Coupling manager and method of operation for managing multi-mode electrical coupling

Abstract

In response to detecting an article connected to both ends of the coupled terminals, a multi-mode electrical coupling, which may be composed of any pair of conductive areas in the surface, is selectively coupled to a coupled communication interface. The coupled communication interface obtains data characterizing the article and determines whether the information is consistent with the power supply of the article, or with the communication of the article, particularly in terms of the power demand of the article and / or the identity of the article and the corresponding authorization status. In the case where it is determined that the interaction is allowed, the transducer module can be connected to the multi-mode electrical coupling, at which time the coupled communication interface can be decoupled. A corresponding reporting interface for integration in the article is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to establishing electrical connections in an environment that supports any device arrangement such as a planar recharging surface having multiple contact areas, for example. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, portable electronic devices (phones, media players, tablet and laptop computers, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, etc.) have become increasingly common, and portable speaker units are now commonplace. With the trend towards miniaturization on the one hand, and the expected increase in display size and brightness and wireless connectivity on the other, the demands on the energy storage capacity of the batteries for these devices are becoming increasingly challenging. In view of these considerations, users are increasingly plagued by "low battery anxiety", in which the charge levels of their various devices and the time until the next opportunity to recharge them are a constant source of concern. Attempts to address this issue using stand-alone universal rechargeable battery units have added to the list of devices to be charged and carried. This problem is further complicated by the range of power connectors and the varying voltage requirements of these devices, which may necessitate an individual to carry a range of chargers and cables, thereby offsetting many of the advantages of device miniaturization.

[0003] WO2017046458 proposes a partial solution to this problem.

[0004] Figure 1 Aspects of the prior art approach provided by WO2017046458 are shown.

[0005] As shown, by using the adapter 1301 , the mobile electronic device 120 is positioned for recharging on a planar mating surface 110 provided with a plurality of contact areas 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 .

[0006] Figure 2 Aspects of the prior art method provided by WO2017046458 are shown in more detail. As shown, a mobile electronic device 120 is positioned to be recharged on a planar recharging surface 110 provided with a plurality of contact areas 111, 112, 113, 114 by using an adapter. Figure 2 1 is shown as the footprint 230 of the adapter 130 on the surface 110. Figure 2 As shown, the adapter 130 defines two small cross-section conductive terminals 231, 232 in the outer face of the adapter strip.

[0007] For each device to be powered, it is provided to place the inner face of the belt against one side of the device and to engage the connector into the device on one side of the curved portion of the belt to place the adapter between the device and the recharging surface so as to allow electrical conduction from the two contact areas, the terminals 231, 232 being spaced apart by a predetermined distance much greater than their cross-sectional dimensions. As described in WO2017046458, the contact areas are selectively powered with current, so that the areas 112, 114 on which the two terminals 231, 232 are respectively located enter a functional state and allow the device 120 to be recharged via the adapter 230.

[0008] As described in WO2017046458, in order to determine the state of each contact area in order to determine the presence of a device to be charged, a processing unit is provided that can simply and independently drive each conductive area from a low potential (e.g., 0V) to a high potential (e.g., 5V). The processing unit also manages a data link to drive an ADC for measuring the current drawn by each conductive area. If the drawn current corresponds to the expected current value of the rechargeable device, a high voltage is maintained on the corresponding conductive area. Otherwise, element 80 returns to a low voltage.

[0009] Thus, a mobile device equipped with the proposed adapter can be freely placed on such a planar surface equipped with the system and hopefully detected and provided with a supply voltage accordingly.

[0010] A disadvantage of this approach is that, in the event that an electrical connection exists between any two conductive areas due to some reason other than the presence of a rechargeable device, for example due to a conductive article such as a metal tool or ornament being placed on the surface, the test process will create a short circuit to ground through such connection, resulting in the flow of current. Depending on the conductive properties of the article, this may appear to the controller as a characteristic of a rechargeable device, which may result in an attempt to power the article, resulting in a waste of energy and possible damage to the article, the conductive area, or the controller.

[0011] US2010 / 022285 proposes a related solution for retrofitting a mobile electronic device having an input power socket located on its side to receive power from a power delivery pad having a flat power delivery surface. The connector assembly can be connected to the mobile electronic device by inserting the connector into the input power socket of the device. The power receiver assembly is electrically connected to the connector assembly by magnetic force. The power receiver assembly is pivoted to position a power receiver hub at a fixed distance from the connector assembly above the axis of the mobile device, wherein an anchor or mechanical attachment device including a magnetic material is bonded to the surface of the mobile device, and the hub is also attached to the anchor by magnetic force, so that the hub is simply and easily removable and reattached. The connector is adjustable in the connector assembly to position the power receiver assembly flush with the surface of the mobile device. Alternative connector assemblies having connectors of different configurations can be magnetically or mechanically attached to the power receiver assembly.

[0012] WO2005 / 060401 also describes a power transmission pad having a non-conductive board having a plurality of conductive substrate sections at the top and bottom arranged across the top of the non-conductive board; at least one conductive element arranged on each of the conductive substrate sections; and a plurality of electrical contacts on the bottom of the non-conductive board, wherein each of the electrical contacts on the bottom of the non-conductive board is electrically connected to one of the conductive substrate sections on the top of the non-conductive board.

[0013] The general problem arising from these various techniques relates to the difficulty of directing voltages of appropriate levels to the negative or ground terminal and the positive terminal of any device to be powered, while avoiding short circuits or leakage currents through conductive articles or substances that may be in contact with the charging surface. Generally, the aforementioned prior art methods rely to some extent on the size and / or physical arrangement of the charging areas of the surface and the dielectric areas between them on the one hand, and on the physical arrangement of the charging terminals on the device to be charged on the other hand. In the case of WO2017046458, these provisions are supplemented by measuring the current drawn by the corresponding pads.

[0014] These approaches are not entirely satisfactory, as they represent constraints on the layout of the contacts of the charging surface and / or the charging terminals of the device, but still cannot exclude inadvertent short circuits. Additionally, prior art approaches tend to require complex electronics in the device itself for effective detection and differentiation of devices. Still further, they tend to treat all and any connected devices as equal and interchangeable in terms of their coupling characteristics and connection rights, which can lead to difficulties with respect to overvoltage supply, overcurrent supply, overheating, etc. It would therefore be desirable to provide a device that provides improvements in these considerations. Summary of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling, which communicates with a coupling communication interface to facilitate communication with an article via multi-mode electrical coupling, and the coupling manager also communicates with a transducer module to facilitate electrical interaction via multi-mode electrical coupling, wherein the coupling manager is suitable for detecting that the article is electrically connected at both ends of the coupling, and in response to the detection of the article, enables the coupling communication interface to enter into a two-way communication with the article to obtain data defining the article, and the coupling manager is also suitable for determining whether the transducer module can interact with the article via multi-mode electrical coupling based on the data defining the article, and in the case of determining that the transducer module can interact with the article, enables the transducer module to interact via multi-mode electrical coupling.

