A Docking Station Power Supply Monitoring Method and System

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring the power supply of a docking station. The docking station includes: a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power supply module, a main port module, and multiple sub-port modules. The control module predicts the load power demand in the next cycle based on the load power sequence in the current cycle, and at the same time predicts the power demand of the docking station itself in the next cycle. Based on the load power demand and its own power demand, it controls the disconnection or connection of the built-in power module with energy. When the control module detects that no load device is connected to the docking station, it enters the low-power state, and the built-in power supply module supplies power to the control module. This method and system can not only solve the problem that a laptop computer cannot provide sufficient power in time, but also help to greatly reduce the power consumption of the docking station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of docking stations, and particularly relates to a method and system for monitoring the power supply of a docking station. Background Art

[0002] A docking station, also known as a port replicator, is an external device designed specifically for laptop computers or mobile phones. The docking station has both the function of a port replicator and is used to expand to a considerable degree of desktop computer functions. It is especially suitable for professionals. By replicating and expanding the ports of a notebook computer, a laptop computer or mobile phone can be conveniently connected to multiple accessories or external devices such as a power adapter, network cable, mouse, external keyboard, printer, and external monitor in a one-stop manner. It can save valuable desktop space for users, and these interfaces can be used simultaneously after being expanded by the docking station.

[0003] Due to the large number of interfaces of the docking station, when connecting multiple load devices, not only do the load devices consume power, but the docking station itself also consumes power. Usually, the docking station obtains power from a laptop computer through a main port (for example, a USB-TypeC interface). If the power supply end cannot provide sufficient power in a timely manner, the normal operation of the docking station will be affected. In addition, the docking station still consumes a large amount of power when idling. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a power supply method that can monitor the power supply situation of the docking station in a timely manner and make adjustments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a method for monitoring the power supply of a docking station, which is applied to the docking station. The method for monitoring the power supply of the docking station can not only solve the problem that a laptop computer cannot provide sufficient power, but also help to greatly reduce the power consumption of the docking station.

[0005] The present invention provides a method for monitoring the power supply of a docking station, which is applied to the docking station. The docking station includes: a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power module, a main port module, and a plurality of sub-port modules. The docking station is connected to a laptop computer through the main port module. The laptop computer provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module. The plurality of sub-port modules are used to connect load devices. The control module is respectively connected to the current monitoring module, the main port module, and the built-in power module. The built-in power module is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules through a switch module;

[0006] The method includes:

[0007] The control module obtains at least one load device connected to the docking station through the plurality of sub-port modules;

[0008] The control module obtains the load current sequences of the at least one load device monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, determines the load power sequences of the corresponding load devices based on the load current sequences, and predicts the load power demand for the next cycle based on the load power sequences;

[0009] The control module obtains the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle;

[0010] The control module determines the total demand power for the next cycle based on the load power demand of the at least one load device for the next cycle and the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle;

[0011] The control module obtains the total supply power provided by the laptop;

[0012] When the total supply power is greater than the total demand power for the next cycle, the control module controls the switch module to be in the off state and transmits the excess power to the built-in power module;

[0013] When the total supply power is less than the total demand power for the next cycle, the control module controls the switch module to be in the connected state to provide additional power for the at least one load device;

[0014] When the control module detects that no load device is connected to the docking station, it controls the total port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module. The control module enters the low-power state. When a load device is detected to be connected in the low-power state, the control module controls the total port module to open the connection with the laptop.

[0015] In one embodiment, the docking station further includes: a storage module that records the load current sequences of the load devices detected in each cycle; the control module obtains the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current cycle monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle, and predicts the load power demand for the next cycle based on the load power sequence in the current cycle, including: obtaining the latest N load currents detected in the current cycle based on a sliding window with a preset duration to form the load current sequence in the current cycle; determining the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle; obtaining the change values between the historical cycles of the load device, and predicting the load power demand for the next cycle based on the change values and the load power sequence in the current cycle.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0017] When the control module detects that the laptop is in the sleep or shutdown state, it controls the switch module to be in the off state, disconnecting the power supply to the load device.

[0018] When the control module detects that the laptop re-enters the running state, it controls the switch module to be in the connected state to supply power to the load device, enabling the load device to quickly enter the working state.

