A positioning method and system for sharing power banks and a shared power bank

Abstract

The application provides a positioning method and system of a shared power bank and the shared power bank, wherein the positioning method comprises: when a charging interface is switched from a charging state to an unused state, entering a positioning sending mode and sending positioning data to a management platform once; after entering the positioning sending mode, sending positioning data once every set time interval; when a battery is switched to a charging state, exiting the positioning sending mode and sending positioning data to a cabinet and the management platform once. The positioning method and system of the shared power bank and the shared power bank, through analyzing the state of the shared power bank, determine the timing of sending positioning data, through the sent positioning data, the management platform positions the shared power bank, and after positioning, the shared power bank can be sent to a pre-configured manager, so that the lost shared power bank is found.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of charging and power supply devices, and particularly to a positioning method, system, and shared power bank for a shared power bank. Background Technology

[0002] Power banks are the preferred backup power source for everyday life, providing power to devices like phones and tablets when their batteries are low, thus offering convenience. The emergence of shared power banks provides a convenient way for people to charge their devices when they forget their own power banks. However, there are instances where people fail to return shared power banks after use, making the retrieval of these power banks a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a method, system, and shared power bank for locating shared power banks. By analyzing the status of the shared power bank, the system determines the timing for sending location data. Based on the sent location data, the management platform locates the shared power bank and sends the location information to pre-configured management personnel, thereby enabling the retrieval of lost shared power banks.

[0004] This invention provides a method for locating shared power banks, comprising:

[0005] When the charging port changes from the charging state to the unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once.

[0006] After entering the location transmission mode, location data is sent once every set time interval;

[0007] When the battery cell switches to charging mode, it exits the location transmission mode and sends location data once to the cabinet and management platform.

[0008] Preferably, after each location data transmission, the set time is relatively extended. The extended time is obtained by querying the delay table based on the remaining power of the battery cell and the number of location data transmitted.

[0009] Preferred location methods for shared power banks also include:

[0010] When a trigger signal is received from a first-type positioning terminal, a feedback signal is output to the first-type positioning terminal; the first-type positioning terminal sends first indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0011] The first type of positioning terminal includes: cabinet terminals and / or positioning terminals deployed at fixed locations.

[0012] Preferred location methods for shared power banks also include:

[0013] When a trigger signal is received from a second-type positioning terminal, a feedback signal is output to the second-type positioning terminal; the second-type positioning terminal sends second indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0014] The second category of positioning terminals includes: mobile phones and / or positioning terminals mounted on mobile devices.

[0015] Preferred location methods for shared power banks also include:

[0016] When the battery cell's power drops below a preset power threshold, the charging interface will be disabled and the system will enter location transmission mode.

[0017] The present invention also provides a positioning system for a shared power bank, comprising: a triggering module, a sending module, and an exit module;

[0018] The trigger module is used to enter the location transmission mode and send location data to the management platform once when the charging interface changes from the charging state to the unused state; after entering the location transmission mode, the transmission module sends location data once every set time interval; the exit module is used to exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform when the battery cell changes to the charging state.

[0019] Preferably, after each location data transmission, the set time is relatively extended. The extended time is obtained by querying the delay table based on the remaining power of the battery cell and the number of location data transmitted.

[0020] Preferably, the positioning system of the shared power bank further includes: a feedback module, used to output a feedback signal to the first type of positioning terminal when receiving a trigger signal from the first type of positioning terminal; the first type of positioning terminal sends first indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0021] The first type of positioning terminal includes: cabinet terminals and / or positioning terminals deployed at fixed locations.

[0022] Preferably, the positioning system of the shared power bank further includes: a feedback module, which is also used to output a feedback signal to the second type of positioning terminal when receiving a trigger signal from the second type of positioning terminal; the second type of positioning terminal sends second indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0023] The second category of positioning terminals includes: mobile phones and / or positioning terminals mounted on mobile devices.

[0024] The present invention also provides a shared power bank, including a shell, a battery cell, a control module and a charging interface, and further including: a positioning module; the control module is configured with an executable program, which, after execution, implements any of the above positioning methods.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and the accompanying drawings.

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the invention and form part of the specification. They are used in conjunction with embodiments of the invention to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning method for a shared power bank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a positioning system for a shared power bank according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a shared power bank according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] This invention provides a method for locating shared power banks, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0034] Step 1: When the charging port changes from charging state to unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once;

[0035] Step 2: After entering the location transmission mode, send location data once every set time interval;

[0036] Step 3: When the battery cell is switched to charging mode, exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform.