[0016] According to a development of the first aspect, the coupling manager is further adapted to isolate the coupled communication interface from the multi-mode electrical coupling if it is determined that the transducer module can interact with the article.

[0017] According to a development of the first aspect, the coupling manager is further adapted to keep the coupled communication interface isolated from the multimode electrical coupling when no article is detected to be electrically connected at both ends of the coupling.

[0018] According to a development of the first aspect, the coupling manager is further adapted to keep the transducer module isolated from the multimode electrical coupling when no article is detected to be electrically connected across the coupling.

[0019] According to a development of the first aspect, the data comprises an identifier of the article, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine whether the article is authorized to interact for the identifier, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that the transducer module may not interact with the article if it is determined that the identifier is not so authorized.

[0020] According to a development of the first aspect, the coupling manager also includes an authorized communication interface, and wherein the coupling manager is further adapted to submit the identifier to an authorized resource via the authorized communication interface, and to receive an indication from the authorized communication interface as to whether the transducer module can interact with the article, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that the transducer module cannot interact with the article if the indication identifier is not so authorized.

[0021] According to a development of the first aspect, the transducer module is a power module and the interaction with the article comprises providing power to the article via multi-mode coupling.

[0022] According to a development of the first aspect, the coupling module can access a resource, and wherein the data includes a power requirement indicator of the product, and wherein the coupling manager is suitable for determining whether the power module is able to meet the power supply demand of the product based on the power requirement indicator and with reference to the power module capacity data stored in the resource, and wherein the coupling manager is suitable for determining not to provide power to the product if it is determined that the power module is unable to meet the power supply demand of the product.

[0023] According to a development of the first aspect, the coupled communication interface is adapted to transmit by means of a multimode electrical coupling a communication signal encoded as a time-varying voltage having an average voltage lower than a minimum voltage that the power supply module is adapted to provide.

[0024] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing multi-mode electrical coupling, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] The detection product is electrically connected to both ends of the multi-mode electrical coupling.

[0026] In response to detecting the article, entering into bidirectional communication with the article via the multi-mode electrical coupling, obtaining data defining the article via the bidirectional communication,

[0027] Based on data defining the article, determining whether the transducer module can have a predetermined electrical interaction with the article via multi-mode electrical coupling, and if it is determined that the predetermined interaction with the article can occur, causing the transducer module to perform the interaction via the multi-mode electrical coupling.

[0028] According to a development of the second aspect, the method comprises the further step of isolating the coupled communication interface from the multimode electrical coupling if it is determined that the predetermined interaction with the article can take place.

[0029] According to a development of the second aspect, the method comprises the further step of keeping the coupled communication interface isolated from the multimode electrical coupling when no article is detected to be electrically connected at both ends of the coupling.

[0030] According to a development of the second aspect, the method comprises the further step of maintaining the transducer module isolated from the multimode electrical coupling when no article is detected to be electrically connected across the coupling.

[0031] According to a development of the second aspect, the data comprises an identifier of the article, the method comprises a further step of determining whether the article is authorized for the predetermined interaction for the identifier, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that the predetermined interaction cannot be provided to the article if it is determined that the identifier is not so authorized.

[0032] According to a development of the second aspect, the transducer module is a power module and the interaction with the article comprises providing power to the article via multi-mode coupling.

[0033] According to a development of the second aspect, the data includes a power requirement indicator of the product, and wherein the method includes a further step of determining, based on the power requirement indicator and with reference to the power module capacity, whether the power module is able to meet the power supply demand of the product, wherein, if it is determined that the power module is unable to meet the power supply demand of the product, it is determined that power cannot be provided to the product.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for a computer, the program comprising instructions adapted to implement the steps of the second aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The above and other advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustration purposes only, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 Aspects of the prior art method provided by WO2017046458 are shown;

[0037] Figure 2 Aspects of the prior art method provided by WO2017046458 are shown in more detail;

[0038] Figure 3 A coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to a first embodiment is shown;

[0039] Figure 4 shows a coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to a second embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5 shows a coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to a third embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 An article of manufacture incorporating a first exemplary reporting interface is shown;

[0042] Figure 7 An article of manufacture incorporating a second exemplary reporting interface is shown;

[0043] Figure 8a Provided as reference Figure 6 or Figure 7 a schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface;

[0044] Figure 8b Provided as reference Figure 6 or Figure 7 a schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface;

[0045] Figure 8c Provided as reference Figure 6 or Figure 7 a schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface;

[0046] Figure 8d Provided as reference Figure 6 or Figure 7 a schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface;

[0047] Fig. 9 A method of managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to an embodiment is shown; and

[0048] Fig.10 A method of managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to another embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Figure 3 A coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, a coupling manager 310 is provided in communication with a coupling communication interface 330. The coupling communication interface 330 is capable of communicating with the article 300 via a multi-mode electrical coupling 320.

[0051] The coupling shown comprises two electrical contacts. One of these may comprise a ground connection and may therefore form part of a chassis, housing, ground plane or other part of an article.

[0052] The communication interface 330 can communicate with the article 300 in any convenient manner. In fact, it should be understood that the communication can be distributed over multiple couplings. For example, USB communication is traditionally implemented on four connectors, two of which are coupled to fixed voltages (ground and 5V), and two other connectors transmit communication signals. Embodiments of the present invention can extend USB type communication on a pair of couplings as described herein. The communication interface can send and receive digital or analog signals through a multi-mode electrical coupling 320. Data can be encoded in these signals by means of a signal-space ratio, one or more quantized voltage levels, differential signaling, pulse code modulation (PCM), delta modulation, or any other convenient method. In particular, communication can be performed using standard communications, such as those defined by standards such as USB, Singlewire, etc.

