A power bank returning method and system based on near field communication

Abstract

The application provides a power bank returning method and system based on near field communication. In the returning method, first, near field signals sent by power banks received by all positions within a preset time are acquired, then near field signals sent by target power banks are identified, and then positions to be screened that receive the near field signals of the target power banks are determined, and the positions to be screened in an idle state are determined as candidate positions; a position that receives a near field signal with the strongest RSSI is selected from the candidate positions as a target position; and position prompt information about the target position is output. In the above manner, a user can quickly find the target position to return the power bank according to the position prompt information, the time for the user to find an empty position is shortened, the returning efficiency is improved, the advantage is obvious when multiple people return at the same time, and congestion is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of power bank technology, and in particular to a method and system for returning power banks based on near-field communication. Background Technology

[0002] Shared power banks, by effectively addressing the pain point of insufficient battery life for users' mobile devices, have gradually become standard convenience facilities in various public places such as shopping malls, airports, restaurants, train stations, and subway stations, greatly satisfying users' emergency charging needs when out and about. In the current shared power bank operation system, users mainly complete the rental process by scanning the corresponding QR code on the charging cabinet, making the overall rental process relatively convenient. However, when users return the power banks after use, they often face the problem of low return efficiency. This is mainly because some charging compartments are deep, making it difficult for users to quickly locate empty compartments. In actual return, users often need to try different compartments one by one to confirm whether it is empty, which significantly prolongs the return time. Furthermore, in poor lighting conditions or when users are unfamiliar with the structure of the charging cabinets, it is also difficult to quickly and accurately identify available empty compartments. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a method and system for returning power banks based on near-field communication, which can shorten the time users spend searching for empty slots and improve return efficiency. It is particularly advantageous when multiple people are returning power banks at the same time, thus avoiding congestion.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a method for returning a power bank based on near-field communication, comprising:

[0005] Acquire near-field signals emitted by power banks received by all warehouses within a preset time period;

[0006] Identify the near-field signal emitted by the target power bank, and then determine the storage compartments to be screened that receive the near-field signal from the target power bank;

[0007] The idle positions to be screened are identified as candidate positions;

[0008] Select the position with the strongest near-field signal received from the candidate positions as the target position;

[0009] Output location information for the target position.

[0010] Furthermore, the step of selecting the position with the strongest received near-field signal from the candidate positions as the target position includes:

[0011] For each candidate position, obtain the RSSI values ​​of its most recently received near-field signals and calculate the average RSSI value;

[0012] Select the candidate position with the highest average RSSI as the target position.

[0013] Furthermore, prior to calculating the RSSI average, the following step is included:

[0014] For each RSSI value, data smoothing is performed. The smoothing formula is: RSSI-i = α * RSSI-(i-1) + (1 - α) * RSSI, where α is the smoothing coefficient, 0 < α < 1;

[0015] The step of calculating the average RSSI value includes: calculating the average value based on the RSSI value after data smoothing.

[0016] Furthermore, the step of selecting the candidate position with the highest average RSSI value as the target position includes:

[0017] If (maximum RSSI average - second largest RSSI average) > preset competitive advantage threshold, then the candidate position with the largest RSSI average is selected as the target position.

[0018] Furthermore, the step of selecting the candidate position with the highest average RSSI value as the target position includes:

[0019] If the maximum average RSSI value is greater than the preset absolute trigger threshold, then the candidate position with the largest average RSSI value is selected as the target position.

[0020] Furthermore, the step of outputting location information regarding the target position includes:

[0021] Send the ID information of the target storage space and the ID information of the target power bank to the cloud server so that the cloud server can verify whether the target storage space is available based on the ID information of the target storage space, and verify whether the target power bank is rented based on the ID information of the target power bank.

[0022] Receive recommendation instructions sent by the cloud server after verifying that the target storage space is available and the target power bank is rented;

[0023] The recommended instructions will output location information for the target position.

[0024] Furthermore, the step of outputting location information regarding the target position includes:

[0025] The indicator light corresponding to the target position emits a flashing light or a constant light of a preset color; and / or broadcasts a prompt sound; and / or displays an indicator arrow on the screen to guide the location of the target position.

