Systems, methods, and apparatus for detection of metal objects in a predetermined space
AssigneeQUALCOMM Incorporated
InventorsHanspeter Widmer, Markus Bittner, Lukas Sieber, Marcel Fischer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for detecting foreign objects. In one aspect an apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a magnetic field is provided. The apparatus includes a power circuit configured to generate the magnetic field and transfer power wirelessly at a level sufficient to power or charge a load via the magnetic field. The apparatus further includes a detection circuit configured to transmit signals and detect, based on a reflection of the transmitted signals, a frequency of vibration of the object caused by the magnetic field.
Claims27
An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a magnetic field, the apparatus comprising:
- a power circuit configured to generate the magnetic field and transfer power wirelessly at a first level sufficient to power or charge a load via the magnetic field;
- and
- a detection circuit configured to transmit signals,
- detect, based on a reflection of the transmitted signals, a frequency of vibration of the object caused by the magnetic field,
- determine a positive detection of the presence of the object based on the frequency of vibration, and
- confirm the positive detection based on a magnetic pulse generated at a second level by the power circuit in response to the positive detection, the second level being stronger than the first level.
A method for detecting a presence of an object in a magnetic field, the method comprising:
- generating the magnetic field;
- transferring power wirelessly at a first level sufficient to power or charge a load via the magnetic field, the magnetic field causing a vibration of the object;
- transmitting signals;
- detecting, based on a reflection of the transmitted signals, a frequency of the vibration of the object caused by the magnetic field;
- determining a positive detection of the presence of the object based on the frequency of vibration;
- and
- confirming the positive detection based on a magnetic pulse generated at a second level in response to the positive detection, the second level being stronger than the first level.
An apparatus for detecting a presence of an object in a magnetic field, the apparatus comprising:
- means for generating the magnetic field;
- means for transferring power wirelessly at a first level sufficient to power or charge a load via the magnetic field;
- means for transmitting signals;
- means for detecting, based on a reflection of the transmitted signals, a frequency of vibration of the object caused by the magnetic field;
- means for determining a positive detection of the presence of the object based on the frequency of vibration;
- and
- means for confirming the positive detection based on a magnetic pulse generated at a second level by the means for generating in response to the positive detection, the second level being stronger than the first level.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.