Distributed power architecture

Abstract

The device, method, and system embodiments described in the present disclosure (i.e., the teachings of the present disclosure) enable an authorization circuit having at least one authorization mechanism to cooperate with an access circuit having at least one key mechanism. After successfully authorizing at least one data transmitted from the key mechanism of the access circuit, the authorization circuit is arranged to deliver power having determined characteristics to the access circuit. In at least one embodiment, the authorization circuit is arranged as a circuit coupled to the power infrastructure in a building by wire or wirelessly. In at least one embodiment, the access circuit is arranged as a smart power plug that is arranged to temporarily deliver power to a mobile computing device or other electrically powered device. In some cases, power is delivered only after a user consumes specific multimedia information. In some cases, the delivered power is only delivered for a short period of time and is measured.

Description

background Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a distributed power supply architecture and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a power supply having an authorization mechanism and a power distribution circuit. Background Art

[0004] Power lines carry electricity from one location to another; sometimes across great distances. In many cases, power lines cross, pass through, or otherwise approach areas where people and other living things live. Typically, power lines are "tapped" to provide electricity at one or more locations. This "tapping" allows electricity that crosses the power lines to be diverted for consumption by street lights, road signs, traffic lights, businesses, homes, etc. Typically, an electricity meter owned or otherwise controlled by the electricity supplier measures the electricity consumed at the location where the electricity is tapped for use by the consumer. The consumer can be a business, a household, an individual, or some other entity. Many times, at a location downstream of the electricity meter, a secondary power line provides power access via a direct connection (e.g., lighting, heating, air conditioning, etc.) or via any number of power outlets.

[0005] In many cases, electricity is not used efficiently. For example, power outlets are typically plugged into power supplies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. In at least some of these cases, the power supply consumes electricity, but no equipment is connected to the power supply. In these and other cases, the equipment plugged into the power supply is not used, monitored, or otherwise provides any benefit. In many of these cases, power outlets that waste electricity are located in commercial areas.

[0006] Not all subject matter discussed in the Background section is prior art and should not be considered prior art simply because it is discussed in the Background section. Along these lines, any recognition of a prior art problem discussed in the Background section or related to such subject matter should not be considered prior art unless explicitly stated to be prior art. Instead, any discussion of any subject matter in the Background section should be considered part of the inventor's approach to the particular problem, which may itself be inventive. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following is an overview of the present disclosure, which is intended to provide an introductory understanding of some features and context. This overview is not intended to identify key or important elements of the present disclosure or to indicate the scope of the present disclosure. This overview presents certain concepts of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a preface to a more detailed description that will be presented later.

[0008] The device, method, and system embodiments described in this disclosure (i.e., the teachings of this disclosure) enable an authorization circuit having at least one authorization mechanism to cooperate with an access circuit having at least one key mechanism in some circumstances. Upon successful authorization of at least one data transmitted from the key mechanism of the access circuit, the authorization circuit is configured to deliver power having determined characteristics to the access circuit. In at least one embodiment, the authorization circuit is configured as a circuit coupled, wired or wirelessly, to the electrical infrastructure of a building. In at least one embodiment, the access circuit is configured as a smart power plug configured to deliver power to a mobile computing device.

[0009] In these and other cases, the device, method, and system embodiments described in the present disclosure (i.e., the teachings of the present disclosure) provide power outlet devices that include authorization circuitry that restricts power access until a user interacts with an activation interface. The interactive interface is or includes a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, a near field communication circuit, or some other interface. After such interaction, which may include any suitable number of zero or more additional actions, the user is authorized to access power from the outlet for a predetermined time period. In some cases, the power outlet device includes power metering circuitry so that power consumption measurements can be determined with suitable accuracy. In these embodiments, power is conserved and the power grid is strengthened.

[0010] In a first embodiment, a power outlet device includes: a housing; a power outlet contained within the housing; a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; an input power interface configured to receive input power into the power outlet device; a controllable switch coupled between the input power interface and the power outlet; an activation interface; and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a power activation signal and, based on the power activation signal, temporarily instruct the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet, wherein the power activation signal is received after a user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID.

[0011] In some cases of the first embodiment, the power activation signal may be received from a local bridging device. In some cases, the local bridging device is arranged to receive communications from the remote computing server and send communications to the power outlet. Sometimes the input power source is mains power, and sometimes the input power source is a direct current (DC) power source with a voltage between 5VDC and 50VDC. In at least some cases, the power outlet is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord that conforms to a home wiring protocol, and in some cases, the power outlet is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a power cord that conforms to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol. In these and other cases, the controllable switch includes at least one electromechanical relay. And sometimes, the power outlet includes at least two individually controllable power outlets.

[0012] In a second embodiment, a computer-implemented method is performed for delivering power to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet through an electrical outlet. The method includes receiving a power activation signal at a processor electrically coupled to the power outlet, the power activation signal configured to cause a controllable switch to deliver power to the electrically powered device through the power outlet, wherein the power activation signal is received after a user interacts with the power outlet via an interactive interface. Here, sometimes, the user interaction includes: bringing a mobile computing device close to the power outlet; capturing, using the mobile computing device, at least one data item representing a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; transmitting, via the mobile computing device, the GUID to a remote computing device; performing, using the mobile computing device, a plurality of actions of a power activation protocol based on a response initiated by the remote computing device; transmitting, via the mobile computing device, a completion evidence signal to the remote computing device after completing at least one of the plurality of actions; and delivering the power to the electrically powered device through the power outlet.

[0013] In some instances of the second embodiment, a first action of the plurality of actions of the power activation protocol includes delivering multimedia content for consumption by the user through the mobile computing device, wherein a second action of the plurality of actions of the power activation protocol includes transmitting the proof-of-completion signal via the mobile computing device, and wherein the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the multimedia content has been delivered.

[0014] In some instances of the second embodiment, the multimedia content is a video advertisement. In these and other instances, the first action of the power activation protocol includes accepting, at the mobile computing device, a credit indication for power access, and a second action of the plurality of actions of the power activation protocol includes transmitting, via the mobile computing device, the proof-of-completion signal. Here, the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the credit indication has been entered.

[0015] In these and other examples, the credit representation is a voucher code, and the power activation signal may be triggered by a message transmitted from the local bridging device to the power outlet.

[0016] In a third embodiment, a system for temporarily delivering power through a power outlet includes a plurality of power outlet devices located in a first geographic area, at least one remote computing server, and a bridge device. Each power outlet device includes: a housing; a power outlet contained within the housing; a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; an input power interface configured to receive input power into the power outlet device; a controllable switch coupled between the input power interface and the power outlet; an activation interface; and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a second power activation signal and, based on the second power activation signal, temporarily instruct the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet. The second power activation signal is received after a user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID of the power outlet device. Furthermore, the at least one remote computing server comprises: an engagement module configured to receive a corresponding GUID from a mobile computing device associated with the user and proximate to a corresponding power outlet device; a network host module configured to provide one or more web pages to the mobile computing device based on the corresponding GUID; and an activation module configured to cause a first power activation signal to be transmitted to the bridge device. Furthermore, the bridge device is configured to receive the first power activation signal from the activation module of the at least one computing server and, based on receiving the first power activation signal, transmit a second power activation signal to a specific power outlet device of the plurality of power outlet devices, the specific power outlet being associated with the corresponding GUID received by the engagement module.

[0017] In some instances of the third embodiment, the power outlet is configured to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord that complies with household wiring protocols. In some instances, the power outlet is configured to receive a conductive portion of a power cord that complies with Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocols. In some instances, the activation interface is a barcode or a Quick Response (QR) code, and in still other instances, at least one web page provided by the web host module is a multimedia advertisement.

[0018] In the devices, systems, and methods discussed in this disclosure, distributed ledger operations, digital currency operations, on-demand electricity payments, and other power-decentralized actions are performed efficiently at reduced electricity costs, and in some cases close to where the results of such operations are verified. The innovations described in this disclosure are new and useful, and are not well-known, customary, or conventional in the distributed ledger industry or any other known industry.

[0019] In some cases, the innovations described herein use known logic, circuits, modules, and building blocks, as well as other structures and limitations, combined in new and useful ways to create more than has heretofore been conventionally known. These embodiments improve upon computing systems that, when not programmed or programmed differently, are unable to perform or provide the specific distributed ledger operations claimed herein.

[0020] The embodiments described in this disclosure improve upon known distributed ledger processes and techniques, known public / private key processes and techniques, known electricity bill payment techniques, and other known algorithmic approaches.

[0021] The computerized actions described in the embodiments herein are not entirely conventional and are not yet well understood. Instead, these actions are new to the industry. Furthermore, the combination of actions as described in conjunction with the present embodiments provides new information, motivation, and business results that would not exist if the actions were considered individually.

[0022] There is no generally accepted definition of what constitutes an abstract concept. To the extent that the concepts discussed in this disclosure can be considered abstract, the claims present tangible, practical, and concrete applications of the so-called abstract concepts.

[0023] At least some of the embodiments described herein use computerized technology to improve the techniques for distributed ledger operations, but there are other techniques and tools that can still be used to perform distributed ledger operations. Therefore, the claimed subject matter does not exclude the entire or even a large part of the field of distributed ledger technology.

[0024] These features, together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent, lie in the details of construction and operation as more fully described and claimed hereinafter, reference having to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof.

[0025] This summary is provided to describe some concepts in a simplified form that are further described in more detail in the detailed description. This summary does not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, which is determined by the text of the claims themselves. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements are selected, enlarged, and positioned to improve the legibility of the drawings. The specific shapes of the elements as drawn have been selected for ease of identification in the drawings. One or more embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a system-level deployment of a distributed power architecture;

[0028] Figure 2 It is a data flow diagram of the distributed power architecture approach;

[0029] Figure 3 It is another system-level deployment of distributed power architecture;

[0030] Figure 4 It is another data flow diagram of the distributed power architecture approach;

[0031] Figure 5 It is a presentation of an embodiment of a distributed power supply architecture;

[0032] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a distributed power supply architecture;

[0033] Figure 7 It is another embodiment of a distributed power supply architecture;

[0034] Figures 8A to 8D It is an embodiment of a distributed power architecture use case;

[0035] Figures 9A to 9C It is another example of a distributed power architecture use case;

[0036] Figure 10 is a set of exemplary power outlets and a set of exemplary activation interfaces; and

[0037] Figure 11A schematic diagram and data flow embodiment of a distributed power architecture system and method.

[0038] In this disclosure, for the sake of brevity, a certain group of related figures may be referred to as a single multi-part figure to facilitate a clearer understanding of the illustrated subject matter. For example, Figures 8A to 8D May be referred to individually or collectively as Figure 8. Figure 9A Figures 9 through 9E may be individually or collectively referred to as Figure 9. For the sake of brevity, previously identified structures are not repeated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In addition, in these instances, well-known structures may be omitted or shown and described in reduced detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the more detailed description of the embodiments.

[0040] The device, method, and system embodiments described in this disclosure (i.e., the teachings of this disclosure) enable the decentralization of utility-provided power. A first electronic circuit electrically coupled to the power source in a wired or wireless manner provides an authorization and access mechanism for power from the power source. In some cases, a second electronic circuit, which can be coupled to a power sink in a wired or wireless manner, provides a key that cooperates with the first electronic circuit to unlock the delivery of power to the power sink.

[0041] In these and other cases, the device, method, and system embodiments described in the present disclosure (i.e., the teachings of the present disclosure) provide power outlet devices that include authorization circuitry that restricts power access until a user interacts with an activation interface. The interactive interface is or includes a barcode, a quick response (QR) code, a near field communication circuit, or some other interface. After such interaction, which may include any suitable number of zero or more additional actions, the user is authorized to access power, and power is delivered from the outlet for a predetermined time period. In some cases, the power outlet device includes power metering circuitry so that power consumption measurements can be determined with suitable accuracy. In these embodiments, power is conserved and the power grid is strengthened.

[0042] A power dissipater is any device, circuit or other mechanism that is arranged to consume electrical power. The consumption may be direct consumption, such as by a circuit that consumes the electrical power. Additionally or alternatively, the consumption may be indirect consumption, such as by a circuit that further transfers the electrical power to a downstream device or circuit. A non-limiting, non-exhaustive list of power dissipaters includes consumer electronic devices, industrial equipment, military equipment, tools, lights, batteries, audio equipment, video equipment, telecommunications equipment, and the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any type of device, circuit or other mechanism that can be coupled to a power source in a wired or even wireless manner may be a power dissipater. In the present disclosure, power dissipaters may also be interchangeably referred to as powered devices.

[0043] As used herein, a utility-provided power source or utility power source may include any power source provided by a utility. A utility may be an electric company, a municipality, a consortium, a government, a private entity, a public-private partnership, or any other entity. Electricity may be produced by the consumption of fossil fuels, pneumatic structures (e.g., windmills), optical structures (e.g., solar cells), hydrodynamic structures (e.g., wave energy, hydroelectric dams, etc.), chemical reactions, nuclear reactions, or any other structure or material capable of producing electricity. In many cases, the electricity provided by a utility power source is sold; in other cases or circumstances, the electricity is provided for other compensation or for no compensation at all, such as a public service. As used herein, a utility-provided power source, a public power source, a utility power source, an electricity supplier, etc. may or may not be an entity that generates electricity. In at least some cases, a power source is a temporary service system or entity (e.g., a "middleman") that distributes, manages, or otherwise permits access to electricity in exchange for a good or service.

