Modular intelligent framework system

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an intelligent modular frame system configured with one or more connectable frame devices, each frame device having at least one universal port for connection to one of various types of functional modules. The functional module includes display devices that, when connected together in an arrangement of frame devices, can form a single display matrix having coherent imaging across a plurality of display panels thereof. The functional modules also include one or more charging pack modules having port arrays for charging various battery types according to manufacturer specifications. The modular framework system adapts to its environment in both function and shape, and can provide basic public services in coordination with a cloud network operating system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to modular systems. More specifically, this invention relates to a system with a wall-mounted frame having universal ports for coupling to various functional modules. Background Technology

[0002] Modern individuals are increasingly reliant on all types of electronic devices in their daily lives, and in densely populated environments such as cities, it is important to always have easy access to batteries and vehicle charging ports.

[0003] In such an environment, it is equally important that information be prominently displayed in public spaces, for both informational and advertising purposes. The use of video displays in cities is becoming increasingly common.

[0004] A related issue is that the physical and commercial needs of urban environments are constantly changing. There is a need for an adaptive solution that can be installed in constrained spaces and can quickly adapt to changing functional requirements. This invention is provided in this context. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides an intelligent modular frame system configured with one or more connectable frame devices, each having at least one universal port for connecting to one of various types of functional modules. The functional modules include display devices that, when connected together in an arrangement of frame devices, can form a single display matrix with coherent imaging across its multiple display panels. The functional modules also include one or more charging module groups with port arrays for charging various battery types according to manufacturer specifications. The frame devices may be equipped with internal batteries for energy storage, and when arranged together, can thus provide accumulated energy resources. The modular frame system is functionally and form-fitted to its environment and can provide essential public services in harmony with cloud network operating systems.

[0006] The display matrix formed by the arrangement of the disclosed system can be used for advertising and informational purposes, and its shape can adapt to available space in the environment without interrupting the display of image data. Users can interact with the charging function via their mobile devices through the cloud, ensuring that they can access charging points when needed, and that when certain types of functional modules become redundant in a certain location, new functional modules can be easily replaced to adapt to changes in environmental requirements.

[0007] Therefore, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a modular framework system is provided, comprising: one or more functional charging module modules configured with a rear universal port and a plurality of ports arranged at the front for storing and directly charging a plurality of batteries and fuel cells; and one or more functional display modules configured with a rear universal port and a front screen panel spanning the entire front side of the module.

[0008] The system also includes one or more frame devices, each frame device comprising: a housing; a universal receiving port disposed on the front of the housing for detachably coupling to a universal port of a functional module; a mounting device for securing the frame device to a vertical surface; a coupling arrangement on one or more edges of the frame device, the coupling arrangement being configured to couple the frame device to an adjacent frame device; a power supply; and a wireless enabling controller disposed within the housing.

[0009] Each controller of each frame device communicates with the cloud network and is configured to: determine the number and corresponding location of frame devices coupled together, and the number and type of functional modules currently installed on each frame device in this arrangement, via the exchange of unique identifiers associated with each frame device; monitor and control the power distribution to each frame device and to each coupled functional module based on the determination; and receive image data to be displayed from the cloud network and, based on the determination, display at least a portion of the image data on the display panel of the one or more functional modules.

[0010] In some embodiments, when it is determined that two or more frame devices on which display modules are mounted are coupled together, the controller step of displaying a portion of image data includes displaying a portion of image data on each display module such that when viewed in the combined arrangement of the display modules, the complete image is shown.

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more display modules include a touchscreen interface. Users can interact with the system to change one or more settings of the functional modules and communicate with a cloud network via the touchscreen interface.

[0012] In some implementations, the controller is also configured to overwrite the currently displayed image data in response to an emergency notification from the cloud network, and instead display details of the emergency.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more of the charging module include an electronically controlled locking mechanism for holding the battery device in the proper position within each charging port during charging.

[0014] The controller can be further configured to control the locking mechanism based on reservation data received from the cloud network.

[0015] The locking mechanism can be a magnetic locking mechanism.

[0016] In some embodiments, the one or more charging modules include a charging port array designed to charge batteries of different manufacturer specifications, including specific voltage ratings, amperage, and types of physical power outlets.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more functional EV charging modules, each of which is configured with a rear universal port and a front power outlet arrangement for charging electric vehicles.