[0053] The coupling manager also communicates with the transducer module 340. The transducer module can be a module capable of any predetermined electrical interaction with the article. The transducer module 340 can be a power supply module capable of providing power via a multi-mode electrical coupling. The power supply can provide one or more voltage levels. The power supply can provide alternating current (AC), direct current (DC), or both. Current ratings can be defined for one, some, or each voltage level. Other power supply characteristics can also be defined, such as signal quality, internal resistance, AC or DC, etc. The transducer module 340 can be an additional communication module capable of communicating with the article or some subsystems or functions of the article, for example, according to a communication mode other than the communication mode used by the communication interface 330. The transducer can be an interface to a communication bus.

[0054] Coupling manager 310 is adapted to detect that article 300 is electrically connected across coupling 320. Coupling manager may detect that article 300 is electrically connected across coupling 320 in any convenient manner. For example, coupling manager 310 may include detection circuitry capable of detecting changes in capacitance and / or inductance and / or resistance and / or resistivity, or any other electrical characteristic measurable across the terminals of coupling 320.

[0055] The coupling manager 310 is adapted to cause the coupling communication interface to enter into bidirectional communication with the article of manufacture 300 in response to detecting the article of manufacture. The coupling manager may transmit an enable signal to the coupling communication interface 330, or close a connection between the coupling communication interface 330 and the coupling 320, or close a connection between the coupling communication interface 330 and a power source to cause the coupling communication interface 330 to begin operation, or any other convenient mechanism.

[0056] The coupled communication interface 330 communicates with the article of manufacture to interrogate it to obtain data defining the article of manufacture 300. If the article of manufacture is capable of receiving and responding to communications, the information provided may include any of a wide range of characteristic data. In particular, the article of manufacture may provide details about additional communication capabilities and / or its power supply requirements, particularly the required voltage or voltage range. It may also provide an indication of peak current requirements. Still further, the details may include an identifier of the article of manufacture itself and / or an identifier of its owner or user.

[0057] Still further, the details may include the time, number, and duration of charging cycles and / or location in the article (e.g., based on an identifier received from each instance of a coupling manager in accordance with the present invention). The details may include indicators of instantaneous or expected power needs, including its current charge level, its current operating mode (on, power save, off, display on / off, screen brightness, network connection status, "airplane mode", free memory, etc.). In the event that the article is unable to receive and / or respond to communications, such that the coupling communication interface 330 does not receive a meaningful response to communications issued thereto, the data obtained may be considered to constitute an indicator that the article is unable to receive and / or respond to communications.

[0058] The coupling manager 310 is further adapted to determine whether the transducer module 340 can interact with the article 300 via a multi-mode electrical coupling based on the data defining the article. For the remainder of the specification, the embodiments will be described based on reference to the transducer module as a power module and the predetermined electrical interaction as the power supply. Those skilled in the art will understand that the described embodiments can all be adapted to operate with any other type of transducer module and the corresponding predetermined electrical interaction without requiring additional creative ideas.

[0059] In the event that the data indicates that the article is unable to receive and / or respond to communications, coupling manager 310 may determine that the power module cannot provide power to article 300. In other cases, coupling manager 310 may compare the power supply requirements indicated by the device to the power supply signature.

[0060] As an example, a predefined set of power supply requirements may be defined with corresponding requirement codes, such as shown below.

[0061] Requirement Code V(V) Imax(A) Power module mode 000 3.3 0.5 3.3V 001 3.3 1 3.3V 010 3.3 2 OFF 011 5.0 0.5 5V 100 5.0 1 5V 101 5.0 2 OFF 110 12 0.5 OFF 111 12 1 OFF

[0062] As shown, for a given power module, a power module mode is specified for each requirement code. For this exemplary power module, the available modes are "3.3v" or "5v" or "OFF".

[0063] In this example, if the article 300 returns a requirement code of 000 or 001 or 011 or 100, the coupling manager 310 can determine that the power module 340 can determine that power can be provided to the article.

[0064] In the event that it is determined that power can be provided to the article, coupling manager 310 causes power module 340 to provide power via the multi-mode electrical coupling.

[0065] The coupling manager may send an enable signal to the power module 340, or close the connection between the power module 340 and the coupling 320, or close the connection between the power module 340 and a power source to start operation of the power module 340, or initiate any other convenient mechanism.

[0066] Optionally, the coupling manager 310 can also be adapted to isolate the coupled communication interface 330 from the multi-mode electrical coupling if it is determined that power can be provided to the article. In this way, the coupled communication interface 330 is protected from high voltages or currents, or transient signals that may occur during the provision of power to the article. Similarly, the power module is protected from high frequency components and other potentially destructive features of the communication signal.

[0067] Optionally, the coupling manager 310 can also be adapted to maintain the power module isolated from the coupling communication interface 330 while communication between the coupling communication interface 330 and the article 300 is ongoing. In this way, the coupling communication interface 330 is protected from high voltages or currents or transient signals that may occur during the provision of power to the article. Likewise, the power module is protected from high frequency components and other potentially destructive features of the communication signal.

[0068] Optionally, the coupling manager 310 can also be adapted to keep the coupled communication interface isolated from the multi-mode electrical coupling 320 when no article is detected to be electrically connected across the coupling. In this way, the coupled communication interface 330 is protected from high voltage or current, short circuits, or transient signals that may occur across the multi-mode electrical coupling 320 in the absence of the article 300, for example, due to a conductive or charged object being inadvertently contacted with the contacts of the multi-mode electrical coupling 320.

[0069] Optionally, the coupling manager 310 may also be adapted to maintain the power module 340 isolated from the multi-mode electrical coupling 320 when no article is detected to be electrically connected across the coupling. In this way, the power module 340 is protected from high voltage or current, short circuits, or transient signals that may occur across the multi-mode electrical coupling 320 in the absence of the article 300, for example, due to a conductive or charged object being inadvertently contacted with the contacts of the multi-mode electrical coupling 320. At startup, the coupled communication interface and power module may be automatically disconnected whenever and as soon as a short circuit condition is detected about either or both of its terminals.

[0070] As described above, the data retrieved from the article may include an identifier of the article. In this case, the coupling manager 310 may be adapted to determine whether the article is authorized for power coupling for the identifier. The coupling manager 310 may also be adapted to determine that power may not be provided to the article if it is determined that the identifier is not so authorized. The identifier may indicate a product category, a specific product type, or a specific single product. It may also include a fingerprint of the product, such as a combination of identifiers of multiple components of the product, so that individual components can be changed without destroying the possibility of identifying the product in question. The identifier may include a MAC address, an IMSI code, a processor identifier value, etc. It may also include an identifier, such as a product key or a license code for software installed on the product, or a hash or other characteristic representation of data present on the device. It may also include one or more identifiers of the owner, such as a name, an email address, a mobile phone number, a social security number, an account code, etc. It may include a combination of any or all of these values, or other such values ​​as required.

