Modular Smart Frame System

Abstract

This disclosure provides a modular smart frame system comprising one or more connectable frame devices, each having at least one universal port for connecting to one of various types of functional modules. Functional modules include display devices that, when interconnected in an array of frame devices, can form a single display matrix that displays a cohesive image across their multiple display panels. Furthermore, functional modules include one or more charging bank modules with an array of ports for charging various battery types according to the manufacturer's specifications. This modular frame system is adaptable to the environment in terms of both function and form and can work with cloud network operating systems to provide critical public services.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to modular systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system of wall-mounted frames with universal ports for coupling to various functional modules.

Background Art

[0002] Modern people are increasingly dependent on all kinds of electronic devices in their daily lives, and in densely populated environments such as cities, it is important to be able to easily access battery or vehicle charging ports at any time.

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

[0004] The problem related to these points is that the physical and commercial needs of the urban environment are constantly changing. An adaptable solution that can be installed in a limited space and quickly adapt to changing functional requirements is required. In such a background, the present invention is provided.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure provides a modular smart frame system comprising one or more connectable frame devices, each having at least one universal port for connecting to one of various types of functional modules. Functional modules include display devices that, when interconnected in a frame device arrangement, can form a single display matrix that displays a cohesive image across multiple display panels. Functional modules further include one or more charging bank modules with an array of ports for charging various types of batteries according to the manufacturer's specifications. Frame devices may have internal batteries for energy storage and, when arranged in conjunction with each other, can provide a cumulative energy source. This modular frame system is adaptable to the environment in terms of both function and form and can work with cloud network operating systems to provide critical public services.

[0006] The display matrix formed by the disclosed system configuration can be used for both advertising and information display purposes, and its shape can adapt to the available space in the environment without disrupting the displayed image data. Users can interact with the charging function via the cloud through their mobile devices, ensuring access to charging points when needed, and adapting to changing environmental needs by simply replacing a particular type of functional module with a new one if it becomes unnecessary in a particular location.

[0007] Accordingly, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a modular frame system is provided comprising one or more functional charging bank modules comprising a rear universal port and a front configuration having a plurality of ports for housing and directly charging a plurality of batteries and fuel cells; and one or more functional display modules comprising a rear universal port and a front screen panel extending across the entire front of the module.

[0008] The system further includes one or more frame devices, each frame device including a housing; a universal receiving port located on the front of the housing for detachably coupling with a universal port of a functional module; a mounting structure for securing the frame device to a vertical surface; a coupling structure on one or more edges of the frame device configured to couple the frame device to an adjacent frame device; a power supply; and a wirelessly operable controller located within the housing.

[0009] Each controller in each frame device is capable of communicating with the cloud network and is configured to perform the following: determine the number and location of interconnected frame devices, as well as the number and types of functional modules currently installed in each frame device in that configuration, through the exchange of unique identifiers associated with each frame device; monitor and control the distribution of power to each frame device and each interconnected functional module based on the determination; and receive display image data from the cloud network based on the determination and be configured to display at least a portion of the image data on the display screen panels of one or more functional modules.

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

[0011] In some embodiments, one or more display modules include a touchscreen interface. Through the touchscreen interface, users may be able to interact with the system, change the settings of one or more functional modules, and communicate with a cloud network.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to overwrite the currently displayed image data and instead display details of the emergency in response to emergency situation notifications from the cloud network.

[0013] In some embodiments, one or more charging bank modules include an electronically controlled locking mechanism for holding a battery device in place within each charging port during charging.

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

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

[0016] In some embodiments, one or more charging bank modules include an array of charging ports designed to charge batteries of different manufacturer specifications, including specific voltage ratings, amperages, and types of physical outlets.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more functional EV charging modules, each comprising a rear universal port and a front outlet structure for charging electric vehicles.

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

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to, in response to a determination that one or more other frame devices are coupled to a frame device, assign one of the frame devices as the master frame device for handling communication with the cloud network, and have the remaining frame devices in the coupled arrangement assume the master / slave communication protocol with the master frame device.