[0019] In one embodiment, the docking station further includes: a temperature detection module for detecting the current temperature of the docking station.

[0020] The control module predicts the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle, including:

[0021] The control module obtains the current temperature of the docking station detected by the temperature detection module.

[0022] The control module obtains the number of currently connected load devices and the load power of the load devices.

[0023] The control module determines the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle based on the current temperature of the docking station, the number of currently connected load devices, and the load power of the load devices.

[0024] The method further includes: when it is determined that the self-demand power of the docking station is greater than the preset power threshold, disconnect at least one load device or reduce the power of at least one load device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the docking station further includes: a storage module in which a calculation model for the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle is stored; the control module is connected to the storage module.

[0026] The control module obtains the calculation model in the storage module and calculates the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle based on the calculation model. The parameters of the calculation model include: the number of load devices, the load power of the load devices, and the current temperature of the docking station.

[0027] In one embodiment, a switch unit is provided in the sub-port module, and the control module is connected to the switch unit. The method further includes:

[0028] When it is detected that the current temperature of the docking station is greater than the preset temperature threshold, the control module controls the switch unit of the sub-port module to disconnect at least one load device and sends a reminder message to the laptop.

[0029] In one embodiment, the storage module is further configured to record the power demand changes of each load device and the power demand changes of the docking station itself, forming a historical record, so as to learn the power demand change law based on the historical record;

[0030] The control module is further configured to predict the power required by each load device in the next cycle based on the power demand change law and the current load power of the load device, and obtain a prediction result;

[0031] Allocate the power of each load device and the docking station in the next cycle based on the prediction result.

[0032] In one embodiment, the historical record includes: the load device type, the power demand change of the load device over time, different times corresponding to different usage scenarios, and the usage scenarios include: external scenarios and internal scenarios. The external scenario refers to the operating conditions of other load devices, and the internal scenario refers to the usage conditions of the load device;

[0033] Learning the power demand change law based on the historical record includes: using the load device type, the power demand of the load device in the previous cycle, and the usage scenario in the previous cycle in the historical record as the input of the model, and using the power demand of the load device in the next cycle as the desired output for training to obtain a power demand change prediction model; storing the power demand change prediction model in the storage module;

[0034] The control module is further configured to predict the power required by the load device in the next cycle based on the power demand change prediction model, and obtain a prediction result.

[0035] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0036] After the control module obtains the load current of the load device, it determines whether the load current is greater than the operating current of the load. If it is less than the operating current of the load, it controls the switch module to be in a connected state and sends a reminder message to the laptop.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a docking station power supply monitoring system, which includes: a docking station and a laptop computer. The docking station includes: a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power module, a main port module, and a plurality of sub-port modules. The docking station is connected to the laptop computer through the main port module. The laptop computer provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module. The plurality of sub-port modules are used to connect load devices. The control module is respectively connected to the current monitoring module, the main port module, and the built-in power module. The built-in power module is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules through a switch module;

[0038] The current detection module is used to monitor the load current of the load device;

[0039] The control module is used to obtain at least one load device connected to the docking station through the plurality of sub-port modules;

[0040] The control module is used to obtain the load current sequence of the current cycle of the at least one load device monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window of a preset duration, determine the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence of the current cycle, and predict the load power demand of the next cycle based on the load power sequence of the current cycle;

[0041] The control module is used to predict the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle;

[0042] The control module is used to determine the total demand power of the next cycle based on the load power demand of the at least one load device in the next cycle and the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle;

[0043] The control module is further used to when the total supply power is greater than the total demand power of the next cycle, the control module controls the switch module to be in the off state and transmits the excess power to the built-in power module;

[0044] The control module is further used to when the total supply power is less than the total demand power of the next cycle, the control module controls the switch module to be in the connected state to provide additional power for the at least one load device;

[0045] The control module is further used to when the control module detects that no load device is connected to the docking station, control the main port module to disconnect from the laptop computer, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module. The control module enters the low-power state. When a load device is detected to be connected in the low-power state, the control module controls the main port module to open the connection with the laptop computer.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present application are as follows:

[0047] 1) The docking station includes a built-in power module. When it is predicted that the laptop cannot provide sufficient power to the docking station in the next cycle, the built-in power module is used to provide additional power. When it is predicted that the laptop can provide sufficient power to the docking station in the next cycle, the excess power is given to the built-in power module for charging. Traditional detection methods are adjusted only when it is actually detected that the total required power is insufficient, which has latency. In this solution, it is innovatively proposed to predict the required power in the next cycle based on the power sequence detected in the current cycle, so that adjustments can be made in time before the problem occurs, avoiding the latency caused by making adjustments after the problem has occurred.