[0044] To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the teachings of the present disclosure, a system is now described that includes a first authorization circuit embodiment and a second access circuit embodiment. The first authorization circuit is electrically coupled, either wired or wirelessly, to a power source, such as line power in a building (e.g., the electrical infrastructure in the building that supplies power through an electrical strip (e.g., an electrical outlet)). The second access circuit is added to or integrated with a magic socket (power cube), such as might be used to charge a mobile computing device battery (e.g., a power brick, wall wart, charger, etc.). In at least some cases, the magic socket has: a) two or three conductive prongs arranged to mate with an electrical strip; b) one or more female ports (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, a power jack such as a 1.7 to 5.5 mm power jack, a Thunderbolt port, etc.) arranged to provide downstream power through a device power cable; and c) circuitry for conditioning a utility-side power signal to a suitable device-side power signal (e.g., circuitry for conditioning an incoming 110VAC power signal to a 5VDC power signal). Optionally, one or both of the first circuit and the second circuit may include a power analysis circuit.

[0045] Figure 1 4 is a system-level implementation of a distributed power architecture 400. Utility power 402 (i.e., mains power) is received from a power company, utility service provider, or some other source. The utility power may be an AC mains power source of 60 VAC, 120 VAC, 230 VAC, 240 VAC, 400 VAC, or some other AC voltage, and in at least some cases may have a frequency of 60 Hz or 50 Hz.

[0046] The first authorization circuit 404 is arranged to be electrically and communicatively coupled to the second access circuit 454. Each of these circuits has a processor 406, 456, respectively, and a memory 408, 458, respectively. Each processor is coupled to its respective memory and is arranged to execute software instructions stored in the memory.

[0047] First authorization circuit 404 includes access circuit 410, and second access circuit 454 includes detection circuit 460. Access circuit 410 and detection circuit 460 may include one or more relays, latches, semiconductor switches, or other components. Access circuit 410 is arranged to fully or partially couple the utility power supply to output 412. Output 412 may have any suitable form factor. Detection circuit 460 is arranged to detect the presence of a voltage signal at input 462.

[0048] The first authorization circuit 404 optionally includes a first power analysis circuit 414, and the second access circuit 454 optionally includes a second power analysis circuit 464. Where so included, the power analysis circuits 414 and 464 can be arranged to analyze the power passing through their respective circuits. The analysis can include measuring, calculating, predicting, etc. to generate data associated with the power. The data can include voltage, current, phase, frequency, joules per unit time, noise, changes over time, and any other suitable power signal. In some cases, the power analysis generates, accumulates, or otherwise collects such data over time, and such data can be provided in whole or in part to another entity in exchange for something of value, such as a fee. In some cases, the power analysis circuits 414 and 464 can be referred to as power metering circuits.

[0049] The access circuit 410 and the detection circuit 460 may include one or more relays, latches, semiconductor switches, or other components. The access circuit 410 is arranged to fully or partially couple the utility power supply to the output terminal 412. The detection circuit 460 is arranged to detect the presence of a voltage signal at the input terminal 462.

[0050] First authorization circuit 404 includes first communication circuit 416, and second attachment circuit 454 includes second communication circuit 466. First communication circuit 416 and second communication circuit 466 are arranged to communicate therebetween in one or two directions according to any suitable protocol. Communication can be wired or wireless. In at least some cases, communication between first authorization circuit 404 and second attachment circuit 454 is performed to determine whether a particular power dissipater device 452 is authorized to receive power.

[0051] In these or other cases, one or both of the first communication circuit 416 and the second communication circuit 466 are arranged for long-range communication. The long-range communication can be through direct line-of-sight communication, beyond-line-of-sight communication, or some other type of communication. The communication can conform to a specific hardware protocol, a software protocol, or a combination of hardware and software protocols. For example, in some cases, one or both of the first communication circuit 416 and the second communication circuit 466 conform to the Long Range Radio Access Network (LoRaWAN) specification. In these or other cases, one or both of the first communication circuit 416 and the second communication circuit 466 conform to the Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular specification, the fifth generation (5G) cellular specification, the sixth generation (6G) cellular specification, or some other suitable protocol.

[0052] The first authorization circuit 404 includes a first authorization mechanism 418, and optionally, the second access circuit 454 includes a second authorization mechanism 468. Additionally or optionally in some cases, the second access circuit 454 includes a key mechanism 470. The key mechanism 470 is arranged to cooperate with the first authorization mechanism 418. In some cases, each of the first authorization mechanism 418 and the key mechanism 470 is partially or completely implemented as a hardware circuit. In other cases, the first authorization mechanism 418 and the key mechanism 470 are partially or completely implemented in software. In at least one case, the first authorization mechanism 418 and the key mechanism 470 include both hardware components and software components. The hardware circuit may include a random number generator circuit, a timer circuit, a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) circuit, etc. The software component may include a hash function, an encryption / decryption algorithm, etc. In at least one embodiment, when the input 462 is electromechanically coupled to (e.g., plugged into) the output 412 of the first authorization circuit 404, a software key for the key mechanism 470 is transmitted from the second attachment circuit 454 to the first authorization circuit 404 via the first communication circuit 416 and the second communication circuit 466. Upon receiving the software key and verifying the key with the first authorization mechanism 418, the attachment circuit 410 is triggered to provide the specific power 401 at the output 412. In other embodiments, as described herein, the attachment circuit 410 is triggered to provide the specific power 401 in another manner.

[0053] In some embodiments, providing power at output 412 may be specifically associated with key mechanism 470. For example, in some cases, a consumer has paid a specific consideration to receive "full power." In such cases, the consumer may charge their power sink device 452 (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, etc.) more quickly. As discussed in this disclosure, the specific consideration provided may include monetary consideration, data, digital currency, a promise, a service, or any other suitable consideration. In other embodiments, providing power at output 412 may be associated with a different authentication mechanism, such as Figures 7 to 11 mechanism.

[0054] In at least some cases, one or more of the circuits described herein are cascaded. Consider a scenario where, for example, first authorization circuit 404 cooperates with second access circuit 454 to enable power to be delivered from utility power source 402 to second access circuit 454, which is configured as a Magic Socket. Second access circuit 454 then cooperates with downstream power sink device 452, which is configured as a mobile computing device, to deliver power from the Magic Socket to the mobile computing device. At this second cascade level, the mobile computing device includes its own key mechanism (not shown) that cooperates with optional authorization mechanism 468 of second access circuit 454.

[0055] The second connection circuit 454 includes a power conditioning circuit 472. The power conditioning circuit 472 can be arranged to change the input power signal into a suitable output power signal. In some cases, such changes can include rectifying an alternating current (AC) signal to a direct current (DC) signal, changing the voltage, adjusting the amount of current that the power dissipater device 452 can draw, etc. In at least some cases, a timer or clock associated with the power conditioning circuit 472 controls the duration of power availability at the output of the second connection circuit 454.

[0056] Optionally, the respective memories 408, 458 of the first authorization circuit 404 and the second access circuit 454 include functional software arranged to disperse electricity from traditional metering functions at the entity level (e.g., electricity meters in apartments, electricity meters for the entire building, electricity meters for areas, etc.) to separate entities.

[0057] The memory 408 of the first authorization circuit 404 may optionally store zero or more of a compensation module 430 , a distributed ledger module 432 , a data management module 434 , and any other suitable software.

[0058] The memory 458 of the second access circuit 454 may optionally store zero or more of a compensation module 480 , a distributed ledger module 482 , a data management module 484 , and any other suitable software.

[0059] Figure 2 is a data flow diagram of a distributed power architecture method 500. Processing begins at 502.

[0060] At 504, authorization circuitry is provided. The authorization circuitry optionally includes at least one authorization mechanism. Various authorization mechanism embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure. Processing proceeds to 506.

[0061] At 506, an access circuit is provided. In this embodiment, the access circuit has at least one key mechanism, however, and in other embodiments, the authorization mechanism does not involve or require a key mechanism. Various access mechanism embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure. Processing proceeds to 508.

[0062] At 508, based on successful authorization of the at least one data from the key mechanism by the authorization mechanism, power is delivered. Optionally, and in other embodiments, the authorization mechanism triggers the delivery of power based on power activation criteria. Power can be delivered in a temporary manner. That is, in some cases, power will only be delivered for a temporary period of time. Processing proceeds to 510.

[0063] The optional processing at 510 may occur before, after, and while power is being delivered.

[0064] Optional processing may include optionally providing compensation based on successful authorization; optionally performing proof of work associated with successful authorization; optionally performing proof of participation associated with successful authorization; and optionally performing at least one distributed ledger transaction associated with successful authorization. Other optional processing may be performed.

[0065] In some cases, authorization operations, communication operations, and / or power delivery operations are performed only at specific times, on specific days, within a time range or date range, or under other time-related parameters.

[0066] In some cases, authorization operations, communication operations, and / or power delivery operations are performed only when one or more circuits are within a determined geographic location or region. In such cases, location information may or may not be recorded.

[0067] In some cases, authorization operations, communication operations, and / or power delivery operations are performed only before, during, or after the user pays a fee or commits to pay a fee.

[0068] In some cases, authorization operations, communication operations, and / or power delivery operations are performed only before, during, or after a user performs a distributed ledger transaction;

[0069] In some cases, authorization operations, communication operations, and / or power delivery operations are performed only before, during, or after

[0070] In some cases, the authorization operation, the communication operation, and / or the power delivery operation are performed only after the first authorization circuit and the second access circuit are electrically, electromechanically, or wirelessly coupled together.

[0071] In some cases, operations of the decentralized power architecture are performed to earn cryptocurrency.

[0072] In some cases, cryptocurrencies are exchanged for electricity.

[0073] In some cases, carbon credits, carbon offsets, or other environmental parameters are associated with the operation of the distributed power architecture (DPA) 400 .

[0074] In some cases, the digital wallet is associated with the operation of the distributed power architecture (DPA) 400.

[0075] In some cases, global positioning system (GPS) data is associated with the operation of distributed power architecture (DPA) 400 .

[0076] In some cases, a third party is the recipient of data associated with the operation of the distributed power architecture (DPA) 400. Sometimes the third party exchanges digital currency for such data.

[0077] In some cases, a utility, such as a power company, is arranged to sell electricity in granular units via operation of a distributed power architecture (DPA) 400 .

[0078] In some cases, the delivery operation is performed only after the user interacts with the power outlet via the interaction mechanism, consumes multimedia content with the mobile computing device (e.g., views a video advertisement, listens to an audio-only commercial, etc.), and confirms that the multimedia content has been consumed.

[0079] Processing proceeds to 512.

[0080] At 512, if the operation of the system is complete, the process ends at 514. Conversely, if the operation of the system continues, the process returns to 504.

[0081] Figure 3 is another system-level deployment of the distributed power architecture 400a. Those skilled in the art will recognize that Figure 3 The architecture is similar to Figure 1 For the sake of brevity, Figure 3 The description does not repeat the Figure 1 The same or substantially similar structures as described.

[0082] In some cases, Figure 3 Some or all of the circuits, structures, features, and other logic in the system-level deployment 400a are housed in a single distributed power architecture device 420. Such a device 420 may be installed in an airport, hotel, library, government building, store, or any other public accommodation. In some cases, for example, a power outlet of any type of configuration (e.g., AC line power, Universal Serial Bus (USB) power, portable computing device DC power, etc.) is exposed to a user of a device requiring power. The user is arranged to interact with one or more of the authorization mechanisms 418, 468, content delivery logic 436, content consumption logic 486, and other logic of the single distributed power architecture device 420 via any suitable computing device to receive power.

[0083] In some cases, when communication of specific data (e.g., multimedia data) occurs, authorization mechanism 418 of first authorization circuit 404 cooperates with authorization mechanism 468 of second access circuit 454 to trigger provision of specific power 401 at output 412. In at least one embodiment, a user listens to, views, or otherwise consumes at least one form of multimedia content (e.g., advertising content) in order to gain access to power.

[0084] The collaboration between the authorization mechanisms 418, 468 can include electronic collaboration, computational collaboration, human input collaboration, mechanical collaboration, and electromechanical collaboration, individually or in any useful combination. For example, in some embodiments, electronic signals can be transmitted between circuits. The electronic signals can be digital signals, analog signals, or both. The electronic signals can have specific timing, frequency, amplitude, current, phase, or other characteristics. The signals can include coded data (e.g., cryptographic data, encryption keys, decryption keys, biometric data, etc.). In at least some cases, collaboration can simply include the provision of multimedia content on the one hand, or the consumption of the multimedia content on the other hand.

[0085] In another example, authorization mechanism 418, authorization mechanism 468, or both authorization mechanisms 418 and 468 may include or otherwise indicate the execution of software that grants or denies power supply. Such computational collaboration may include programming that executes any one or more of the acquisition, generation, analysis, and communication of code, data, information, algorithms, and the like.

[0086] In some cases, the collaboration may include one or more proximity sensors, biometric sensors, buttons, key fobs, dongles, tokens, or any other mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical device that engages human input in one way or another. In at least one case, for example, power access is dependent on a human action such as plugging in a cable (e.g., a conventional cable, or a "special" cable that includes some or all of the structure of the second access circuit 454), bringing a token (e.g., a key fob, dongle, etc.) close to one or both of the first authorization circuit 404 and the second access circuit 454, pressing a button, flipping a switch, providing wireless signal data (e.g., RF, WiFi, infrared, etc.), or taking some other human action.

[0087] In at least one embodiment, when a user desiring power is near power output 412, or possesses or is in the vicinity of power dissipater device 452, authorization mechanism 418 performs one or more actions that present the user with an opportunity to consume content (e.g., audio, video, or any multimedia). The content may include advertisements or any other content. The content may include, but is not necessarily limited to, multimedia content. If the user accepts the opportunity, the content is presented to the user, and after such presentation, the user is granted access to power. In other words, in at least some embodiments, after the user consumes the multimedia content or performs some other interactive activation process, DPA 400a electrically couples input utility power 402, or some portion thereof, to power output 412.

