Configurable sharing device and related methods

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to configurable sharing device and related methods. In embodiments, a configurable sharing device is provided, comprising a base function module, one or more adaptation interfaces for connecting one or more optional function modules, an input for receiving configuration data for configuring the optional function modules, and a controller for enabling at least one of the one or more adaptation interfaces based on the configuration data to enable the connection of the one or more optional function modules to the adaptation interface, wherein the device enables the connection of the optional function modules to the adaptation interface based on the configuration data to provide one or more sharable functions according to different requirements.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on January 14, 2020, with application number 202010034461.6 and invention title "Configurable Shared Device and Related Method". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to shared devices. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, with the development of mobile internet and the country's advocacy of environmental protection, the sharing economy has gradually flourished. To meet the basic needs of users, various sharing technologies have emerged, such as shared power banks, shared bicycles, and shared umbrellas.

[0004] However, there remains a need to improve existing shared facilities. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide a shared device that can meet multiple different needs that vary depending on different scenarios.

[0006] This disclosure relates to a configurable sharing device, comprising: a basic functional module; one or more adapter interfaces for connecting one or more optional functional modules; an input terminal for receiving configuration data for configuring the optional functional modules; and a controller for enabling at least one of the one or more adapter interfaces based on the configuration data, thereby enabling one or more optional functional modules connected to the adapter interfaces; wherein the device enables the optional functional modules connected to the adapter interfaces based on the configuration data to provide one or more shareable functions according to different needs.

[0007] This disclosure also relates to a method for providing a configurable shared device, the method comprising: providing basic functional modules; providing one or more adapter interfaces for connecting one or more optional functional modules; receiving configuration data for configuring optional functional modules via an input terminal; and enabling at least one of the one or more adapter interfaces via a controller based on the configuration data, thereby enabling one or more optional functional modules connected to the adapter interfaces.

[0008] The above overview is provided merely to offer a basic understanding of the various aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, the technical features in the above solutions are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] A better understanding of this disclosure can be obtained by considering the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote the same or similar parts and operations. Wherein:

[0010] Figure 1 A configurable shared device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 1 The shared device is obtained by configuring the configurable shared device shown in the figure.

[0012] Figure 3 An embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 1 The shared device is obtained by configuring the configurable shared device shown in the figure.

[0013] Figure 4 An embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 1 The shared device is obtained by configuring the configurable shared device shown in the figure.

[0014] Figure 5 A method for providing a configurable shared device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The following describes specific examples of devices and methods, etc., according to this disclosure. These examples are described only to provide context and aid in understanding the described embodiments. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments described below can be practiced without some or all of the specific details described. In other instances, well-known operations are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the described embodiments. Other applications are also possible, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples.

[0016] Figure 1 A configurable shared device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The shared device includes a basic functional module 101. This basic functional module provides necessary support for the normal operation of the configurable shared device 100. For example, the basic functional module includes a power supply for supplying power to the shared device 100. Additionally, the basic functional module may also include a communication module for enabling the shared device 100 to communicate with external devices.

[0017] The shared device also includes one or more adapter interfaces 104-1, 104-2, 104-3…104-n, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, for connecting one or more optional functional modules. These adapter interfaces include, but are not limited to, USB interfaces or serial interfaces.

[0018] The shared device also includes an input terminal 103 for receiving configuration data for configuring optional function modules. This input terminal can be in the form of a keypad or a user interface that receives user input. Various forms of configuration data can be received through this input terminal.

[0019] The shared device 100 also includes a controller 102 for enabling at least one of the one or more adapter interfaces 104-1, 104-2, 104-3…104-n based on configuration data, thereby enabling one or more optional functional modules connected to the adapter interfaces. An input port 103 is connected to the controller 102 so that the controller 102 can obtain configuration data from the input port 103. The controller 102 is connected to one or more adapter interfaces 104-1, 104-2, 104-3…104-n so that the controller 102 can enable one or more adapter interfaces 104-1, 104-2, 104-3…104-n according to the configuration data.

[0020] The controller 102 can be any processor that can be used to process information, such as a microprocessor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, multi-core processor, dedicated processor, etc.

[0021] The shared device 100 enables optional functional modules 105-1, 105-2, 105-3...105-n to connect to one or more of the adapter interfaces 104-1, 104-2, 104-3...104-n based on configuration data, so as to provide one or more shareable functions according to different needs.