[0048] 2) When no load device is connected to the docking station, the control module controls the total port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module to enter the low-power state. When it is detected that a load device is connected, the connection to the laptop is reopened. This can effectively solve the problem that the docking station still needs to consume a large amount of energy when idling. Without increasing the complexity of the docking station, this docking station power supply monitoring method not only solves the problem of insufficient power supply, but also greatly reduces the power loss when the docking station is idling.

[0049] 3) Since the self-required power of the docking station is constantly changing, in order to accurately determine the total required power, it is innovatively proposed in the present application that the self-required power of the docking station in the next cycle is intelligently determined based on the current temperature of the docking station, the number of currently connected load devices, and the load power of the load devices. Compared with the traditional method of simply withholding a fixed value, this method is beneficial to power saving and can timely adjust the self-required power of the docking station for the normal operation of the docking station.

[0050] 4) In order to improve the response speed of the load device, when it is detected that a load device is connected, the built-in power module directly supplies power to the load device first. Compared with the method of using an external power supply, supplying power by the built-in power module can improve the response speed of the load device.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the subsequent specification, and part of them will become obvious from the specification or be understood by implementing the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be achieved and obtained through the structures specifically pointed out in the written specification and the drawings.

[0052] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below through the drawings and embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0053] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation to the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0054] Figure 1 is the power supply schematic diagram of a docking station in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 is the flowchart of a method for monitoring the power supply of a docking station in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 3 is the circuit diagram for monitoring the access of load devices in an embodiment of the present invention

[0057] Figure 4 is the process of predicting the load power demand in the next cycle in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0058] The following describes the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are only used to illustrate and explain the present invention and are not used to limit the present invention.

[0059] Since a docking station has numerous interfaces, when connecting multiple load devices, not only do the load devices consume power, but the docking station itself also consumes power. Usually, the docking station obtains power from a laptop through a total port (for example, a USB-Type C interface). If the power supply end cannot provide sufficient power, the load devices will not be able to work properly. In addition, the docking station still consumes a large amount of power when idling. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a power supply method that can timely monitor the power supply situation of the docking station and make adjustments. Since the user's usage situation is usually to use a plug-and-play docking station, that is, without an external PD charger. The present application addresses the problem of insufficient power in a plug-and-play docking station and the situation that the docking station still consumes a large amount of power when idling, and proposes a method for monitoring the power supply of a docking station, aiming to solve the problems of inability to timely provide sufficient power and power waste.

[0060] Such as Figure 1As shown in the figure, a power supply schematic diagram of a docking station is provided. The docking station 10 includes: a control module 102, a current monitoring module 104, a built-in power supply module 106, a main port module 108, and a plurality of sub-port modules 110. The docking station is connected to a laptop computer through the main port module 108. The laptop computer provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module 108. The plurality of sub-port modules 110 are used to connect load devices. The control module 102 is respectively connected to the current monitoring module 104, the main port module 108, and the built-in power supply module 106. The built-in power supply module 106 is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules 110 through a switch module 112. The main port module and the plurality of sub-port modules are connected through an expansion module.

[0061] Among them, the control module 102 can be implemented by an MCU. The main port module includes: a main port unit and a main port power supply unit; the sub-port module includes: a sub-port and a sub-unit power supply module. A switch module is provided between the built-in power supply module and the sub-port module, and the switch module can be implemented by a MOS transistor.

[0062] As Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the present invention provides a power supply monitoring method for a docking station, which is applied to a docking station. The docking station includes: a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power supply module, a main port module, and a plurality of sub-port modules. The docking station is connected to a laptop computer through the main port module. The laptop computer provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module. The plurality of sub-port modules are used to connect load devices. The control module is respectively connected to the current monitoring module, the main port module, and the built-in power supply module. The built-in power supply module is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules through a switch module;

[0063] The method includes:

[0064] Step 202, the control module obtains at least one load device connected to the docking station through a plurality of sub-port modules;

[0065] Among them, the sub-port module includes: a sub-port and a sub-port power supply unit. The load device is connected to the docking station through the sub-port, and the sub-port power supply unit supplies power to the load device. In one embodiment, when the load device is connected to the sub-port module, a connection signal is sent to the control module, and the control module can know that a load device has been accessed.