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

[0021] Alternatively, or additionally, the power supply may include a rechargeable battery. In embodiments with a rechargeable battery, the controller may be further configured to monitor the power usage and power levels of the batteries of other frame devices in response to a determination that one or more other frame devices are connected to the frame device, and to supply power to those batteries if their power is depleted.

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

[0023] [Figure 1A] An isometric view is shown of an exemplary configuration of a functional display module that can be installed in the frame device of this disclosure. [Figure 1B] An isometric view of an exemplary configuration of a functional charging bank module that can be installed in the frame device of the present disclosure is shown. [Figure 1C] An isometric view of an exemplary configuration of a functional EV charging module that can be installed in the frame device of this disclosure is shown. [Figure 2A] This diagram shows an isometric view of a display module installed in an exemplary configuration of the frame device according to this disclosure. [Figure 2B] An exemplary configuration of the frame device with the outer housing removed is shown to illustrate its internal structure and components. [Figure 3A]Shows a first exemplary arrangement of connected frame devices according to the system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Shows a second exemplary arrangement of connected frame devices according to the system of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] Shows a third exemplary arrangement of connected frame devices according to the system of the present disclosure, where a new frame device with a display module installed is about to be added to the arrangement. [Figure 3D] Shows the third exemplary arrangement of FIG. 2A, where a new frame device is integrated into the arrangement and is displaying a portion of the image data. [Figure 3E] Shows a fourth exemplary arrangement of connected frame devices. **DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION**

[0024] Throughout these figures and the following detailed description, common reference numerals are used to indicate like elements. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples, and that other structures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements / functions may be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0025] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments for explaining the principles of the present invention. These embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to any of the embodiments. The scope of the present invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, and is limited only by the claims.

[0026] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details, in accordance with the claims. For clarity, technical content known in the technical field related to the present invention is not described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0027] Definitions The terms used herein are solely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the terms “and / or” include any combination of one or more of the relevant listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include both singular and plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising” identify the presence of the described features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence and addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0028] The terms “approximately” and “roughly” generally refer to the degree of error or variation that is permissible for a measured quantity, taking into account the nature or precision of the measurement. A typical, exemplary degree of error or variation is within 20 percent (%) of a given value or range of values, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent. The quantities indicated by numerical values ​​presented herein are approximations unless otherwise explicitly stated; that is, the terms “approximately” or “roughly” may be implicitly included even if not explicitly stated.

[0029] When a feature or element is described as being "on top of" another feature or element, it is understood that the feature or element may be directly on top of the other feature or element, or there may be an intervening feature or element. On the other hand, when a feature or element is described as being "directly on top of" another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements. Also, when a feature or element is described as being "connected," "attached," or "joined" to another feature or element, it may be directly connected to, attached to, or joined to the other feature or element, or there may be an intervening feature or element. On the other hand, when a feature or element is described as being "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly joined" to another feature or element, it is understood that there are no intervening features or elements. Features and elements described in this way are applicable to other embodiments, even if they are described or shown in relation to a particular embodiment.

[0030] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limiting. Where used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0031] Spatial relative terms such as "below," "below," "above," "above," and similar terms may be used herein to facilitate description of the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature when the apparatus is in the correct orientation.

[0032] The terms “first,” “second,” and so on are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used simply to distinguish one feature or element from another. Accordingly, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, a first feature or element described below may be referred to as a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element described below may be referred to as a first feature or element.

[0033] Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C show three different exemplary types of functional modules that can be installed in the frame assembly of the disclosed modular system.

[0034] Figure 1A shows an example of a display module 100, in which a protective glass panel 102 covers a display 104 that extends across the entire front of the module. Therefore, when adjacent frame devices on which the display modules 100 are installed are connected together, the displays form a nearly seamless display matrix.

[0035] Figure 1B shows an example of a replaceable charging bank module 200. As can be seen, the module is equipped with multiple ports 204 for locking and charging batteries or fuel cells 202. In urban environments where many public and private lightweight electric vehicles are in operation and equipped with similar batteries or fuel cells, this type of module can facilitate a system in which users can swap used batteries with charged ones.

