constructively interfere with each other at a relatively upper-side point. The wireless power transmitting device  700  applies different delays to the patch antennas  711  to  726 , respectively, arranged in two-dimension (2D), allowing or enabling the RF wave generated by each of the patch antennas  711  to  726  to have a different phase. 
     In operation  620 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  determines the magnitude of power applied to each patch antenna  711  to  726  so that an RF wave  731  for detection is formed corresponding to a first test distance. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  700  directly determines the magnitude of a first test power provided to the patch antennas  711  to  726  without determining distance. In an example, the first test distance or the magnitude of the first test power has a default value. 
     In operation  630 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  forms the RF wave  731  corresponding to the first test distance using the determined power applied to each patch antenna  711  to  726  and at least one of the determined phase and amplitude of the RF wave generated by each patch antenna  711  to  726 . 
     In operation  640 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  receives from the electronic device  750  information related to power received by the electronic device  750 , for instance, RX power-related information. In operation  650 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  determines whether the received power-related information meets a preset condition. For example, the wireless power transmitting device  700  determines whether the voltage at the output end of the rectifier of the electronic device  750 , which is the received power-related information, exceeds a preset threshold, such as an optimal power operating threshold for the electronic device  750  to operate at its optimum capacity. 
     In response to the received power-related information failing to meet the preset condition, in operation  660 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  adjusts the power applied to each patch antenna  711  to  726  to form an RF wave  732  for detection corresponding to a next test distance. 
     As set forth above, the wireless power transmitting device  700  determines the magnitude of next test power without determining a test distance and applies the same, that is, the next test power, to each patch antenna  711  to  726 . Further, although  FIG. 7  illustrates that the wireless power transmitting device  700  increases the test distance, that is, the magnitude of power to be supplied or applied, such is merely an example. The wireless power transmitting device  700  may also reduce the test distance, for instance, the magnitude of power applied. Also, the wireless power transmitting device  700  adjusts the magnitude of power applied to each patch antenna  711  to  726  until the received power-related information meets the preset condition. 
     In response to the received power-related information meeting the preset condition, in operation  670 , the wireless power transmitting device  700  maintains the power applied to each patch antenna to send out an RF wave and performs wireless charging. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , where an RF wave  733  is formed to have a third test distance, the received power-related information may be determined to be met. The wireless power transmitting device  700  maintains the magnitude of power applied to each patch antenna  711  to  726  so as to maintain the formation of the RF wave  733  in the third test distance. The wireless power transmitting device  700  determines that the distance to the electronic device  750  is the third test distance R or controls power applied to each patch antenna  711  to  726 , without determining the distance to the electronic device  750 . 
     As described above, the wireless power transmitting device  700  determines the distance to the electronic device  750  and controls the patch antennas so that the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a corresponding point, allowing for wireless transmission at a relatively high transmission efficiency. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  is described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is a concept view illustrating a binary detection method, according to an embodiment. 
     Operations  810  to  830  are substantially similar to operations  610  to  630  of  FIG. 6 , and the description previously provided for those functions are incorporated herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in operation  840 , the wireless power transmitting device determines whether the received power-related information meets a preset first condition. In an embodiment, the first condition is a condition corresponding to where the distance between the electronic device and the point where the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other is less than a first threshold. As the distance between the electronic device and the point where the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other increases, the electronic device receives a relatively small or low magnitude of power. Accordingly, e.g., the voltage at the output end of the rectifier of the electronic device has a relatively small value. Resultantly, the distance between the electronic device and the point where the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other is associated with RX power-related information about the electronic device, such as, the voltage at the output end of the rectifier. For example, the voltage at the output end of the rectifier of the electronic device being more than 5V and not more than 10V may be the first condition, and exceeding 10V may be a second condition, wherein the voltage values are mere examples. The second condition may be a condition corresponding to where the distance between the electronic device and the point where the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other is less than a second threshold. The second threshold may be smaller than the first threshold. 
     Further, the above-described conditions may be set to be different per type of electronic device. 