[0066] Step 204, the control module obtains the load current sequence of at least one load device in the current cycle monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, and determines the corresponding load device demand; the load power sequence of the previous cycle, and predicts the load power of the next cycle based on the load power sequence of the current cycle.

[0067] Among them, for each load device, its power supply voltage is fixed. Therefore, the load power of the load device can be determined by detecting the load current of the complex device. A preset cycle duration is set. For example, 30s is one cycle. Each cycle includes multiple current samplings, and the multiple load currents obtained based on the samplings constitute the load current sequence. Since the power change between cycles is often regular, the load power demand of the next cycle is predicted based on the load power sequence of the current cycle. For example, the average value in the load power sequence of the current cycle plus a preset change value can be used as the load power demand of the next cycle.

[0068] Step 206, the control module predicts the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle;

[0069] Among them, the operation of the docking station itself also consumes power. Therefore, not only the power of the load device needs to be obtained, but also the power of the docking station itself needs to be known. The power at which the docking station can operate is generally an interval. In one embodiment, in order to make the docking station work properly, the maximum value of the interval can be used as the self-demand power of the docking station. In another embodiment, in order to save energy consumption, it is necessary to accurately calculate the self-demand power required by the docking station. The self-demand power of the docking station is generally related to the number and type of load devices connected to the docking station. The more load devices connected to the docking station, the more power the docking station itself consumes. Different types of load devices require different powers. Generally, the higher the power of the load device, the more power the docking station itself consumes. In one embodiment, when one load device is connected, the self-demand power of the load device can be set to 5W. When two load devices are connected, it can be set to 8W. When three or more load devices are connected, it can be set to 15 - 25W.

[0070] Step 208, the control module determines the total demand power of the next cycle based on the load power demand of at least one load device in the next cycle and the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle;

[0071] Among them, the sum of the load power of all load devices in the next cycle and the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle is the total demand power.

[0072] Step 210, the control module obtains the total supply power provided by the laptop;

[0073] Among them, the control module obtains the total supply power that the laptop can provide.

[0074] Step 212, when the total supply power is greater than the total demand power of the next cycle, the control module controls the switch module to be in the off state and transmits the excess power to the built-in power module;

[0075] Step 214, when the total supply power is less than the total demand power of the next cycle, the control module controls the switch module to be in the connected state to provide additional power for at least one load device;

[0076] Step 216, when the control module detects that the docking station is not connected to a load device, it controls the total port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module. The control module enters the low-power state. When a load device is detected to be connected in the low-power state, the control module controls the total port module to open the connection with the laptop.

[0077] Among them, when the docking station is idling, the control total port module disconnects from the laptop, that is, the laptop stops supplying power to the docking station. At this time, the built-in power module supplies power to the control module, and at the same time, the control module enters the low-power state. The low-power state will turn off most functions and only retain a function of detecting whether a load device is connected. In this way, when a load device is connected, the connection between the total port module and the laptop can be quickly opened. To reduce power consumption, the built-in power module and multiple sub-port modules are also in the disconnected state.

[0078] The traditional method of monitoring whether a load is connected requires power to be provided at the port to achieve. In this application, since the power supply to the load device has been disconnected, the circuit diagram as Figure 3 is designed to detect the connection of the load device. There is a small elastic piece on the USB interface. When no load device is connected to the USB device, the elastic piece is in the popped-up state, and the device detection IO port is disconnected from the GND, and the IO is in the high-level state (IO is pulled up to the battery RTC voltage through a resistor and is powered by the battery (built-in power module)); when the load device is inserted, the elastic piece on the USB interface is in the compressed state, and at this time the detection IO is pulled down to the GND and is in the low-level state. That is, the control module MCU can determine whether a load device is connected by detecting the high and low levels of the IO. In this case, even if there is no power supply at the sub-port, it is still possible to monitor whether a load is connected.

