Modular power strip modules, modular power strips, and methods for selecting modular power strip modules

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a modular power tap module comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, the module comprising one or more output interfaces, each output interface comprising a module identification transmitter, an output AC power connection, and an output data bus, an input interface comprising a module identification receiver, an input AC power connection, and an input data bus, the input interfaces configured to be connected to the output interfaces of a neighboring module of the plurality of interconnectable modules, the one or more output interfaces configured to be connected to the input interfaces of the neighboring module of the plurality of interconnectable modules, the module identification transmitter of each of the one or more output interfaces configured to transmit a module identifier of the module to the neighboring module connected to the output interface, the module identification receiver of the input interface configured to detect the module identifier of the neighboring module connected to the input interface, the module further comprising a control unit configured to perform a neighbor detection function configured to record the module identifier of the neighboring module connected to the one or more output interfaces of the module or the input interfaces of the module.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of power strips. More particularly, the present invention relates to modules for modular power strips, modular power strips, and related methods. [Background technology]

[0002] Power strips have been widely used for a long time in homes, offices, industries, public spaces, etc. Society is becoming more and more dependent on electricity to power electrical devices such as appliances, computers, phones, and tablets. The need for power strips or other methods to make the power grid more accessible also increases.

[0003] While the power strip as we know it hasn't changed much over the years, user needs are changing: a growing variety of electronic devices, for example, requires greater flexibility when it comes to charging options, and the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) demands new types of functionality.

[0004] Thus, there is a need for improvements regarding improved functionality of power strips as well as mitigating problems caused by these new functionalities of power strips.

[0005] Summary of the Invention In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved modularity of a modular power strip comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules.

[0006] The inventors have realized a module and a modular power strip with multiple modules that have improved modularity and effectiveness in terms of data communication and power consumption. The concept of the present invention is based on a modular power strip that does not have a master module. Instead, the modules of the modular power strip can enable decentralized communication and control. This allows for efficient use of data communication. At the same time, it can facilitate easy setup and use for users of the modular power strip.

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided a module configured to form part of a modular power strip comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, the module comprising one or more output interfaces, each output interface comprising a module identification transmitter, an output AC power connection and an output data bus, an input interface comprising a module identification receiver, an input AC power connection and an input data bus, the input interfaces configured to be connected to the output interfaces of a neighboring module of the plurality of interconnectable modules, the one or more output interfaces configured to be connected to the input interfaces of the neighboring module of the plurality of interconnectable modules, the module identification transmitter of each of the one or more output interfaces configured to transmit a module identifier uniquely identifying the module to the neighboring module connected to the output interface, the module identification receiver of the input interface configured to detect the module identifier of the neighboring module connected to the input interface, the module further comprising a control unit configured to perform a neighbor detection function configured to record the module identifiers of the one or more output interfaces of the module and / or the one or more neighboring modules connected to the input interfaces of the module.

[0008] The term "output interface" as used herein means an output connectable to an input interface of another module. Correspondingly, the term "input interface" as used herein means an input connectable to an output interface of another module. The output interface and the input interface may together form a data link or data pass-through between two modules, for example, by means of a data bus and a module identification transmitter and receiver, respectively. The output interface and the input interface may together form a power pass-through, for example, by means of an output and an input AC power connection, respectively.

[0009] The output interface of one module is preferably physically connectable to the input interface of another module. Thus, a modular power strip may be assembled. The physical connection between the two modules may be a releasable physical connection. Thus, rearrangement of the modules may be performed.

[0010] The module may include multiple output interfaces, each including a module identification transmitter, an output AC power connection, and an output data bus.

[0011] The output and input interfaces of the modules allow power sourced from an adjacent module connected to an input interface to be passed to any adjacent modules connected to one or more output interfaces. Thus, a modular power strip with multiple interconnectable modules need only have a single input power cord. Additionally, data may be transmitted between modules via the input and output interfaces.

[0012] The term "module identifier" as used herein means a unique identifier for a module. The module identifier may include additional information about the module.

[0013] The expression "recording a module identifier" means herein to store the module identifiers of current neighboring modules, and therefore to update the record when neighboring modules are added or removed.

[0014] A module may have the ability to detect all its neighbors and their locations within a modular power strip, and detect the setup of the modular power strip. Without requiring manual configuration or setup by a user, a module may communicate its module identifier (e.g., its capabilities if communicating with other devices) to other modules of the modular power strip. This may be advantageous in that a module may be used alone or in any combination with other modules.

[0015] A module may be provided with a single input interface, making it easy to record the layout of a modular power strip that includes multiple modules.