[0088] In some embodiments, the opportunity to consume content is close to the time at which the content is consumed. For example, within a fraction of a second, within a second, or within only a few minutes. In other cases, a user may consume content to earn points or another accumulation of value or value metric at a first time (e.g., when the user is at work, at home, or somewhere else), and the user may later receive power access at a second time (e.g., at an airport, at a train station, on a vehicle (e.g., an airplane, train, ship, car, airship, or some other vessel), at a coffee shop, or somewhere else). In such cases, the first and second times may be separated by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, or months. In some cases, a user may consume content and receive power access at the same place, and in other cases, the user may consume content and receive power access at different places.

[0089] The delivery of content may be facilitated by one or more of content delivery logic 436 and content consumption logic 486. In some cases, content delivery logic 486 may stream or otherwise directly deliver the content, and in other cases, content delivery logic 486 may direct the delivery of content (e.g., delivering an Internet address, delivering a digital identifier), provide a signal (e.g., radio frequency (RF), light, sound, etc.) in a wired or wireless manner, illuminate a computer or human-perceivable indicator, etc. In some cases, content delivery logic 436 includes a web hosting server arranged to deliver a web page. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such content delivery logic 436 encompasses all manner of communicating digital data across the Internet or other wide area network.

[0090] The consumption of content performed by content consumption logic 486 can include the operation of an Internet browser, the operation of audio circuitry, the operation of video circuitry, or the execution of some type of logic. In at least one embodiment, the consumption of content includes viewing, listening, or both viewing and listening to multimedia content (e.g., advertisements, marketing messages, political messages, taking surveys, answering questions, etc.). In at least one embodiment, the consumption of content is unidirectional (e.g., leaving or returning to a user's device), and in other embodiments, the consumption of content is bidirectional (e.g., interaction between a user and authorization mechanisms 418, 468).

[0091] In some cases, a user may obtain power access at output 412 by paying money or something else of value (e.g., digital currency, performance of a task, or other thing). In other cases, a user may obtain power access by performing an action (e.g., watching an ad, listening to an ad, taking a survey, providing personal information, providing tracking rights, etc.).

[0092] Figure 4is another data flow diagram of the distributed power architecture method 500a. Those skilled in the art will recognize that Figure 4 The action is similar to Figure 2 For the sake of brevity, the data flow diagram presented in Figure 4 The description does not repeat the Figure 2 Same or substantially similar structures as described. Processing begins at 502a.

[0093] At 504a, authorization circuitry is provided. The authorization circuitry includes at least one authorization mechanism. The authorization mechanism may perform actions such as providing the user with an opportunity to earn points by consuming multimedia content or through some other means, where points may be exchanged for access to electrical energy (i.e., electricity); other actions such as verifying that points have been earned by delivering multimedia for the user's consumption. In such cases, the multimedia content may be advertisements, granting access to personal data, etc. Other means are contemplated. Processing proceeds to 506a.

[0094] At 506a, access circuitry is provided. The access circuitry optionally includes at least one key mechanism. In at least some cases, the access circuitry is arranged to present multimedia (e.g., audio, video, tactile output such as a buzzer or other vibrating device, etc.) for user consumption. Processing proceeds to 508a.

[0095] At 508a, power is made accessible by the power sink based on successful authorization of the at least one data from the key mechanism or some other verification process by the authorization mechanism.Processing proceeds to 510a.

[0096] The optional processing at 510a may occur before, after, and while power is being delivered.

[0097] Optional processing may include optionally exchanging electricity access for the consumption of advertisements, and / or offering to exchange electricity access for the consumption of advertisements. Advertisements may take any form and cover any topic. In some cases, advertisements take the form of audio information, static images, videos, or any other type of multimedia. In some cases, advertisements may include printed or otherwise displayed advertisements. In such cases, for example, the user may be required to transmit certain data (numbers, words, descriptions, concepts, etc.) from the displayed advertisement back to a certain entity. In other cases, for example, the user may be required to transmit certain data (numbers, words, descriptions, concepts, etc.) from the audio advertisement back to a certain entity. The certain entity may be a supplier of goods or services, an advertising agency, a government organization, or any other type of entity. In practice, the certain entity may include a computing server or some other circuit that performs communications with a user or user device. In some cases, the advertisement is intended to retail products, retail services, entertainment, commercial products and / or services, or some other topic. Other operational processing may also be performed.

[0098] Optional processing may include optionally exchanging information for access to electricity, and / or offering to exchange information for access to electricity. In some cases, the information is personally identifiable information (PII), as that term is generally known under current jurisdictional privacy laws. In these and other cases, the information may be tracking information (e.g., website visit information, or geographic area information). Other information is of course contemplated.

[0099] Optional processing may include optionally exchanging power access for permission to track the user (e.g., capturing information about websites visited by the user, the length of website visits, the "previous" web page the user has visited, the "next" web page the user visits, etc.), and / or offering to exchange power access for permission to track the user. Accordingly, the tracking information may be virtual information, digital information, physical location information (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS) data from a global mapping service), virtual location information, or some other information.

[0100] Optional processing may include optionally exchanging electricity access for money or a different real or virtual object of value (such as digital currency), and / or offering to exchange electricity access for money or a different real or virtual object of value.

[0101] Optional processing may include optionally exchanging power access for access to personal information of a computing device user, and / or offering to exchange power access for access to personal information of a computing device user.

[0102] Processing proceeds to 512a.

[0103] At 512a, if the operation of the system is complete, the process ends at 514a. Conversely, if the operation of the system continues, the process returns to 504a.

[0104] Figure 5 This is a presentation of a distributed power architecture embodiment 400b. This device may also be referred to as a power outlet device 420a. The distributed power architecture embodiment 400b is similar to Figure 1 Distributed power supply architecture embodiment 400, Figure 3 In at least one case, Figure 5 The distributed power architecture embodiment 400b is arranged as a single 110VAC-120VAC power socket, which conforms to the appearance of a known US type B power socket. For example, see Figure 9C Other configurations are of course contemplated, including but not limited to Canadian outlets having Canadian standard voltage, Mexican outlets having Mexican standard voltage, European outlets having European standard voltage, Asian outlets having Asian standard voltage, Australian outlets having Australian standard voltage, African outlets having African standard voltage, South American outlets having South American standard voltage, etc. In practice, there is no specific outlet style or available electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, phase, etc.), including outlets of standardized protocol styles and standardized electrical characteristics that are omitted from consideration.

[0105] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the structure of the output terminal 412 of the distributed power architecture embodiments 400 and 400a is Figure 5 In the embodiment, the two sets of three-pin plug-in receiver structures 412x, 412y, 412z are shown, which in this embodiment represent the corresponding input terminals 462 ( Figure 5 The three-pin blade receiver structure 412x, 412y, 412z, the indicator 422, the electronic switch 424, and the interface points 412xx, 412yy, 412zz are mechanically, electrically or electromechanically mounted, coupled or otherwise adjacent to the interface board 426, in the interface board or through the interface board. Figure 7 Additional circuitry of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b is presented in the discussion associated therewith.

[0106] In some embodiments, the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b of the present disclosure is presented as a power socket device. The power socket device includes a housing 440 and a power socket housed in the housing 440. In some cases, such as in Figure 5In some embodiments, the housing 440 is presented as a box or other structure having a chamber in which the circuitry of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b is housed. In some cases, the housing can completely seal the circuitry. However, in other cases, the housing 440 only houses one or more portions of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b in an exposed manner. For example, in at least one case, the housing 440 is a rigid platform, and the power outlets and circuitry of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b are mounted on, integrated with, fixed next to, or coupled to the rigid platform. In this and other embodiments, the housing 440 (e.g., a rigid platform) can include stamped, machined, or otherwise formed materials (e.g., steel, aluminum, a composite material, or some other material) having tabs, notches, apertures, or other substructures that are arranged to mount the power outlet device in an electrical junction box or other such structure.

[0107] In view of the operation taught in the present disclosure, sometimes power is available at the output 412, and sometimes power is not available at the output 412. In these cases, one or more electronic switches 424 are arranged to selectively allow power to reach the output 412 or prevent power from reaching the output 412. The one or more electronic switches can be reed switches, electronic relays, electromechanical relays, general input / output contacts, or some type of switch. In at least one embodiment, the controllable switches 424 are arranged in series between the live wires of the mains power supply. In at least one embodiment, the controllable switches 424 are arranged in series in the V+ conduit of a universal serial bus (USB) line. In yet other embodiments, the one or more controllable switches 424 are arranged to selectively make power accessible to the user.

[0108] Considering interface points 412xx, 412yy, 412zz, these points can be coupled to a source power source, a utility power source, or some other input power source of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b. Such input power can be delivered directly from the source power source or otherwise derived from the source power source. In at least one embodiment, for example, any suitable number of interface points form a power output 412, from which power is accessible, such as a low-voltage direct current (DC) power signal (e.g., USB five-volt (5V), consumer electronics six-volt (6V), nine-volt (9V), twelve-volt (12V), or some other power signal). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the power presented to the output 412 as contemplated herein can have any suitable power characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, frequency, phase, etc.).

[0109] Indicator 422 can be a visual indicator, such as an LED or other light source, a screen, etc. In these and other embodiments, indicator 422 can be an audio device, such as a piezoelectric device, a speaker, a vibration device, or some other indicator. In at least some cases, the indicator can alternatively or additionally be used as part of a communication mechanism between the first authorization circuit 404 and the second access circuit 454 (e.g., an antenna, an optical communication circuit (e.g., infrared), etc.). The indicator can be used to draw attention to the availability of power in the first mode, to indicate when power access will be terminated in the second mode, or to be used for other reasons. The indicator can be "on," "off," or alternatively, "on" and "off" such as when flashing. In at least one embodiment, indicator 422 is active when the distributed power architecture embodiment 400b is in a control mode, an operating mode, etc. In at least one case, indicator 422 is active (e.g., illuminates, flashes, beeps, vibrates, etc.) to indicate that power is available at the power outlet. In another instance, indicator 422 is activated to indicate how long power will be accessible at the power outlet (eg, less than 30 seconds, less than a minute, less than 5 minutes, more than 10 minutes, or some other measure of time).

[0110] The motherboard 428 is coupled to the interface board 426 communicatively, mechanically, electronically, or in any other suitable manner. The motherboard may be arranged to maintain any one or more circuits of the first authorization circuit 404 and the second access circuit 454. Figure 7 Other circuitry of motherboard 428 is presented in the discussion associated therewith. In at least some cases, motherboard 428 and housing 440 are formed as a single structure.

[0111] Figure 6 4 is a schematic diagram of a distributed power architecture embodiment 400c. The device may also be referred to as a power outlet device 420b. For the sake of brevity and to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the teachings of the present disclosure, certain components may be omitted. The distributed power architecture embodiment 400c is similar to Figure 1 Distributed power supply architecture embodiment 400, Figure 3 Distributed power supply architecture embodiment 400a, Figure 5 In some cases, the circuits of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400c are arranged on the motherboard 428 ( Figure 5 )superior.

[0112] Distributed power architecture embodiment 400c includes at least one processor 406 / 456. Processor 406 / 456 has access to memory 408 / 458, which may include on-board memory, external memory, or memory of any suitable type, location, and configuration. Software instructions executable by processor 406 / 456 in one form or another are stored in memory 408 / 458. Memory 408 / 458 may further include any suitable type of initialization data, temporary data, parameters, calculation results, and any other information. Execution of the software by processor 406 / 456 performs the functions of the distributed power architecture embodiment taught in this disclosure.

[0113] In some cases, processor 406 / 456 is a microcontroller. In some cases, processor 406 / 456 is a system on a chip (SOC). Processor 406 / 456 can have any suitable architecture, form, structure, etc.

[0114] In at least some cases, the processor 406 / 456 is further configured to include or otherwise direct a communication infrastructure 416io / 466io (e.g., wireless communication such as Bluetooth, WIFI, infrared, etc.; wired communication such as RS-232, Universal Serial Bus (USB), etc.). The communication infrastructure 416io / 466io can be configured as the first communication circuit 416, the second communication circuit 466, or any other communication circuit.

[0115] In at least some cases, the processor 406 / 456 is further arranged to include or otherwise indicate an indicator 422 ( Figure 5 ) operation.

[0116] In at least some cases, the processor 406 / 456 is further arranged to include or otherwise instruct the electronic switch 424 ( Figure 5 ) operation.

[0117] As in Figure 6 As will be apparent from the diagram, there is additional logic integrated with processors 406 / 456. Such additional logic, including clock circuitry, reset circuitry, input / output circuitry, etc., is arranged to participate in or otherwise cooperate with: access circuitry 410, detection circuitry 460, power analysis circuitry 414, 464, authorization mechanism circuitry 418, 468, content delivery logic 436, content consumption logic 486, distributed ledger logic 432, 482, key 470, and other structures and features of the distributed power architecture.

[0118] In some cases, the distributed power architecture embodiment 400c optionally includes other circuits 428. The other circuits 428 may include location circuits (e.g., global positioning system (GPS) circuits, unique location codes, etc.), communication circuits (e.g., cellular communication circuits, power line communication (PLC) circuits, or some other circuits), and additional other circuits. In at least one case, each distributed power architecture embodiment 400c is capable of self-reporting its location, condition, status, usage, and other information to a remote computing device. Power consumption, alone or in combination with other data, can be monitored in real time, delayed, on a schedule, or through some other scheme for transmission to the remote computing device. Such communication can be bidirectional or unidirectional. In some cases, each distributed power architecture embodiment 400c can follow instructions from the remote computing device (e.g., instructions to turn on, turn off, set power prices, download content, or access new content, and any other suitable instructions).

