A charging process monitoring host computer and system

Abstract

This application discloses a host computer and system for monitoring the charging process. The monitoring system, consisting of a multimeter with serial port transceiver function and a matching host computer, allows for charging tests to be performed after the multimeter is connected to the target device. The required equipment is simple, portable, and low-cost. In addition to monitoring the voltage and current of the adapter and battery, the host computer can automatically calculate power, energy, and charging efficiency, and also provides visualization and storage capabilities. The system offers comprehensive testing functions, is easy to operate, and has high practical value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of power supply technology, specifically to a host computer and system for monitoring the charging process. Background Technology

[0002] Today, most smart hardware products, such as smartphones and smart robots, use rechargeable batteries as their power source. To ensure the reliability and safety of the charging function during actual use, charging testing is an essential step. However, current charging tests require specialized testing equipment or instruments, which are complex to operate and expensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a host computer and system for monitoring the charging process, and the specific technical solution is as follows:

[0004] A charging process monitoring host computer includes: a serial port configuration unit for configuring and initializing external devices, enabling the external devices to be driven by the host computer and acquire charging data; a data acquisition unit for acquiring charging data from external devices and sending it to a calculation unit, an image display unit, and a data storage unit; a calculation unit for receiving charging data from the acquisition unit, calculating and outputting corresponding results; an image display unit for receiving charging data from the acquisition unit and drawing corresponding images; and a data storage unit for receiving charging data from the acquisition unit and the results output by the calculation unit and saving them to corresponding storage locations.

[0005] Furthermore, the host computer includes a front panel for displaying information including configuration information of the serial port configuration unit, charging data acquired by the acquisition unit, results output by the calculation unit, and images drawn by the image display unit.

[0006] A charging process monitoring system includes a charging process monitoring host computer and a testing instrument; wherein the testing instrument is connected to both the host computer and an external target device, and is used to acquire charging data of the target device in real time and transmit it to the host computer.

[0007] Furthermore, the testing instrument includes a multimeter, which has serial port transceiver functionality.

[0008] Furthermore, the target device includes a rechargeable battery and an adapter capable of charging the rechargeable battery, and the testing instrument is used to acquire the voltage and current of the battery and the voltage and current of the adapter in real time.

[0009] Furthermore, the acquisition unit includes a battery voltage acquisition unit, a battery current acquisition unit, an adapter voltage acquisition unit, and an adapter current acquisition unit; wherein, the battery voltage acquisition unit is used to acquire the battery voltage obtained from the testing instrument; the battery current acquisition unit is used to acquire the battery current obtained from the testing instrument; the adapter voltage acquisition unit is used to acquire the adapter voltage obtained from the testing instrument; and the adapter current acquisition unit is used to acquire the adapter current obtained from the testing instrument; wherein, the host computer includes the acquisition unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the calculation unit includes a battery power calculation unit and an adapter power calculation unit; wherein, the battery power calculation unit is used to calculate the battery charging power based on the battery voltage and current collected by the battery voltage acquisition unit and the battery current acquisition unit; the adapter power calculation unit is used to calculate the adapter charging power based on the adapter voltage and current collected by the adapter voltage acquisition unit and the adapter current acquisition unit; wherein, the host computer includes a calculation unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the calculation unit includes an energy calculation unit, which is used to calculate the energy consumed by the target device during charging based on the charging power and charging time of the adapter; wherein, the host computer includes the calculation unit.

[0012] Furthermore, the calculation unit includes a charging efficiency calculation unit, which is used to calculate the charging efficiency of the target device based on the charging power of the battery and the charging power of the adapter; wherein, the host computer includes the calculation unit.

[0013] Furthermore, there are four testing instruments, which are used to acquire the voltage and current of the battery in real time, and to acquire the voltage and current of the adapter in real time.

[0014] The charging process monitoring system described in this application comprises a monitoring system consisting of an easily accessible multimeter with serial port transceiver function and a matching host computer. After the multimeter is connected to the target device, charging tests can be performed. The required equipment is simple, portable, and low-cost. In addition to monitoring the voltage and current of the adapter and battery, the host computer can automatically calculate power, energy, and charging efficiency, and can also visualize and store the data. The system offers comprehensive testing functions, is easy to operate, and has high practical value. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a host computer for monitoring the charging process according to one embodiment of this application.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a charging process monitoring system according to one embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the front panel of the host computer according to one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described below are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0019] In the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits may be shown in block diagrams so as not to obscure the embodiments with unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques may not be shown in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments.