[0016] The module may comprise one or more external interfaces selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wireless network unit, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit and a loudspeaker unit. Thus, a modular power strip may be formed by a number of different modules, each with its own characteristics.

[0017] The term "external interface" is used herein to refer to any form of functional feature of a module. An interface may be "external" in the sense of interacting with an external device or user of the module. As noted above, an external interface may be, for example, an AC or DC power outlet configured to accept an external electrical cable. As another non-limiting example, an external interface may provide information to a user or may be an ON / OFF switch operable by a user.

[0018] The term "type of module" may be used below to refer to modules having different external interfaces, i.e. different types of external interfaces.

[0019] AC power outlets, DC power outlets, and inductive chargers may provide various methods of powering devices connected to the module.

[0020] The wireless network unit and the wired network unit may provide various ways of amplifying or providing a network connection, for example an Internet connection.

[0021] The module may comprise two or more external interfaces selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wireless network unit, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit and a loudspeaker unit.

[0022] A module may have two or more external interfaces of the same type. A module may have two or more external interfaces of different types.

[0023] For example, the module may comprise a first external interface in the form of a wired / wireless network unit and a second external interface selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit and a loudspeaker unit.

[0024] The module identifier may include information about the characteristics of the module.

[0025] The characteristics of a module may include metadata, information about the module such as what type of module it is (eg, what external interfaces it has), how the module communicates, the operating conditions of the module, etc.

[0026] The module identifier may include information regarding the status of the module. The module identifier may include information regarding which external interface or interfaces the module comprises. The module identifier may include information regarding which type of communication protocol the first external interface uses.

[0027] The module may comprise a power measurement unit configured to measure the power consumption of the module and any device connected to the module via the module's AC power outlet, DC power outlet or inductive charger. The power measurement unit may be configured to measure the power draw made by a device connected to the external interface.

[0028] A power measurement unit should be interpreted as a measurement unit configured to measure the power consumption or power draw of the module and any devices connected to it.

[0029] The module identification transmitter may be a near field communication, NFC, tag, and the module identification receiver may be an NFC reader.

[0030] It should be noted that the module identification transmitter may be an NFC reader and the module identification receiver may be an NFC tag.

[0031] The term "NFC tag" should not be considered to limit the module identification transmitter or receiver to being passive communicators. The terms "NFC tag" and "NFC reader" are merely used as a general way of describing an NFC communication pair. Both the NFC tag (and thus the module identification transmitter) and the NFC reader (and thus the module identification receiver) can transmit and receive information. In other words, the module identification transmitter and receiver can form a peer-to-peer NFC communication.

[0032] The use of an NFC tag / receiver as a module identification transmitter / receiver can be advantageous in that it allows the module to detect and identify neighbors in an accurate and efficient manner. In particular, the NFC tag / reader ensures that the module identifies the correct neighbor in the correct location.

[0033] According to a second aspect there is provided a modular power strip comprising a plurality of interconnected modules, the plurality of interconnected modules being modules according to the first aspect.

[0034] A modular power strip may be advantageous in that it provides a highly modular power strip.

[0035] The modular power strip may further comprise an external power source configured to connect to the input interfaces of one or more modules and provide power to the modules.

[0036] The neighbor detection function of the control unit of each module may be further configured to record the module identifiers of all modules of the modular power tap by communicating via the input and output data buses of each module.

[0037] In other words, each module of the modular power strip will know which other modules are connected together to form the modular power strip.

[0038] The modular power strip may have a common communication unit configured to communicate with external user devices, and the common communication unit may be a control unit for selected modules from the plurality of interconnectable modules.

[0039] This may be advantageous in that it provides a single point of contact with external devices, thus simplifying the process of connecting to the modular power strip for the user, further reducing congestion on the wireless network, and further reducing the power consumption of the modular power strip.

[0040] Moreover, each module of the modular power strip can function as a common communication unit. This also allows any type of module to be used as a single component in the modular power strip. Thus, the flexibility of the modular power strip is enhanced. In other words, the modular power strip of the inventive concept may include any combination of modules with different external interfaces (e.g., different power outlets, wireless network outputs, etc.).

[0041] The control unit of each module may be further configured to execute a selection function configured to send, at a random time, to each module of the modular power strip a claim that it is a common communication unit, and in response to receiving such a claim from another module, to select the other module as the common communication unit.

[0042] Two or more of the plurality of interconnected modules may comprise a wireless network unit, and the control unit of the module having the wireless network unit may be further configured to perform a deactivation function configured to deactivate the wireless network units of all but one of the modules.