[0018] In such cases, the controller can be further configured to monitor and control the power distribution for charging any connected electric vehicle based on reservation data received from the cloud network.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to, in response to determining that one or more other frame devices are coupled to the frame device, assign one of the frame devices as the master frame device to handle communication with the cloud network, and cause the remaining frame devices in the coupled arrangement to adopt a master / slave communication protocol with the master frame device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the power source includes a connection to the main power grid.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the power source may include a rechargeable battery. In embodiments with a rechargeable battery, the controller may also be configured to monitor the power usage and power level of the batteries of one or more other frame devices in response to determining that one or more other frame devices are connected to the frame device, and to supply power to them when their batteries are low. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1A An isometric view of an example configuration of a functional display module that can be mounted in the framework device of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 1B An isometric view of an example configuration of a functional charging module that can be installed in the framework device of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 1C An isometric view of an example configuration of a functional EV charging module that can be mounted in the framework device of this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 2AAn isometric view of a display module mounted on an example configuration of a frame device according to this disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 2B An example configuration of the frame assembly is shown, in which the outer shell is removed to reveal the internal structure and components.

[0028] Figure 3A A first example arrangement of the frame device for connecting the system according to this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3B A second example arrangement of the frame device for connecting the system according to this disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 3C A third example arrangement of the frame device for connecting the system according to this disclosure is shown, wherein a new frame device with a display module is added to the arrangement.

[0031] Figure 3D It shows Figure 2A The third example arrangement, in which the new frame device is now integrated with the arrangement and displays a portion of the image data.

[0032] Figure 3E A fourth example arrangement of the connected frame assembly is shown.

[0033] The same reference numerals are used throughout the accompanying drawings and detailed description to indicate the same elements. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above drawings are exemplary, and that other architectures, modes of operation, sequences of operation, and elements / functions may be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention set forth in the claims. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. Examples are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any particular embodiment. The scope of the invention includes many alternatives, modifications, and equivalents; it is defined only by the claims.

[0035] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details, as per the claims. For clarity, known technical materials in the art related to the invention have not been described in detail, so that the invention will not be unnecessarily obscured.

[0036] definition:

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include both the plural and singular forms. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms "comprising" and / or "including" specify the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] The terms “about” and “approximately” should generally be interpreted as the acceptable degree of error or variation in the quantity of a given measurement, referring to the nature or precision of that measurement. Typical exemplary degrees of error or variation are within 20% (%) of a given value or range of values, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5%. Unless otherwise stated, the numerical quantities given in this specification are approximate, meaning that the terms “about” or “approximately” can be inferred when not explicitly stated.

[0039] It will be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element, or intermediate features and / or elements may be present. Conversely, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, no intermediate features or elements are present. It will also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected,” “attached,” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached, or coupled to the other feature or element, or intermediate features or elements may be present. Conversely, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected,” “directly attached,” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, no intermediate features or elements are present. Although described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements thus described or illustrated may be applied to other embodiments.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below”, “under”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, etc., may be used in this document to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature when the device is facing upwards.

[0042] The terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one feature or element from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first feature or element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature or element, and similarly, the second feature or element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature or element.

[0043] Figure 1A IB and IC illustrate three different example types of functional modules that can be installed in the framework device of the disclosed modular system.

[0044] Figure 1A An example display module 100 is shown, having a protective glass panel 102 covering the display 104, which spans the entire front surface of the module. Therefore, when adjacent frame devices on which the display modules 100 are mounted are joined together, the resulting display forms a nearly seamless display matrix.

[0045] Figure 1B An example swappable charging bank module 200 is shown. As illustrated, the module has multiple ports 204 into which a battery and fuel cell 202 can be locked for charging. In urban environments where a large number of publicly and privately owned light electric vehicles with similar batteries and fuel cells are used, this type of module could facilitate systems where users swap their used batteries for rechargeable ones.

[0046] Figure 1C An example EV charging module 300 is shown, having a power outlet 302 for directly charging electric vehicles parked in front of it. This can be any type of electric vehicle, including both light electric vehicles and electric vehicles.

[0047] Each of the three example modules shown will have the same universal port at the rear of its housing. When coupled to the receiving port of the frame device, this forms a connection that secures the module in place on the front of the frame device, powers it, and connects it to the frame device's controller, which in turn connects to the cloud. Thus, users can interact with and control the operation of various functional module types via their mobile devices.

[0048] refer to Figure 2A and Figure 2B An example configuration of a frame device 400 according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein the display module 100 is mounted on the front ( Figure 2A On the surface, the outer shell is removed to reveal the internal frame structure 402 and components.

[0049] As can be seen, when the panel 102 of the display module 100 is mounted on the frame device 400, the controller of the frame device 400 (which is housed in the control module 406) can cause it to display the image 106. This can be achieved using power directly from the grid or using an array of internal rechargeable batteries 404 held within the frame.