[0071] Where such identity information is available, the coupling manager 310 may access a repository containing information that supports determining whether a detected article is authorized for powering. For example, powering may be authorized for a particular class of devices and not for other classes of devices, e.g., to prevent coupling of articles whose dimensions do not correspond to the location of the coupling interface. For example, powering may be authorized for a particular device type so that charging is only provided to certain advanced products. Powering may be authorized for a particular article or article associated with a particular user so that charging is only provided to users who have established an account or other suitable relationship with the entity providing the coupling interface.

[0072] In this way, the coupling manager may access a repository such as a data repository.

[0073] The data may include an indicator of a power requirement of the product, and the coupling manager may be adapted to determine, based on the power requirement indicator and with reference to power module capacity data stored in a repository, whether the power module is able to meet the power supply requirement of the product, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that power cannot be provided to the product if it is determined that the power module is unable to meet the power supply requirement of the product.

[0074] The data may include an authorization token. Such a token may represent a right to receive a charge or a specified amount of energy associated with an article or user, which is consumed by providing a specified charge or a specified amount of power by a coupling manager. Such a token may be cryptographically protected to prevent illegal creation of such a token. The token may be cryptographically associated with the identity of the article or user so that it is only valid for use by the article or user. The coupling manager may be configured to decode such tokens and, if they are found to be valid, cause the power module to provide power to the article as described above to the limit of the specified amount. The coupling manager may also be configured to submit the token to an external authorization server for decoding and / or authorization for centralized information as further discussed below. Regardless of whether the token is submitted to an external authorization server for authorization, the coupling manager may report the exchange of the token to the external authorization server to prevent the same token from being used with different coupling managers. The token may be defined in a blockchain-type structure.

[0075] It should also be understood that identity considerations may also be combined with the power demand considerations set forth above. For example, the coupling manager 310 may enable power to any device whose device demand it can satisfy, but provide a higher current (and thus faster charging) to devices whose identity corresponds to being eligible for priority treatment.

[0076] In some embodiments, the coupling manager can be adapted to log information. In particular, it can be adapted to log some or all data obtained from any article 300 via the coupled communication interface, whether the article is authorized for powering, what power module settings apply, and the time and / or duration of powering.

[0077] Figure 4 A coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to a second embodiment is shown.

[0078] Figure 4 The system includes essentially the same Figure 3 The product 300 , coupling 320 , coupling communication interface 330 and power module 340 are described. Figure 4The system also includes an authorized communication interface 450 that communicates with the authorized resource 402 via the communication network 401. As described above, the data retrieved from the product may include an identifier of the product. In this case, according to this second embodiment, the coupling manager 410 may be adapted to communicate with the resource 402 via the authorized communication interface 450 to determine whether the product is authorized for power coupling for the identifier. The resource 402 may include a memory or database that includes criteria that allow determination of whether a particular product can be authorized for power supply. For example, a resource may include a list of all categories of products, product types, specific products, or other identifiers that may be authorized for power supply. It should be understood that multiple coupling managers, each managing a corresponding coupling, can communicate with a single resource so that a particular device will be subject to the same authorization criteria for power supply from any coupling.

[0079] In this way, the coupling manager may also include an authorized communication interface, and the coupling manager may also be adapted to submit the identifier to an authorized resource via the authorized communication interface, and receive an indication from the authorized communication interface as to whether power may be provided to the article, and the coupling manager may be adapted to determine that power may not be provided to the article if the indication identifier is not so authorized.

[0080] Although Figure 3 and Figure 4 The coupling interface is shown as comprising two simple electrodes, but in some embodiments, a coupling interface having any number of conductive regions may be provided, for example, as shown in reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 discussed.

[0081] Figure 5 A coupling manager for managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to a third embodiment is shown.

[0082] like Figure 5 As shown, surface 550 includes multiple conductive areas 551, 552, etc. Multiple products including electronic cigarettes 503, smart phones 502, and smart watches 501 are shown as being arranged on surface 550. It should be understood that any product requiring power is conceivable in this context, including any IOT device, portable backup battery, tablet computer, laptop computer, electric vehicle, surgical or medical equipment, power tools, etc. It should be understood that the present invention can be equally applied to any device that can benefit from physical data or power connection. In particular, it is not limited in scale to small devices such as those shown, but can be extended to vehicles, rack-mounted computers or communication equipment, medical equipment, etc.

[0083] As shown, three articles 501, 502, and 503 are disposed on a surface 550. Surface 500 includes a matrix of conductive areas 551, 552, etc. Each of these conductive areas is coupled to a coupling manager, a communication interface, and a power module, so that each possible pair of conductive areas can constitute an example of a multi-mode electrical coupling according to the present invention. As shown, articles 502 and 503 are devices that are easily electrically connected. For example, article 502 has a negative power terminal 502a and a positive power terminal 502b. As described above, power requirements can vary from one device to another. For example, article 502 may require a 3.3V power supply, while article 503 may require a 5V power supply. According to an embodiment, coupling manager 510 is capable of detecting the presence of each article coupled between any pair of conductive areas, and is capable of entering into communication with the article, determining whether power supply can be authorized, and initiating power supply if power supply can be authorized, substantially as described above. This can be achieved by periodically measuring the electrical characteristics between each possible pair of conductive areas as described above, measuring the electrical characteristics of each conductive area with respect to a reference point (e.g., a ground terminal, a selected conductive area) simultaneously or sequentially, or otherwise, or any other convenient mechanism. On this basis, it should be understood that the power supply 540 is capable of independently supplying power to multiple areas. In addition, the power supply 540 is capable of independently providing power of different voltages or other characteristics to multiple areas, so that each product receives power that meets its individual needs and / or is consistent with its authorization. The power module, the communication interface, and the coupling manager can each include a multiplexer that, for example, implements selective connection to the corresponding conductive area under the control of the coupling manager, so that appropriate connections to the appropriate area can be made at the appropriate time according to the products determined to be present, their power requirements and authentication status, and their location on the surface 550. Equivalently, the central switching unit (not shown) can, for example, manage all connections between the power module, the communication interface, and the coupling manager on the one hand, and all connections between the conductive areas on the other hand under the control of the coupling manager. In the present example shown, once coupling manager 510 determines that there is an article 502 whose terminals 502a and 502b are coupled between conductive regions 551 and 552, respectively, coupling manager 510 enables communication interface 530 to communicate with article 502. Article 502 reports its power requirements, such as 5V. The communication interface provides this information to the coupling manager, which then enables power module 540 to provide 5V to conductive region 552, with region 551 coupled to ground. In this way, power is provided to article 502 according to its requirements. Conductive regions that are not required to power an authorized article can be electrically isolated or coupled to ground as appropriate.