     Upon determining that the received power-related information fails to meet the first condition, in operation  850 , the wireless power transmitting device increases the power applied to the patch antenna  910  by first power. Referring to  FIG. 9 , it can be shown that the patch antenna  910  used to first form an RF wave  911  in a distance R 1  forms an RF wave  912  in a distance R 2 . This can be attributed to an increase of power applied to the patch antenna  910  to the first power. Further, the wireless power transmitting device increases the power applied to the patch antenna  910  to the first power until the received power-related information meets the preset first condition. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 9 , RF waves  913  and  914  are formed from the patch antenna  910  at points R 3  and R 4 , respectively. 
     Upon determining that the received power-related information meets the first condition, in operation  860 , the wireless power transmitting device determines whether the received power-related information meets a preset second condition. 
     Upon determining that the received power-related information fails to meet the second condition, in operation  870 , the wireless power transmitting device readjusts the power applied to the patch antenna  910  to a half of the adjusted existing power. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the wireless power transmitting device reduces the power applied to each patch antenna  910  by a half of the first power, which is adjusted existing power. Accordingly, an RF wave  915  is formed at a distance positioned R 5  behind point R 4 . Upon determining that the received power-related information meets the preset second condition, in operation  880 , the wireless power transmitting device maintains the magnitude of power applied to the patch antenna. For example, where the electronic device is positioned at a point  950 , the second condition is met, and the wireless power transmitting device conducts wireless charging on the electronic device positioned at the point  950 . At least some of the advantages of above process includes enabling a quick determination of the distance between the wireless power transmitting device and the electronic device or a determination of the magnitude of power applied to each patch antenna for swift wireless charging. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  are block diagrams illustrating a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10A , a power source  1001  is connected to a power amplifier (PA)  1002 . The power amplifier  1002  amplifies power provided from the power source  1001 , and an amplification gain of the power amplifier  1002  is controlled by a processor  1030 . For example, the processor  1030  determines a direction of an electronic device using a communication signal of the electronic device delivered from a communication circuit  1040 . Further, as described above, in order to determine the distance between the wireless power transmitting device and the electronic device in a determined direction or determine a magnitude of power applied to each patch antenna for which RX power-related information meets a preset condition, the processor  1030  controls the amplification gain of the power amplifier  1002  to form a plurality of RF waves. 
     Further, the power amplified by the power amplifier  1002  is provided to a divider  1003 . The divider  1003  divides power between a plurality of patch antennas  105 ,  1007 , and  1009 . Further, phase shifters  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008  are configured between the divider  1003  and the patch antennas  1005 ,  1007 , and  1009 . The number of the phase shifters and the number of the patch antennas are merely examples, and a different number of phase shifters or a different number of patch antennas may also be provided. As the phase shifters, hardware components, such as the hittite microwave corporation (HMC)  642  or HMC  1113 , may be used. The phase shifters  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008  shift the phase of AC power received, and the processor  1030  controls the degree of shift by the phase shifters  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008 . The processor  1030  determines the degree of shift inputted to each of the phase shifters  1004 ,  1006 , and  1008  so that an RF wave is formed in the direction of the electronic device determined using the communication signal. 
       FIG. 10B  is a block diagram illustrating a wireless power transmitting device according to an embodiment. In contrast to the embodiment of  FIG. 10A , where all of the patch antennas  1005 ,  1007 , and  1009  are connected to one divider  1003  and one power amplifier  1002 , the embodiment of  FIG. 10B  allows the wireless power transmitting device to include a plurality of power amplifiers  1011  and  1021 . Further, the wireless power transmitting device includes dividers  1012  and  1022 , respectively connected to the plurality of power amplifiers  1011  and  1021 . Phase shifters  1013 ,  1015 , and  1017  and patch antennas  1014 ,  1016 , and  1018  connected to the phase shifters  1013 ,  1015 , and  1017  are connected to the divider  1012 . Phase shifters  1023 ,  1025 , and  1027  and patch antennas  1024 ,  1026 , and  1028  connected to the phase shifters  1023 ,  1025 , and  1027  are connected to the divider  1022 . 
       FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate wireless charging for a plurality of electronic devices, according to an embodiment. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 11A  is described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 12A . Referring to  FIG. 12A , in operation  1210 , a wireless power transmitting device  1100  determines the direction of electronic devices  1151  and  1152 . The wireless power transmitting device  1100  determines the direction of the electronic device  1151 , based on a communication signal from the first electronic device  1151 , and the direction of the electronic device  1152 , based on a communication signal from the second electronic device  1152 . 