[0043] Deactivating the wireless network units of the modules that are not selected as the common communication part may be advantageous in that the power consumption of the modular power strip is reduced. Congestion on the wireless network may be further reduced.

[0044] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method for selecting a module of a modular power strip according to the second aspect as a common communication unit for the modular power strip, the method comprising the steps of determining neighboring modules for each module of the modular power strip, communicating all neighbors in the modular power strip, as well as their respective module identifiers, to each module over a data bus shared between the modules of the modular power strip, transmitting, by each module, a claim to be the common communication unit after a randomly set time interval unique to each module, and selecting a module to first transmit a claim as the common communication unit for the modular power strip.

[0045] The steps of the method may be repeated in response to a new module being added to the modular power strip.

[0046] The steps of the method may be repeated at set intervals.

[0047] The above-mentioned features and advantages of the first, second and third aspects also apply to the fourth aspect, where applicable. In order to avoid excessive repetition, reference is made to the above.

[0048] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon program code configured to perform the method according to the third aspect when executed on a device having processing capability.

[0049] Further objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. The same features and advantages described with respect to one embodiment are applicable to other embodiments, unless otherwise specified.

[0050] These and other aspects of the inventive concept will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show variants of the invention, and which should not be considered as limiting the invention to the particular variants, but are instead used to explain and understand the inventive concept.

[0051] As shown in the figures, the sizes of layers and regions have been exaggerated for illustrative purposes and are thus provided to show the general structure of the variations in the inventive concepts. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating modules of a modular power strip, by way of example. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing, by way of example, a modular power strip of interconnectable modules. [Figure 2b] As another example, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular power strip of interconnectable modules. [Figure 2c] As yet another example, a perspective view of a modular power strip of interconnectable modules is shown. [Figure 2d] As yet another example, a perspective view of a modular power strip of interconnectable modules is shown. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating, by way of example, a modular power strip of interconnectable modules. [Figure 4] 1 is a flow chart illustrating method steps for selecting a module of a modular power strip as a common communication portion of the modular power strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The inventive concept is more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred versions of the inventive concept are shown. However, the inventive concept may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the versions set forth herein. Rather, these versions are provided for thoroughness and completeness, so as to fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0054] A module of a modular power tap, a modular power tap having a plurality of interconnectable modules, and a method for selecting a module of the modular power tap as a common communication unit of the modular power tap are described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates, by way of example, a schematic representation of a module 100. The module 100 may be interconnectable with other modules to form a modular power strip. An example of a modular power strip comprising multiple modules is further described in relation to Figures 2a-3.

[0056] The module 100 comprises one or more output interfaces 102. The module 100 comprises at least one output interface 102, as illustrated herein by a first output interface 102 in solid lines. Preferably, the module 100 comprises two or three output interfaces 102. Here, an optional second and third output interface 102 are illustrated in dashed lines. However, the module 100 may comprise any number of output interfaces.

[0057] The module 100 comprises an input interface 104. Preferably, the module 100 comprises a single input interface 104. Having a single input interface 104 may prevent short circuits from occurring when connecting two or more modules together. When forming a modular power tap of multiple modules, there may otherwise be a risk that the user will connect them to form a closed loop. Furthermore, having a single input interface 104 may ensure that the input interface 104 of the module 100 is not exposed to the user (which may expose the user to dangerous voltages) since the input interface 104 of the module 100 may be connected either to the output interface of an adjacent module or to an external power source (described further below). Furthermore, having a single input interface 104 may ensure that the module 100 (or modular power tap) has only a single external power source. Thus, it may be possible to avoid a case where the user disconnects one external power source and does not realize that a second external power source is still powering the module (or modular power tap).

[0058] The input interface 104 is configured to be connectable to an output interface of an adjacent module. Correspondingly, the output interface 102 is configured to be connectable to an input interface of another adjacent module. Thus, a modular power strip with multiple interconnectable modules can be formed by connecting modules of multiple modules by connecting the output interfaces to the input interfaces. The output interface 102 of one module 100 is preferably physically connectable to the input interface 104 of another module 100. Thus, a modular power strip 200 may be assembled. The physical connection between the two modules 100 may be a releasable physical connection. Thus, rearrangement of the modules 100 may be performed.

[0059] The output interface 102 and the input interface 104 may be configured to allow power and data to pass between adjacent modules.