[0026] Furthermore, the near-field signal is a Bluetooth signal, an NFC signal, or a UWB signal.

[0027] This invention also provides a power bank return system based on near-field communication, including a charging cabinet and power banks. The charging cabinet has multiple compartments for placing power banks. The charging cabinet includes:

[0028] The acquisition module is used to acquire near-field signals emitted by power banks received by all storage units within a preset time period;

[0029] The first determining module is used to identify the near-field signal emitted by the target power bank, and then determine the storage compartment to be screened that receives the near-field signal from the target power bank.

[0030] The second determining module is used to determine the idle warehouses to be screened as candidate warehouses;

[0031] The selection module is used to select the candidate warehouse with the strongest near-field signal received from RSSI as the target warehouse.

[0032] The output module is used to output location information about the target position.

[0033] Furthermore, it also includes a cloud server, and the charging cabinet further includes a transmitting module and a receiving module;

[0034] The sending module is used to send the ID information of the target warehouse and the ID information of the target power bank to the cloud server;

[0035] The cloud server is used to verify whether the target compartment is vacant based on the ID information of the target compartment, and to verify whether the target power bank is rented based on the ID information of the target power bank. After verifying that the target compartment is vacant and the target power bank is rented, the server sends a recommendation instruction to the charging cabinet.

[0036] After receiving the recommendation instruction, the receiving module controls the output module to output location prompt information about the target position;

[0037] The cloud server is also used to communicate with mobile terminals and, while sending recommendation instructions to the charging cabinet, pushes location information of the target compartment to the mobile terminal.

[0038] Beneficial Effects: The present invention provides a power bank return method based on near-field communication. First, it acquires the near-field signals received by all power banks within a preset time period. Then, it identifies the near-field signal emitted by the target power bank, thereby determining the power banks that receive the target power bank's near-field signal and identifying idle power banks as candidate power banks. From the candidate power banks, it selects the power bank with the strongest received near-field signal (RSSI) as the target power bank. Finally, it outputs location information about the target power bank. Through this method, users can quickly find the target power bank to return it based on the location information, shortening the time spent searching for an empty power bank and improving return efficiency. This is especially advantageous when multiple users are returning power banks simultaneously, avoiding congestion. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The technical solution and its beneficial effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the power bank return method based on near-field communication provided by the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the present invention providing location information about the target position;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a power bank return system based on near-field communication provided by the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the power bank return system based on near-field communication provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Please refer to the diagrams, where the same component symbols represent the same components. The principles of the invention are illustrated by way of example implemented in a suitable computing environment. The following description is based on the illustrative specific embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention to other specific embodiments not detailed herein.

[0045] This invention provides a method and system for returning power banks based on near-field communication. This method automatically establishes a communication link between the power bank and an empty compartment in the charging cabinet when a user approaches the cabinet with the power bank. It then provides clear return instructions to the user through various means such as sound, light, and electricity, enabling one-click accurate return and greatly improving user experience and efficiency. The return system of this invention includes a charging cabinet and a power bank, and may further include a cloud server.

[0046] Specifically, see Figure 1This invention provides a method for returning a power bank based on near-field communication, comprising the following steps:

[0047] Step S101: Obtain the near-field signals emitted by the power banks received by all compartments within a preset time period.

[0048] The near-field signal can be a Bluetooth signal, an NFC signal, or a UWB signal. Specifically, the power bank has a built-in near-field communication module, such as a Bluetooth module, an NFC (Near Field Communication) module, or a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) module. This near-field communication module has a unique device ID and can continuously or intermittently broadcast its own signal. Taking a Bluetooth module as an example, the power bank has a built-in low-power Bluetooth chip (such as the nRF52832) that acts as a slave device, continuously broadcasting a data packet containing its unique ID. The broadcast power is adjustable to ensure stable reception within a 5-meter range.