     In operation  1220 , the wireless power transmitting device  1100  determines patch antenna groups  1101  and  1102  to charge the electronic devices  1151  and  1152 , respectively. In operation  1230 , the wireless power transmitting device  1100  wirelessly charges the plurality of electronic devices  1151  and  1152  using the patch antenna groups  1101  and  1102 . The wireless power transmitting device  1100  determines the distance from the first electronic device  1151  using the patch antenna group  1101  and performs wireless charging based on the determined distance. Further, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  determines the distance from the second electronic device  1152  using the patch antenna group  1102  and performs wireless charging based on the determined distance. Further, according to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  may also perform wireless charging without determining distance, as described above. According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  select the patch antenna groups  1101  and  1102  depending on the direction of each of the electronic devices  1151  and  1152 . For example, for the first electronic device  1151  determined to be positioned relatively at a left side of the wireless power transmitting device  1100 , the wireless power transmitting device  1100  selects the patch antenna group  1101 , which is positioned relatively at a left side of the wireless power transmitting device  1100 . For the second electronic device  1152  determined to be positioned relatively at a right side of the wireless power transmitting device  1100 , the wireless power transmitting device  1100  selects the patch antenna group  1102 , which is positioned relatively at a right side of the wireless power transmitting device  1100 . The patch antenna group  1101  forms an RF wave  1111  to charge the first electronic device  1151 , and the patch antenna group  1102  forms an RF wave  1112  to charge the second electronic device  1152 . 
     Further, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  selects a number of patch antennas included in the patch antenna group based on the rated power of each of the electronic devices  1151  and  1152 . For example, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  assigns a greater number of patch antennas to the electronic device  1151  or  1152  with relatively high rated power. As set forth above, the electronic devices  1151  and  1152  may be simultaneously charged. 
     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 11B  is described in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 12B . Referring to  FIG. 12B , a wireless power transmitting device  1100  may determine the direction of a plurality of electronic devices  1151  and  1152  in operation  1210 . In operation  1221 , the wireless power transmitting device  1100  divides time to charge each of the electronic devices  1151  and  1152 . In operation  1231 , the wireless power transmitting device  1100  wirelessly charges the electronic devices  1151  and  1152  based on the divided charging time. For example, as shown in  FIG. 11B , each of the patch antennas  1103  is controlled to form a sub-RF wave to form an RF wave  1113  to charge the first electronic device  1151  for a first time t 1 , and the overall patch antenna  1103  is used to form an RF wave  1114  to charge the second electronic device  1152  for a second time t 2 . According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  selects an electronic device  1151  or  1152  to be charged first depending on priority of the electronic devices  1151  and  1152 . In other words, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  completes the charging of the higher-priority electronic device and performs charging of the next-priority electronic device. In an alternative, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  alternately charges the electronic devices  1151  and  1152 . In other words, a predetermined time before completing the higher-priority electronic device, the wireless power transmitting device  1100  begins charging the next-priority electronic device  1151  or  1152  for a predetermined time and then resumes the charging of the higher-priority electronic device  1151  or  1152 . 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  1310 , a wireless power transmitting device wirelessly charges an electronic device. The wireless power transmitting device performs the wireless charging using the direction of the electronic device and the distance to the electronic device as set forth above. 
     In operation  1320 , the wireless power transmitting device detects a move of the electronic device. In one embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device detects the move of the electronic device based on RX power-related information from the electronic device. As the electronic device moves, the electronic device may not receive sufficient power from the RF wave produced through constructive interference at the point where the electronic device used to be located. As a result, the voltage at the output end of the electronic device also reduces. The wireless power transmitting device may detect the displacement of the electronic device, corresponding to the received power-related information&#39;s failure to meet a preset condition. 
     Alternatively, the wireless power transmitting device detects the displacement of the electronic device based on a communication signal from the electronic device. The wireless power transmitting device continuously receives communication signals from the electronic device and continuously monitors the direction of the electronic device using the communication signals. Thus, the wireless power transmitting device detects a variation in the direction where the electronic device is positioned. 
     According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device directly receives from the electronic device information about the displacement of the electronic device. The electronic device may include various sensors, such as a gyro sensor, a linear sensor, a geo-magnetic sensor, and a global positioning satellite (GPS) sensor, which is capable of a move. The electronic device detects the displacement of the electronic device using the various sensors and produces displacement information as a communication signal and transmits the communication signal to the wireless power transmitting device. The wireless power transmitting device detects the displacement of the electronic device using the received displacement information. 