[0037] In this system, after each location data transmission, a time interval is set to be extended. The extended time is determined by querying a delay table based on the remaining battery power and the number of location data transmissions.

[0038] The positioning method in this embodiment is triggered when the charging interface changes from a charging state to an unused state. This means that the user does not send location data to the outside world while using the shared power bank or charging it inside the cabinet, thus saving energy. The change from charging to unused indicates that the user has finished using the shared power bank, at which point the positioning transmission mode is activated, and location data is sent out. After receiving the location data, the management platform determines whether two adjacent location data points are consistent. If they are consistent, the location information is sent to the pre-configured administrator terminal. Furthermore, the initial value of the set time can be configured to a relatively large value. The initial value varies depending on the location where the cabinet is configured. Specifically, it can be configured by analyzing data collected from users in different locations, from the time they finish using the power bank until they return it to the cabinet. Since the battery's energy gradually decreases as the number of location data transmissions increases, extending the set time accordingly based on the battery's energy level and the number of transmissions ensures that the total duration of location data transmission is maximized, providing ample time to find the shared power bank. After two identical location data points are obtained, the management platform can send a silent mode command to the shared power bank, configure the silent duration, and not send location data during the silent duration.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] This invention provides a method for locating shared power banks, including:

[0041] When the charging port changes from the charging state to the unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once.

[0042] After entering the location transmission mode, location data is sent once every set time interval;

[0043] When the battery cell switches to charging mode, it exits the location transmission mode and sends location data once to the cabinet and management platform.

[0044] In addition, the location methods for shared power banks also include:

[0045] When a trigger signal is received from a first-type positioning terminal, a feedback signal is output to the first-type positioning terminal; the first-type positioning terminal sends first indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0046] The first type of positioning terminal includes: cabinet terminals and / or positioning terminals deployed at fixed locations.

[0047] This embodiment uses a fixed-location device for indirect positioning of shared power banks. For example, an RFID reader is installed in the charging station or positioning terminal, and a passive RFID chip is installed in the shared power bank. The RFID reader triggers the passive RFID chip, using RFID positioning technology to locate the charging station and the shared power bank. Then, the location of the charging station is used to generate first indirect positioning data, which is sent to the management platform to locate the shared power bank. The charging station is typically located inside a shopping mall or store, allowing the positioning terminal to be adaptively positioned at the entrance or exit of the mall or store. Triggering this first type of positioning terminal enables real-time positioning even when a user takes the shared power bank outside the designated area while charging.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] This invention provides a method for locating shared power banks, including:

[0050] When the charging port changes from the charging state to the unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once.

[0051] After entering the location transmission mode, location data is sent once every set time interval;

[0052] When the battery cell switches to charging mode, it exits the location transmission mode and sends location data once to the cabinet and management platform.

[0053] In addition, the location methods for shared power banks also include:

[0054] When a trigger signal is received from a second-type positioning terminal, a feedback signal is output to the second-type positioning terminal; the second-type positioning terminal sends second indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0055] The second category of positioning terminals includes: mobile phones and / or positioning terminals mounted on mobile devices.

[0056] This embodiment uses a mobile device to indirectly locate shared power banks. For example, an RFID reader is installed in the mobile device, and a passive RFID chip is installed in the shared power bank. The RFID reader activates the passive RFID chip, which is RFID positioning technology used to locate the mobile device and the shared power bank. Then, the location of the mobile device is used to generate second indirect positioning data, which is sent to the management platform to locate the shared power bank. This method can be applied to the process of managers actually searching for shared power banks, enabling real-time positioning.

[0057] Example 4

[0058] This invention provides a method for locating shared power banks, including:

[0059] When the charging port changes from the charging state to the unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once.

[0060] After entering the location transmission mode, location data is sent once every set time interval;

[0061] When the battery cell switches to charging mode, it exits the location transmission mode and sends location data once to the cabinet and management platform.

[0062] In order to reserve sufficient power for transmitting location data, the location methods of shared power banks also include:

[0063] When the battery cell's power drops below a preset power threshold (e.g., any of 2% to 10%), the charging interface will be disabled and the system will enter location transmission mode.