[0084] The foregoing embodiments introduce a coupled communication interface 330, 530 that communicates with a coupled article in order to obtain data defining the article, which is used by the coupling manager 310, 410, 510 to determine whether power can be provided to the article. It should be understood that many articles of the above type may include communication facilities that can support these features with little or no modification. In other cases, the device may not incorporate the communication and processing systems required in view of its usual functions (for example, an electronic cigarette may not generally be expected to incorporate advanced communication features), or the adaptation of the device to communicate via its power coupling may prove to be cumbersome or inconvenient. In this case, a minimal reporting interface may be desired, which can be incorporated consistently with the device's power connection, independent of the device's other capabilities, and without modifying its power distribution architecture.

[0085] Figure 6 An article of manufacture incorporating a first exemplary reporting interface is shown.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown, an article 600 including a reporting interface 610 is provided. The reporting interface 610 includes a memory 630 operable at a first potential difference level. As an example, the memory 630 can operate at 3.3V. The term memory used herein reflects the capacity of storing information, which can be returned in response to, for example, a communication as described above. It should be understood that the storage can be based on any convenient storage technology, and the memory may include additional circuits for interpreting received signals and forming and transmitting responses based on such received signals, such as a microcontroller. The reporting interface 610 also includes a voltage modulator 611, 612 coupled between a first power supply line 602a and a second power supply line 602b. The operating circuit of the article 620 is also coupled between the first power supply line 602a and the second power supply line 602b. The article 600 can be any of the above types, or other types, and the operating circuit will include any component in the article that can benefit from power supply. The operating circuit will operate at a voltage higher than the first potential difference level. In particular, the operating circuit may include a battery and any accompanying charging management circuit. The voltage modulator 612 is configured to couple the first power line and the second power line to provide a second potential difference to the memory when a second potential difference level less than or equal to the first potential difference exists between the first power line and the second power line.

[0087] As shown, the voltage modulator 610 includes a voltage threshold circuit 611, which is configured to output a voltage corresponding to the voltage between the first power supply line and the second power supply line until a predetermined threshold voltage corresponding to the first potential difference level is reached, and then when the voltage between the first power supply line and the second power supply line exceeds the predetermined threshold voltage corresponding to the first potential difference level, it remains clamped to the voltage. By way of example as shown, this can be achieved by a Zener diode 611a connected in series with a resistor 611b, the cathode of the Zener diode being coupled to the resistor, and the anode being coupled to the ground line 602a, the output of the circuit 611 being obtained at the connection point between the Zener diode 611a and the resistor. At the same time, the reporting interface includes a switch circuit 612 controlled by the output of the threshold circuit 611, so that a low voltage (corresponding to a large potential difference between 602b and 611b) output by the threshold circuit 611 closes the switch to allow the memory 630 to communicate with the power supply line 602b, and a voltage higher than the threshold voltage output by the threshold circuit 611 opens the switch to isolate the memory 630 from the communication of the power supply line 602b.

[0088] Thus, if the communication signal has a peak voltage lower than the first potential difference, the Zener diode does not allow current to pass, and the voltage modulator 612 is activated, so that the memory is coupled to the power line and receives the communication signal. When the input voltage is higher than the Zener voltage, the diode allows current to pass, and the MOSFET decouples the memory from the power line, thereby stopping communication and protecting the memory. In this way, the voltage modulators 611, 612 distinguish between low-voltage communication signals and higher voltages intended to power the operating circuits of the product 620. Therefore, when the memory is used to provide power to the operating circuits of the product 620, the memory is protected from the potentially destructive voltages and currents on the power line 602b, but as long as the communication signal is encoded at a peak voltage lower than the threshold voltage, the memory keeps receiving communication signals that can be addressed to the memory 630 on the same power line 602b. Therefore, the coupled communication interface can be adapted to transmit a communication signal encoded as a time-varying voltage through a multi-mode electrical coupling, the time-varying voltage having an average voltage lower than the minimum voltage that the power module is adapted to provide.

[0089] Units 611 and 612 should be considered as functional units, which can be implemented in many ways that can be imagined by those skilled in the art.

[0090] In operation, when the potential difference between the voltage provided by element 611 and the supply line voltage 602b exceeds a certain negative threshold, functional unit 612 disconnects the memory. Unit 611 provides a voltage such that the threshold potential difference can be exceeded when the voltage of 602b is greater than or equal to the maximum voltage allowed by the memory.

[0091] In one exemplary embodiment, function 611 can be provided by a resistor in series with a Zener diode. The anode of the Zener diode can be connected to the supply line 602a, and the cathode provides the entry voltage of the unit 612. The resistor R1 is placed between the supply line 602b and the cathode of the Zener diode. When the potential difference between the ground line 602a and the supply line 602b is lower than the Zener voltage of the diode, the diode acts as an open circuit, and the resistor brings the entry voltage of 612 to the value of the supply line 602b. Therefore, the voltage start 612 is invalid. When the potential difference between lines 602a and 602b is greater than the Zener voltage of the diode, the diode applies the fixed voltage at its terminals, and the voltage start unit 612 rises until it reaches and exceeds the negative threshold, thereby disconnecting the memory.

[0092] An alternative way to implement the functionality of cell 611 may be to use a simple voltage divider with its center point connected to the inlet of cell 612, so that the Zener diode is replaced by another resistor R2 (not shown). In this case, the voltage start cell 612 is defined by the relationship R1 / ((R1+R2)*(V602b-V602a)). In this case, the parameters R1 and R2 will be fixed so that the negative threshold is reached when the voltage on ground line 602b reaches the maximum voltage allowed by the memory. Those skilled in the art will understand that many other reference devices may be used as needed. For example, shunts, voltage divider circuits, operational amplifier circuits, etc. may be suitable for use in embodiments.

[0093] Memory 630 may contain data defining article 600, for example, in any of the ways described above. Figure 6 The arrangement is suitable for connection to a coupled communications interface and a coupling manager as described above, so that when the coupled communications interface issues appropriately formed communications, those communications can be directed to a memory which can return data defining the article into which it is incorporated, so that the coupling manager can then provide the necessary levels of power to the operating circuitry of the article 620, while the memory 630 is securely isolated, possibly corresponding to the isolation of the communications interface as described above.