     In operation  1330 , the wireless power transmitting device determines at least one of the phase and amplitude for each patch antenna corresponding to the move of the electronic device and determines power applied to each patch antenna. In operation  1340 , the wireless power transmitting device forms an RF wave based on the determined power applied to each patch antenna and at least one of the determined phase and amplitude for each patch antenna. In other words, the wireless power transmitting device controls each patch antenna so that sub-RF waves may constructively interfere with each other at the position of the electronic device that has moved. The wireless power transmitting device re-detects a post-displacement or post-move position of the electronic device as per the above-described manner or controls the patch antennas directly using the move information. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  1410 , the wireless power transmitting device receives signals from an electronic device through communication antennas. In operation  1420 , the wireless power transmitting device monitors the direction from the wireless power transmitting device to the electronic device based on at least one of differences in time of reception and differences in phase between the communication signals received at respective communication antennas. For example, as the electronic device moves, the difference in time of reception or the difference in phase may vary between the communication antennas. In operation  1430 , the wireless power transmitting device detects a movement or a displacement of the electronic device based on a result of monitoring. 
     In operation  1440 , the wireless power transmitting device determines at least one of the phase and amplitude for each patch antenna corresponding to the displacement of the electronic device and determines power applied to each patch antenna. The wireless power transmitting device determines at least one of the phase and amplitude for each patch antenna corresponding to the post-move position of the electronic device and determines power applied to each patch antenna. In operation  1450 , the wireless power transmitting device forms an RF wave based on the determined power applied to each patch antenna and at least one of the determined phase and amplitude for each patch antenna. Accordingly, the sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at the post-displacement position of the electronic device. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a method to control a wireless power transmitting device, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  1510 , the wireless power transmitting device receives a communication signal containing displacement or movement information about an electronic device. In operation  1520 , the wireless power transmitting device detects the displacement or the move of the electronic device by analyzing the move information. As set forth above, the electronic device obtains the displacement or movement information using a sensor configured to detect displacement or movement and transmits a communication signal containing the obtained displacement information. 
     Meanwhile, operations  1530  and  1540  are substantially similar to operations  1440  and  1450  of  FIG. 14 , and no further detailed description thereof is presented. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating operations of a wireless power transmitting device and an electronic device, according to an embodiment. 
     In operation  1610 , an electronic device determines its position. The electronic device determines its position based on various indoor positioning schemes. For example, the electronic device acquires an indoor geo-magnetic map and compares data sensed by a geo-magnetic sensor with the acquired geo-magnetic map. The electronic device determines its indoor position based on a result of the comparison. In the alternative, the electronic device also determines its indoor position based on a Wi-Fi signal-based indoor positioning scheme. In a further alternative, where the electronic device is positioned outdoors, the electronic device determines its position using a GPS module. 
     In operation  1620 , the electronic device transmits a signal including the position information. 
     In operation  1630 , a wireless power transmitting device determines at least one of the phase and amplitude for each patch antenna based on the position information from the electronic device and determines the magnitude of power applied to each patch antenna. In operation  1640 , the wireless power transmitting device forms an RF wave based on the determined power applied to each patch antenna and at least one of the determined phase and amplitude for each patch antenna. 
     According to an embodiment, there is provided a storage medium storing commands configured to be executed by at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform at least one operation that may include determining a direction in which an electronic device is positioned based on a time of reception of a first communication signal from the electronic device by each communication antenna included in the electronic device, controlling patch antennas included in a wireless power transmitting device so that sub-RF waves of a first magnitude constructively interfere with each other in the determined direction, and determining whether to charge the electronic device with the sub-RF waves of the first magnitude based on a second communication signal received from the electronic device. 
     According to an embodiment, there is provided a storage medium storing commands configured to be executed by at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform at least one operation that may include receiving a first communication signal including a position of an electronic device from the electronic device and controlling patch antennas included in a wireless power transmitting device so that sub-RF waves constructively interfere with each other at a position of the electronic device. 
     The above-described commands may be stored in an external server and may be downloaded and installed on an electronic device, such as a wireless power transmitting device. In other words, according to an embodiment, the external server may store commands that are downloadable by the wireless power transmitting device. 