[0119] Figure 6 The distributed power architecture embodiment 400c is contained in, on, or with a housing 440. In some cases, the housing 440 includes a chamber or is well-arranged to accommodate some or all of the circuitry of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400c. In other cases, the housing 440 simply includes a frame to which some or all of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400c is mounted.

[0120] Figure 7 This is another distributed power architecture embodiment 400d. Figure 7 The architecture is arranged as a power outlet device. In this embodiment, two power outlets 412a are contained in the housing 440a. The housing 440a can have any suitable size, shape or configuration and can be arranged differently or the same as any other housing of the present disclosure.

[0121] Distributed power architecture embodiment 400d includes an input structure for receiving utility power 402a. Utility power 402a can be a mains power source or some other input power source. The input power structure can be arranged as a conductive conduit (e.g., wire, insulated copper wire, sheathed cable, or some other conductive conduit), a lug, a terminal, a screw, a port, or some other input power structure arrangement.

[0122] The distributed power architecture embodiment 400d further includes at least one power outlet 412a housed in a housing 440a. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the power outlet 412a housed in the housing 440a may be housed in any suitable manner (e.g., mounted on, mounted in, mounted through, integrated with, or coupled in any other manner, and such coupling may include electrical coupling, mechanical coupling, and electromechanical coupling).

[0123] Between the input structures that receive utility power 402a into power outlet 412a, the distributed power architecture embodiment 400d includes power supply circuitry 444, and optionally power analysis circuitry 414a, 464a (eg, power metering circuitry), and power conditioning circuitry 472a.

[0124] The power supply circuit 444 is arranged to convert an input power source, such as the utility power source 402a, into a power signal for powering the electronic circuits of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400d. For example, the power supply circuit 444 can be used to convert a power signal having the characteristics of 100VAC to 240VAC, single phase, and 50Hz to 60Hz into a resulting power signal having the characteristics of 3VDC to 5VDC.

[0125] The power conditioning circuit 472a may be similar to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 Alternatively or additionally, the power conditioning circuit 472a may operate differently. Figure 7 In some embodiments, the power conditioning circuit 472a includes a DC / DC configured to provide power compatible with a standardized protocol such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol. Other standardized and proprietary protocols are within the scope of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the power conditioning circuit 472a includes circuitry specifically configured to provide fast charging according to a proprietary or standardized rechargeable battery protocol (e.g., an Apple product power supply, a Samsung product power supply, or some other power supply specifically adapted for fast charging a particular rechargeable battery type).

[0126] The distributed power architecture embodiment 400d includes processors 406, 456 and memories 408, 458 of the type described in the present disclosure. The processors 406, 456 and memories 408, 458 can be arranged to perform the same operations, different operations, or alternative operations described with respect to other distributed power architecture embodiments of the present disclosure. The distributed power architecture embodiment 400d includes communication circuits 414a, 464a, switching circuits 424a, clock circuits 446, and detection circuits 460a. Optionally, the distributed power architecture 400d may also include recording circuits 448 and other logic 442a. The structure of the distributed power architecture embodiment 400d described herein may include circuits, software instructions.

[0127] The distributed power architecture embodiment 400d optionally includes an indicator 422a. The indicator 422a may be a visual indicator, such as an LED, a speaker, a vibrator, or some other type of indicator. The indicator 422a may be similar to the indicator 422 ( Figure 5In some cases, indicator 422a is intended to indicate a specific state of distributed power architecture embodiment 400d.

[0128] The distributed power architecture embodiment 400d includes an activation interface 450. The activation interface 450 is arranged to permit a user to interact with the power outlet device or a remote computing server associated with the power outlet device for reception at the output 412a of the power outlet device.

[0129] In some cases, activation interface 450 is a printed interface (e.g., a barcode, a Quick Response (QR) code, an identification number, an alphanumeric identifier, etc.). In some cases, activation interface 450 is an electronic interface (e.g., a near field communication (NFC) circuit, an audio circuit, an infrared circuit, or some other electronic interface device). In still other cases, the activation interface may include some other electrical, mechanical, computing, or other means of interacting with a user.

[0130] Now describe Figure 7

[0066] A first operational embodiment 400d of a distributed power architecture of FIG. Other operational embodiments are of course contemplated.

[0131] In an operational embodiment, a power outlet device is provided. The power outlet device includes a housing 440, and two power outlets 412a housed in the housing 440. A globally unique identifier (GUID) is associated with at least one of the power outlets 412a. Optionally, the GUID may be associated with both power outlets 412a, or any or all of the power outlets 412a housed in the housing 440. The GUID is used in system embodiments to enable power access at the power outlets 412a, and in some embodiments, all power outlets 412a are enabled or disabled together (i.e., all share a common GUID). Alternatively, each or some subset of all power outlets 412a has its own associated GUID, which permits selective enabling or disabling of individual power outlets of a small subset of the power outlets. In one case, for example, if Figure 7 If a power outlet device of the type represented in FIG is provided at an airport, two separate users (e.g., two different airline passengers) can plug electronic devices into different ones of the two power outlets 412 a there. In some cases, a single user can perform an interaction with the power outlet device to provide accessible power at both power outlets 412 a simultaneously; in other cases, each user may be required to perform an interaction with the power outlet device to provide accessible power at a respective power outlet 412 a.

[0132] Further in an operational embodiment, the input power interface 402a is arranged to receive mains input power having specific characteristics (e.g., 100VAC, 60Hz) into the power outlet device. For example, the power outlet device may have a form factor similar to a conventional duplex power outlet, and in this regard, Figure 7 The power outlet devices of the present invention can be wired into conventional electrical junction boxes deployed in any particular conventional location (e.g., airport terminals, train stations, bus stations, theme parks, hotels, motels, convention centers, food outlets, beverage outlets, stores, service centers, office buildings, any type of vehicle or other mode of transportation, places of public accommodation, etc.). Those skilled in the art will recognize that the power outlet devices of the present invention introduced in this disclosure can take any suitable form factor, can provide power of any desired electrical characteristics, and can be installed in any location where it is desired to control the provision of power.

[0133] The controllable switch 424a is electrically coupled between the input power interface 402a and the power outlet 412a. In this embodiment, the controllable switch 424a is biased to an open configuration, which prevents power from being accessible at the power outlet 412a until the user performs a specific action. In other cases, the controllable switch 424a is biased to a closed configuration on specific days, at specific times of the day, for a limited time period, or based on other parameters. If the power outlet device is installed in a coffee shop, for example, the coffee shop operator may desire to grant customers who visit the coffee shop immediate access to power for a short period of time (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, or some other time period), but when the short period of time expires, the controllable switch is directed to an open state, thereby cutting off power to the customer. In order to regain power access, the customer may be required to purchase a product, purchase power credits, watch an advertisement, or perform some other operational action.

[0134] The power outlet device of the present operating embodiment now being described includes an activation interface 450 and a processor 406, 456 of the type described herein. The processor 406, 456 is arranged to receive a power activation signal (e.g., via execution of programming instructions stored in the memory 408, 458) and, based on the power activation signal, temporarily instruct the controllable switch 424a to deliver power to the power outlet 412a. The power activation signal is received after a user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID of the particular power outlet 412a. In some cases, the power activation signal is received only after the user performs at least one confirmation action.

[0135] In the operational embodiment now being described, a user interacts with activation interface 450 using a smartphone. For example, the interaction may include the user using a smartphone's camera to capture an image of a QR code activation interface 450 printed on, adhered to, or otherwise presented near an electrical outlet device. Upon capturing the image or otherwise scanning activation interface 450, the smartphone's internet browser presents specific multimedia content thereon. The multimedia content is provided by a remote computing server. Upon consuming the multimedia content through the internet browser, the remote computing server sends a request to a local bridging device (e.g., a local bridging device) located near the electrical outlet device. Figure 7 The local bridging device is arranged to receive communications from the remote computing server, and the local bridging device is further arranged to send communications to the power outlet device. Upon receiving the power activation signal at the power outlet device (or at the power outlet 412a), the processor 406, 456 instructs the controllable switch 424a to allow power to be connected at the power outlet 412a.

[0136] As described herein, with respect to this operational embodiment, the input power source may be mains power, or alternatively, the input power source may be a direct current (DC) power source having a voltage between 5 VDC and 50 VDC provided by power conditioning circuit 472a. Accordingly, power receptacle 412a may be arranged to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord (e.g., a standardized power cord conforming to a household wiring protocol), or alternatively, power receptacle 412a may be arranged to receive a conductive portion of a power cord conforming to a universal serial bus (USB) protocol or some other standardized or proprietary protocol.

[0137] Further with respect to the operational embodiment now being described, the power outlet device may also include a clock circuit that is arranged to provide a time base for measuring how long the controllable switch 424a will permit power to be delivered to the power outlet 412a. For example, the clock circuit may be arranged to instruct the controllable switch 424a to deliver power to the power outlet 412a between approximately 5 minutes and approximately 256 minutes, although other time values ​​or time windows are of course contemplated.

[0138] And still further with respect to the operational embodiments now being described, the power outlet device may also include power meter circuits 414a, 464a that are arranged to measure the amount of power being delivered through the power outlet 412a at any given time. In this manner, power may be conserved, heat generation may be reduced, climate change may be mitigated, or other benefits may be achieved.

[0139] Figures 8A to 8D is an embodiment of a distributed power architecture use case 600a. For the sake of brevity, Figures 8A to 8Dis a group of related drawings that may individually or collectively be referred to as Figure 8.

[0140] In FIG8 , a user with a mobile computing device 602 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or some other mobile computing device) is in a location where a particular distributed power architecture embodiment (e.g., power outlet devices 420 a, 420 b, etc.) is deployed. In this case, the distributed power architecture embodiment is similar to Figure 3 A single distributed power architecture device 420, and Figures 5 and 6 Detailed description of the distributed power architecture embodiments 400a, 400b. The location may be an airport, a hotel, a library, a government building, a store, or any other location as described herein, such as a public accommodation. Additionally or alternatively, the location may be a private business, a home, or any other location where an entity providing power desires to monetize the power or otherwise exchange the power for some object of value or service of value.

[0141] exist Figure 8A , the user contacts information on the display of the mobile computing device 602. The information may be presented by recognizing that the power cord 462 has been plugged in between the single distributed power architecture device 420 and the mobile computing device 602. Additionally or alternatively, the information may be indicated by the user interacting with the mobile computing device 602, such as by surfing to a particular web page, searching for an available network connection (e.g., WiFi), clicking an icon, browsing or entering coded data, or taking any other action that interacts with the activation interface 450 and thereby initiates a sequence of events that causes the information to be displayed on the mobile computing device 602.

[0142] exist Figure 8A , the user is informed of a sequence of actions that the user can perform to receive power. The first action optionally includes the user plugging a power cord between the single distributed power architecture device 420 and the mobile computing device 602. The power cord may include a power conversion device (e.g., an AC to DC power supply, a USB cable, a wireless inductive or electromagnetic power pad, or any other power communication medium). Alternatively, the first action may include the user interacting with an activation interface 450 as described in the present disclosure. The second action includes the user consuming specific content. Figure 8A In the example, the second action is referred to as "watching [watching] [an] [ad / advertisement]". Other actions are of course contemplated. In some cases, this second action can be referred to as exchanging something of value in return for receiving power. When the user watches the ad or otherwise consumes multimedia or otherwise performs the second action, the third action is for the user to receive power to charge the battery of his mobile computing device 602.

[0143] In at least some cases, the second action (i.e., watching an ad) can be replaced with an alternative exchange of some object of value or service of value. Power can be earned in another way, such as by filling out a survey, sharing personal information, agreeing to be tracked, paying money, or by performing some other action. Figure 8A In the example, the alternative exchange of some object of value or service of value includes the input of a voucher code. For example, the voucher code may be provided by a company advertising its product, may be a prize in a competition, an award, or any other voucher code.

[0144] exist Figure 8B In the embodiment, a user has plugged his mobile computing device 602 into the power outlet of a single distributed power architecture device 420 and has agreed to view advertisements. Being plugged into and receiving power from the single distributed power architecture device 420 may or may not be a prerequisite for operating subsequent actions of the embodiment. An advertisement is presented in a display area (e.g., an Internet browser window) of the mobile computing device 602; the advertisement may include audio, video, tactile actions, or any other suitable content.

[0145] exist Figure 8C In some embodiments, the user has consumed content (e.g., viewed an ad) and is provided with an opportunity to begin receiving power (e.g., "click to activate charging"). In other cases, charging may begin automatically or by taking any other suitable action. In at least some cases, detection circuitry 460 is arranged to determine when a device is plugged into power outlet 412a and further indicate the provision of power via an output signal from detection circuitry 460.

[0146] exist Figure 8D , a user has plugged his mobile computing device 602 into the power outlet 412a of the single distributed power architecture device 420, and the mobile computing device 602 is receiving a charge. The amount of charge may be based on a time as indicated by the clock circuit 446 (e.g., 30 seconds, five minutes, twenty minutes, or any other suitable time), based on a total amount of charge delivered, based on a charge measured by the power metering circuits 414, 464 (e.g., 20 milliampere hours (20 maH), 100 maH, or some other total amount of charge), based on a user action as indicated by the detection circuit 460 (e.g., unplugging the mobile computing device 602 from the power outlet of the single distributed power architecture device 420), or by taking some other action.

[0147] Figures 9A to 9C This is another embodiment of a distributed power architecture use case 600b. Figures 9A to 9C is a group of related drawings that may individually or collectively be referred to as Figure 9.