[0060] Each output interface 102 comprises a module identification transmitter 102a. The module identification transmitter 102a may be configured to transmit a module identifier associated with the module 100. The module identifier may be a unique identifier of the module 100. The module identifier may include information about the characteristics of the module 100. For example, the module identifier may include information about what type of module it is, i.e. what external interface the module 100 has. The module identifier may further include information about the status of the module 100, what type of communication protocol the module uses, etc. Correspondingly, the input interface 104 comprises a module identification receiver 104a. The module identification transmitter 102a may transmit the module identifier to a module identification receiver of an adjacent module. The module identification receiver 104a of the module 100 may receive the module identifiers of other adjacent modules.

[0061] The module identification transmitter 102a may be a near field communication, NFC, tag. The module identification receiver 104a may be an NFC reader. The module identification transmitter 102a and the module identification reader may be peer-to-peer NFC devices. Thus, the module identifier of the module 100 may be transmitted from the module 100 to an adjacent module connected to the output interface 102 via the module identification transmitter 102a. Alternatively or in combination, the module identifier of the adjacent module connected to the output interface 102 of the module 100 may be received by the module identification transmitter 102a. The same may be true for the input interface 104. The module identifier of the module 100 may be transmitted by the module identification receiver 104a to an adjacent module connected to the input interface 104. Alternatively or in combination, the module identifier of the adjacent module connected to the input interface 104 may be received by the module identification receiver 104a.

[0062] The module identification transmitter 102a and / or the module identification receiver 104a may be further configured to transmit the module identifier to a user device. For example, the module identifier may be transmitted to the user device by NFC when the user device is located within NFC range of the module 100. Other data or information may also be transmitted to or received from the user device via NFC.

[0063] Each output interface 102 further includes an output AC power connection 102b. Correspondingly, the input interface 104 includes an input AC power connection 104b. Thus, the input and output AC power connections 102b, 104b may form an electrical connection between modules that are connected to each other via their input and output interfaces 102, 104.

[0064] The output AC power connections 102b of the output interfaces 102 that are not connected to the input interfaces of adjacent modules may be switched for added safety.

[0065] Each output interface 102 further comprises an output data bus 102c. Correspondingly, the input interface 104 further comprises an input data bus 104c. The output data bus 102c and the input data bus 104c may form a common data bus across all modules connected together in the modular power strip. Thus, data may be transmitted between modules over a wired common network. The modular power strip is further described below in connection with Figures 2a-3.

[0066] Alternatively, the module 100 may be capable of wireless communication. For example, the module 100 may communicate via a wireless common network between modules of a modular power strip. The module 100 may communicate with other modules or external user devices via one or more wireless network units. The one or more wireless network units may communicate via, for example, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, Thread, Ethernet, Single Pair Ethernet, and NFC.

[0067] By using Wi-Fi, the module 100 may expose a software-enabled access point for easy discovery and commissioning by user devices such as phones, tablets or computers. Once commissioned, the module may connect to a given Wi-Fi network for direct communication with the user device. The module 100 may support multiple standard protocols such as HTTPS, MQTT, SNTP, etc., for communicating with both cloud servers and user devices.

[0068] The module 100 may provide multiple BLE interfaces (endpoints) for direct communication to user devices. BLE may be used for both commissioning and control. The module 100 may function as a node in a BLE mesh network.

[0069] Thread technology may be used to support mesh networking with standard protocols such as Matter.

[0070] Preferably, single pair Ethernet may be used for intercommunication between connected modules as this can facilitate high performance without cluttering the wireless space. The use of standard Ethernet protocols may be used not only to facilitate intercommunication between modules, but also to route Ethernet communications between Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Modules may be connected to an external Ethernet infrastructure.

[0071] The module 100 further comprises a control unit 106. The control unit 106 may comprise a circuit. The circuit may be any type of circuit comprising a processing unit. The circuit may physically comprise a single circuit device. Alternatively, the circuit may be distributed across several circuit devices. The control unit 106 may further comprise a transceiver and a memory.

[0072] The circuitry may be configured to perform overall control of the functions and operations of the control unit 106 and thus the module 100. The circuitry may include a processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, or microprocessor. The processor may be configured to execute program code stored in memory to perform the functions and operations of the circuitry.

[0073] The transceiver may be configured to allow the control unit 106 to communicate with other modules.

[0074] The memory may be one or more of a buffer, flash memory, a hard drive, a removable media, a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a random access memory (RAM), or another suitable device. In a typical configuration, the memory may include non-volatile memory for long-term data storage and volatile memory that serves as system memory for the control unit or module 100 itself. The memory may exchange data with the circuitry via a data bus. There may also be associated control lines and address buses between the memory and the circuitry.

