Apple Inc.
Wireless charging system with machine-learning-based foreign object detection

Abstract:

A wireless power transmission system has a wireless power receiving device with a wireless power receiving coil that is located on a charging surface of a wireless power transmitting device with a wireless power transmitting coil array. Control circuitry in the wireless power transmitting device may use inverter circuitry to supply alternating-current signals to coils in the coil array, thereby transmitting wireless power signals. The control circuitry may also be used to detect foreign objects on the coil array such as metallic objects without wireless power receiving coils. For example, control circuitry may use inductance measurements from the coils in the coil array to determine a probability value indicative of whether a foreign object is present on the charging surface. The control circuitry may compare the probability value to a threshold and take suitable action in response to the comparison.