[0064] Example 5

[0065] This invention also provides a positioning system for shared power banks, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes: trigger module 1, sending module 2, and exit module 3;

[0066] The trigger module 1 is used to enter the location transmission mode and send location data to the management platform once when the charging interface changes from the charging state to the unused state; after entering the location transmission mode, the transmission module 2 sends location data once every set time interval; the exit module 3 is used to exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform when the battery cell changes to the charging state.

[0067] In this system, after each location data transmission, a time interval is set to be extended. The extended time is determined by querying a delay table based on the remaining battery power and the number of location data transmissions.

[0068] In its specific implementation, trigger module 1 includes: a charging interface voltage monitoring circuit, a comparison circuit, and a switching circuit. The charging interface voltage monitoring circuit collects data from the charging interface and inputs it to one input of the comparison circuit. This data is then compared with a standard voltage at the other input to determine if the charging interface voltage has returned to zero. Specifically, when the voltage drops from the charging voltage (typically 5V) to zero, the charging interface is considered to have transitioned from a charging state to an unused state. The output of the comparison circuit is then shorted to the switching circuit, which in turn connects to the transmitting module. When the transmitting module is powered on, it enters the positioning transmission mode and transmits positioning data once upon power-up. The transmitting module includes: a clock circuit, a positioning data acquisition chip (BeiDou / GPS), a communication circuit, and an antenna. The positioning data acquisition chip acquires positioning data and then transmits it from the communication circuit and antenna to the management platform or cabinet. The exit module includes: a battery cell charging interface monitoring circuit and a comparison circuit to monitor whether the voltage of the battery cell's charging interface matches the charging voltage. If it does, the comparison circuit outputs a signal to the switching circuit to power off the transmitting module.

[0069] Example 6

[0070] The present invention also provides a positioning system for a shared power bank, comprising: a triggering module, a sending module, and an exit module;

[0071] The trigger module is used to enter the location transmission mode and send location data to the management platform once when the charging interface changes from the charging state to the unused state; after entering the location transmission mode, the transmission module sends location data once every set time interval; the exit module is used to exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform when the battery cell changes to the charging state.

[0072] In addition, the positioning system of the shared power bank also includes: a feedback module, used to output a feedback signal to the first type of positioning terminal when receiving a trigger signal from the first type of positioning terminal; the first type of positioning terminal sends the first indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0073] The first type of positioning terminal includes: cabinet terminals and / or positioning terminals deployed at fixed locations.

[0074] Example 7

[0075] The present invention also provides a positioning system for a shared power bank, comprising: a triggering module, a sending module, and an exit module;

[0076] The trigger module is used to enter the location transmission mode and send location data to the management platform once when the charging interface changes from the charging state to the unused state; after entering the location transmission mode, the transmission module sends location data once every set time interval; the exit module is used to exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform when the battery cell changes to the charging state.

[0077] In addition, the positioning system of the shared power bank also includes: a feedback module, which is also used to output a feedback signal to the second type of positioning terminal when receiving a trigger signal from the second type of positioning terminal; the second type of positioning terminal sends second indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal;

[0078] The second category of positioning terminals includes: mobile phones and / or positioning terminals mounted on mobile devices.

[0079] Example 8

[0080] The present invention also provides a positioning system for a shared power bank, comprising: a triggering module, a sending module, and an exit module;

[0081] The trigger module is used to enter the location transmission mode and send location data to the management platform once when the charging interface changes from the charging state to the unused state; after entering the location transmission mode, the transmission module sends location data once every set time interval; the exit module is used to exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform when the battery cell changes to the charging state.

[0082] In addition, the positioning system of shared power banks also includes a protection module, which is used to disable the charging interface and enter the positioning transmission mode when the battery power drops below a preset power threshold.

[0083] Example 9

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention also provides a shared power bank, including a shell, a battery cell 11, a control module 12 and a charging interface 13, and further including: a positioning module 14; the control module is configured with an executable program, which, after execution, implements any of the positioning methods in embodiments 1 to 4.

[0085] The control module 12 is electrically connected to the battery cell 11 and the charging interface 13. The battery cell 11 is used to store electrical energy, and the charging interface 13 is used to output the electrical energy of the battery cell 11 to the device being charged (mobile phone, tablet, etc.). The charging interface 13 is fixedly connected to the battery cell through a flexible circuit. A groove is provided on the outside of the housing to accommodate the flexible circuit and the charging interface 13. When using the device, the user takes the charging interface 13 out of the groove and puts it back into the groove after charging.