[0050] The controller can be configured to monitor the battery's power level and recharge them from the grid when necessary—for example, it can use smart charging to draw power from the grid when it is cheapest. Keeping the battery charged is beneficial because it allows the frame unit to transfer available power to support the functions of two functional modules directly mounted on it, and to adjacent frame modules in an arrangement that connects the frame modules.

[0051] See, for example Figure 3A and Figure 3B These figures illustrate a first arrangement and a second arrangement 500 of a frame assembly with various functional modules mounted in its ports.

[0052] exist Figure 3A In the arrangement of the frame unit, a pair of pluggable charging module 200 is mounted on the bottom row, and a pair of display modules 100 are mounted on the top row. Since the charging module 200 may require higher power output than the display modules, especially if they are charging multiple cells or batteries simultaneously, the upper row of the frame unit can transfer power from their batteries to support the swappable charging modules 200. This extends the battery life of the entire unit 500.

[0053] exist Figure 3B The image shows different arrangements 500 where similar operations may occur, including multiple upper frame units with display modules mounted thereon and showing a cohesive image 106, but also capable of sending power to the lowest frame units to support the operation of a set of electric vehicle docking modules 600 for securing and charging a light electric vehicle 700.

[0054] In the 3B example, the docked electric vehicle is a small motorcycle, but as... Figure 3E As shown, a docking module 600 that can secure the bicycle and charge it can also be provided.

[0055] The innovation of the disclosed system lies in its modularity, in which the frame units can be connected laterally to each other or to any type of functional module with universal ports, thereby allowing for highly customizable arrangements that can be adapted to the needs of their environment.

[0056] Figure 3C and Figure 3DThe illustration shows a frame assembly on which a display module 100 is mounted being added to an existing display matrix arrangement 500 that is already formed by other frame assemblies and display modules.

[0057] As can be seen, the frame unit array includes not only display modules, but also a set of charging module 200 and EV charger module 300 on the bottom row. If more of these display modules are needed in a given location, other display modules 100 can be swapped out from the surrounding frame units to make room for them, or the entire array can be expanded outward by adding more frame units on the sides (or above, depending on the height and surrounding area).

[0058] Furthermore, when multiple frame devices equipped with display module 100 are connected together as shown, they are configured to operate together to display a single cohesive image. In this example, an advertising image of a new car model 106 is shown.

[0059] As can be seen, the display module 100 added to the top corner is blank until it is coupled to the arrangement, at which point it takes image data and shows the missing parts.

[0060] This type of display can also show information useful to the public, such as emergency alarms received via a cloud-enabled controller on the frame device. The display can also function as a touchscreen panel for interacting with the system and the cloud.

[0061] Although shown in a rectangular configuration with an equal number of frame units in rows and columns, the display and frame units may take other shapes and are not necessarily uniform in column and row lengths.

[0062] The power source for the disclosed system can be a mains power grid, and may also involve a combination of rechargeable batteries with power storage, or even solar and other renewable energy types.

[0063] The controller described herein can be any suitable type of computer. A computer can be a single-processor or multi-processor machine. Therefore, a computer can include one or more processors, and consequently, the aforementioned computer system can also include one or more processors. Examples of processors include sequential state machines, microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gated logic, programmable control boards (PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout this disclosure.

[0064] Furthermore, a computer may include one or more memories. Therefore, the aforementioned computer system may include one or more memories. Memory may include memory storage devices or addressable storage media, which may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), hard disk, floppy disk, laser disc player, digital video disc, optical disc, videotape, audiotape, magnetic recording tracks, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory, optical storage, quantum mechanical storage, electronic networks, and / or other devices or technologies for storing electronic content such as programs and data. In particular, the one or more memories may store computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to implement the processes and techniques described herein. The one or more processors may be operatively associated with the one or more memories such that the computer-executable instructions can be provided to the one or more processors for execution. For example, the one or more processors may be operatively associated with the one or more memories via one or more buses. In addition, a computer may have or be operatively associated with input devices (e.g., keyboard, keypad, controller, mouse, microphone, touchscreen, sensor) and output devices (e.g., computer screen, printer, or speaker).

[0065] Computers may be advantageously equipped with network communication devices, such as network interface cards, modems, or other network connectivity devices suitable for connecting to one or more networks.

[0066] A computer may advantageously include control logic, or program logic, or other substrate configurations representing data and instructions, which enable the computer to operate in a specific and predefined manner as described herein. In particular, a computer program, when executed, enables a control processor to perform and / or cause the execution of features of this disclosure. Control logic may advantageously be implemented as one or more modules. These modules may advantageously be configured to reside in computer memory and execute on one or more processors. The modules include, but are not limited to, software or hardware components that perform certain tasks. Thus, by way of example, a module may include components such as software components, processes, functions, subroutines, procedures, attributes, class components, task components, object-oriented software components, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, and / or the like.