[0049] The charging cabinet includes a main control unit, multiple charging compartments, and a compartment communication module independently configured for each compartment. Each compartment communication module can scan and identify near-field signals broadcast by nearby power banks, and the location of the compartment communication module is bound to a specific physical compartment. For example, each compartment integrates a Bluetooth scanner that can simultaneously scan the broadcast signals of multiple power banks and report the scanned signal strength values ​​to the cabinet's main control unit (such as an embedded Linux motherboard).

[0050] When a user brings a rented power bank into the communication range of the charging station's communication module (e.g., 5-10 meters), the power bank automatically powers on and begins broadcasting its ID near-field signal. The communication modules in each charging station scan and receive the near-field signal broadcast by the power bank. The main control unit collects the scan data reported by all charging stations within a time window (e.g., the most recent 3 seconds), meaning the main control unit collects the near-field signals emitted by the power banks received by all charging stations within a preset time period, such as the most recent 3 seconds.

[0051] Step S102: Identify the near-field signal emitted by the target power bank, and then determine the storage compartments to be screened that receive the near-field signal from the target power bank.

[0052] Each power bank has a unique device ID, and the near-field signal it emits is also unique. By identifying the near-field signal emitted by the target power bank, the location that receives the near-field signal from the target power bank can be determined, thus obtaining the location to be screened.

[0053] Step S103: Identify the idle positions to be screened as candidate positions.

[0054] Select positions that are "idle" from the positions to be screened to form a candidate position list.

[0055] Step S104: Select the position with the strongest near-field signal of RSSI received from the candidate positions as the target position.

[0056] Step S105: Output location information for the target position.

[0057] In this embodiment of the invention, the compartment with the strongest received near-field signal of RSSI is determined as the optimal recommended compartment. By outputting location prompt information about the optimal recommended compartment, users can quickly find the target compartment to return the power bank. This can shorten the time users spend searching for an empty compartment and improve return efficiency. It is especially advantageous when multiple people are returning the power bank at the same time, thus avoiding congestion.

[0058] In this embodiment of the invention, the step of selecting the position with the strongest received near-field signal from the candidate positions as the target position includes:

[0059] For each candidate position, obtain the RSSI values ​​of its most recently received near-field signals and calculate the average RSSI value; select the candidate position with the largest average RSSI value as the target position.

[0060] Optionally, the following steps may be included before calculating the RSSI average:

[0061] For each RSSI value, data smoothing is performed. The smoothing formula is: RSSI-i = α * RSSI-(i-1)+ (1 - α) * RSSI, where α is the smoothing coefficient, 0<α<1.

[0062] Digital filters, such as first-order lag filtering, can be used to smooth the data. The current RSSI value requiring smoothing is denoted as RSSI, RSSI-i represents the smoothed RSSI value, and RSS-(i-1) represents the smoothed RSSI value from the previous time step. α is the smoothing coefficient; the closer its value is to 1, the stronger the smoothing effect and the slower the response.

[0063] The steps for calculating the average RSSI value include: calculating the average value based on the RSSI value after data smoothing, i.e., calculating the average value based on RSSI-i.

[0064] Furthermore, to avoid misjudging between two positions with similar signal strengths, a "competitive advantage threshold" is introduced. Specifically, the steps for selecting the candidate position with the highest average RSSI as the target position include:

[0065] If (maximum RSSI average - second largest RSSI average) > preset competitive advantage threshold, then the candidate position with the largest RSSI average is selected as the target position; otherwise, the current positioning is considered ambiguous, and no prompt is triggered, i.e., no location prompt information is output, and the next sampling data is waited for a judgment.

[0066] Furthermore, even if a certain position has a clear advantage, but its received signal absolute value is too weak (e.g., RSSI average value < -80 dBm), it indicates that the power bank is still far away. In this case, triggering a prompt is premature. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, an absolute trigger threshold is set. Specifically, the step of selecting the candidate position with the largest RSSI average value as the target position includes:

[0067] If the maximum average RSSI value is greater than the preset absolute trigger threshold, the candidate position with the highest average RSSI value will be selected as the target position. The absolute trigger threshold could be, for example, -75 dBm. This means that the target position will only be determined as the best recommended position and a prompt will be triggered if the maximum average RSSI value is greater than the absolute trigger threshold. Otherwise, the current positioning is considered ambiguous, and no prompt will be triggered until the next sampling data is collected for a final judgment.