[0148] In FIG9 , a user with a mobile computing device 602 is in a location where a particular distributed power architecture embodiment is deployed. As in the operational embodiment of FIG8 , the distributed power architecture embodiment is similar to Figure 3 A single distributed power architecture device 420, and Figures 5 and 6 A distributed power architecture embodiment 400a, 400b of the present invention may be any location where an entity in the location providing power wants to monetize the power or otherwise exchange the power for some object of value or service of value.

[0149] exist Figure 9A , a user contacts information on the display of mobile computing device 602. Presentation of the information may be caused by any means (e.g., recognizing that power cord 462 is plugged in, a user surfing to a particular web page, a user scanning a code, beacon, or other wireless connection being made) or by some other means.

[0150] exist Figure 9A and Figure 9B , the user is notified that they can receive power by entering a voucher code, scanning an image or other activation interface 450 (e.g., a barcode, QR code, or some other image) using the mobile computing device 602, or by some other action in a sequence of actions that the user can perform to receive power.

[0151] Figure 9C 5 is an advertisement 500a that teaches a user of a mobile computing device 602, or any other device that consumes power, how to access power from a specific power outlet device 420a. An embodiment of a single distributed power architecture device 420a has an image (i.e., a QR code) that can be captured by the camera of the mobile computing device 602. After capturing the image, the user's mobile computing device 602 can be instructed to perform actions as taught in the present disclosure to receive power access.

[0152] exist Figure 9C In FIG. 6 , the user has consented to viewing the advertisement, and the advertisement is presented in the display area of ​​the mobile computing device 602. In FIG. 9 , power is delivered from the output 412 of a single distributed power architecture device 420.

[0153] Figure 101 is a set of exemplary power outlets 412 and a set of exemplary activation interfaces 450. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the power outlet structures disclosed herein may take on any suitable shape, form factor, size, etc. The power outlets may deliver power having any specific electrical characteristics. Power outlet 412a is a first Type B power strip, commonly known and deployed in the United States to provide a 110VAC consumer-grade power interface. Power outlet 412b is a Type G power strip, commonly known and deployed in the United Kingdom. Power outlet 412c is a Type C power strip, commonly known and deployed in Europe. Power outlet 412d is a Type I power strip, commonly known and deployed in Australia. Other power outlets 412e are known and deployed in other geographic regions worldwide. Power outlet 412f is a wireless charging power delivery mechanism. Power outlet 412g is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type A power strip. Power outlet 412h is a USB Mini B or USB Micro B power strip. And power outlet 412i is a USB Type C power strip. Other types of power outlets are contemplated. For the sake of brevity and to reduce complexity, any type and nature of power outlet may be referred to herein as power outlet 412 .

[0154] exist Figure 10 Two interactive interfaces 450 are shown in FIG. The first interactive interface 450a is a quick response (QR) code. The second interactive interface 450b is a barcode, and the third interactive interface is an embedded near-field communication (NFC) circuit arranged to communicate with a smart card or other NFC circuit. Other interactive interfaces may include biometric structures, physical structures, Braille structures, mechanical structures, magnetic structures (e.g., "magnetic stripes", card readers, etc.), passwords, encryption technology mechanisms, etc. Other interactive interfaces 450 are envisioned. For the sake of brevity and to reduce complexity, interactive interfaces of any type and nature may be referred to herein as interactive interfaces 450.

[0155] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram and data flow embodiment of a distributed power architecture system and method 600c. In some examples, Figure 11 Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for delivering power through a power outlet 412 to an electrically powered device (e.g., a power sink, input 462, etc.) electromechanically coupled to the power outlet 412. In other examples, Figure 11 Embodiments provide a system for temporarily delivering power to electrically powered devices via a power outlet 412 .

[0156] In an embodiment, the plurality of power outlet devices 420 are arranged in a first geographical area. The first geographical area can be any geographical area as described in the present disclosure, but the first geographical area is not limited to the places, institutions, enterprises, buildings, etc. described in the present disclosure.

[0157] Each of the power outlet devices 420 is arranged similarly to the other power outlet devices 420 described in this disclosure. That is, embodiments of these power outlet devices 420 include a housing 440, at least one power outlet 412 housed in the housing 440, and a globally unique identifier (GUID) stored in or in some other manner associated with the respective power outlet device 420 (e.g., in memory 408, 458, in circuitry, etc.).

[0158] The GUID used in the present disclosure can be any suitable identifier for a particular power outlet device 420, power outlet 412, or both. The GUID can be stored in memory 408, 458 (e.g., one-time programmable memory, reprogrammable memory, RAM, ROM, etc.), in a circuit, on a removable device, on a non-removable device, or in some other manner. In some cases, the GUID is a numeric or alphanumeric value of any suitable length and configuration, in some cases, the GUID is formed by a circuit including multiple switches, in some cases, the GUID is obfuscated (e.g., encrypted, encoded, hashed, or obfuscated in another manner), and in some cases, the GUID is stored in plain text. The GUID can be system-wide unique, world-wide unique, unique among all devices of a particular entity (e.g., a customer, client, enterprise, location, geographic region, etc.). In at least some cases, the GUID or a representation of the GUID is integrated with the activation interface 450 (e.g., a unique QR code, a unique barcode, a unique NFC identifier, etc.).

[0159] Each of the power outlet devices 420 may further include an input power interface 402 arranged to receive input power into the power outlet device 420; a controllable switch 424 coupled between the input power interface 402 and the power outlet 412; an activation interface 450; a processor 406, 456; and a memory 408, 458. In addition to storing software instructions executable by the processor, in some cases the memory 408, 458 also stores a GUID, calibration data, power metering data collected during use of the device, and a customer identifier arranged to logically couple any one or more of the power outlet devices 420 to a particular customer entity.

[0160] exist Figure 11In an embodiment, the system further includes one or more remote computing servers 604a to 604e. A remote computing server is a computing device similar to other computing devices described in the present disclosure. That is, such a computing server includes a processor, a memory storing instructions executable by the processor, and other computing circuits including a communication circuit. In many cases, the remote computing server 604a to 604e is located remotely (e.g., hundreds of yards, tens, hundreds or even thousands of miles, or some other distance) from the power outlet device 420. Typically, the hardware of the remote computing server is arranged as a group of networked computing resources as will be known to those skilled in the art, and is further arranged to have computing server software resources as will be known to those skilled in the art. However, when programmed according to the teachings of the present disclosure, these remote computing servers are converted into specific computing devices that are arranged to perform the principles and actions described herein, and thereby reduce energy consumption, heat generation, and other inefficiencies that lead to climate change and other negative consequences or other undesirable consequences.

[0161] Although five separate remote computing servers 604a to 604e are described in this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that the operations described herein can be performed by a single server, two servers, or any number of servers. Therefore, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the description of any one or more specific actions attributed to a particular server is presented. In operation, the described remote computing servers or any other computing servers can be utilized to perform one or more specific actions as desired.

[0162] Figure 11 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first computing server 604a is an operations server and a web hosting server. Based on the GUID described herein, one or more unique web pages can be created, stored, and provided to an Internet-accessible device, such as the mobile computing device 602, that is attempting to access power from a specific power outlet device 420 or power outlet 412 associated with the GUID. The first computing server 604a includes, among other logic, an engagement module 608 and an activation module 610.

[0163] Figure 11 The second computing server 604b in the embodiment of the present invention may be referred to as an advertising server, a targeted content server, or some other similar term. The second computing server 604b is arranged to direct the specifically selected web page to be sent to the specifically selected target computing device when so requested.

[0164] The third computing server 604c is configured to control the operation of one or more repositories. In this embodiment, the first repository is a relational database 606a, and the second repository is a revenue database 606b. These repositories are configured to organize, store, provide, and otherwise maintain and communicate information related to the operation of the distributed power architecture system and method 600c.

[0165] The fourth computing server 604d is a messaging server. The messaging server is arranged to receive instructions from the first operating computing server 604a, the second network hosting computing server 604b, the repository computing server 604c, or some other source. In particular, the messaging computing server 604d is arranged to instruct the operation of the gateway bridge 618.

[0166] The fifth computing server 604e is a third-party web-hosted computing server. The third-party web-hosted computing server 604e can be any web-hosted server accessible on the Internet or other local area network or wide area network.

[0167] The gateway bridge 618 in this embodiment is a communication device. In particular, the gateway bridge is arranged to receive communications from one or more remote computing servers via wide area network communications (e.g., the Internet, a cellular network, a wired network, or any other such network) and provide communications to one or more power outlet devices 420. The communication circuitry of any device in this embodiment can be based on any desired standardized, proprietary, or other protocol. In some cases, the gateway bridge 618 can operate based on the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol, a long range (LORA)-based communication protocol, or any other suitable protocol.

[0168] In many cases, the gateway bridge 618 is located close to (e.g., within 10 feet, 100 feet, 1000 feet, or some other proximity) a plurality of power outlet devices 420. In some cases, the proximity of the gateway bridge 618 to any one or more of the power outlet devices 420 is a function of the robustness of the selected communication protocol that enables the devices to communicate, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0169] Now consider Figure 11 In an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of the operation of the system taught in

[0045] , a user 620 has access to a particular mobile computing device 602. In this case, the mobile computing device may be a smartphone, tablet computer, or other such device. For the sake of brevity, the mobile computing device 602 of this embodiment may be referred to as a smartphone 602.

[0170] In this case, user 620 is in an area (e.g., an airport, a convention center, a coffee shop, or any other such location as described herein) where one or more power outlet devices 420 are physically accessible. User 620 desires to receive power to charge his smartphone 602.

[0171] At a first time, in a first data transfer operation 701, a user brings smartphone 602 close to power outlet device 420 and interacts with activation interface 450 using smartphone 602. In this case, the interaction includes using a camera or other image sensor of smartphone 602 to capture at least one data representing a GUID associated with power outlet device 420 (e.g., an image of a QR code activation interface 450 displayed on power outlet device 420).

[0172] In the second data transmission 702, the smartphone 602 is communicatively coupled to the first computing server 604a based on the activation interface 450. The activation interface (e.g., in this case, a QR code) uniquely identifies a specific power outlet device. Accordingly, based on the unique URL embodied in the QR code activation interface 450, the first computing server 604a will identify the specific power outlet device 420 that the user 620 wishes to engage. In other words, via the unique QR code, the smartphone 602 is arranged to transmit a GUID to the first computing server 604a.

[0173] In response to the communication connection instantiated by the second data transmission 702, the third data transmission 703 transmits a unique web page 612n to the smart phone 602. The unique web page 612n is based on the unique GUID of the particular power outlet device 420 or the particular power outlet 412. In other words, in at least some cases, each unique power outlet device 420 (or each unique power outlet 412) with an associated identifier (i.e., GUID) has an associated web page 612a, 612b, 612n that can be appropriately provided from the web hosting functionality of the first remote computing server 604a. In at least some cases, the web page 612n is similar to Figure 8A 、 Figure 9A The web page 612n is consumed via the content consumption logic 486a of the smart phone 602.

[0174] The fourth data transmission 704 is directed by the engagement module 608 of the first computing server 604a. Here, the first computing server 604a is communicating with the second computing server to arrange for the delivery of specific multimedia content to the smartphone 602 of the user 620.

[0175] In response to fourth data transmission 704, second compute server 604b captures the activation event to third compute server 604c via fifth data transmission 705. In at least some cases, fifth data transmission 705 represents a first revenue event. This event and appropriate corresponding metadata are captured in revenue database 606b.

[0176] Simultaneously with fifth data transmission 705, first compute server 604a establishes sixth data transmission 706 with third compute server 604c. In at least some cases, sixth data transmission 706 represents a first activation event. This event and appropriate corresponding metadata are captured in relational database 606a on third compute server 604c.

[0177] A seventh data transmission 707 involves communication from the second computing server 604b to the first computing server 604a. This seventh data transmission 707 sends or otherwise identifies specific content (e.g., an advertisement, a survey, or some other content) to be delivered to the smartphone 602. In some cases, the seventh data transmission 707 includes the content. In other cases, the seventh data transmission 707 merely identifies the content, and in these cases, the first computing server 604a may store the content.

[0178] In an eighth data transfer 708 , the first computing server 604a provides the content to the smartphone 602 , or alternatively the first computing server 604a may transmit a specific URL to the smartphone 602 and the smartphone 602 may gain access to the content via a third party fifth computing server 604e .

[0179] Based on the content or the service of a known URL, the first computing server 604a can know whether the user 620 has consumed the content via the smartphone 602 (e.g., whether the user 620 has viewed an advertisement, listened to a promotion, participated in a survey, etc.). After the content is consumed via the content consumption logic 686a of the smartphone 602, the first computing server 604a will cause a ninth data transmission 709. In at least some cases, the ninth data transmission 709 is similar to Figure 7 The decentralized power architecture use case is presented in C. Here, the target content has been consumed, and the user 620 is presented with an opportunity to receive power access (eg, an "activate power" event is presented on the display of the smartphone 602).

[0180] A tenth data transmission 710 is transmitted between the smartphone 602 and the first computing server 604a. The tenth data transmission 710 represents evidence that the user 620 consumed the content (e.g., a proof-of-completion signal indicating that the multimedia content has been delivered) and a request to activate the power supply. Accordingly, the tenth data transmission 710 event is processed by the activation module 610 of the first computing server 604a.

[0181] Activation module 610 causes communication of an eleventh data transmission 711 between first computing server 604a and second computing server 604b. Eleventh data transmission 711 indicates to second computing server 604b (eg, an ad server) proof that the content has been consumed (eg, a proof-of-completion signal).