[0036] Figure 1C shows an example of an EV charging module 300 with a power socket 302 for directly charging an electric vehicle parked in front, which could be any type of electric vehicle, including both lightweight electric vehicles and electric cars.

[0037] Each of the three module examples shown features an identical universal port at the rear of the housing. When this port is coupled to the receiving port of the frame device, it secures the module in place at the front of the frame device, supplies power to the module, and forms a connection point that connects the module to the frame device's controller, which is connected to the cloud. Thus, users can interact with various functional module types and control their operation via a mobile device.

[0038] Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, examples of the configuration of the frame device 400 according to this disclosure are shown, with the display module 100 installed at the front (Figure 2A), and with the outer housing removed to show the internal frame structure 402 and its components.

[0039] As can be seen, once the panel 102 of the display module 100 is installed in the frame device 400, the controller of the frame device 400 (housed in the control module 406) can display the image 106 on the panel. This can be achieved using power directly from the power grid or using an array of internally rechargeable batteries 404 held within the frame.

[0040] The controller can be configured to monitor the battery's power level and charge the battery from the power grid as needed, for example, by using smart charging which draws power from the grid during the cheapest times. Keeping the battery charged is beneficial, as it allows the frame device to divert available power to support the functions of both functional modules directly installed on it and functional modules installed on adjacent frame modules in a coupled frame module arrangement.

[0041] For example, see Figures 3A and 3B. These figures show first and second configurations 500 of a coupled frame device, with various functional modules installed in the ports.

[0042] In Figure 3A, a pair of replaceable charge bank functional modules 200 are installed in the lower section of the frame device arrangement, and a pair of display modules 100 are installed in the upper section. Since the charge bank modules 200 may require a higher power output than the display modules, especially when charging multiple cells or batteries simultaneously, the upper frame device can draw power from those batteries to support the replaceable charge banks 200. This extends the overall battery life of the arrangement 500.

[0043] Figure 3B shows different configurations 500 in which similar operation may occur, with multiple upper sections of the frame device housing display modules that show a cohesive image 106, while the lower section of the frame device can also be powered by a set of motor vehicle docking modules 600 that secure and charge a lightweight motor vehicle 700.

[0044] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the docked electric vehicle is a scooter, but as shown in Figure 3E, a docking module 600 can also be provided that can secure and charge a bicycle.

[0045] The innovative aspect of the disclosed system lies in its modularity; the frame units can be connected to each other laterally and can also be connected to any type of functional module equipped with universal ports, thus enabling a highly customizable configuration that can adapt to the needs of the environment.

[0046] Figures 3C and 3D show, respectively, a frame device on which a display module 100 is installed, added to an existing display matrix arrangement 500 formed by other frame devices and display modules.

[0047] As can be seen, this array of frame devices includes not only display modules but also a set of charging bank modules 200 and EV charger modules 300 in the lower section. If more of these modules are needed in a given location, space can be made by swapping other display modules 100 from surrounding frame devices, or the entire array can be extended outward by adding additional frame devices laterally (or above, depending on height and surrounding conditions).

[0048] Furthermore, when multiple frame devices equipped with the display module 100 are connected as shown in the figure, they are configured to work together to display a single, cohesive image. In this example, an advertisement image for a new car model 106 is displayed.

[0049] As can be seen, the display module 100 being added to the upper corner is blank until it is joined into place, but once fitted, it acquires image data and displays the missing parts.

[0050] This type of display can also show information useful to the public, such as emergency alerts received via the cloud-enabled controller of the frame device. The display can also function as a touchscreen panel for interaction with the system and the cloud.

[0051] Although the frame devices are shown in a rectangular configuration with an equal number of rows and columns, displays and frame devices can also employ other shapes, and the lengths of the columns and rows do not necessarily have to be uniform.

[0052] The power source for the disclosed system may be an AC power grid, or it may include a combination of rechargeable batteries and stored power, or even solar power or other renewable energy sources.

[0053] The controllers described herein may be any suitable type of computer. A computer may be a single-processor or multi-processor machine. