Abstract: Methods and systems for enabling secure communication between a wireless charging system and at least one external device. The wireless charging system comprises at least one transmitter for supplying receiver(s) with wireless power. The external device may be used to control the wireless charging system by updating configuration files, instructing the transmitter as to which receiver to supply power to, and to supply billing information to enable receiver(s) to pay for wireless charging. The wireless charging system may provide the external device with data, such as receiver details, or images of the vicinity around the transmitter or receiver. The system only carries out the above if a key is presented to the wireless charging system. The key may be a physical key inserted into a component of the wireless charging system, such as into the transmitter, or a numeric key received by the wireless charging system.

Abstract: A two-mode DC/DC converter systems, for use in wireless power transmission receivers, and which allow the use of conventional logic circuits, operating at voltages well over IV, to efficiently drive DC/DC converter circuits even while being powered from the low voltage, even below IV, of a photovoltaic cell output. Two separate control modules may control the DC/DC converter, a first using a simple control for switching the converter, capable of being powered by the low voltages generated by the PV. Once a voltage above about 1.5V is generated at the output of the DC/DC converter, a second, more complex controller can become powered up, and takes control of the voltage conversion process, driving the converter more efficiently, and able to adapt its control function according to logical input instructions and sensor outputs received. The complex controller can operate independently, or in conjunction with the simple controller, to increase efficiency further.

Abstract: A wireless power transmitter for powering a remote receiver using a laser beam, the laser beam generator having current inputs and outputs electrically insulated from their surroundings, and each including a separate controlled gated switch. The transmitter has a beam adjustment element for switching the beam between a collimated beam for power transfer, and a more divergent beam for scanning, which is performed by a beam deflector. A detection system detect the presence of a receiver, and is used to ensure accurate beam impingement on the power receiving element. A controller senses when the beam is centered on the power receiving element, switches from the divergent scanning beam to the collimated beam, and instructs the beam generator to raise the power of the laser beam to a level for powering the receiver. The gate controller operates at a higher voltage than the other system control circuits.

Abstract: A system for measuring the power of a laser beam, comprising an essentially opaque enclosure, from which the laser beam is directed through an exit aperture. The enclosure contains a beam splitter configured to transmit a major part of the laser beam through the exit aperture, and to reflect a minor part of the laser beam; a diffuser element positioned such that the reflected minor part of the laser beam impinges thereon; at least one detector element in optical communication with the diffuser element, the detector element providing a signal in response to the diffused light of the minor part of the laser beam impinging thereon; and an absorber element positioned such that that part of any light entering the enclosure through the exit aperture and reflected by the beam splitter, impinges on the absorber element, and is essentially absorbed.

Abstract: New systems for the wireless recharging of the batteries of game controllers, without the need for placing the game controller on a dedicated charging device such as an inductively coupled charging pad or its charging docking station. Wireless charging can continue even when the gaming controllers are being moved, when in use during the gaming session, and certainly when the controller is left by the user in some random location in the area in which the system is installed. A transmitter beams optical power, such as a laser beam, to an optical power receiver located on the controller itself, which, using a photovoltaic cell and an appropriate voltage converter, converts the optical beam power to a current for charging the battery. A beam aiming mechanism, such as a scanning mirror, is provided to ensure correct tracking of the game controller, according to the outputs of a beam tracking application.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a high power laser system, which detects and responds to malfunctions in interlocks of the laser safety system. A fault detected in any interlock circuit mandates a limitation in the operating conditions of the laser, or even a shutdown. In order to distinguish between transient faults, arising typically from ambient conditions, and more permanent faults, arising from faulty components or circuits, and which require external intervention to rectify, the system uses a database of possible fault classifications to determine the likely type of fault. If the fault is likely transient, the laser is maintained in a reduced power state, until one or more temporary interlocks are applied as backup for the failed interlocks, so that the system can be repeatedly tested for fault correction at full power output. Once the fault recovers, the backup interlocks may be disabled and the system returned to full operation.

Abstract: A fail-safe wireless power transmission system having a transmitter, a receiver, a receiver functionality monitor unit, a transmitter functionality monitor unit and at least two sensors. The transmitter has at least one low emission state, and at least one high emission state, the high emission states having higher emissions and more complex safety systems. The transmitter may be precluded from switching from a low emission state to any high emission states upon detection of a receiver control unit malfunction, a transmitter control unit malfunction, a likelihood of human-accessible emission from the system greater than a predetermined level, or an inconsistency between results arising from at least two of the sensors. Two different methods of such preclusion may be used simultaneously or consecutively to improve reliability. A transmitter control unit analyzes data from the sensors, and performs calculations to determine if and what type of preclusion is needed.

Abstract: A wireless power transmitter for powering a remote receiver using a laser beam, the laser beam generator having current inputs and outputs electrically insulated from their surroundings, and each including a separate controlled gated switch. The transmitter has a beam adjustment element for switching the beam between a collimated beam for power transfer, and a more divergent beam for scanning, which is performed by a beam deflector. A detection system detect the presence of a receiver, and is used to ensure accurate beam impingement on the power receiving element. A controller senses when the beam is centered on the power receiving element, switches from the divergent scanning beam to the collimated beam, and instructs the beam generator to raise the power of the laser beam to a level for powering the receiver. The gate controller operates at a higher voltage than the other system control circuits.

Abstract: New systems for ensuring the reliable function of systems for laser powering and information propagation using receivers located in premises frequented by the public, such as a store or a public office, using information displays. The systems employ a wireless power transmitter which has a detector for determining whether the premises is operating in a situation characteristic of normal working hours, with people present who may interfere with its correct operation, or whether the situation is typical of closed premises, with low or zero occupancy, enabling the system to operate reliably in what may be termed an “after-hours” mode. Operations which must be performed reliably include charging the receivers, updating of the displays, maintenance of the devices, and software updates. The system can detect the presence of human activity directly, or by implication by the cessation of services such as lighting or air conditioning in the area.

Abstract: A wireless optical power transmission system comprising a transmitter and receiver, the transmitter comprising a laser emitting a beam, a scanning mirror for steering the beam towards said receiver and a control unit receiving signals from a detection unit on the receiver and controlling the beam power and the scanning mirror. The receiver has a photovoltaic cell having a bandgap energy of 0.75-1.2 eV, with a plurality of conductors on a beam receiving surface. A cover layer of material blocking illumination of wavelengths outside that of the laser, is disposed on the photovoltaic cell. The cover layer may have anti-reflective coatings on its top and bottom surfaces. The detection unit thus generates a signal representing the power of the laser beam impinging upon the receiver, independent of illuminations other than that of said laser beam. The control unit thus can maintain the laser power impinging on the receiver.

Abstract: A fail-safe wireless power transmission system having a transmitter, a receiver, a receiver functionality monitor unit, a transmitter functionality monitor unit and at least two sensors. The transmitter has at least one low emission state, and at least one high emission state, the high emission states having higher emissions and more complex safety systems. The transmitter may be precluded from switching from a low emission state to any high emission states upon detection of a receiver control unit malfunction, a transmitter control unit malfunction, a likelihood of human-accessible emission from the system greater than a predetermined level, or an inconsistency between results arising from at least two of the sensors. Two different methods of such preclusion may be used simultaneously or consecutively to improve reliability. A transmitter control unit analyzes data from the sensors, and performs calculations to determine if and what type of preclusion is needed.

Abstract: A system for measuring levels of inflammable gases such as cooking gas, in a closed space, and for providing a warning when the gas levels exceed a safe threshold. The system uses a laser beam in order to determine the presence of the intruding inflammable gas. Laser beams provide a convenient method of determining the absorption of gases in the path of the beam, since the beam is generally collimated, traversing a well-defined path, which can cover a large extent of an area to be monitored for gas contamination. The absorption of the light of the laser beam in traversing the area is dependent on the gaseous content of the environment through which the beam passes. The wavelength of the laser beam used is chosen such that there is significant absorption of the beam by the gases which the system is intended to detect in the laser beam.

Abstract: A system for optical wireless power transmission to a power receiving apparatus generally situated in a mobile electronic device. The transmitter has an optical resonator with end reflectors and a gain medium positioned between them, such that an optical beam is generated. The frequency of the beam is selected such that it is absorbed by almost all transparent organic materials in general use. A beam steering unit on the transmitter can direct the beam in any of a plurality of directions, and the beam is absorbed on the receiver by means of an optical-to-electrical power converter, through a low reflection surface. The band gap of this power converter is selected to be smaller than that of the gain medium. The receiver has a voltage converter including an inductor, an energy storage device and a switch. A beam steerer controller ensures that the beam impinges on the receiver.

Abstract: Methods and systems for safely and effectively supplying a beam of wireless power from a transmitter to at least one receiver. A delta signal is generated by repeatedly calculating the difference in power between the power of the beam emitted by the transmitter and the amount of power received at the receiver. The system dynamically generates a time delay, which is a time period shorter than the maximal exposure duration relating to safe exposure durations for the power level of the delta signal. If the time delay is exceeded, the system changes an operational parameter of the system, such as terminating the beam. Because of limitations to building a perfect timing system, the system is built to be more sensitive to time delays having longer safe exposure durations, with large delta signals having short safe exposure durations being responded to immediately and without significant regard to the time delay.

Abstract: New exemplary systems using a laser beam generated by a transmitter unit in abase station, for detecting, communicating with and controlling devices, typically battery-operated, installed in public spaces. Interaction between the laser beam and the device uses a laser detector module on the device, selected to emit a fluorescent signal when the laser beam impinges thereon. A fluorescence detector is installed on the base station, and it detects the incoherent fluorescence emitted by the device when the laser impinges on the device. A wireless data link can implement the exchange of information and instructions between the base station and the device, that may be needed following positive detection of the fluorescent emission from the device. The system may use a laser beam in the short wavelength infra-red (SWIR) region. The detector may provide the device with power for its operation and/or for keeping an installed battery charged.

Abstract: A system for ensuring the integrity of the enclosure of a wireless power transmitter. The enclosure of the transmitter comprises a window in order to allow a high-power beam to exit the transmitter. The window is equipped with an area which reflects at least a portion of the beam, and directs the reflected beam onto a detector. Thus the system can ascertain whether the window is undamaged, since if the detector is receiving a satisfactory portion of the beam, then it is indicative of an undamaged window. This advantageously prevents dangerous beam generated damage which may be caused if the exit window of the transmitter is damaged. The laser beam is preferably circularly polarized before exiting the transmitter to prevent dangerous laser damage caused by the reflections of the maximum of the P or S polarization components, which may occur with linearly polarized beams.

Abstract: A safety supervision system for wireless power transmission, comprising a transmitter having an optical beam generator with safe states for transmitting power to receivers that convert the beam into electrical power. The system control unit stores previously known signatures categorized by predetermined parameters associated with one or more unwanted situations, stores data from sensors, compares this stored data to the signatures, and executes one or more responses based on this comparison. The system may comprise transmitter and/or receiver malfunction detection systems adapted to monitor the transmitter and receiver control units and to cause the optical beam generator to switch to a safe state upon detection of a transmitter or receiver control unit malfunction, and may further comprise a hazard detection system preventing human exposure to beam intensity above a predefined safe level.

Abstract: Systems for the aiming of a laser beam of wireless power towards the photovoltaic cell of a receiver, using an adjustable beam deflection unit, enabling accurate orientation of the mirror used to deflect the laser beam. Insufficient aiming accuracy may result in the spilling over of beam energy intended for absorption by the photovoltaic cell, into the surroundings. The criteria of accuracy and stability required of an electronically controlled beam aiming mirror must be such that the angular deviation of a beam, from the direction intended by the electronic control, is such that the level of optical power transferred into the surroundings, when a beam having the maximum power which the system can transmit is aimed at the target, does not exceed that allowed by a regulatory requirement. One common regulation limits the allowed dissipated power to the power of a class 3B laser.

Abstract: A system for transmitting wireless power from multiple sources to multiple receivers, in which the safety of the system is maintained in spite of the possibility that two beams may intersect in the transmission space, thereby generating power or power density levels which exceed those at which the safety mechanisms of the system were designed to operate. The paths of the beams are known from the transmission positions and directions, and from the positions and orientations of the receivers, as measured by positioning devices on them. When an intersection, or near intersection of beams is determined, the system is triggered to reduce the safety risk by attenuating or turning off, or by diverting, one or more of the beams. In addition, since a reflected beam's path may not be readily discernable, the system can ascertain if one of the beams has undergone a reflection, by looking for displayed mirror images.

Abstract: Methods and systems for safely and effectively supplying a beam of wireless power from a transmitter to at least one receiver. A delta signal is generated by repeatedly calculating the difference in power between the power of the beam emitted by the transmitter and the amount of power received at the receiver. The system dynamically generates a time delay, which is a time period shorter than the maximal exposure duration relating to safe exposure durations for the power level of the delta signal. If the time delay is exceeded, the system changes an operational parameter of the system, such as terminating the beam. Because of limitations to building a perfect timing system, the system is built to be more sensitive to time delays having longer safe exposure durations, with large delta signals having short safe exposure durations being responded to immediately and without significant regard to the time delay.