[0079] In another embodiment, to further save energy consumption, when it is detected that a load device has not been used for more than a preset time, the control module disconnects the power supply to the corresponding load device and sends the corresponding disconnection information to the laptop for prompting. When the disconnected load device needs to be used, the control module receives the connection information sent by the laptop and re-supplies power to the corresponding load device based on the connection information. That is, although the load device is connected to the docking station, it may not be used currently. For example, a printer has a relatively low usage frequency. In this case, the power supply to the printer can be controlled, and when needed, it can be triggered by the laptop or directly reconnected by unplugging and plugging. By automatically monitoring devices that have not been used for more than a preset time through the control module and powering them off, the corresponding energy consumption can be greatly saved. In addition, the preset time can be set in combination with the type of device, and different types of devices can be set with different preset times.

[0080] In this embodiment, the docking station includes a built-in power module. When it is predicted that the laptop cannot provide enough power to the docking station in the next cycle, the built-in power module is used to provide additional power. When it is predicted that the laptop provides enough power to the docking station in the next cycle, the excess power is given to the built-in power module for charging. Traditional detection methods are adjusted only when it is detected that the total required power is insufficient, which has latency. In this solution, it is innovatively proposed to predict the required power in the next cycle based on the detection in the current cycle, so that adjustments can be made in time before the problem occurs, avoiding the latency caused by adjusting after the problem has occurred. When no load device is connected to the docking station, the control module controls the total port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module to enter the low-power state. When it is detected that a load device is connected, the connection to the laptop is reopened. This can effectively solve the problem that the docking station still consumes a relatively large amount of energy when idling. The power supply monitoring method of this docking station not only solves the problem of insufficient power supply without increasing the complexity of the docking station, but also greatly reduces the power loss when the docking station is idling.

[0081] As Figure 4 shown, it is a flowchart for predicting the load power demand in the next cycle in an embodiment. The docking station further includes: a storage module, and the storage module records the load current sequences of the load devices detected in each cycle;

[0082] The control module obtains the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current cycle monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle, and predicts the load power demand in the next cycle based on the load power sequence in the current cycle, including:

[0083] Step 204A: Obtain the latest N detected load currents in the current period based on a sliding window with a preset duration, and form a load current sequence for the current period.

[0084] Step 204B: Determine a load power sequence for the current period of the corresponding load device based on the load current sequence for the current period.

[0085] Step 204C: Obtain the change values between each historical period of the load device, and predict the load power demand for the next period based on the change values and the load power sequence for the current period.

[0086] Among them, obtain the change values recorded by the storage module between each historical period, take the average value of the change values between each period as the change average value, determine the power average value for the current period based on the load power sequence for the current period, and take the sum of the change average value and the power average value for the current period as the load power demand for the next period.

[0087] In one embodiment, the method further includes: when the control module detects that the laptop is in a sleep or shutdown state, control the switch module to be in an off state to cut off the power supply to the load device.

[0088] When the control module detects that the laptop re-enters the running state, control the switch module to be in a connected state to supply power to the load device, so that the load device can quickly enter the working state.

[0089] Among them, in order to save the power consumption of the docking station, when the laptop stops powering the docking station due to sleep or shutdown, disconnect the connection between the built-in power module and the load device, that is, stop powering the load device. However, when it is detected that the laptop re-enters the running state, preferentially using the built-in power module to supply power to the load device is beneficial to the quick start of the load device, because the built-in power module is directly connected to the load device, while the power supply of the laptop needs to pass through the expansion module of the docking station before it can be provided to the load device.

[0090] In one embodiment, the control module determines the self-demand power of the docking station for the next period, including:

[0091] The control module obtains the number of currently connected load devices and the load power of the load devices.

[0092] The control module determines the self-demand power of the docking station based on the number of currently connected load devices and the load power of the load devices.

[0093] Among them, the power consumption of the docking station itself is affected by the number and type of load devices connected to the docking station. Different types of load devices require different amounts of power. When the power required by the docking station itself cannot be satisfied, the docking station cannot work, and at the same time, the load devices connected to the docking station cannot work either. Therefore, the power required by the docking station itself should be satisfied first.

[0094] In one embodiment, the docking station further includes: a temperature detection module for detecting the current temperature of the docking station.