[0094] Therefore, when the potential difference between the first power supply line and the second power supply line is not greater than the first potential difference level, the memory may be adapted to send or receive data and / or addressing information via the first power supply line or the second power supply line.

[0095] The voltage modulator may include a first switching device that disconnects an electrical connection between the first power supply line or the second power supply line and the memory when a second potential difference level greater than the first potential difference exists between the first power supply line and the second power supply line.

[0096] The first switching device may include a P-MOSFET transistor having a gate coupled to a connection between a resistor coupled between the first power supply line and the second power supply line and a first Zener diode.

[0097] Figure 6 The general method of arrangement is to selectively connect the memory circuit to the power supply line while keeping the operating circuit in permanent connection. It should be understood that similar operating principles can be applied to selectively connect the operating circuit to the power supply line while keeping the memory in permanent connection. In addition, it should be understood that similar operating principles can be applied to selectively connect the operating circuit to the power supply line or to permanently connect the memory to the power supply line at any given moment.

[0098] Figure 7 An article of manufacture incorporating a second exemplary reporting interface is shown.

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown, an article 700 including a reporting interface 710 is provided. The reporting interface 710 includes a memory 730 operable at a first potential difference level. The reporting interface 710 also includes a voltage modulator 711, 712 coupled between a first power supply line 702a and a second power supply line 702b. The article 700, the reporting interface 710, the memory 730, and the voltage modulators 711, 712 are substantially as described above with reference to Figure 6 The article 600, reporting interface 610, memory 630, and voltage modulators 611, 612 are connected and operate as described. Figure 7 , a more detailed implementation of the switch circuit 712 is shown by way of example. As shown, the switch circuit 712 includes a first P-channel MOSFET transistor 712a, whose gate is coupled to the output of the voltage threshold circuit 711, whose source is coupled to the positive power supply line 702b, and whose drain is coupled to the ground line 702a via a resistor 712c and a capacitor 712d arranged in parallel. The drain of the first P-channel MOSFET transistor 712a is also connected to the gate of the second P-channel MOSFET transistor 712e. The source of the second P-channel MOSFET transistor 712e is connected to the positive power supply line 702b, and the drain is coupled to the ground line 702a via a diode 712g and a capacitor 712h connected in series, and the anode of the diode 712g is coupled to the drain of the second P-channel MOSFET transistor 712e. The connection point between the cathode of the diode 712g and the capacitor 712h is coupled to the input of the memory 730.

[0100] When the negative threshold voltage between 702b and 711 outputs is reached, MOSFET 712a is enabled. It will drive the gate of 712e MOSFET from 702a voltage (due to 712c) to 702b voltage. This will close 712e MOSFET and disconnect the memory from 702b line, protecting it from overvoltage. At lower voltage, when 712e is enabled, current can flow from 702b line to the memory and charge capacitor 712h.

[0101] As shown, the memory 730 includes three input / output terminals 731, 732, 733. Terminal 731 is directly connected to the ground of 702a, terminal 732 is a power supply line connected to the cathode of 712g, and terminal 733 is a communication pin connected to the anode of 712g so that voltage changes can be sensed for communication without relying on the charge / discharge state of 712h.

[0102] Capacitor 831d is provided for high speed communication at 3V to prevent gate 831f from closing too quickly when sending a 0 bit (Vin=0V). 831d keeps gate 831g negative for a small moment so that 820 can receive a 0 bit.

[0103] During communication, when we send bit 1, the voltage is high, so the memory has power, but when we send bit 0, the voltage is close to 0V, so the memory must draw power from 712h. At this time, 712h is prevented from discharging through 702b by diode 712g.

[0104] It should be understood that those skilled in the art may conceive of alternative, functionally equivalent circuits. Figure 7 The arrangement is presented as an example.

[0105] It should be understood that a reporting interface such as those provided above may include additional elements providing additional features such as schematically represented by element 713. For example, the reporting interface may include elements provided to protect the memory and / or operating circuitry from overvoltage and / or undervoltage. For example, the reporting interface may include a second switching device that disconnects the electrical connection between the first supply line or the second supply line and the operating circuitry when a third potential difference level greater than the first potential difference exists between the first supply line and the second supply line, so as to provide overvoltage and / or undervoltage protection of the operating unit 620, 720.

[0106] Similarly, the reporting interface may include an anti-phase reversal circuit coupling the first supply line and the second supply line to ensure that one line, such as 702a, is always a ground line and the other line, such as 702b, is always a positive voltage line.

[0107] Figure 8a Provided as reference Figure 6or Figure 7 Schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface.

[0108] As shown, the x-axis represents the input voltage measured between the first power supply line 702a and the second power supply line 702a. The y-axis represents the output voltage reaching the memory 730 measured between the first power supply line 702a and the point between the capacitor 712h and the diode 712g. As shown, as an example, the reverse breakdown voltage of the first Zener diode 711b is set to 3.5V-the threshold voltage of the MOSFET 712a. On this basis, as the input voltage rises from 0V to 3.5V, the output voltage rises proportionally. When the input voltage exceeds 3.5 volts, the first Zener diode begins to conduct, and the switch unit is disconnected, thereby disconnecting the memory from the input voltage, so that the output voltage drops to zero.

[0109] Figure 8b References include, for example Figure 6 or Figure 7 Schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of a reporting interface for some of the described voltage control elements.

[0110] Specifically, Figure 8b The voltage transfer characteristics are shown for a case where the protection circuit 713 implements an undervoltage protection behavior to protect the operating circuit 720 from an input voltage lower than that required for proper operation of the operating circuit, which input voltage is presented as 3.5V, for example.

[0111] This function can be implemented by a circuit similar to that of elements 711 and 712. 711a can be swapped with 711b so the output voltage of block 711 is set to the 702a voltage until the Zener diode begins to conduct, which causes 711 to start rising. The rising output of 711 can then enable the N MOSFET (which requires a positive threshold) which connects 702a to the operating circuit.

[0112] As shown, the x-axis represents the input voltage measured between the first power supply line 702a and the second power supply line 702b. The y-axis represents the output voltage reaching the operating circuit 720 at the output measured at both ends of the voltage protection circuit 713. When the input voltage rises from 0V to 3.55V, the output voltage remains at 0V. When the input voltage exceeds 3.5 volts, the protection circuit 713 begins to conduct, and the output voltage begins to rise with the input voltage.

[0113] In conjunction with a coupling manager operating, for example, as described above, such operation can ensure that the operating circuitry is isolated from the communication signals exchanged by the memory 730 and the communication interface, such as 330, 530, when the memory 730 communicates at a lower voltage with the communication interface. Thus, in this case, the circuitry not only protects the operating circuitry from insufficient operating voltage, but also protects the operating circuitry from high frequency communication signals that could interfere with or damage the operating circuitry.

[0114] Figure 8c Provided as reference Figure 6 or Figure 7 Another schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface.

[0115] Specifically, Figure 8c The voltage transfer characteristics are shown in the case where the protection circuit 713 implements an overvoltage protection behavior to protect the operating circuit 720 from an input voltage higher than that required for the correct operation of the operating circuit, which input voltage is presented as 5 V. This function can be implemented by a circuit similar to the circuit of elements 711 and 712 as described above.

[0116] As shown, the x-axis represents the input voltage measured between the first power supply line 702a and the second power supply line 702b. The y-axis represents the output voltage reaching the operating circuit 720 measured at both ends of the output of the overvoltage protection circuit. When the input voltage rises from 0V to 5V, the output voltage rises proportionally. When the input voltage exceeds 5 volts, the protection circuit enters an open circuit state and the output voltage drops to 0V.

[0117] In this way, it is ensured that the operating circuitry is not exposed to excessive supply voltages.

[0118] Figure 8d Provided as reference Figure 6 or Figure 7 Another schematic representation of the relationship between input voltage and output voltage of the described reporting interface.

[0119] Specifically, Figure 8d shows that the protection circuit 713 is implemented as reference Figure 8b The undervoltage protection behavior described above is as referenced Figure 8c The overvoltage protection behavior described is to protect the operating circuit 720 from voltage transfer characteristics above or below the input voltage required for proper operation of the operating circuit, which input voltage is presented as 5V, for example.

[0120] As shown, the x-axis represents the input voltage measured between the first power supply line 702a and the second power supply line 702b. The y-axis represents the output voltage reaching the operating circuit 720 measured at both ends of the output of the overvoltage protection circuit 713. When the input voltage rises from 0V to 3.55V, the output voltage remains at 0V. When the input voltage exceeds 3.5 volts, the protection circuit 713 begins to conduct, and the output voltage begins to rise with the input voltage. When the input voltage exceeds 5 volts, the protection circuit enters an open circuit state, and the output voltage drops to 0V.

[0121] Fig. 9 A method for managing a multi-mode electrical coupling according to an embodiment is shown. As shown, the method starts at step 900 before proceeding to step 910, where it is determined whether the article is detected to be electrically connected at both ends of the multi-mode electrical coupling. In the case where the article is not detected to be electrically connected at both ends of the multi-mode electrical coupling, the method loops back to 910. When the article is detected to be electrically connected at both ends of the multi-mode electrical coupling, the method proceeds to step 920, in which a two-way communication with the article is entered through a coupled communication interface of the multi-mode electrical coupling and data defining the article obtained via two-way communication. The method then proceeds to step 930, in which, based on the data defining the article, it is determined whether power can be provided to the article by a power module via a multi-mode electrical coupling. If it is determined in step 930 that power can be provided to the article, the method proceeds to step 940, causing the power module to provide power to the multi-mode electrical coupling. As shown, after step 940, the method loops back to step 910. In some embodiments, the method may loop back to step 910 after a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the method may loop back to step 910 via an additional set of steps of waiting for the article connected across the multi-mode electrical coupling to be removed. If it is determined at step 930 that power cannot be provided to the article, the method loops back to step 910. In some embodiments, the method may loop back to step 910 after a predetermined period of time.

[0122] Fig.10 A method of managing multi-mode electrical coupling according to another embodiment is shown.

[0123] Fig.10 The methods include Fig. 9 Described steps 900, 910, 920, 930, 940. Furthermore, an additional step 1015 is provided, which in the event that no article is detected in step 910, keeps the coupled communication interface isolated from the multi-mode coupling.

[0124] It should be understood that keeping the functional unit isolated can be achieved by the interface circuit of the functional unit itself. For example, the functional unit can be provided with one or more GPIOs (general purpose input / outputs), and its function can be controlled programmatically so that when the unit is to be isolated, the input and / or output is not enabled.

[0125] Additionally, an additional step 1035 is provided, which isolates the coupled communication interface from the multi-mode coupling, prior to proceeding to step 940, in the event that step 930 determines that power can be provided to the article.

[0126] It should be understood that various permutations of various possibilities for isolating certain elements at certain stages of the process can be envisioned. In particular, the communication interface and the power module can be isolated at the start block 900 and the end block 1050. In the event that no article is detected at step 910, the power module can remain isolated, and the coupled communication interface can also remain isolated.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will recognize that Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The method is susceptible to various optional modifications. For example, Fig.10 Any step can be independently incorporated into Fig. 9 The method may include the additional step of detecting removal of the article after power has been supplied to the article.

[0128] In certain embodiments, an additional step may be provided of isolating the coupled communication interface from the multi-mode electrical coupling if it is determined that power may be provided to the article.

[0129] In certain embodiments, an additional step of isolating the power module from the multi-mode electrical coupling when the coupled communication interface is in operation may be provided.

[0130] In certain embodiments, an additional step may be provided for maintaining isolation of the coupled communication interface from the multi-mode electrical coupling when no article is detected to be electrically connected across the coupling.

[0131] In certain embodiments, an additional step may be provided to maintain isolation of the power module from the multi-mode electrical coupling when no article is detected to be electrically connected across the coupling and when no communication determines whether power can be provided.

[0132] In certain embodiments, where the data includes an identifier of an article of manufacture, an additional step may be provided of determining whether the article of manufacture is authorized for power coupling for the identifier, and determining that power may not be provided to the article if it is determined that the identifier is not so authorized.

[0133] In certain embodiments, where the data includes an indicator of a power requirement of the product, an additional step may be provided to determine whether the power module is able to meet the power supply requirement of the product with reference to the power module capacity, wherein if it is determined that the power module is unable to meet the power supply requirement of the product, it is determined that power cannot be provided to the product.

[0134] The disclosed methods may take the form of a fully hardware embodiment (e.g., an FPGA), a fully software embodiment (e.g., for controlling a system according to the present invention), or an embodiment containing both hardware and software elements. Software embodiments include, but are not limited to, firmware, resident software, microcode, etc. The present invention may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium that provides program code for use by or in conjunction with a computer or instruction execution system. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, device, or apparatus. The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or device or apparatus) or a propagation medium.

[0135] The methods and processes may be implemented via a computer application or service, an application programming interface (API), a library, and / or other computer program products, or any combination of these entities.

[0136] Thus, there is provided a program for a computer, comprising a program adapted to implement Fig. 9 or Fig.10 Instructions describing the steps.

[0137] In certain embodiments, in response to detecting an article connected to both ends of the coupled terminals, a multi-mode electrical coupling, which may be composed of any pair of conductive areas in the surface, is selectively coupled to a coupled communication interface. The coupled communication interface can obtain data characterizing the article and determine whether the information is consistent with the power supply of the article, particularly in terms of the power requirements of the article and / or the identity of the article and the corresponding authorization status. In the event that it is determined that power is allowed, the power module can be connected to the multi-mode electrical coupling, at which point the coupled communication interface can be decoupled. A corresponding reporting interface for integration in the article is also provided.

[0138] It should be understood that the configuration and / or method described herein is exemplary in nature, and these specific embodiments or examples should not be considered restrictive, because many variations are possible. The specific routines or methods described herein can represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Therefore, the various operations shown and / or described can be performed in the order shown and / or described, in other orders, in parallel, or omitted. Similarly, the order of the above-mentioned processing can be changed.

[0139] The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various processes, systems and configurations, and other features, functions, operations and / or properties disclosed herein, as well as any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A coupling manager (310, 410, 510) for managing a multi-mode electrical coupling (320), the multi-mode electrical coupling comprising two electrical contacts, the coupling manager communicating with a coupling communication interface (330, 530) to facilitate communication with an article (300) via the two electrical contacts, the coupling manager also communicating with a transducer module (340, 540) to facilitate electrical interaction via the two electrical contacts, in, The coupling manager is suitable for detecting that the product is electrically connected to the two electrical contacts with unknown polarity, determining the ground connection of the electrical connection from the two electrical contacts, and in response to the detection of the product, causing the coupling communication interface to enter into two-way communication with the product via the two electrical contacts according to the determined ground connection to obtain data defining the product. The coupling manager is also suitable for determining whether the transducer module can interact with the product via the two electrical contacts based on the data defining the product, and if it is determined that the transducer module can interact with the product, causing the transducer module to interact via the two electrical contacts according to the determined ground connection.

2. The coupling manager according to claim 1, in, The coupling manager is further adapted to isolate the coupled communication interface from the multi-mode electrical coupling if it is determined that the transducer module is capable of interacting with the article.

3. The coupling manager according to claim 2, in, The coupling manager is further adapted to maintain the coupled communication interface isolated from the multi-mode electrical coupling when no electrical connection of the article to the two electrical contacts is detected.

4. A coupling manager according to any preceding claim, in, The coupling manager is further adapted to maintain the transducer module isolated from the multi-mode electrical coupling when no electrical connection of the article to the two electrical contacts is detected.

5. A coupling manager according to any preceding claim, in, The data includes an identifier of the article, and wherein the coupling manager is suitable for determining whether the article is authorized to interact with the identifier, and wherein the coupling manager is suitable for determining that the transducer module is unable to interact with the article if it is determined that the identifier is not so authorized.

6. The coupling manager according to claim 5, in, The coupling manager also includes an authorized communication interface (450), and wherein the coupling manager is further adapted to submit the identifier to an authorized resource via the authorized communication interface and to receive an indication from the authorized communication interface of whether the transducer module is able to interact with the article, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that the transducer module is not able to interact with the article if an indication is given that the identifier is not so authorized.

7. A coupling manager according to any preceding claim, in, The transducer module is a power module, and the interaction with the article includes providing power to the article via the multi-mode electrical coupling.

8. The coupling manager according to claim 7, in, The coupling manager is capable of accessing a resource (402), and wherein the data includes an indicator of a power requirement of the article, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine, based on the power requirement indicator and with reference to power module capacity data stored in the resource, whether the power module is capable of meeting a power supply requirement of the article, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that power cannot be provided to the article if it is determined that the power module is not capable of meeting the power supply requirement of the article.

9. The coupling manager according to any one of claims 7 or 8, in, The coupled communication interface is adapted to transmit, over the multi-mode electrical coupling, a communication signal encoded as a time-varying voltage having an average voltage that is lower than a minimum voltage that the power module is adapted to provide.

10. A method of managing a multi-mode electrical coupling (320), the multi-mode electrical coupling comprising two electrical contacts, the method The following steps are involved: The detection article (300) is electrically connected to the two electrical contacts with unknown polarity, determining a ground connection of the electrical connection from among the two electrical contacts, in response to detecting the article, entering into bidirectional communication with the article through the two electrical contacts in accordance with the determined ground connection so as to obtain data defining the article via the bidirectional communication, Based on the data defining the product, it is determined whether the transducer module is capable of performing a predetermined electrical interaction with the product via the two electrical contacts, and when it is determined that the predetermined electrical interaction with the product is capable of performing the predetermined electrical interaction, the transducer module performs the predetermined electrical interaction via the two electrical contacts in accordance with the determined ground connection.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising the further step of isolating the coupled communication interface from the multi-mode electrical coupling if it is determined that the predetermined electrical interaction with the article can occur.

12. The method of claim 10 or 11, comprising the further step of maintaining the coupled communication interface isolated from the multi-mode electrical coupling when no electrical connection of the article to the two electrical contacts is detected.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising the further step of maintaining the transducer module isolated from the multi-mode electrical coupling when no electrical connection of the article to the two electrical contacts is detected.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, in, The data comprises an identifier of the article, the method comprising the further step of determining whether the article is authorized for the identifier to perform the predetermined electrical interaction, and wherein the coupling manager is adapted to determine that the predetermined electrical interaction cannot be provided to the article if it is determined that the identifier is not so authorized.

15. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, in, The transducer module is a power module, and the predetermined electrical interaction with the article includes providing power to the article via the multi-mode electrical coupling.

16. The method according to claim 15, in, The data includes a power requirement indicator of the product, and wherein the method includes a further step of determining whether the power module is able to meet the power supply requirement of the product based on the power requirement indicator and with reference to the power module capacity, wherein if it is determined that the power module is unable to meet the power supply requirement of the product, it is determined that power cannot be provided to the product.

17. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to any one of claims 10 to 16.

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