[0068] like Figure 2 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, the step of outputting location prompt information about the target position includes:

[0069] Step S201: Send the ID information of the target storage space and the ID information of the target power bank to the cloud server so that the cloud server can verify whether the target storage space is available based on the ID information of the target storage space, and verify whether the target power bank is rented based on the ID information of the target power bank.

[0070] The cloud server records the rental status (rented / not rented) of all power banks and the idle status (available / fully occupied) of all charging slots, and can interact with the mobile app for data exchange.

[0071] Step S202: Receive the recommendation instruction sent by the cloud server after verifying that the target storage space is in an idle state and the target power bank is in a rented state.

[0072] Step S203: Output location information for the target position according to the recommended instructions.

[0073] Therefore, multiple checks are performed by the cloud server before the device is returned, such as checking the status of the power bank and the storage space, to avoid equipment failure and billing errors caused by incorrect returns.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, the step of outputting location information about the target position includes:

[0075] The indicator light corresponding to the target position emits a flashing light or a constant light of a preset color; and / or broadcasts a prompt sound; and / or displays an indicator arrow on the screen to guide the location of the target position.

[0076] In other words, there are multiple ways to output location information for the target compartment. For example, the indicator light of the target compartment can flash or remain constantly lit in a specific color, such as blue, while a prompt tone such as "Please return it here" can be broadcast. Alternatively, a display screen can be installed on the charging cabinet to show directional arrows to guide the target compartment's location. Furthermore, after the cloud server sends a recommendation instruction, a push notification can be sent to the mobile app, with the message content being: "Please return the power bank to the second compartment with the flashing blue light in the third row," or the target compartment can be highlighted on the virtual cabinet map within the app. Further, the power bank's own miniature speaker can emit a "beep" sound, with the sound frequency increasing the closer it is to the target compartment.

[0077] When a user places the target power bank into the designated storage compartment according to the location prompts, the storage compartment detects the physical connection, and the charging cabinet sends a signal to the cloud server indicating successful return. The cloud server then completes the order settlement and resets the status of the target power bank and the storage compartment.

[0078] See Figure 3 This invention also provides a power bank return system based on near-field communication for executing the above-described power bank return method. The return system includes a charging cabinet 30 and a power bank 31. The charging cabinet 30 is provided with multiple compartments for placing power banks. The charging cabinet 30 includes an acquisition module 301, a first determination module 302, a second determination module 303, a selection module 304, and an output module 305.

[0079] The acquisition module 301 is used to acquire the near-field signals emitted by power banks received by all storage units within a preset time period; the first determination module 302 is used to identify the near-field signal emitted by the target power bank, and then determine the storage unit to be screened that receives the near-field signal of the target power bank; the second determination module 303 is used to determine the storage units to be screened in the idle state as candidate storage units; the selection module 304 is used to select the storage unit with the strongest received near-field signal from the candidate storage units as the target storage unit; and the output module 305 is used to output location prompt information about the target storage unit.

[0080] The power bank return system of this invention determines the compartment with the strongest near-field signal received from RSSI as the optimal recommended compartment. By outputting location information about the optimal recommended compartment, users can quickly find the target compartment to return the power bank. This can shorten the time users spend searching for an empty compartment and improve return efficiency. It is especially advantageous when multiple people are returning the power bank at the same time, thus avoiding congestion.

[0081] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 As shown, the return system also includes a cloud server 32, and the charging cabinet 30 also includes a sending module 306 and a receiving module 305.

[0082] The sending module 306 is used to send the ID information of the target storage compartment and the ID information of the target power bank to the cloud server; the cloud server 32 is used to verify whether the target storage compartment is vacant based on the ID information of the target storage compartment, and to verify whether the target power bank is rented based on the ID information of the target power bank, and sends a recommendation instruction to the charging cabinet 30 after verifying that the target storage compartment is vacant and the target power bank is rented; after receiving the recommendation instruction, the receiving module 305 controls the output module 305 to output location prompt information about the target storage compartment; the cloud server 32 is also used to communicate with the mobile terminal 33, and pushes the location prompt information of the target storage compartment to the mobile terminal 33 at the same time as sending the recommendation instruction to the charging cabinet 30.