[0095] The control module obtains the power required by the docking station itself, including:

[0096] The control module obtains the current temperature of the docking station detected by the temperature detection module.

[0097] The control module obtains the number of currently connected load devices and the load power of the load devices.

[0098] The control module determines the power required by the docking station itself in the next cycle based on the current temperature of the docking station, the number of currently connected load devices, and the load power of the load devices.

[0099] The method further includes: when it is determined that the power required by the docking station itself in the next cycle is greater than a preset power threshold, disconnect at least one load device or reduce the power of at least one load device.

[0100] Among them, the power consumption of the docking station is also related to temperature. In order to more accurately determine the power required by the docking station itself, the current temperature of the docking station is detected by the temperature detection module, and the power required by the docking station itself in the next cycle is determined based on the current temperature, the number of currently connected load devices, and the load power of the load devices. In addition, after the current temperature of the docking station is detected by the temperature detection module, the current temperature is compared with a preset temperature threshold. If it is greater than the preset temperature threshold, over-temperature protection is required. That is, the setting of the temperature detection module can, on the one hand, perform over-temperature protection, and on the other hand, be used as a calculation basis for the power required by the docking station itself. When the determined power required by the docking station itself is greater than the preset power threshold, it means that the normal use or service life of the docking station will be affected. Therefore, timely processing is required at this time. The processing methods include: disconnecting at least one load device.

[0101] In one embodiment, the docking station further includes: a storage module in which a calculation model for the power required by the docking station itself in the next cycle is stored; the control module is connected to the storage module.

[0102] The control module obtains the computing model in the storage module and calculates the power requirement of the docking station for the next cycle based on the computing model. The parameters of the computing model include: the number of load devices, the load power of the load devices, and the current temperature of the docking station.

[0103] Among them, in order to enable the control module to accurately calculate the power requirement of the docking station for the next cycle, it is necessary to pre-store the computing model in the storage module so that the control module can call the computing model to calculate the power requirement of the docking station for the next cycle. The parameters of the computing model include: the number of load devices, the load power of the load devices, and the current temperature of the docking station.

[0104] In one embodiment, a switch unit is provided in the sub-port module, and the control module is connected to the switch unit. The method further includes:

[0105] When it is detected that the current temperature of the docking station is greater than a preset temperature threshold, the control module controls the switch unit of the sub-port module to disconnect at least one load device and sends a reminder message to the laptop.

[0106] In one embodiment, the storage module is further configured to record the power requirement changes of each load device and the power requirement changes of the docking station itself to form a historical record, so as to learn the power requirement change rule based on the historical record;

[0107] The control module is further configured to predict the power required by each load device for the next cycle based on the power requirement change rule and the current load power of the load device to obtain a prediction result;

[0108] Based on the prediction result, the power for each load device and the next cycle of the docking station is allocated.

[0109] In one embodiment, the historical record includes: the type of load device, the power requirement change of the load device over time, different times corresponding to different usage scenarios, and the usage scenarios include: external scenarios and internal scenarios. The external scenario refers to the operating conditions of other load devices, and the internal scenario refers to the usage conditions of the load device;

[0110] Learning the power requirement change rule based on the historical record includes: using the type of load device, the power requirement of the load device in the previous cycle, the usage scenario in the previous cycle, and the usage scenario in the next cycle in the historical record as the input of the model, and using the power requirement of the load device in the next cycle as the expected output for training to obtain a power requirement change prediction model; storing the power requirement change prediction model in the storage module;

[0111] The control module is further configured to predict the power required by the load device in the next cycle based on the power demand change prediction model, and obtain a prediction result.

[0112] In the above embodiment, by storing the power demand change prediction model in the storage module, the control module can predict the power demand of the load device in the next cycle based on the trained demand change prediction model, so that the control module can allocate and adjust the power of each load device even. Since only the trained model is used here, the consumption during calculation is relatively small.

[0113] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0114] After the control module obtains the load current of the load device, it determines whether the load current is greater than the operating current of the load. If it is less than the operating current of the load, it controls the switch module to be in a connected state and sends a reminder message to the laptop.

[0115] Among them, when it is detected that the load current is less than the operating current, it means that the load device is no longer normal now. A reminder message is sent to the laptop, and at the same time, the built-in power module is turned on to provide additional power.