[0022] For example, optional functional modules may include a wireless network module. By enabling the wireless network module, the sharing device 100 can provide the function of connecting other devices to the wireless network.

[0023] Optional functional modules may also include a near-field communication module. By enabling this near-field communication module, the shared device 100 can, for example, provide contactless payment functionality.

[0024] Optional functional modules may also include a USB charging module. By enabling this USB charging module, the sharing device 100 can, for example, provide the ability to charge other devices via USB.

[0025] Optional functional modules may also include a five-hole module. By enabling this five-hole module, the shared device 100 can, for example, provide the ability to charge other devices via a five-hole socket.

[0026] Optional functional modules may also include a billing module. This billing module can charge for the use of other optional functional modules. For example, the billing module can provide different billing models based on the type of optional functional module, for billing the use of said optional functional module. Different billing models may include billing by usage, billing by time, billing by usage amount, and billing based on other rules based on usage time and usage amount.

[0027] For example, for wireless network modules, the billing module can charge based on the amount of data used or the duration of use. The billing module can also set different charges per unit of data for different time periods. For instance, from midnight to 5 a.m., the billing module can set a lower charge per unit of data compared to other time periods.

[0028] Optional functional modules may also include a positioning module, which provides location information of the user of the positioning module.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above is merely an exemplary list of some optional functional modules, and any module capable of providing sharing functionality can be used in the configurable sharing device involved in this disclosure.

[0030] The communication module in the basic function module of the configurable sharing device 100 can be used to send the usage status of one or more shareable functions provided by the sharing device 100.

[0031] The following will provide examples of shared devices configured with different configuration data, based on specific use cases. Those skilled in the art will understand that only a portion of the configuration data that may be used is shown here as an example; however, different configuration data can be set according to different scenarios to complete the configuration of the shared device.

[0032] Figure 2 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1The configurable shared device shown is a configured device 200 for use in airports. For example, in airports with high passenger flow, a shared device can be configured with two wireless network function modules 205-1 and 205-2, five charging modules 205-3 to 205-7, and one metering module 205-8. Configuration data for configuring the shared modules as described above is input to the shared device 200 from input terminal 103. The controller 102 enables the adapter interface corresponding to the selected optional function module based on the configuration data input from input terminal 103, allowing the optional function module to connect to the corresponding adapter interface. The configured shared device 200 provides functions for connecting other devices to the wireless network, charging other devices, and billing for the use of the wireless network and charging functions. The billing module can bill usage based on usage time.

[0033] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the configurable shared device provided by the present invention can provide personalized shared devices with different functions, which greatly meets the different needs of different scenarios and provides technical support for the better development of the sharing economy.

[0034] Figure 3 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The configurable shared device 300 shown is a configured device for use in a restaurant. For example, in a restaurant setting, in addition to wireless network functionality, charging functionality, and metering functionality, a payment function may also be needed to facilitate customer spending. Therefore, the configured shared device 300 for a restaurant can be configured with a wireless network module 305-1, four charging modules 305-2 to 305-5, a metering module 305-6, and a near-field communication module 305-7. Configuration data for configuring the shared modules as described above is input to the shared device 300 from input terminal 103. The controller 102 enables the adapter interface corresponding to the selected optional function module based on the configuration data input from input terminal 103, allowing the optional function module to connect to the corresponding adapter interface. The configured shared device 300 can provide the function of connecting other devices to the wireless network, the function of charging other devices, and the function of billing for the use of the wireless network and charging functions. In addition, the configured shared device 300 used in restaurants can also provide payment functionality via a near-field communication module, allowing people to pay for their meals in the restaurant.

[0035] In the configured shared equipment 300 used in restaurants, the billing module can calculate charges based on a combination of usage time and data usage or electricity usage to guide people to avoid peak dining hours. For example, a higher weighting factor can be used for billing shared equipment during peak hours, while a lower weighting factor can be used for billing shared equipment during off-peak hours, to guide people to use shared equipment rationally and avoid queuing and inconvenience.

[0036] Figure 4 An embodiment according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 The configurable shared device shown is a configured device 400 for use in an amusement park. For example, in a playground with a large number of children and parents, a shared device 400 can be configured with a wireless network module 405-1, two charging modules 405-2 and 405-3, a metering module 405-4, a positioning module 405-5, and a near-field communication module 405-6. Configuration data for configuring the shared modules as described above is input to the shared device 400 from input terminal 103. The controller 102 enables the adapter interface corresponding to the selected optional function module based on the configuration data input from input terminal 103, allowing the optional function module to connect to the corresponding adapter interface. The configured shared device 400 provides functions such as connecting other devices to the wireless network, charging other devices, billing for the use of the wireless network and charging functions, providing location information to users of the positioning module, and payment via the near-field communication module. The payment via the near-field communication module is used for people to pay for their purchases in the amusement park.

[0037] In the configured shared equipment 400 used in playgrounds, the billing module can implement tiered billing based on data usage for wireless network use. That is, a lower fee is charged for the first tier of usage, while a higher fee is charged for continued use of the wireless network beyond the first tier, encouraging parents to spend more time with their children.

[0038] In the configured shared equipment 400 used in playgrounds, the positioning module can provide location information of users using the positioning module's function. For example, parents at the playground can use the positioning module of the shared equipment to obtain the location information of their children playing in the playground, allowing them to better supervise their children.

[0039] The billing module of this shared device can charge for the use of the positioning module based on the number of uses, for example, charging once per rental and return. Therefore, the billing module can pilot different billing models for different types of optional functional modules and application scenarios to meet the different needs of different scenarios.

[0040] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the configurable sharing device provided by the present invention can provide sharing modules with different configurations according to different scenarios. For example, in the embodiments exemplified above, managers of airports, restaurants, and amusement parks can first input configuration data to achieve their respective functional requirements into the configurable sharing device provided by the present invention. Then, the configurable sharing device is configured through a controller. Managers of airports, restaurants, and amusement parks use the configured sharing device in their respective scenarios to provide one or more sharing functions for different groups of people, such as access to wireless networks or charging of devices. Managers of airports, restaurants, and amusement parks can also modify the configuration data and reconfigure the sharing device according to usage to meet changes in usage scenarios.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that the limitations on the types and numbers of various optional functional modules in the above embodiments are merely exemplary and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can modify the types and numbers of the above optional functional modules without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0042] Figure 5 A method for providing a configurable shared device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated.

[0043] In step 501, basic functional modules are provided.

[0044] In step 502, one or more adapter interfaces are provided for connecting one or more optional functional modules.

[0045] In step 503, configuration data for the optional function modules is received via the input terminal.

[0046] In step 504, at least one of the one or more adapter interfaces is enabled by the controller based on configuration data, thereby enabling one or more optional functional modules to connect to the adapter interface.

[0047] 1. A configurable sharing device, the device comprising: a basic functional module; one or more adapter interfaces for connecting one or more optional functional modules; an input terminal for receiving configuration data for configuring the optional functional modules; and a controller for enabling at least one of the one or more adapter interfaces based on the configuration data, thereby enabling one or more optional functional modules connected to the adapter interfaces; wherein the device enables the optional functional modules connected to the adapter interfaces based on the configuration data to provide one or more shareable functions according to different needs.

[0048] 2. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein the basic functional module includes a power supply for powering the device.

[0049] 3. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein the basic functional module includes a communication module for communicating with external devices.

[0050] 4. The configurable sharing device according to 3, wherein the communication module is used to transmit the usage information of one or more shareable functions provided by the device.

[0051] 5. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein one or more adapter interfaces include a USB interface or a serial interface.

[0052] 6. The configurable sharing device according to claim 1, wherein optional functional modules include a wireless network module.

[0053] 7. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein optional functional modules include a near-field communication module.

[0054] 8. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein optional functional modules include a USB charging module.

[0055] 9. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein optional functional modules include a five-hole module.

[0056] 10. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein optional functional modules include a metering module.

[0057] 11. The configurable shared device according to 10, wherein the metering module provides different metering modes for metering the use of the optional functional modules according to the type of optional functional modules.

[0058] 12. The configurable shared device according to claim 1, wherein optional functional modules include a positioning module.

[0059] 13. A method for providing a configurable shared device, the method comprising:

[0060] Provides basic functional modules;

[0061] Provide one or more adapter interfaces for connecting one or more optional functional modules;

[0062] Receive configuration data for optional function modules through the input terminal; and

[0063] The controller enables at least one of the one or more adapter interfaces based on configuration data, thereby enabling one or more optional functional modules connected to the adapter interface.

[0064] 14. The method of 13, wherein the basic functional module includes a power supply for powering the shared device.

[0065] 15. The method according to 13, wherein the basic functional module includes a communication module for communicating with external devices.