[0075] The functions and operations of the control unit 106 may be embodied in the form of executable logic routines (e.g., lines of code, software programs, etc.) stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) of the module 100 and executed (e.g., using a processor) by the control unit 106, more specifically, by the circuitry of the control unit 106. Furthermore, the functions and operations of the control unit 106 may be standalone software applications or may form part of a software application that performs additional tasks related to the control unit 106. The described functions and operations may be considered as methods that the control unit 106 is configured to perform. For example, the method 400 described below in connection with FIG. 4. Also, while the described functions and operations may be implemented in software, such functions may be performed via dedicated hardware or firmware, or any combination of hardware, firmware and / or software. It should be noted that each of the following functions may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0076] The control unit 106 is configured to execute a neighbor detection function configured to record module identifiers of one or more neighboring modules connected to one or more output interfaces 102 of the module 100 and / or input interfaces 104 of the module 100. The neighbor detection function thus enables the module to detect neighboring modules. As described above, the module identifiers of the neighboring modules may be received by the module identification receiver 104a and / or the module identification transmitter 102a of the input interface 104 and the output interface 102, respectively.

[0077] The module 100 may further comprise one or more external interfaces 108. The one or more external interfaces 108 may be selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wireless network unit, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit, and a loudspeaker unit. The module may comprise two or more external interfaces 108 selected from the aforementioned group. As a further example, the one or more external interfaces 108 may be a USB hub for sharing data between the module 100 and a user device connected thereto.

[0078] The AC power outlet and / or the DC power outlet may be a normal electrical outlet for powering an electronic device, a USB or USB-C outlet, etc. The inductive charger, in other words, may be a wireless charger for a compatible user device.

[0079] An ON / OFF switch may allow a user to manually turn the module, and all other modules connected to it, on or off.

[0080] The lighting unit may act as a light, and the loudspeaker may act as a speaker for a connected user device.

[0081] The wireless network unit may be, in other words, a Wi-Fi router, and the wired network unit may be, in other words, an Ethernet switch.

[0082] The module 100 may receive power from an external power source connected to the input interface 104, or through a neighboring module or chain of neighboring modules connected to the input interface 104 which is connected to an external power source.

[0083] The module 100 may be used with an external power source without any other modules, or in other words, the module 100 may have all the necessary components to function as a power strip by itself.

[0084] The module 100 may further include a light emitting diode LED light source. The module 100 may further include one or more buttons for receiving user input. The LED light source and one or more buttons may facilitate an easier user interface and direct control without the need to open an app or the like.

[0085] The module 100 may further include an internal power supply unit 112. The internal power supply unit 112 may be configured to provide power from the input AC power connection 104b of the input interface 104 to the components of the module 100. Components, as used herein, refers to any electronics within the module 100, such as the control unit 106, the external interface 108, the output interface 102, and the input interface 104.

[0086] The module 100 may further comprise a power measurement unit 110. The power measurement unit 110 may be configured to measure the power consumption of the module 100 and any devices connected thereto, i.e., connected to the external interface 108. For example, the power measurement unit 110 may measure the power consumption of a device connected to an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, or an inductive charger of the module 100.

[0087] Although not shown, the module 100 may comprise additional data buses between the different components mentioned above.

[0088] Figures 2a-d show different example modular power taps 200 of interconnectable modules 100 in perspective views. The modular power taps 200 may include any number of modules 100 in any suitable configuration. Figures 2a-d show only four different examples for illustrative purposes.

[0089] FIG. 2a shows a modular power strip 200 with only one module 100. The module 100 is shown here as a rectangular parallelepiped. However, this should be seen as merely a non-limiting example. It goes without saying that the module 100 may take any suitable shape and size. The modular power strip 200 further comprises an external power source 202. The external power source 202 may be connected to an input interface of the module 100, more specifically to an input AC power connection of the input interface. It goes without saying that the external power source 202 may be connected to any module of the modular power strip 200 that has an available input interface. The external power source 202 may be configured to supply power to the modules of the modular power strip 200. For example, the external power source 202 may be a normal electrical plug that can be connected to a power socket.

[0090] FIG. 2b shows a modular power strip 200 with four modules. Each module may be of a different type, i.e., have different external interfaces. Alternatively, one or more modules may be of the same type. In this example, each module has no more than two neighbors, one connected to the input interface of the module and one connected to the output interface of the module. Each module may have only one output interface. The example of FIG. 2b further illustrates that the modules do not have to be arranged in a straight line. As mentioned above, the modules of the modular power strip 200 may be arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0091] The arrows on the modules of modular power tap 200 indicate the possible directions of power delivery through modular power tap 200. In other words, the arrows may be viewed as indications of where an output interface of one module connects to an input interface of another module.

[0092] 2c shows a modular power tap 200 with five modules, in this example one of the modules has three adjacent modules, thus indicating that a module may have more than one output interface.

[0093] Fig. 2d shows a modular power tap 200 with seven modules. In this example, one of the modules has four adjacent modules, one connected to its input interface and three connected to its output interface. The example of Fig. 2d further illustrates that modules can be placed adjacent to each other without being directly connected to each other.

[0094] Figure 3 shows, as an example, a schematic representation of a modular power strip 200 of interconnectable modules 100. In this example, the modular power strip 200 has the same configuration as in Figure 2b. However, as in Figure 2b, the modular power strip 200 as shown in Figure 3 should be considered a non-limiting example.

[0095] The modular power tap 200 shown herein comprises first to fourth modules 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. Each module may be a module such as those described above in relation to FIG. 1. To avoid excessive repetition and for ease of understanding, only the first module 100 will be referenced below. However, as will be readily understood, the same applies to the second, third and fourth modules 100', 100'', 100'''.

[0096] Each module 100, 100', 100'', 100''' includes an input interface 104. Each module further includes first, second and third output interfaces 102-1, 102-2, 102-3. However, the modules of the modular power tap 200 may include any number of output interfaces. Additionally, the modules of the modular power tap may include any number of output interfaces.

[0097] Each module 100, 100', 100'', 100''' further comprises a control unit 106 as described above in relation to Figure 1. Each module may further comprise one or more external interfaces 108.

[0098] Each module 100, 100', 100'', 100'' may further comprise a power measurement unit and / or an internal power supply unit.

[0099] The input interface 104 and the first through third output interfaces 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 are located at their own boundaries of the module 100. This may facilitate easy connection between different modules of the modular power tap 200. However, the first through third output interfaces 102-1, 102-2, 102-3 may be located at other locations. The control unit 106 and the external interface 108 are shown here in the center of the first module 100. However, these locations need not be taken as an indication of where they are positioned within the module 100.

[0100] 1, the neighbor detection functionality of the control unit 106 may be further configured to record the module identifiers of all modules of the modular power tap 200 by communicating via the input and output data buses of each module 100, 100', 100'', 100'''. Thus, each module 100, 100', 100'', 100''' of the modular power tap 200 may know which other modules are part of the modular power tap 200.

[0101] The modules 100, 100', 100'', 100''' connected to the modular power strip 200 may negotiate a single contact with an external device, such as a user device as described above, or other external computer or network. This may be to simplify the user's connection, not congest the wireless network, and conserve power. In other words, the modular power strip 200 may have a common communication section. The common communication section may be configured to communicate with an external device. The common communication section may communicate with the external device by exposing its wireless connection to the external device. The common communication section may publicly describe all modules of the modular power strip 200. Thus, all external interfaces of the modules of the modular power strip 200 are also exposed.

[0102] The common communication unit may be one of the modules. More specifically, the common communication unit may be a control unit of a selected module from the multiple interconnectable modules of the modular power strip 200.

[0103] The control unit of each module may be further configured to execute a selection function configured to send a claim to each module of the modular power strip at a random time to be a common communication unit, and in response to receiving such a claim from another module, select the other module as the common communication unit. In other words, a module sends a claim after a random time point associated with the module unless the module receives such a claim from another module before that time. Thus, any module of the modular power strip 200 may be selected as the common communication unit, and the selection may be made randomly.

[0104] As previously described in connection with FIG. 1, each module may include a wireless network module. At least two or more of the multiple interconnected modules may include a wireless network unit. The control unit of the module having the wireless network unit may be further configured to perform a deactivation function. The deactivation function may be configured to deactivate the wireless network units of all but one of the modules of the modular power strip 200. The wireless network unit that remains activated may be the wireless network unit of the module that is the common communication unit. Alternatively, the wireless network units of modules other than the common communication unit may remain activated. In such a case, the module may receive instructions from the common communication unit regarding which operation to perform.

[0105] 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of a method 400 for selecting a module of a modular power strip as a common communication part of the modular power strip. The different steps are described in more detail below. Although shown in a particular order, the steps of the method 400 may be performed in any suitable order, in parallel, as well as multiple times.

[0106] The modular power strip in which the module is selected as the common communication portion may be a modular power strip as described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3.

[0107] Neighboring modules for each module of the modular power strip are determined (S402). Which modules are present in the modular power strip (i.e., determining neighboring modules for each module) may be determined by each module communicating its module identifier to all other modules when connected to the modular power strip.