[0182] In response to the eleventh data transmission 711, the second computing server 604b captures the activation event to the third computing server 604c via a twelfth data transmission 712. In at least some cases, the twelfth data transmission 712 represents a second revenue event. This event and appropriate corresponding metadata are captured in the revenue database 606b.

[0183] Simultaneously with the eleventh data transmission 711, the first computing server 604a establishes a thirteenth data transmission 713 with the third computing server 604c. In at least some cases, this thirteenth data transmission 713 represents a second activation event. This second activation event and appropriate corresponding metadata are captured in the relational database 606a of the third computing server 604c.

[0184] A fourteenth data transmission 714 between the third computing server 604c and the fourth messaging computing server 604d, or optionally an additional or alternative data transmission 714a between the first computing server 604a and the fourth messaging computing server 604d, instructs the fourth messaging computing server 604d to begin activating power.

[0185] Optionally, a further revenue event data transmission 715 representing a third revenue event is implemented in the communication between the second advertisement computation server 604b and the third repository computation server 604c. This third revenue event and appropriate corresponding metadata are captured in the revenue database 606b.

[0186] In at least some cases, the fifteenth data transmission 715 is further associated with directing the web browser of the smartphone 602 to the URL of the third-party fifth computing server 604e as a sixteenth data transmission 716. In at least some cases, the corresponding event also causes one or more data (e.g., a "cookie") to be placed in the memory of the smartphone 602. The data can later be used to trigger additional revenue events based on the user 620's operation of the browser, the smartphone 602, and other factors.

[0187] After receiving one or both of the fourteenth data transmissions 714, 714a, the fourth messaging computing server 604d directs a seventeenth data transmission 717 between the fourth computing server 604d and the gateway bridge 618. The seventeenth data transmission 717 is an activation message representing a temporary action to enable power to be accessible at the appropriate power outlet 412. Accordingly, the seventeenth data transmission 717 includes sufficient information for the gateway bridge 618 to identify the appropriate power outlet 412.

[0188] Eighteenth data transmission 718 is caused by receipt of seventeenth data transmission 717 at gateway bridge 618. Eighteenth data transmission 718 represents a power activation signal. When power outlet device 420 receives this power activation signal, the processor of power outlet device 420 temporarily instructs controllable switch 424 to deliver power to power outlet 412. As described herein, this power activation signal is received at power outlet device 420 only after user 620 performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID of power outlet device 420.

[0189] As in Figure 11 As shown in the data flow embodiment, the data transfer operations can be asynchronous but related. That is, the initial action of user 620 causes a first data transfer, and subsequent bidirectional or multi-directional user participation causes a continuous sequence of data transfers that achieve the desired access to power at a particular power outlet 412 by user 620. At any point in time, if user 620 disengages, the disengagement can be detected by the detection circuitry 460, 460a or logic of the processor, and the process can be restarted. Optionally, the process can be restarted from the initial first data transfer 701. Alternatively, the process can be restarted from the time the disengagement is detected or at some other point in time.

[0190] In some cases, the amount of time that user 620 is entitled to access power may be based on the total amount of content consumed by user 620. For example, consuming more content (e.g., two advertisement videos, three advertisement videos, etc.) entitles user 620 to receive additional power (e.g., two portions, three portions, etc.). In some cases, the amount of time, or the amount of power, that user 620 is entitled to receive is based on data stored in power outlet device 420 or based on an algorithm executed in power outlet device 420. Alternatively or additionally, the amount of time or the amount of charge may be determined by one of remote computing servers 604a-604d and transmitted to power outlet device 420 in eighteenth data transmission 718.

[0191] In some cases, the present invention may be modified in any desired manner without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. Figure 11 For example, in one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for delivering power to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet 412 via the power outlet 412, a first action of the power activation protocol includes accepting, at the smartphone 602, a user-entered credit representation (e.g., a voucher, coupon, access code, etc.) to access power. In this case, at least one of the multiple actions of the power activation protocol includes transmitting a proof-of-completion signal via the smartphone 602, wherein the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the credit representation has been entered.

[0192] Now that certain embodiments have been explained, further clarification of certain terminology used herein may help provide a more complete understanding of embodiments of this disclosure that are considered inventive.

[0193] The various figures include data flow diagrams illustrating non-limiting processes that can be used by embodiments of a system-level deployment of a distributed power architecture (DPA) 400 as described herein. In this regard, each described process can represent a module, segment, or portion of software code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in some embodiments, the functions mentioned in the process can occur in a different order, can include additional functions, can occur simultaneously, and / or can be omitted.

[0194] The figures in this disclosure illustrate portions of one or more non-limiting computing device embodiments, such as one or more components of the DPA 400. The computing device may include operating hardware found in conventional computing device apparatuses, such as one or more processors, volatile and non-volatile memory, serial and parallel input / output (I / O) circuitry conforming to various standards and protocols, wired and / or wireless networking circuitry (e.g., a communications transceiver), one or more user interface (UI) modules, logic circuitry, and other electronic circuitry.

[0195] Processing devices or "processors" as described herein (e.g., processor 406, processor 456) include central processing units (CPUs), microcontrollers (MCUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), peripheral interface controllers (PICs), systems on chips (SOCs), state machines, and the like. Thus, a processor as described herein includes any device, system, or portion thereof that controls at least one operation, and such a device may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or software, or some combination of at least two thereof. The functionality associated with any particular processor may be centralized or distributed, whether local or remote. A processor may interchangeably refer to any type of electronic control circuit configured to execute programmed software instructions. Programmed instructions may be high-level software instructions, compiled software instructions, assembly language software instructions, object code, binary code, microcode, and the like. Programmed instructions may reside in internal or external memory or may be hard-coded as a state machine or a set of control signals. In accordance with the methods and apparatus referenced herein, one or more embodiments describe software executable by a processor that, when executed, performs one or more of the method actions.

[0196] This application discusses several embodiments that include one or more computing devices or otherwise collaborate with one or more computing devices. It should be recognized that these computing devices are arranged to execute one or more algorithms to implement the various concepts taught herein. Each of the algorithms is understood to be a finite sequence of steps for solving a logical or mathematical problem or performing a task. Any or all algorithms taught in this disclosure can be presented through formulas, flow charts, data flow diagrams, descriptions in the specification, and other such means apparent in this disclosure. Following this approach, the structure for executing the algorithms disclosed herein includes at least one processing device that executes at least one software instruction obtained from at least one memory device. The structure may further include, as appropriate, suitable input circuitry known to those skilled in the art (e.g., keyboards, buttons, memory devices, communication circuits, touch screen input devices, and any other integrated and peripheral circuit input devices (e.g., accelerometers, thermometers, light detection circuits, and other such sensors)), suitable output circuitry known to those skilled in the art (e.g., displays, light sources, audio devices, tactile devices, control signals, switches, relays, etc.), and any additional circuits or other structures taught in this disclosure. To this end, each call to any of the means or step-plus-function elements in any of the claims will be clearly described where necessary.

[0197] As known to those skilled in the art, computing devices have one or more memories, and each memory includes any combination of volatile and non-volatile computer-readable media for reading and writing. Volatile computer-readable media include, for example, random access memory (RAM). Non-volatile computer-readable media include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), magnetic media such as hard disks, optical disks, flash memory devices, CD-ROMs, etc. In some cases, a specific memory is virtually or physically separated into separate areas, such as a first memory, a second memory, a third memory, etc. In these cases, it should be understood that different memory partitions can be in different devices or embodied in a single memory. In some cases, memory is a non-transient computer medium that is configured to store software instructions that are arranged to be executed by a processor. Some or all of the stored contents of the memory can include software instructions that can be executed by a processing device to perform one or more specific actions.

[0198] The computing device illustrated herein may further include operating software present in traditional computing devices such as an operating system or task loop, software drivers for instructing operations through I / O circuits, networking circuits, and other peripheral component circuits. In addition, the computing device may include operating application software, such as network software for communicating with other computing devices, database software for building and maintaining databases, and task management software for distributing communications and / or operating workloads between various processors where appropriate. In some cases, the computing device is a single hardware machine having at least some of the hardware and software listed herein, and in other cases, the computing device is a networked collection of hardware and software machines that work together in a server group to perform the functions of one or more embodiments described herein. For simplicity, some aspects of the traditional hardware and software of the computing device are not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0199] Among other things, one or more of the exemplary computing devices of the present disclosure (e.g., Figure 1 The authorization circuit 410 and Figure 1At least some portions or modules of the access circuit 410, such as the processors 406, 456 and the memories 408, 458, can be configured in any type of mobile or fixed computing device, such as a remote cloud computer, a computing server, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable device (e.g., glasses, jackets, shirts, pants, socks, shoes, other clothing, hats, helmets, other headwear, watches, bracelets, pendants, other jewelry), a vehicle-mounted device (e.g., a train, airplane, helicopter, unmanned aerial vehicle, unmanned underwater vehicle, unmanned land-based vehicle, car, motorcycle, bicycle, scooter, hoverboard, other personal or commercial transportation device), an industrial device (e.g., a factory robotic device, a home robotic device, a retail robotic device, an office environment robotic device), a magic socket, etc. Therefore, the computing device includes other components and circuits not shown, such as a display, a network interface, a memory, one or more central processors, a camera interface, an audio interface, and other input / output interfaces. In some cases, the exemplary computing device may also be configured in different types of low-power devices, such as a mounted camera, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a multimedia device, a motion detection device, an intruder detection device, a security device, a crowd monitoring device, or some other device.

[0200] When arranged as described herein, each computing device can be transformed from a general and non-specific computing device into a combined device arranged to include hardware and software configured for a specific and particular purpose, such as to provide a determined technical solution. When arranged as described herein, to the extent that any of the inventive concepts described herein are found by a competent party to be encompassed in the abstract concept, the ordered combination of elements and limitations is expressly set forth to provide the necessary inventive concepts by converting the abstract concept into a tangible and concrete practical application of the abstract concept.

[0201] The embodiments described herein use computerized technology to improve upon the art of networked computing, but other technologies and tools are still available for implementing runtime dynamic computing. Therefore, the claimed subject matter does not exclude the entire, or even substantial, field of networked computing technology. The innovations described herein utilize new and known building blocks, as well as other structures and limitations, combined in new and useful ways to create something more than has been conventionally known to date. These embodiments improve upon computing systems that, when not programmed or programmed differently, are unable to perform or provide the specific locally executed, server-side system features claimed herein. The embodiments described in this disclosure improve upon known networked processes and techniques. The computerized actions described in the embodiments herein are not entirely conventional and are not yet well understood. Instead, these actions are new to the industry. Furthermore, the combination of actions, as described in conjunction with the embodiments, provides new information, motivation, and business results that would not exist when these actions are considered individually. There is no generally accepted definition of what constitutes an abstract concept. To the extent that the concepts discussed in this disclosure can be considered abstract, the claims present significantly more tangible, practical, and concrete applications of these so-called abstract concepts. Furthermore, the claims also improve upon previously known computer-based systems for performing networked operations.

[0202] Software can include a fully executable software program, a simple configuration data file, a link to another direction, or any combination of known software types. When a computing device updates software, the update can be large or small. For example, in some cases, a computing device downloads a small configuration data file as part of a software update, and in other cases, a computing device completely replaces most or all of the current software on the computing device or another computing device with the new version. In some cases, software, data, or both are encrypted, encoded, and / or otherwise compressed for reasons including security, privacy, data transfer speed, data cost, and the like.

[0203] If any database structure is present in the computing systems described herein, it may be formed in a single database or in multiple databases. In some cases, hardware or software repositories are shared among various functions of one or more specific systems with which they are associated. The database may be formed as part of a local system or local area network. Alternatively or additionally, the database may be formed remotely, such as in a distributed "cloud" computing system that is accessible via a wide area network or some other network.

[0204] Input / output (I / O) circuits and user interface (UI) modules include serial ports, parallel ports, universal serial bus (USB) ports, IEEE 802.11 transceivers and other transceivers that conform to protocols managed by one or more standards-setting bodies, displays, projectors, printers, keyboards, computer mice, microphones, microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices such as accelerometers, etc.

[0205] In at least one embodiment, a device such as the DPA 400 or some other module or circuit can communicate with other devices via communications over a network. The network can involve an Internet connection or some other type of local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Non-limiting examples of structures that implement or form parts of the network include, but are not limited to, Ethernet, twisted pair Ethernet, digital subscriber loop (DSL) equipment, wireless LAN, Wi-Fi, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), and the like.

[0206] In the present disclosure, the memory may be used in one configuration or another. The memory may be configured to store data. In an alternative or additional embodiment, the memory may be a non-transitory computer readable medium (CRM). The CRM may be configured to store data that may be used by the DPA 400 ( Figure 1 ) are computing instructions executed by the processors 406, 456 of the improved network computing system. The computing instructions may be stored in files individually or as groups of instructions. Files may include functions, services, libraries, etc. A file may include one or more computer programs or may be part of a larger computer program. Alternatively or additionally, each file may include data or other computing support material useful for performing the computing functions of the improved network computing system.

[0207] Buttons, keypads, computer mice, memory cards, serial ports, biosensor readers, touch screens, etc. can be useful to software practitioners of programming improved network computing systems individually or collaboratively. For example, these devices can input control information into the system. Displays, printers, memory cards, LED indicators, temperature sensors, audio devices (e.g., speakers, piezoelectric devices, etc.), vibrators, etc. are all useful to software practitioners of operating improved network computing systems presenting output information. In some cases, input and output devices are directly coupled to local computing devices and are electronically coupled to processors or other operating circuits. In other cases, input and output devices transmit information via one or more communication ports (e.g., RS-232, RS-485, infrared, USB, etc.).

[0208] As described herein, for simplicity, in some cases, users may be described in the context of the masculine gender. It should be understood that software practitioners may be of any gender, and the terms "he," "his," and the like as used herein should be interpreted broadly to include all known gender definitions. As the context may require in this disclosure, except where the context may indicate otherwise, the singular may imply the plural, and vice versa; all pronouns shall mean and include the person, entity, company, or enterprise to which they relate; and words in the masculine gender may imply words in the feminine gender, and vice versa.

[0209] As used herein and in the claims that follow, the terms "real-time" or "real time" are not intended to imply instantaneous processing, transmission, reception, or otherwise (as the case may be). Instead, the terms "real-time" or "real time" mean that an activity occurs digitally within an acceptably short period of time (e.g., within a period of microseconds or milliseconds), and that the activity can be performed continuously or otherwise digitally (e.g., maintaining a persistent physical or virtual connection to a remote computing server). Examples of non-real-time activities are activities that occur over an extended period of time (e.g., hours or days), or activities that occur based on intervention or direction by a software practitioner or other activity.

[0210] In the absence of any specific clarification of its explicit use in a particular context, when the terms "substantially" or "about" or any of their cognates are used as modifiers in this disclosure and any appended claims (e.g., to modify a structure, size, measurement, or other certain characteristic), it is understood that the characteristic can vary by up to 30%. For example, the time between messages can be described as being approximately half a second. In these cases, a message interval that is exactly half a second is exactly 500 milliseconds. Unlike the exact precision of the term "half a second," the use of "substantially" or "about" to modify a characteristic allows the "half a second" characteristic to vary by up to 30%. Thus, a message transmission interval of approximately half a second includes a message transmission interval between 350 milliseconds and 650 milliseconds.

[0211] Where a range of values ​​is provided, it will be understood that each intervening value (to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit, unless expressly stated otherwise) between the upper and lower limits of the range and any other stated or intermediate values ​​in the stated range are encompassed within the present invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included within the smaller ranges and are also encompassed within the present invention, subject to any specifically excluded limitations within the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limitations, ranges excluding either or both of those included limitations are also encompassed within the present invention.

[0212] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, only a limited number of exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0213] In this disclosure, when elements (e.g., components, circuits, devices, apparatuses, structures, layers, materials, etc.) are referred to as being “on,” “coupled to,” or “connected to” another element, these elements may be directly on, directly coupled to, or directly connected to each other, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly coupled to,” or “directly connected to” another element, there are no intervening elements.

[0214] The terms "include" and "comprise," and their derivatives and variations, are to be interpreted in all their syntactic contexts in an open, inclusive, non-restrictive sense (e.g., "including, but not limited to"). The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrases "associated with" and "associated with," and their derivatives, may be understood to mean include, included within, interconnected with, housed within, connected to or connected with, coupled to or coupled with, communicable with, cooperating with, interleaved, juxtaposed, proximate to, bound to or bound with, having, having the property of, and the like.

[0215] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" and variations thereof means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0216] In this disclosure, the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, however, these elements are not limited by these terms unless the context clearly requires such limitation. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first machine may be referred to as a second machine, and similarly, a second machine may be referred to as a first machine, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0217] Unless the context and the accompanying text clearly indicate otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" in this disclosure include plural referents. Unless the context and the accompanying text clearly indicate inclusivity or exclusivity (as appropriate), the conjunctions "and" and "or" are generally used in the broadest sense to include "and / or." The combination of "and" and "or," when recited herein as "and / or," encompasses an embodiment that includes all of the elements associated therewith, as well as at least one further alternative embodiment that includes less than all of the elements associated therewith.

[0218] In this disclosure, a list of conjunctions utilizes a comma, which may be referred to as an Oxford comma, a Harvard comma, a serial comma, or another similar term. Such a list is intended to connect words, clauses, or sentences so that the item following the comma is also included in the list.

[0219] The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and are not intended to interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0220] The distributed power architecture system described in this disclosure provides several technical effects and advancements in the field of power.

[0221] Technical effects and benefits include the ability to improve power delivery, particularly in areas of public accommodation. For example, in at least one embodiment, power outlets in public areas such as airport terminals or coffee shops are equipped with authorization circuitry. When a user approaches the power outlet, the power outlet will not deliver power until the user undergoes an activation process. In some embodiments, the activation process includes interacting with an activation interface using a smartphone or other mobile computing device. The activation interface may include using a camera to scan a barcode or Quick Response (QR) code, enabling a near-field controller or smart card embedded in the mobile computing device near the power outlet, or taking some other action. Based on the user's interaction, a system-wide globally unique identifier (GUID) is transmitted from the mobile computing device to a remote computing server, and in response, specific multimedia (e.g., mobile computing device advertising video, audio, etc.) is transmitted back to the mobile computing device. After consuming the multimedia content, an activation signal is transmitted to the power outlet associated with the GUID, and power is temporarily delivered to the subject power outlet (e.g., for 5 to 255 minutes or some other duration). In some cases, the power delivered by the power outlet is directly measured and reportable. In this way, grid operators can also strengthen their grids and save passive power that would otherwise be consumed by devices that are "plugged in" but not operating.

[0222] This disclosure sets forth details of various structural embodiments that can be arranged to carry out the teachings of this disclosure. By utilizing the flexible circuits, mechanical structures, computing architectures, and communication means described herein, a variety of exemplary devices and systems are now disclosed.

[0223] Example A-1 is a power outlet device comprising: a housing; a power outlet housed in the housing; a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; an input power interface arranged to receive input power into the power outlet device; a controllable switch coupled between the input power interface and the power outlet; an activation interface; and a processor, wherein the processor is arranged to receive a power activation signal and, based on the power activation signal, temporarily instruct the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet, wherein the power activation signal is received after a user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID. Sometimes, the power activation signal is received only after the user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID.

[0224] Example A-2 can include the subject matter as described in Example A-1 and alternatively or additionally with any other example herein, wherein the power activation signal is receivable from a local bridging device.

[0225] Example A-3 can include the subject matter of Example A-2 and alternatively or additionally any other example herein, wherein the local bridging device is arranged to receive communications from the remote computing server and to send communications to the power outlet.

[0226] Example A-4 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-3 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the input power source is mains power.

[0227] Example A-5 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-4 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the input power source is a direct current (DC) power source having a voltage between 5 VDC and 50 VDC.

[0228] Example A-6 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-5 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord that complies with household wiring protocols.

[0229] Example A-7 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-6 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a power cord that complies with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol.

[0230] Example A-8 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-7 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the controllable switch includes at least one electromechanical relay.

[0231] Example A-9 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-8 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet includes at least two individually controllable power receptacles.

[0232] Example A-10 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-9 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet device further includes a clock circuit arranged to provide a time base for measuring how long a temporarily indicated controllable switch will pass power to the power outlet.

[0233] Example A-11 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-10 and, alternatively or additionally, any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet device further includes a clock circuit arranged to instruct the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet between approximately 5 minutes and approximately 256 minutes.

[0234] Example A-12 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-11 and, alternatively or additionally, any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet device further includes a memory circuit arranged to store a customer identifier arranged to logically couple the power outlet device to a particular customer entity.

[0235] Example A-13 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-12 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet device further includes a power meter circuit arranged to measure the amount of power delivered through the power outlet at any given time.

[0236] Example A-14 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-13 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing comprises a frame for mounting the device in a standardized electrical junction box.

[0237] Example A-15 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-14 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing has an open structure arranged to expose at least some of the internal circuitry of the device.

[0238] Example A-16 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-15 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing has an enclosed structure arranged to house all of the circuitry of the device and to protect the circuitry from access.

[0239] Example A-17 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-16 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing is permanently sealed.

[0240] Example A-18 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-17 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing comprises a frame for mounting the device in a standardized single-outlet electrical junction box.

[0241] Example A-19 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-18 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing includes a frame for mounting the device in an electrical junction box with a standardized N-jack, where N is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or some other integer less than 100.

[0242] Example A-20 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-19 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the housing includes a frame for mounting the device on a table, chair, floor, cabinet, or another structure.

[0243] Example A-21 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-20 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to receive N power cords, where N is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or some other integer less than 100.

[0244] Example A-22 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-21 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged with at least two individually controllable power receptacles.

[0245] Example A-23 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-22 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is a standardized power outlet arranged to deliver alternating current (AC) power to an electrically powered device, the AC power having a voltage between approximately 100 volts and approximately 240 volts and a frequency between approximately 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

[0246] Example A-24 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-23 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to receive a plug referred to as having plug type A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, NEMA 14-30, NEMA 14-50, IEC 60309, CEE 7 / 17, CEE 7 / 6, CEE 7 / 7, TIS166-2549, or some other plug type.

[0247] Example A-25 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-24 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to receive a plug compliant with a national plug standard known as IRAM 2073, AS / NZS 3112, or some other national plug standard. 50075, 8620, NBN C 61 112-1, NBR 14136, CSA C22.2No.42, GB 1002-2008, GB 2099.1-2008, 35 4516, DS / EN 50075, DS 60884-2-D1, SFS-EN 50075, SFS5610, NF EN 50075, NF C 61-314, DIN VDE 0620, DIN 49441, DIN EN 60309, BS 1363, BS546, MSZ EN 50075, MSZ 97812, IS1293, SNI 04-3892, IS401, CEI 23-34, CEI 23-50, JISC 8303, MS1578:2003, MS 589:P.1:1997, MS1577:2003, NMX-J-163-ANCE, EN 50075、NEN1020、NEKEN 50075, NEK 502, VN-88 / 3064, NP 1260, SASO 2203, JUS N.E3.552, JUSN.E3.553, SS145, SS 472, STN 34 4516, SANS164, KS C8305, UNE 20315, SLS 512, SS-EN50075, SS 428 08 34, SS-EN 60309, SN SEV 1011:2009, CNS10917, NEME 1-15, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 14-30, NEMA 14-50, NEMA 1-15P, NEME 5-15P, TCVN 6188-1.

[0248] Example A-26 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-25 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to conform to a standardized form factor, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type A, USB Type B, mini USB, micro USB, USB-C, Lightning, or some other standardized form factor.

[0249] Example A-27 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-26 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the input power interface is arranged to receive mains power.

[0250] Example A-28 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-27 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the input power interface is arranged to receive power from a direct current (DC) power supply.

[0251] Example A-29 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-28 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the globally unique identifier (GUID) is a numeric identifier, an alphabetic identifier, an alphanumeric identifier, or some other identifier.

[0252] Example A-30 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-29 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the globally unique identifier (GUID) is between 8 bits and 1024 bits.

[0253] Example A-31 can include the subject matter as described in any of Examples A-1 to A-30 and alternatively or additionally with any other examples herein, wherein the input power source is mains power.

[0254] Example A-32 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-31 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the input power is nominally 60VAC, 120VAC, 208VAC, 220VAC, 230VAC, 240VAC, 260VAC, 277VAC, 360VAC, 400VAC, 415VAC, 480VAC, 600VAC, or some other supply voltage, and wherein the input power nominally has a frequency between approximately 50 Hz and 60 Hz.

[0255] Example A-33 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-32 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the input power supply is nominally 6 VDC, 12 VDC, 24 VDC, 48 VDC, or some other supply voltage.

[0256] Example A-34 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-33 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the controllable switch includes at least one relay, such as an electromechanical relay, a magnetic or electromagnetic relay, a solid-state relay, or some other type of relay.

[0257] Example A-35 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-34 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the controllable switch includes at least one field effect transistor (FET), such as a metal oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET), a junction FET (JFET), or some other semiconductor-based controllable switch.

[0258] Example A-36 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-35 and, alternatively or additionally, any other examples herein, wherein the activation interface is a wired interface or a wireless interface accessible via a public or private protocol such as 802.11 (WiFi), Bluetooth, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Near Field Communication (NFC), or some other protocol.

[0259] Example A-37 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-36 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the activation interface is a barcode, a Quick Response (QR) code, or another code.

[0260] Example A-38 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-37 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the activation interface is a visible coded icon applied on or near the device.

[0261] Example A-39 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-38 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes a clock circuit arranged to provide a time base for measuring how long a temporarily indicated controllable switch will pass power to the power outlet.

[0262] Example A-40 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-39 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes a clock circuit arranged to instruct the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet between approximately 5 minutes and approximately 256 minutes.

[0263] Example A-41 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-40 and, alternatively or additionally, any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes logic for reprogramming the GUID, the reprogramming logic may include a memory that is rewritable after executing an unlock sequence.

[0264] Example A-42 can include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-41 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes a one-time programmable memory for storing the GUID.

[0265] Example A-43 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-42 and, alternatively or additionally, any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes at least one linking mechanism arranged to associate the device with a particular customer, and wherein such linking mechanism may include a button, a switch (e.g., a mechanical switch, an electronic switch, a magnetic switch, etc.), a tilt sensor, a code, an alphanumeric sequence, or some other linking mechanism.

[0266] Example A-44 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-43 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes memory circuitry arranged to store a customer identifier, the customer identifier arranged to logically couple the device to a particular customer entity, wherein the customer entity is an individual, a collective, or a representative of an airport, train station, bus station, theme park, hotel, motel, convention center, food establishment, beverage establishment, store, service center, office building, any type of vehicle or other mode of transportation, or a place of public accommodation, as that term is defined under the civil rights laws of any appropriate jurisdiction.

[0267] Example A-45 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-44 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the customer identifier can be cycled between two or more specific customer entities based on programmatic changes (e.g., changes over time), set for a fixed time period, based on time, or some other criteria.

[0268] Example A-64 can include the subject matter as in any of Examples A-1 to A-45 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the customer identifier can be changed algorithmically.

[0269] Example A-47 can include the subject matter as described in any of Examples A-1 to A-46 and alternatively or additionally with any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes a power metering circuit.