[0086] Example 10

[0087] This implementation provides a method for locating shared power banks, including:

[0088] When the charging port changes from the charging state to the unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once.

[0089] After entering the location transmission mode, location data is sent once every set time interval;

[0090] When the battery cell switches to charging mode, it exits the location transmission mode and sends location data once to the cabinet and management platform.

[0091] In addition, the location methods for shared power banks also include:

[0092] Upon receiving a trigger signal from a first-type positioning terminal, it enters positioning transmission mode;

[0093] When the location of N (greater than or equal to 2) consecutive location data sent after entering the location sending mode is located within the area associated with the first type of location terminal, the location sending mode is exited; otherwise, the trigger signal module is activated based on the shared power bank's own status. When the trigger signal module is activated, a trigger signal is sent out.

[0094] When its own state drops to the preset shutdown condition, the trigger signal module is turned off; or, when a trigger signal is received again from the first type of positioning terminal, the trigger signal module is turned off.

[0095] The activation conditions for the activation trigger signal module include: the battery cell charge is greater than or equal to a preset first charge threshold (e.g., 50%); the deactivation conditions include: the charge is less than a preset second charge threshold (e.g., any value between 50% and 30%).

[0096] Sending a trigger signal is to locate abandoned shared power banks within a short distance of the location where the power bank is installed. Once the trigger signal is received by other shared power banks not located at the power station, a feedback signal will be output. Based on the feedback signal, third-party indirect location data will be sent to the management platform.

[0097] The server uses third-party indirect location data to locate other shared power banks based on the principle of using the power bank's own location, the relative location determined by trigger signals and feedback signals, and the location specified by these two factors.

[0098] Due to the limited battery capacity, sending trigger signals at fixed time intervals may result in overlapping search areas and low search efficiency, especially if the shared power bank's location is not moving or is moving slowly. To address this, the interval can be configured to be adjustable with a specified range. Initially (the first M times), a fixed time interval is used. The subsequent steps for determining the interval are as follows:

[0099] The initial time is determined from a pre-configured timetable based on the distance between the two previous positioning attempts of the power bank and the time interval between the previous attempts. The smaller the previous interval in the timetable, the smaller the determined initial time; the greater the distance, the smaller the determined initial time.

[0100] The array formed by the previous M-1 distances is adjusted by a pre-configured coefficient table; the array and the adjustment coefficient are associated one-to-one in the coefficient table.

[0101] The value determined by the adjustment coefficient and the initial time is used as the interval time; when the interval time is less than the minimum value of the adjustable range, the minimum value is used as the interval time; when the interval time is greater than the maximum value of the adjustable range, the maximum value is used as the interval time.

[0102] The adjustment coefficient is set to address the issue of staying in the same position for a long time. The adjustment coefficient is gradually increased to extend the search time.

[0103] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this invention without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this invention and their equivalents, this invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for locating a shared power bank, characterized in that, include: When the charging port changes from the charging state to the unused state, it enters the location transmission mode and sends location data to the management platform once. After entering the location transmission mode, location data is sent once every set time interval; When the battery cell switches to charging mode, it exits the location transmission mode and sends location data once to the cabinet and management platform. Also includes: Upon receiving a trigger signal from a first-type positioning terminal, it enters positioning transmission mode; When the location of N consecutive location data sent after entering the location sending mode is within the area associated with the first type of location terminal, the location sending mode is exited; otherwise, the shared power bank determines whether to activate the trigger signal module based on its own status. When the trigger signal module is activated, a trigger signal is sent out. When its own state drops to the preset shutdown condition, the trigger signal module is turned off; or, when a trigger signal is received again from the first type of positioning terminal, the trigger signal module is turned off. The activation conditions for the activation trigger signal module include: the battery cell charge is greater than or equal to a preset first charge threshold; the deactivation conditions include: the charge is less than a preset second charge threshold. Once the trigger signal is received by other shared power banks located in places other than the charging station, it will output a feedback signal; based on the feedback signal, it will send third-party indirect location data to the management platform. Configure the interval time to be adjustable and set an adjustable range. Initially, a fixed interval time is used. The subsequent steps for determining the interval time are as follows: The initial time is determined from a pre-configured timetable based on the distance between the two previous positioning attempts of the power bank and the previous interval. The smaller the previous interval in the timetable, the smaller the determined initial time; the greater the distance, the smaller the determined initial time. The array formed by the previous M-1 distances is adjusted by a pre-configured coefficient table; the array and the adjustment coefficient are associated one-to-one in the coefficient table. The value determined by the adjustment coefficient and the initial time is used as the interval time; when the interval time is less than the minimum value of the adjustable range, the minimum value is used as the interval time; when the interval time is greater than the maximum value of the adjustable range, the maximum value is used as the interval time.