[0116] In one embodiment, a docking station power supply monitoring system includes a docking station and a laptop. The docking station includes a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power module, a main port module, and a plurality of sub-port modules. The docking station is connected to the laptop through the main port module. The laptop provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module. The plurality of sub-port modules are used to connect load devices. The control module is respectively connected to the current monitoring module, the main port module, and the built-in power module. The built-in power module is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules through a switch module;

[0117] The current detection module is configured to monitor the load current of the load device;

[0118] The control module is configured to obtain at least one load device connected to the docking station through the plurality of sub-port modules;

[0119] The control module is configured to obtain the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current cycle monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, determine the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle, and predict the load power demand in the next cycle based on the load power sequence in the current cycle;

[0120] The control module is configured to predict the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle;

[0121] The control module is configured to determine the total power demand for the next cycle based on the load power demand of the at least one load device for the next cycle and the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle;

[0122] The control module is further configured to, when the total supply power is greater than the total power demand for the next cycle, control the switch module to be in the off state and transfer the excess power to the built-in power module;

[0123] The control module is further configured to, when the total supply power is less than the total power demand for the next cycle, control the switch module to be in the connected state to provide additional power for the at least one load device;

[0124] The control module is further configured to, when the control module detects that no load device is connected to the docking station, control the total port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module. The control module enters the low-power state. When a load device is detected to be connected in the low-power state, the control module controls the total port module to open the connection with the laptop.

[0125] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalent technologies, the present invention is also intended to include these changes and modifications.

Claims

1. A docking station power supply monitoring method, applied to a docking station, characterized in that The docking station includes: a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power supply module, a main port module, and a plurality of sub-port modules. The docking station is connected to a laptop through the main port module. The laptop provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module. The plurality of sub-port modules are used to connect load devices. The control module is respectively connected to the current monitoring module, the main port module, and the built-in power supply module. The built-in power supply module is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules through a switch module. The docking station further includes: a storage module, which is used to record the load current sequences of the load devices detected in each period; The method includes: The control module acquires at least one load device connected to the docking station through the plurality of sub-port modules; The control module acquires the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current period monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current period based on the load current sequence in the current period, and predicts the load power demand in the next period based on the load power sequence in the current period, including: the control module acquires the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current period monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, and determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current period based on the load current sequence in the current period; acquires the latest N load currents detected in the current period based on a sliding window with a preset duration to form the load current sequence in the current period; determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current period based on the load current sequence in the current period; acquires the change values between each historical period of the load device, and predicts the load power demand in the next period based on the change values and the load power sequence in the current period; The control module predicts the self-demand power of the docking station in the next period; The control module determines the total demand power in the next period based on the load power demand of the at least one load device in the next period and the self-demand power of the docking station in the next period; The control module acquires the total supply power provided by the laptop; When the total supply power is greater than the total demand power in the next period, the control module controls the switch module to be in the off state and transmits the excess power to the built-in power supply module; When the total supply power is less than the total demand power in the next period, the control module controls the switch module to be in the on state to provide additional power for the at least one load device; When the control module detects that no load device is connected to the docking station, it controls the main port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power supply module supplies power to the control module. The control module enters the low-power state. When a load device is detected to be connected in the low-power state, the control module controls the main port module to open the connection with the laptop.

2. The method for monitoring the power supply of the docking station according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: When the control module detects that the laptop is in the sleep or shutdown state, it controls the switch module to be in the off state, disconnecting the power supply to the load device. When the control module detects that the laptop re-enters the running state, it controls the switch module to be in the connected state to supply power to the load device, enabling the load device to quickly enter the working state.

3. The docking station power supply monitoring method according to claim 1, wherein The docking station further includes a temperature detection module for detecting the current temperature of the docking station. The control module predicts the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle, including: The control module obtains the current temperature of the docking station detected by the temperature detection module. The control module obtains the number of currently connected load devices and the load power of the load devices. The control module determines the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle based on the current temperature of the docking station, the number of currently connected load devices, and the load power of the load devices. The method further includes: when it is determined that the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle is greater than the preset power threshold, controlling to disconnect at least one load device or reduce the power of at least one load device.