[0108] All neighbors in the modular power strip, as well as their respective module identifiers, are communicated to each module at S404. The neighbors and their respective module identifiers may be communicated over a data bus shared between the modules of the modular power strip (S404).

[0109] A claim of being a common communication unit is transmitted by each module after a randomly set time interval specific to each module (S406). The claim may be transmitted to all other modules of the modular power strip. In other words, each module may transmit a claim of being a common communication unit after their particular time interval.

[0110] The module that first sends a claim is selected as the common communicator for the modular power strip at S408. In other words, if a module sends a claim before another module claims, then that module is selected as the common communicator.

[0111] One common communication unit may be selected for each communication protocol used by the modules of the modular power strip. One module may be a common communication unit for one or more communication protocols. Alternatively, different modules of the modular power strip may be common communication units for different communication protocols. The communication protocols may be, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB connection, or any other connection type. Thus, one common communication unit may be selected to communicate via Wi-Fi, another common communication unit may be selected to communicate via Bluetooth, etc.

[0112] Preferably, the module selected as the common communication unit may attempt to remain as the common communication unit. This may simplify reconnection and setup of external devices. For example, the module selected as the common communication unit may be configured to reduce its random time interval. This may ensure that the same module is retained as the common communication unit when the method of selecting a common communication unit is repeated, since a shorter time interval increases the chance that the module will be the first to send a claim. Alternatively, or in combination with the above, the module selected as the common communication unit may communicate its previous status of being a common communication unit to other modules of the modular power strip during reselection of the common communication unit (i.e., repetition of the method). The other modules, upon receiving such status, may select the module sending the status as the common communication unit. Thus, reselection of the common communication unit is most likely to end up with the same module being selected as the common communication unit.

[0113] Along with its previous status, the module may further communicate a timestamp of when it was last a common communication part. This may further improve the selection of the common communication part when two or more modules connected to the modular power strip were previously common communication parts. This may occur, for example, when a module is moved within the modular power strip or when connected to a different power strip. Based on the timestamp, the module that was last a common communication part may be so selected. The module that was last a common communication part may be the preferred common communication part moving forward, since an external device previously connected to the modular power strip may attempt to connect to that module first. The timestamp may be a Unix timestamp UTC. The format of the timestamp may be common to all modules of the modular power strip.

[0114] The steps of method 400 may be repeated in response to a new module being added to the modular power strip. For example, an updated record of all neighbors and their respective module identifiers may be communicated to all modules of the modular power strip. A new common communication unit may be selected. However, if a common communication unit has already been selected, it may not be necessary to select a new common communication unit each time a new module is added to the modular power strip.

[0115] The steps of method 400 may be repeated at set intervals. For example, at set intervals, all adjacent modules may be determined to obtain an updated record of all modules of the modular power strip and their respective module identifiers. Additionally, at set intervals, a new common communication unit may be selected.

[0116] The method can be described in other words as follows:

[0117] Upon powering up the modular power strip, new modules being detected on the modular power strip, or at set intervals, the module may broadcast its module identifier, its neighbors, and its capabilities. The capabilities may include information about what type of module it is, what communication interface it has (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), and its current status (e.g., connected to Wi-Fi, etc.).

[0118] If the module is "hot plugged in," i.e., plugged into a modular power strip that is already powered on, the common communication may already be selected, in which case it may remain as the common communication.

[0119] When a modular power strip is just powered up, all modules may announce themselves (i.e., by their module identifiers) and their capabilities for a short period of time, allowing all modules to wake up and communicate. After this time, each module may wait using a random time before sending a claim to be a communicator of the modular power strip. During the wait time, modules may listen for other claims, and if another module has already claimed the common communicator, the module may revoke its pending claim and not become a communicator.

[0120] The module that first claims the common communication portion is so selected and may set up wireless communication and inform the other modules of its status.

[0121] In this way, only one radio per communication protocol can be used throughout the modular power strip, thus avoiding cluttering of the radio space and saving energy by turning off unused radio communication components.

[0122] Thus, the modular power strip does not need to have a defined master that controls several slaves. Instead, any module may send a control request to any other module. This may allow efficient communication and open interfaces regardless of the setup. For example, a module that is a common communication part may receive a control command from an external device and send this control command to any of the modules connected to the modular power strip. At the same time, for example, a module with a USB hub as an external interface may get a command from a connected computer, and the USB hub may send a similar control command to any of the other modules.