[0067] Control logic typically includes the manipulation of digital bits by the processor and the maintenance of these bits within one or more memory storage devices residing in memory. Such memory storage devices can impose a physical organization on the collection of stored data bits, which are typically stored in specific electrical or magnetic storage cells.

[0068] Control logic typically executes a series of computer-driven steps. These steps often require the manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, though not always necessary, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. Those skilled in the art commonly refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, text, terms, numbers, documents, etc. However, it should be remembered that these and some other terms should be associated with the appropriate physical quantities used for computer operation, and these terms are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities existing within the computer and during computer operation based on the design relationship between these physical quantities and the symbolic values ​​they represent.

[0069] It should be understood that manipulation within a computer is often referred to as adding, comparing, moving, searching, etc., and is usually associated with manual operations performed by a human operator. It should be understood that operator involvement may not be necessary or even desired. The operations described herein are machine operations performed in conjunction with interactions with one or more computers by a human operator or user.

[0070] It should also be understood that the programs, modules, processes, methods, etc., described herein are merely exemplary implementations and are not related to or limited to any particular computer, device, or computer language. Rather, various types of general-purpose computing machines or devices can be used with programs constructed in accordance with some of the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, very specific computing machines with specific functions may be required.

[0071] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in common dictionaries, should be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the relevant field and in the context of this disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0072] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. While a particular configuration of the modular system has been described in a specific manner with reference to the illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that the invention can be applied to a variety of solutions that are within the scope and spirit of the claims. Many alternative ways of implementing the invention exist.

[0073] It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. The references to details of the illustrated embodiments herein are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves enumerate those features considered essential to the invention.

Claims

1. A modular framework system, comprising: One or more functional charging module, configured with a rear universal port and a front arrangement with multiple ports, for storing and directly charging multiple batteries and fuel cells; One or more functional display modules, configured with a rear universal port and a front screen panel spanning the entire front of the module; as well as One or more frame devices, each frame device comprising: case; A general-purpose receiving port is located on the front of the housing for detachable coupling to the general-purpose port of the functional module; Mounting device for fixing the frame device to a vertical surface; Coupling arrangements on one or more edges of the frame assembly, the coupling arrangements being configured to couple the frame assembly to adjacent frame assemblies; Power supply; and A wirelessly enabled controller is disposed within the housing, the controller communicating with a cloud network and configured to: By exchanging unique identifiers associated with each frame unit, the number and corresponding locations of the frame units coupled together, as well as the number and type of functional modules currently installed on each frame unit in the arrangement, are determined. Based on the determination, monitor and control the power distribution to each frame device and to each coupled functional module; and Receive image data to be displayed from the cloud network, and based on the determination, display at least a portion of the image data on the display panel of the one or more functional modules.

2. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, When two or more frame devices with display modules are connected together, the controller step of displaying a portion of the image data includes displaying a portion of the image data on each display module such that when viewed in the combined arrangement of the display modules, the complete image is displayed.

3. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the display modules include a touchscreen interface.

4. The modular framework system according to claim 3, wherein, Users can interact with the system to change one or more settings of the functional modules and communicate with the cloud network via the touchscreen interface.

5. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to override the currently displayed image data in response to an emergency notification from the cloud network, and instead display details of the emergency.

6. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the charging module include an electronically controlled locking mechanism for holding the battery device in the proper position in each charging port during charging.

7. The modular framework system according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is also configured to control the locking mechanism based on reservation data received from the cloud network.

8. The modular framework system according to claim 6, wherein, The locking mechanism is a magnetic locking mechanism.

9. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more charging modules include an array of charging ports designed to charge batteries of different manufacturer specifications, including specific rated voltages, current intensities, and physical power outlet types.

10. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, The system also includes one or more functional EV charging modules, each of which is configured with a rear universal port and a front power outlet arrangement for charging electric vehicles.

11. The modular framework system according to claim 10, wherein, The controller is also configured to monitor and control the power distribution for charging any connected electric vehicle based on reservation data received from the cloud network.

12. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to, in response to determining that one or more other frame devices are coupled to the frame device, assign one of the frame devices as a master frame device to handle communication with the cloud network, and cause the remaining frame devices in the coupled arrangement to adopt a master / slave communication protocol with the master frame device.

13. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, The power source includes a connection to the main power grid.

14. The modular framework system according to claim 1, wherein, The power source includes one or more rechargeable batteries.

15. The modular framework system according to claim 14, wherein, The controller is also configured to monitor the power usage and power level of the batteries of the other frame devices in response to determining that one or more other frame devices are connected to the frame device, and to supply power to them when their batteries are low.

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