2. The positioning method for shared power banks as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After each location data transmission, the set time is extended. The extension time is obtained by querying the delay table based on the remaining battery power and the number of location data transmitted.

3. The positioning method for shared power banks as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When a trigger signal is received from a first-type positioning terminal, a feedback signal is output to the first-type positioning terminal; The first type of positioning terminal sends the first indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal; The first type of positioning terminal includes: cabinet terminals and / or positioning terminals deployed at fixed locations.

4. The positioning method for shared power banks as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When a trigger signal is received from a Type II positioning terminal, a feedback signal is output to the Type II positioning terminal. The second type of positioning terminal sends second indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal; The second category of positioning terminals includes: mobile phones and / or positioning terminals mounted on mobile devices.

5. The positioning method for shared power banks as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: When the battery cell's power drops below a preset power threshold, the charging interface will be disabled and the system will enter location transmission mode.

6. A positioning system for a shared power bank, characterized in that, include: Trigger module, send module, and exit module; The trigger module is used to enter the location transmission mode and send location data to the management platform once when the charging interface changes from the charging state to the unused state; after entering the location transmission mode, the transmission module sends location data once every set time interval; the exit module is used to exit the location transmission mode and send location data once to the cabinet and management platform when the battery cell changes to the charging state. The trigger module is also used to enter the positioning transmission mode when it receives a trigger signal from a first-type positioning terminal; When the location sending module sends N consecutive location data points after entering the location sending mode, and the locations are all within the area associated with the first type of location terminal, the exit module controls the exit from the location sending mode; otherwise, it determines whether to activate the trigger signal module based on the shared power bank's own status, and sends a trigger signal outward when the trigger signal module is activated. When its own state drops to the preset shutdown condition, the trigger signal module is turned off; or, when a trigger signal is received again from the first type of positioning terminal, the trigger signal module is turned off. The activation conditions for the activation trigger signal module include: the battery cell charge is greater than or equal to a preset first charge threshold; the deactivation conditions include: the charge is less than a preset second charge threshold. Once the trigger signal is received by other shared power banks located in places other than the charging station, it will output a feedback signal; based on the feedback signal, it will send third-party indirect location data to the management platform. Configure the interval time to be adjustable and set an adjustable range. Initially, a fixed interval time is used. The subsequent steps for determining the interval time are as follows: The initial time is determined from a pre-configured timetable based on the distance between the two previous positioning attempts of the power bank and the previous interval. The smaller the previous interval in the timetable, the smaller the determined initial time; the greater the distance, the smaller the determined initial time. The array formed by the previous M-1 distances is adjusted by a pre-configured coefficient table; the array and the adjustment coefficient are associated one-to-one in the coefficient table. The value determined by the adjustment coefficient and the initial time is used as the interval time; when the interval time is less than the minimum value of the adjustable range, the minimum value is used as the interval time; when the interval time is greater than the maximum value of the adjustable range, the maximum value is used as the interval time.

7. The positioning system for shared power banks as described in claim 6, characterized in that, After each location data transmission, the set time is extended. The extension time is obtained by querying the delay table based on the remaining battery power and the number of location data transmitted.

8. The positioning system for shared power banks as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The feedback module is used to output a feedback signal to the first type of positioning terminal when it receives a trigger signal from the first type of positioning terminal; The first type of positioning terminal sends the first indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal; The first type of positioning terminal includes: cabinet terminals and / or positioning terminals deployed at fixed locations.

9. The positioning system for shared power banks as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: The feedback module is also used to output a feedback signal to the second type of positioning terminal when it receives a trigger signal from the second type of positioning terminal; The second type of positioning terminal sends second indirect positioning data to the management platform based on the feedback signal; The second category of positioning terminals includes: mobile phones and / or positioning terminals mounted on mobile devices.

10. A shared power bank, comprising a casing, battery cells, a control module, and a charging interface, characterized in that, Also includes: The positioning module; the control module is configured with an executable program, which, upon execution, implements the positioning method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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