[0020] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0021] Today, most smart hardware products, such as smartphones and smart robots, use rechargeable batteries as their power source. To ensure the reliability and safety of the charging function during actual use, charging testing is an essential step. However, current charging tests require specialized testing equipment or instruments, which are complex to operate and expensive.

[0022] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a charging process monitoring system. The system consists of a multimeter with serial port transceiver functionality and a host computer. After the multimeter is connected to the target device, charging tests can be performed. The equipment required for the test is simple, portable, and low in cost.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The charging process monitoring system includes a charging process monitoring host computer and a testing instrument. The testing instrument is connected to an external target device to acquire charging data from the target device in real time. The charging process monitoring host computer includes: a serial port configuration unit for configuring and initializing the testing instrument, enabling the host computer to drive the testing instrument; a data acquisition unit for acquiring charging data from the target device obtained by the testing instrument and sending it to a calculation unit, an image display unit, and a data storage unit; a calculation unit for receiving charging data from the acquisition unit, calculating and outputting the corresponding results; an image display unit for receiving charging data from the acquisition unit and drawing the corresponding images; and a data storage unit for receiving charging data from the acquisition unit and the results output by the calculation unit and saving them to the corresponding storage location. Preferably, the host computer is implemented based on LabVIEW.

[0024] In one implementation, the testing instrument includes a multimeter with serial port transceiver functionality. The multimeter is connected to a serial port configuration unit and communicates with a host computer via the serial port. When the serial port configuration unit detects the multimeter, it configures and initializes the multimeter to drive it to collect charging data from the target device.

[0025] In one implementation, the target device includes a rechargeable battery and an adapter for charging the rechargeable battery. The testing instrument is used to acquire the voltage and current of the battery and the voltage and current of the adapter in real time. In one embodiment, the target device is an intelligent robot with a lithium battery and an adapter for charging the intelligent robot. This embodiment uses four multimeters to measure the voltage and current of the lithium battery and the voltage and current of the adapter, respectively. The four multimeters are connected to four serial ports of a host computer to transmit data to the host computer.

[0026] In one embodiment, the acquisition unit includes a battery voltage acquisition unit, a battery current acquisition unit, an adapter voltage acquisition unit, and an adapter current acquisition unit. The acquisition unit is a functional unit written in software program code. The battery voltage acquisition unit is used to acquire the battery voltage obtained from the testing instrument; the battery current acquisition unit is used to acquire the battery current obtained from the testing instrument; the adapter voltage acquisition unit is used to acquire the adapter voltage obtained from the testing instrument; and the adapter current acquisition unit is used to acquire the adapter current obtained from the testing instrument.

[0027] In one embodiment, the calculation unit includes a battery power calculation unit and an adapter power calculation unit. The battery power calculation unit calculates the battery charging power based on the battery voltage and current collected by the battery voltage acquisition unit and the battery current acquisition unit. The adapter power calculation unit calculates the adapter charging power based on the adapter voltage and current collected by the adapter voltage acquisition unit and the adapter current acquisition unit. This verifies the stability of the charging process.

[0028] In one implementation, the calculation unit includes an energy calculation unit, which calculates the energy consumed by the target device during charging based on the adapter's charging power and charging time. Since energy is lost during the process from the adapter to the battery, calculating the energy consumed based on the adapter's charging power is more accurate.

[0029] In one implementation, the calculation unit includes a charging efficiency calculation unit, which calculates the charging efficiency of the target device based on the battery's charging power and the adapter's charging power. Since energy is lost during the process from the adapter to the battery, not all the energy consumed during charging is actually transferred to the battery. The charging efficiency is obtained by dividing the battery's charging power by the adapter's charging power, thereby verifying the adapter's conversion efficiency.