4. The docking station power supply monitoring method according to claim 3, wherein The docking station further includes a storage module in which a calculation model for the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle is stored; the control module is connected to the storage module. The control module obtains the calculation model in the storage module and calculates the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle based on the calculation model. The parameters of the calculation model include the number of load devices, the load power of the load devices, and the current temperature of the docking station.

5. The method for monitoring the power supply of the docking station according to claim 3, wherein A switch unit is provided in the sub-port module, and the control module is connected to the switch unit. The method further includes: When it is detected that the current temperature of the docking station is greater than the preset temperature threshold, the control module controls the switch unit of the sub-port module to disconnect at least one load device and sends a reminder message to the laptop.

6. The method for monitoring the power supply of the docking station according to claim 4, wherein The storage module is further used to record the power demand changes of each load device and the self-demand power changes of the docking station itself to form a historical record, so as to learn the power demand change law based on the historical record. The control module is further used to predict the power required by each load device for the next cycle based on the power demand change law and the current load power of the load device to obtain a prediction result. Based on the prediction result, the power for each load device and the docking station for the next cycle is allocated.

7. The method for monitoring the power supply of the docking station according to claim 6, wherein The historical record includes: load device types, the power demand changes of load devices over time, different times corresponding to different usage scenarios, where the usage scenarios include external scenarios and internal scenarios. The external scenario refers to the operating conditions of other load devices, and the internal scenario refers to the usage conditions of the load devices. The power demand change pattern learned based on historical records includes: using the load device type, the power demand of the load device in the previous cycle, and the usage scenario in the previous cycle in the historical records as the input of the model, and using the power demand of the load device in the next cycle as the expected output for training to obtain a power demand change prediction model; storing the power demand change prediction model in the storage module; The control module is further configured to predict the power required by the load device in the next cycle based on the power demand change prediction model to obtain a prediction result.

8. The method for monitoring the power supply of the docking station according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: After the control module obtains the load current of the load device, it determines whether the load current is greater than the operating current of the load. If it is less than the operating current of the load, it controls the switch module to be in the connected state and sends a reminder message to the laptop.

9. An expansion dock power supply monitoring system, characterized in that, The system includes: a docking station and a laptop. The docking station includes: a control module, a current monitoring module, a built-in power supply module, a main port module, and a plurality of sub-port modules. The docking station is connected to the laptop through the main port module. The laptop provides power and transmits data to the docking station through the main port module. The plurality of sub-port modules are used to connect load devices. The control module is respectively connected to the current monitoring module, the main port module, and the built-in power supply module. The built-in power supply module is connected to the plurality of sub-port modules through a switch module. The docking station further includes: a storage module, and the storage module records the load current sequences of the load devices detected in each cycle; The current monitoring module is configured to monitor the load current of the load device; The control module is configured to obtain at least one load device connected to the docking station through the plurality of sub-port modules; The control module is configured to obtain the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current cycle monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, determine the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle, and predict the load power demand in the next cycle based on the load power sequence in the current cycle, including: the control module obtains the load current sequence of the at least one load device in the current cycle monitored by the current monitoring module based on a sliding window with a preset duration, and determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle; obtains the N latest detected load currents in the current cycle based on a sliding window with a preset duration to form the load current sequence in the current cycle; determines the load power sequence of the corresponding load device in the current cycle based on the load current sequence in the current cycle; obtains the change values between each historical cycle of the load device, and predicts the load power demand in the next cycle based on the change values and the load power sequence in the current cycle; The control module is configured to predict the self-demand power of the docking station in the next cycle; The control module is used to determine the total demand power for the next cycle based on the load power demand of the at least one load device for the next cycle and the self-demand power of the docking station for the next cycle; The control module obtains the total supply power provided by the laptop; The control module is further configured to, when the total supply power is greater than the total demand power for the next cycle, control the switch module to be in the off state and transfer the excess power to the built-in power module; The control module is further configured to, when the total supply power is less than the total demand power for the next cycle, control the switch module to be in the connected state to provide additional power for the at least one load device; The control module is further configured to, when the control module detects that no load device is connected to the docking station, control the total port module to disconnect from the laptop, and the built-in power module supplies power to the control module. The control module enters the low-power state. When a load device is detected to be connected in the low-power state, the control module controls the total port module to open the connection with the laptop.

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