     As is apparent from the foregoing description, according to embodiments, there is provided a wireless power transmitting device that determines a direction of power transmission using communication signals from an electronic device and determines the precise location of the electronic device using the determined direction and a method to control the wireless power transmitting device. In accord with many of the advantages of the various embodiments described above, substantial savings in time are produced to determine a location of the electronic device and to transmit harmful radio waves. 
     The transmitters, devices, elements dividers, shifters, and other structural elements in  FIGS. 1, 3, 10A, and 10B  that perform the operations described in this application are implemented by hardware components configured to perform the operations described in this application that are performed by the hardware components. Examples of hardware components that may be used to perform the operations described in this application where appropriate include controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described in this application. In other examples, one or more of the hardware components that perform the operations described in this application are implemented by computing hardware, for example, by one or more processors or computers. A processor or computer may be implemented by one or more processing elements, such as an array of logic gates, a controller and an arithmetic logic unit, a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, a field-programmable gate array, a programmable logic array, a microprocessor, or any other device or combination of devices that is configured to respond to and execute instructions in a defined manner to achieve a desired result. In one example, a processor or computer includes, or is connected to, one or more memories storing instructions or software that are executed by the processor or computer. Hardware components implemented by a processor or computer may execute instructions or software, such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the OS, to perform the operations described in this application. The hardware components may also access, manipulate, process, create, and store data in response to execution of the instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular term “processor” or “computer” may be used in the description of the examples described in this application, but in other examples multiple processors or computers may be used, or a processor or computer may include multiple processing elements, or multiple types of processing elements, or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components may be implemented by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components may be implemented by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other hardware components may be implemented by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, may implement a single hardware component, or two or more hardware components. A hardware component may have any one or more of different processing configurations, examples of which include a single processor, independent processors, parallel processors, single-instruction single-data (SISD) multiprocessing, single-instruction multiple-data (SIMD) multiprocessing, multiple-instruction single-data (MISD) multiprocessing, and multiple-instruction multiple-data (MIMD) multiprocessing. 
     The methods illustrated in  FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 8, 12A, 12B, and 13 through 16  that perform the operations described in this application are performed by computing hardware, for example, by one or more processors or computers, implemented as described above executing instructions or software to perform the operations described in this application that are performed by the methods. For example, a single operation or two or more operations may be performed by a single processor, or two or more processors, or a processor and a controller. One or more operations may be performed by one or more processors, or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations may be performed by one or more other processors, or another processor and another controller. One or more processors, or a processor and a controller, may perform a single operation, or two or more operations. 
     Instructions or software to control computing hardware, for example, one or more processors or computers, to implement the hardware components and perform the methods as described above may be written as computer programs, code segments, instructions or any combination thereof, for individually or collectively instructing or configuring the one or more processors or computers to operate as a machine or special-purpose computer to perform the operations that are performed by the hardware components and the methods as described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code that is directly executed by the one or more processors or computers, such as machine code produced by a compiler. In another example, the instructions or software includes higher-level code that is executed by the one or more processors or computer using an interpreter. The instructions or software may be written using any programming language based on the block diagrams and the flow charts illustrated in the drawings and the corresponding descriptions in the specification, which disclose algorithms for performing the operations that are performed by the hardware components and the methods as described above. 
     The instructions or software to control computing hardware, for example, one or more processors or computers, to implement the hardware components and perform the methods as described above, and any associated data, data files, and data structures, may be recorded, stored, or fixed in or on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD+Rs, CD-RWs, CD+RWs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, DVD+Rs, DVD-RWs, DVD+RWs, DVD-RAMs, BD-ROMs, BD-Rs, BD-R LTHs, BD-REs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, magneto-optical data storage devices, optical data storage devices, hard disks, solid-state disks, and any other device that is configured to store the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and provide the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures to one or more processors or computers so that the one or more processors or computers can execute the instructions. In one example, the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the instructions and software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed fashion by the one or more processors or computers. 
     While this disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after an understanding of the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and details may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects in each example are to be considered as being applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Suitable results may be achieved if the described techniques are performed in a different order, and/or if components in a described system, architecture, device, or circuit are combined in a different manner, and/or replaced or supplemented by other components or their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the disclosure is defined not by the detailed description, but by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the disclosure.