[0123] Additionally, variations to the disclosed variations can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A module (100) configured to form part of a modular power strip (200) comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, said module (100) comprising: one or more output interfaces (102), each output interface (102) comprising a module identification transmitter (102a), an output AC power connection (102b), and an output data bus (102c); an input interface (104) comprising a module identification receiver (104a), an input AC power connection (104b), and an input data bus (104c); Equipped with the input interface (104) is configured to be connected to an output interface (102) of an adjacent module of the plurality of interconnectable modules; the one or more output interfaces (102) are configured to be connected to an input interface of an adjacent module of the plurality of interconnectable modules; the module identification transmitter (102a) of each of the one or more output interfaces (102) is configured to transmit a module identifier that uniquely identifies the module (100) to an adjacent module connected to the output interface (102), and the module identification receiver (104a) of the input interface (104) is configured to detect a module identifier of an adjacent module connected to the input interface (104); The module (100) comprises: a neighbor detection function configured to record module identifiers of one or more neighboring modules connected to the one or more output interfaces (102) of the module and / or the input interface (104) of the module (100); and a control unit (106) configured to execute Module (100).

2. 2. The module (100) of claim 1, comprising a plurality of output interfaces (102), each output interface (102) comprising a module identification transmitter (102a), an output AC power connection (102b), and an output data bus (102c).

3. 3. The module (100) of claim 1 or 2, further comprising an external interface (108) selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wireless network unit, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit, and a loudspeaker unit.

4. 4. The module (100) of claim 1, wherein the module (100) comprises two or more external interfaces (108) selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wireless network unit, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit, and a loudspeaker unit.

5. 3. The module (100) of claim 1 or 2, comprising a first external interface (108) in the form of a wired / wireless network unit, and a second external interface (108) selected from the group consisting of an AC power outlet, a DC power outlet, an inductive charger, a wired network unit, an on / off switch, a lighting unit and a loudspeaker unit.

6. The module (100) of claim 1 , wherein the module identifier comprises information regarding a characteristic of the module (100).

7. The module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the module identifier comprises information regarding a status of the module (100).

8. The module (100) of any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the module identifier comprises information regarding which one or more external interfaces (108) the module (100) comprises.

9. The module (100) of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the module identifier comprises information regarding what type of communication protocol the first external interface (108) uses.

10. 10. The module (100) of claim 1, further comprising a power measurement unit (110) configured to measure the power consumption of the module (100) and any device connected to the module via the module's AC power outlet, DC power outlet or inductive charger.

11. The module (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the module identification transmitter (102a) is a Near Field Communication, NFC, tag and the module identification receiver (104a) is an NFC reader.

12. A modular power strip (200) comprising a plurality of interconnected modules, the plurality of interconnected modules being modules (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 13. The modular power tap (200) of claim 12, further comprising an external power source (202) connected to the input interface (104) of one or more modules and configured to provide power to said modules.

14. 14. The modular power tap (200) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the neighbor detection function of the control unit (106) of each module (100) is further configured to record module identifiers of all modules of the modular power tap (200) by communicating via the input and output data buses (102c, 104c) of each module.

15. The modular power strip (200) of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the modular power strip (200) has a common communication unit configured to communicate with an external user device, the common communication unit being a control unit (106) of a module (100) selected from the plurality of interconnectable modules.

16. The control unit (106) of each module (100) transmitting, at a random time, to each module (100) of said modular power strip (200) a claim to be said common communication unit; In response to receiving such an assertion from another module, selecting the other module as the common communication part. The modular power tap (200) of claim 15, further configured to perform a selection function configured to:

17. 17. The modular power strip (200) of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein two or more of the plurality of interconnected modules (100) comprise a wireless network unit, and the control unit (106) of the module (100) having a wireless network unit is further configured to perform a deactivation function configured to deactivate the wireless network units of all but one of the modules.

18. A method (400) for selecting a module of a modular power strip according to any one of claims 12 to 17 as a common communication part of the modular power strip, said method (400) comprising: determining adjacent modules for each module of the modular power strip (S402); communicating (S404) to each module over a data bus shared among the modules of the modular power strip all neighbors within the modular power strip as well as a respective module identifier that uniquely identifies the module; A step (S406) of transmitting a claim that it is the common communication unit by each module after a randomly set time interval specific to each module; selecting the module that will initially transmit the assertion as the common communication unit for the modular power strip (S408); The method (400).

19. 20. The method (400) of claim 18, wherein the steps of the method (400) are repeated in response to a new module being added to the modular power strip.

20. 19. The method (400) of claim 17 or 18, wherein the steps of the method (400) are repeated at set intervals.

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