[0083] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for returning a power bank based on near field communication, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: acquiring near field signals sent by power banks received by all positions within a preset time; identifying the near field signal sent by the target power bank, and determining the to-be-screened position receiving the near field signal of the target power bank; determining the to-be-screened position in an idle state as a candidate position; selecting the position receiving the near field signal with the strongest RSSI from the candidate positions as a target position; outputting position prompt information about the target position, specifically including: sending ID information of the target position and ID information of the target power bank to a cloud server, so that the cloud server checks whether the target position is in an idle state according to the ID information of the target position, and checks whether the target power bank is in a rented state according to the ID information of the target power bank; receiving a recommendation instruction sent by the cloud server after checking that the target position is in an idle state and the target power bank is in a rented state; and outputting the position prompt information about the target position according to the recommendation instruction. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of selecting the position receiving the near field signal with the strongest RSSI from the candidate positions as a target position comprises the following steps: for each candidate position, acquiring RSSI values of multiple near field signals recently received by the candidate position, and calculating an RSSI average value; selecting the candidate position with the largest RSSI average value as the target position. 3.The method of claim 2, wherein, Before the step of calculating the RSSI average value, the method further comprises the following steps: performing data smoothing processing on each RSSI value, and the formula for the smoothing processing is: RSSI-i = α * RSSI-(i-1)+ (1 - α) * RSSI, wherein α is a smoothing coefficient, and 0 < α < 1; the step of calculating the RSSI average value comprises calculating the average value according to the RSSI values after the data smoothing processing. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein, The step of selecting the candidate position with the largest RSSI average value as the target position comprises the following steps: if (the largest RSSI average value - the second largest RSSI average value) > a preset competitive advantage threshold, then selecting the candidate position with the largest RSSI average value as the target position. 5.The method of claim 2, wherein, The step of selecting the candidate position with the largest RSSI average value as the target position comprises the following steps: if the largest RSSI average value is greater than a preset absolute trigger threshold, then selecting the candidate position with the largest RSSI average value as the target position. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein, The step of outputting the position prompt information about the target position comprises the following steps: making the indicator light corresponding to the target position emit a flashing light or a constant light of a preset color; and / or broadcasting a prompt sound; and / or displaying an indicator arrow on a display screen to indicate the position of the target position. 7.The method of claim 1, wherein, The near field signal is a Bluetooth signal, an NFC signal, or a UWB signal.

8. A power bank returning system based on near field communication, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: a cloud server, a charging cabinet, and a power bank, wherein the charging cabinet is provided with a plurality of positions for placing the power bank, and the charging cabinet comprises: an acquisition module, configured to acquire near field signals sent by power banks received by all positions within a preset time; a first determination module, configured to identify the near field signal sent by the target power bank, and determine a to-be-screened position receiving the near field signal of the target power bank; a second determination module, configured to determine the to-be-screened position in an idle state as a candidate position; a third determination module, configured to select the position receiving the near field signal with the strongest RSSI from the candidate positions as a target position; The selecting module is configured to select a position with the strongest received near-field signal from the candidate positions as a target position; The output module is configured to output position prompt information about the target position; The charging cabinet further comprises a sending module and a receiving module; The sending module is configured to send ID information of the target position and ID information of the target power bank to a cloud server; The cloud server is configured to check whether the target position is in an idle state according to the ID information of the target position, and check whether the target power bank is in a rented state according to the ID information of the target power bank, and send a recommendation instruction to the charging cabinet after checking that the target position is in the idle state and the target power bank is in the rented state; After the receiving module receives the recommendation instruction, the output module is controlled to output the position prompt information about the target position. 9.The power bank return system based on near field communication of claim 8, wherein, The cloud server is further configured to be in communication connection with a mobile terminal, and push the position prompt information about the target position to the mobile terminal at the same time when the recommendation instruction is sent to the charging cabinet.

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