System and a method for indicating information representing battery status of an electronic device
Inventors
JÄRVELÄ, Petteri • Vallius, Tero • Koskela, Markku • Kallunki, Markku • VOUTILAINEN, Timo • Pelkonen, Sami
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12212172-B2
Publication Date
2025-01-28
Expiration Date
2039-04-29
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Abstract
The invention relates to a system for indicating information representing battery status of an electronic device. The system comprises a charging unit and an electronic device. The charging unit comprises charging means, wireless communication means, and indication means. The electronic device comprises a rechargeable battery, charging means, and wireless communication means. During the wireless charging of the electronic device, the electronic device is configured to detect information representing the battery status of said electronic device and to communicate the detected information representing the battery status to the charging unit, and the charging unit is configured to receive the information from the electronic device and to indicate at least part of the received information representing the battery status of the electronic device. The invention relates also to a method for indicating information representing battery status of an electronic device.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system and a method for indicating information representing the battery status of an electronic device, particularly wearable electronic devices such as smart rings or smartwatches that have no indicator or display for showing their charging status. The system comprises a charging unit and an electronic device, both having wireless communication means. During wireless charging, the electronic device detects information representing its battery status and communicates this information wirelessly to the charging unit, which then indicates at least part of this battery status information to the user.
The problem addressed by the invention arises because many small wearable devices either lack indicators or displays to show their battery charge status or rely on mobile devices for such information, which is not user friendly. Prior art solutions that detect charging status from the charging current in the charger are ineffective for small, low power devices due to very low charging currents that are difficult to detect.
The invention solves this problem by having the electronic device itself detect battery status information and communicate this wirelessly, via means such as infrared or Bluetooth, to the charging unit. The charging unit, which includes indication means such as LEDs or displays, then provides the user with at least partial information about the battery status during charging. This enables indication of the battery status even for devices without built-in indicators and removes the need for mobile device applications for battery status indication.
Claims Coverage
The claims define inventive features related to a wearable ring electronic device, a charging unit, and a method for indicating the battery status using optical communication.
Wearable ring with battery status detection and optical communication
A wearable ring electronic device comprising a rechargeable battery, an optical sensor to acquire physiological data when disconnected from a charging unit, wireless charging means, and wireless communication means operable to detect battery status information and activate the optical sensor to transmit light indicating that the battery charge exceeds a threshold.
Optical sensor activation and deactivation based on battery status
Wireless communication means configured to deactivate the optical sensor when the battery charge is below a threshold and to activate it when above.
Estimation of charging duration and communication
The device determines the duration for battery status to change between charge levels and estimates remaining charging time, communicating this estimate via the optical sensor to the charging unit.
Continuous or periodic detection of battery status
The device configured to detect the battery status information continuously or at periodic time intervals while connected to the charging unit.
Charging unit with optical communication and indication
A charging unit with wireless charging means and an optical sensor to receive light from the wearable ring’s optical sensor to determine battery status, and indication means such as LEDs to show the battery status information based on the optical sensor’s detection.
Color and activation of indicators based on battery status
Indication means configured to activate or deactivate LEDs and to change LED color based on the state of the optical sensor reflecting battery charging states.
Method for indicating battery status using optical sensor
A method including wirelessly charging a wearable ring device, detecting battery status, and activating an optical sensor to transmit light indicating battery charge exceeding a threshold, wherein the optical sensor also acquires physiological data when disconnected from the charger.
The claims collectively cover a system with a wearable ring detecting battery status and communicating it optically to a charging unit that indicates battery status through light-based signals, together with methods for managing battery status detection, communication, and indication.
Stated Advantages
Enables indication of battery status for electronic devices that lack built-in indicators.
Allows users to be aware of battery status without requiring a mobile device or additional application.
Effective for small, low power wearable devices where charging current detection is challenging.
Supports wireless communication of battery status information using optical or Bluetooth technologies.
Provides flexible indication options such as LED colors, blinking frequencies, or multiple LED indicators.
Documented Applications
Use in wearable electronic devices, such as smart rings, smartwatches, and smart garments, which are charged wirelessly.
Battery status indication during wireless charging especially for small wearable devices without built-in display or indicator.
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