[0030] As one implementation method, such as Figure 3 As shown, the host computer includes a front panel for displaying information including configuration information from the serial port configuration unit, charging data acquired by the acquisition unit, results output by the calculation unit, and images drawn by the image display unit. Specifically, it includes data acquired by the battery voltage acquisition unit, battery current acquisition unit, adapter voltage acquisition unit, and adapter current acquisition unit, as well as data output by the battery power calculation unit, adapter power calculation unit, energy calculation unit, and charging efficiency calculation unit, and a charging data trend chart drawn by the image display unit based on the battery voltage and current and the adapter voltage and current. The horizontal axis of the charging data trend chart represents charging time, the left vertical axis represents voltage, and the right vertical axis represents current. Different colored curves represent the battery voltage and current and the adapter voltage and current. The front panel also displays the charging duration, the storage location of the data storage unit, and virtual buttons for calling related functions. In one embodiment, through the virtual buttons, the user can merge the charging data acquired by the acquisition unit and the results output by the calculation unit into a single table with a single click, and automatically store it in a preset storage location.

[0031] Compared with existing technologies, the host computer can not only monitor the voltage and current of the adapter and battery, but also automatically calculate power, energy and charging efficiency. It can also visualize and store data, has complete testing functions, is easy to operate, and has high practical value.

[0032] In the several embodiments provided by this invention, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units can be a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling, or communication connection between units or modules, and can be electrical or other forms. Additionally, the functional units in the various embodiments of this invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit described above can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0033] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0034] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0035] Obviously, the above embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments, and the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, if terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" appear in the embodiments, the orientation or positional relationship indicated is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. If terms such as "first," "second," and "third" appear in the embodiments, it is for the convenience of distinguishing related features, and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance, order, or number of technical features.

[0036] Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application. The scope of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A charging process monitoring system, characterized in that, The system includes a host computer for monitoring the charging process and testing instruments; wherein, the testing instruments are connected to the host computer and an external target device respectively, and are used to acquire the charging data of the target device in real time and transmit it to the host computer. The host computer for monitoring the charging process includes: The serial port configuration unit is used to configure and initialize external devices, enabling the external devices to be driven by the host computer and to acquire charging data. The acquisition unit collects charging data from external devices and sends it to the computing unit, image display unit, and data storage unit. The calculation unit receives charging data from the acquisition unit, calculates the data, and outputs the corresponding results. The image display unit receives charging data from the acquisition unit and draws the corresponding image; The data storage unit receives charging data from the acquisition unit and the results output by the calculation unit, and saves them to the corresponding storage location. The charging process monitoring host computer includes a front panel for displaying information including configuration information of the serial port configuration unit, charging data acquired by the acquisition unit, results output by the calculation unit, and images drawn by the image display unit. The testing instrument includes a multimeter, which has serial port transceiver functionality.

2. The charging process monitoring system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target device includes a rechargeable battery and an adapter that can charge the rechargeable battery. The testing instrument is used to acquire the voltage and current of the battery and the voltage and current of the adapter in real time.

3. The charging process monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The data acquisition unit includes a battery voltage acquisition unit, a battery current acquisition unit, an adapter voltage acquisition unit, and an adapter current acquisition unit; among which, The battery voltage acquisition unit is used to acquire the battery voltage obtained from the testing instrument; The battery current acquisition unit is used to acquire the battery current obtained from the testing instrument; The adapter voltage acquisition unit is used to acquire the voltage of the adapter obtained from the test instrument; The adapter current acquisition unit is used to acquire the adapter current obtained from the test instrument; The host computer includes a data acquisition unit.

4. The charging process monitoring system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The calculation unit includes a battery power calculation unit and an adapter power calculation unit; wherein, The battery power calculation unit is used to calculate the battery's charging power based on the battery's voltage and current collected by the battery voltage acquisition unit and the battery current acquisition unit. An adapter power calculation unit is used to calculate the charging power of the adapter based on the voltage and current of the adapter collected by the adapter voltage acquisition unit and the adapter current acquisition unit; wherein, the host computer includes a calculation unit.

5. The charging process monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The calculation unit includes an energy calculation unit, which is used to calculate the energy consumed by the target device during charging based on the adapter's charging power and charging time; wherein, the host computer includes a calculation unit.

6. The charging process monitoring system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The calculation unit includes a charging efficiency calculation unit, which is used to calculate the charging efficiency of the target device based on the charging power of the battery and the charging power of the adapter; wherein, the host computer includes the calculation unit.

7. The charging process monitoring system according to claim 2, characterized in that, There are four testing instruments, which are used to acquire the voltage and current of the battery and the voltage and current of the adapter in real time.

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