[0066] 16. The method according to 15, wherein the communication module is used to send information on the use of one or more shareable functions provided by the shared device.

[0067] 17. The method of 13, wherein one or more adapter interfaces include a USB interface or a serial interface.

[0068] 18. The method according to 13, wherein optional functional modules include a wireless network module.

[0069] 19. The method according to 13, wherein optional functional modules include a near-field communication module.

[0070] 20. The method according to 13, wherein the optional functional module includes a USB charging module.

[0071] 21. The method according to 13, wherein the optional functional module includes a five-hole module.

[0072] 22. The method according to 13, wherein the optional functional modules include a metering module.

[0073] 24. The method according to 22, wherein the metering module provides different metering modes for metering the use of the optional functional modules according to the type of the optional functional modules.

[0074] 25. The method according to 13, wherein the optional functional modules include a positioning module.

[0075] This disclosure includes, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, components, methods, processes, systems, and / or apparatuses substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand how to make and use the systems and methods disclosed herein after understanding this disclosure. In various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, this disclosure includes apparatuses and processes that provide the absence of items not depicted and / or described herein, or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects herein, the absence of items that might have already been used in prior apparatuses or processes, for example, to improve performance, ease of implementation, and / or reduce implementation costs.

[0076] Furthermore, while the description of this disclosure includes descriptions of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects, certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are also within the scope of this disclosure, for example, which may be within the scope of the technology and knowledge of those skilled in the art after understanding this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to provide a right that includes alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects within the permissible scope, including alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps to those claimed, regardless of whether such alternative, interchangeable, and / or equivalent structures, functions, scopes, or steps are specifically described herein. This document is not intended to publicly contribute any patentable technical solutions.

Claims

1. A shared device with optional configurations for different scenario variations, the device comprising: The basic function module includes a power supply for powering the shared device and a communication module for communicating with external devices. The communication module is used to send information about the usage of multiple shareable functions provided by the shared device. Multiple adapter interfaces are provided for connecting multiple different optional functional modules, including USB interfaces or serial interfaces. The input terminal is used to receive configuration data for selecting multiple different optional functional modules; as well as The controller is configured to enable a corresponding adapter interface among the plurality of adapter interfaces based on configuration data input from the input terminal, thereby enabling multiple different optional functional modules connected to the adapter interface to provide one or more shareable functions according to different scenario requirements. The optional functional modules include one or a combination of the following: Wireless network module; Positioning module; Charging module; Five-hole socket module; The near-field communication module is used to provide contactless payment functionality for at least one of the aforementioned wireless network module, positioning module, five-hole socket module, and / or charging module; and / or A metering module, wherein the metering module provides metering modes for different scenarios based on the type of optional functional modules to measure the use of the optional functional modules, thereby providing constraints on the user's use of the optional functional modules, wherein the constraints include: Usage is billed based on a combination of usage time and data usage or electricity usage. or The use of wireless network functionality is billed in tiers based on data usage. Higher charges are applied for continued use of the wireless network functionality module beyond the first tier.

2. A method for providing optional configuration shared devices for different scenario changes, the method comprising: A basic functional module is provided, which includes a power supply for powering the shared device and a communication module for communicating with external devices. The communication module is used to send information on the usage of multiple shareable functions provided by the shared device. It provides multiple adapter interfaces for connecting to various optional functional modules, including USB or serial interfaces. The system receives configuration data for selecting multiple different optional function modules via the input terminal. as well as The corresponding adapter interface among the plurality of adapter interfaces is enabled by the configuration data input from the input terminal through the controller, so that multiple different optional functional modules connected to the adapter interface can be enabled to provide one or more shareable functions according to different scenario requirements, wherein The optional functional modules include one or a combination of the following: Wireless network module; Positioning module; Charging module; Five-hole socket module; The near-field communication module is used to provide contactless payment functionality for at least one of the aforementioned wireless network module, positioning module, five-hole socket module, and / or charging module; and / or A metering module, wherein the metering module provides metering modes for different scenarios based on the type of optional functional modules to measure the use of the optional functional modules, thereby providing constraints on the user's use of the optional functional modules, wherein the constraints include: Usage is billed based on a combination of usage time and data usage or electricity usage. or The use of wireless network functionality is billed in tiers based on data usage. Higher charges are applied for continued use of the wireless network functionality module beyond the first tier.

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