[0270] Example A-48 may include the subject matter of any of Examples A-1 to A-47 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the device further includes a power meter circuit arranged to measure the amount of power delivered through the power outlet at any given time per charging cycle (e.g., per charge), per socket, per time period (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or any other time period).

[0271] Example B-1 is a computer-implemented method for delivering power to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet through an electrical outlet, comprising: receiving, at a processor electrically coupled to the power outlet, a power activation signal, the power activation signal configured to cause a controllable switch to deliver power to the electrically powered device through the power outlet, wherein the power activation signal is received after a user interacts with the power outlet via an interaction interface, and wherein the user interaction comprises: bringing a mobile computing device into proximity with the power outlet; capturing, with the mobile computing device, at least one data representing a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; transmitting, via the mobile computing device, the GUID to a remote computing device; performing, with the mobile computing device, a plurality of actions of a power activation protocol based on a response initiated by the remote computing device; transmitting, via the mobile computing device, a proof-of-completion signal to the remote computing device after completing at least one of the plurality of actions; and delivering the power to the electrically powered device through the power outlet. Sometimes, the power activation signal is received only after the user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID.

[0272] Example B-2 may include the subject matter of Example B-1 and, alternatively or additionally, any other examples herein, wherein a first action of the multiple actions of the power activation protocol includes delivering multimedia content for consumption by the user through the mobile computing device, wherein a second action of the multiple actions of the power activation protocol includes transmitting the proof-of-completion signal via the mobile computing device, and wherein the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the multimedia content has been delivered.

[0273] Example B-3 may include the subject matter as described in Example B-2 and alternatively or additionally with any other examples herein, wherein the multimedia content is a video advertisement.

[0274] Example B-4 may include the subject matter of any of Examples B-1 to B-3 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein a first action of the power activation protocol includes accepting a credit representation for power access at the mobile computing device, wherein a second action of the multiple actions of the power activation protocol includes transmitting the proof-of-completion signal via the mobile computing device, and wherein the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the credit representation has been entered.

[0275] Example B-5 can include the subject matter as described in any of Examples B-1 to B-4 and alternatively or additionally with any other examples herein, wherein the credit representation is a voucher code.

[0276] Example B-6 can include the subject matter of any of Examples B-1 to B-5 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power activation signal is triggered by a message transmitted from a local bridging device to the power outlet.

[0277] Example B-7 can include the subject matter of any of Examples B-1 to B-6 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power is delivered to the powered device via the power outlet.

[0278] Example C-1 is a system for temporarily delivering power through a power outlet, comprising: a plurality of power outlet devices located in a first geographic area, each power outlet device having: a housing; a power outlet, the power outlet being contained in the housing; a globally unique identifier (GUID), the globally unique identifier being associated with the power outlet; an input power interface, the input power interface being arranged to receive input power into the power outlet device; a controllable switch, the controllable switch being coupled between the input power interface and the power outlet; an activation interface; and a processor, wherein the processor is arranged to: receive a second power activation signal; and based on the second power activation signal, temporarily instruct the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet, wherein the second power activation signal is after a user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID of the power outlet device. received; at least one remote computing server, the at least one remote computing server having: an engagement module arranged to receive a corresponding GUID from a mobile computing device associated with the user in proximity to a corresponding power outlet device; a network host module arranged to provide one or more web pages to the mobile computing device based on the corresponding GUID; and an activation module arranged to cause a first power activation signal to be transmitted to a bridge device; and the bridge device, wherein the bridge device is arranged to: receive the first power activation signal from the activation module of the at least one computing server; and based on receiving the first power activation signal, transmit a second power activation signal to a specific power outlet device of the plurality of power outlet devices, the specific power outlet being associated with the corresponding GUID received by the engagement module. Sometimes, the first power activation signal or the second power activation signal is received only after the user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID.

[0279] Example C-2 can include the subject matter of Example C-1 and alternatively or additionally any other example herein, wherein the power outlet is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord that complies with household wiring protocols.

[0280] Example C-3 can include the subject matter of Example C-2 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the power receptacle is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a power cord conforming to a Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol.

[0281] Example C-4 can include the subject matter of any of Examples C-1 to C-3 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the activation interface is a barcode or a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0282] Example C-5 can include the subject matter of any of Examples C-1 through C-4 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein at least one web page provided by the web host module is a multimedia advertisement.

[0283] Example D-1 is a system comprising: an authorization circuit having at least one authorization mechanism; and an access circuit having at least one key mechanism, the access circuit being electrically couplable to the authorization circuit, wherein the authorization circuit is configured to deliver power having determined characteristics to the access circuit upon successful authorization of at least one data transmitted from the key mechanism of the access circuit. In some cases, the system further comprises a plurality of municipal-based mining devices physically located on, within, or near a particular municipal infrastructure, each of the plurality of municipal-based mining devices being configured to receive utility grid power on behalf of the particular municipality and further configured for high-speed communication with a centralized computing platform, wherein each of the plurality of municipal-based mining devices includes a computer configured to prevent duplication of work by other municipal-based mining devices in the plurality of municipal-based mining devices.

[0284] Example D-2 can include the subject matter as described in Example D-1 and alternatively or additionally with any other example herein, wherein the authorization circuit is arranged as a circuit wired to electrical power infrastructure in a building.

[0285] Example D-3 can include the subject matter as described in Example D-2 and alternatively or additionally with any other example herein, wherein the authorization circuit is arranged to be wirelessly coupled to circuitry of electrical power infrastructure in a building.

[0286] Example D-4 can include the subject matter of any of Examples D-1 to D-3 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the access circuit is arranged as a smart power plug arranged to deliver power to the mobile computing device.

[0287] Example E-1 is a system comprising: an authorization circuit having at least one authorization mechanism; and an access circuit having at least one content consumption mechanism, the access circuit being electrically coupled to the authorization circuit, wherein the authorization circuit is arranged to deliver power having certain characteristics to the access circuit after successfully authorizing at least one data, wherein successful authorization includes the content consumption mechanism receiving content and presenting the content on a human-machine interface of the system.

[0288] Example E-2 can include the subject matter as described in Example E-1 and alternatively or additionally with any other example herein, wherein the authorization circuit is arranged as a circuit wired to electrical power infrastructure in a building.

[0289] Example E-3 can include the subject matter as described in Example E-2 and alternatively or additionally with any other examples herein, wherein the authorization circuit is arranged to be wirelessly coupled to circuitry of electrical power infrastructure in a building.

[0290] Example E-4 can include the subject matter of any of Examples E-1 to D-3 and alternatively or additionally any other examples herein, wherein the access circuit is arranged as a smart power plug arranged to deliver power to the mobile computing device.

[0291] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide additional embodiments. Various features of the embodiments are optional, and the features of one embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments. If necessary, various aspects of the embodiments can be modified to adopt the concepts of various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0292] In the description herein, specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various modifications to the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in the following description, many details are set forth for illustrative purposes. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not shown or described to avoid obscuring the description with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is intended to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Therefore, in light of the above detailed description, these and other changes may be made to the embodiments. Generally, in the appended claims, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification, but rather should be interpreted as including all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by the present disclosure.

[0293] U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 213,102, filed on June 21, 2021, and entitled “Municipality-Based Distributed Ledger Architecture,” is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0294] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ concepts of the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0295] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 267,145, filed on January 26, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 477,175, filed on December 23, 2022, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0296] In the description herein, specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various modifications to the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and that the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, in the following description, many details are set forth for illustrative purposes. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not shown or described to avoid obscuring the description with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments, but is intended to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Therefore, in light of the above detailed description, these and other changes may be made to the embodiments. Generally, in the appended claims, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification, but rather should be interpreted as including all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A power socket device, comprising: case; a power socket contained in the housing; a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; an input power interface arranged to receive input power into the power outlet device; a communication circuit arranged to receive a power activation signal from a local bridge device, the local bridge device being separate and distinct from the power outlet device; a controllable switch coupled between the input power interface and the power socket; an activation interface disposed proximate the power outlet, the activation interface facilitating access to a remote computing server via a mobile computing device, the remote computing server being arranged to direct multimedia advertisements to the mobile computing device, the multimedia advertisements being arranged for consumption by the mobile computing device in exchange for drawing power via the power outlet; as well as A processor, wherein the processor is arranged to: receiving the power activation signal from the communication circuit; and temporarily instructing the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet based on the power activation signal, wherein the power activation signal is received only after the user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID, the at least one confirmation action comprising a communication from the mobile computing device to the remote computing server confirming that the multimedia advertisement has been consumed.

2. The power socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The local bridging device is a LoRaWAN gateway device.

3. The power socket device according to claim 2, wherein: The local bridging device is arranged to receive communications from a remote computing server and to send communications to the power outlet.

4. The power socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The input power is mains power.

5. The power socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The input power source is a direct current (DC) power source with a voltage between 5 VDC and 50 VDC.

6. The power outlet device according to claim 1, wherein: The power socket is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord that complies with household wiring protocols.

7. The power outlet device according to claim 1, wherein: The power socket is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a power cord conforming to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol.

8. The power outlet device according to claim 1, wherein: The controllable switch comprises at least one electromechanical relay.

9. The power outlet device according to claim 1, wherein: The power socket includes at least two power sockets that can be controlled separately.

10. A computer-implemented method for delivering power through an electrical outlet to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the electrical outlet, comprising: receiving, at a processor electrically coupled to the power outlet, a power activation signal from a local bridge device, the local bridge device being separate and distinct from the power outlet device, the power activation signal being arranged to cause a controllable switch to deliver power to the electrically powered device through the power outlet, wherein the power activation signal is received only after a user interacts with the power outlet via an interaction interface, and wherein the user interaction comprises: placing the mobile computing device near the power outlet; capturing, with the mobile computing device, at least one piece of data representing a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; transmitting the GUID to a remote computing device via the mobile computing device; executing, with the mobile computing device, a plurality of actions of a power activation protocol based on a response initiated by the remote computing device; After completing at least one of the plurality of actions, transmitting, via the mobile computing device, a proof-of-completion signal to the remote computing device; and The power is delivered to the electric device through the power socket.

11. The computer-implemented method of delivering power through the power outlet to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet as recited in claim 10, wherein: A first action of the plurality of actions of the power activation protocol comprises delivering multimedia content through the mobile computing device for consumption by the user, wherein a second action of the plurality of actions of the power activation protocol comprises transmitting the proof-of-completion signal via the mobile computing device, and wherein the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the multimedia content has been delivered and consumed.

12. The computer-implemented method of delivering power through the power outlet to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet as recited in claim 11, wherein: The multimedia content is a video advertisement.

13. The computer-implemented method of delivering power through the power outlet to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet as recited in claim 12, wherein: The power activation signal is triggered by a message transmitted from a local bridging device to the power outlet.

14. The computer-implemented method of delivering power through the power outlet to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet as recited in claim 11, wherein: A first action of the power activation protocol includes accepting, at the mobile computing device, a credit representation for power access, wherein a second action of the plurality of actions of the power activation protocol includes transmitting, via the mobile computing device, the proof-of-completion signal, and wherein the proof-of-completion signal is an indication that the credit representation has been entered.

15. The computer-implemented method of delivering power through the power outlet to an electrically powered device electromechanically coupled to the power outlet as recited in claim 14, wherein: The credit representation is a voucher code.

16. A system for temporarily delivering power via a power outlet, comprising: A plurality of power outlet devices located in a first geographic area, each power outlet device having: case; a power socket contained in the housing; a globally unique identifier (GUID) associated with the power outlet; an input power interface arranged to receive input power into the power outlet; a communication circuit arranged to receive a second power activation signal from a local bridge device, the local bridge device being separate and distinct from the power outlet device; a controllable switch coupled between the input power interface and the power socket; an activation interface disposed proximate the power outlet, the activation interface facilitating access to at least one remote computing server via a mobile computing device, the at least one remote computing server being arranged to direct multimedia advertisements to the mobile computing device, the multimedia advertisements being arranged for consumption by the mobile computing device in exchange for drawing power via the power outlet; as well as A processor, wherein the processor is arranged to: receiving the second power activation signal from the communication circuit; and temporarily instructing the controllable switch to deliver power to the power outlet based on the second power activation signal, wherein the second power activation signal is received after a user performs at least one confirmation action associated with the GUID of the power outlet device, the at least one confirmation action comprising a communication from the mobile computing device to the at least one remote computing server confirming that the multimedia advertisement has been consumed; The at least one remote computing server, wherein the at least one remote computing server has: an engagement module arranged to receive a respective GUID from the mobile computing device associated with the user in proximity to a respective power outlet device; a web host module arranged to provide one or more web pages to the mobile computing device based on the corresponding GUID; and an activation module arranged to cause a first power activation signal to be transmitted to the local bridging device; and The local bridging device, wherein the local bridging device is arranged to: receiving the first power activation signal from an activation module of the at least one computing server; and Based on receiving the first power activation signal, the second power activation signal is transmitted to a specific power outlet device of the plurality of power outlet devices, the specific power outlet being associated with the corresponding GUID received by the engagement module.

17. The system for temporarily delivering power through the power socket according to claim 16, wherein: The power socket is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a standardized power cord that complies with household wiring protocols.

18. The system for temporarily delivering power through the power outlet according to claim 16, wherein: The power socket is arranged to receive a conductive portion of a power cord conforming to the Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol.

19. The system for temporarily delivering power through the power outlet of claim 16, wherein: The activation interface is a barcode or a Quick Response (QR) code.

20. The system for temporarily delivering power through the power outlet of claim 16, wherein: At least one web page provided by the web host module is a multimedia advertisement.

Images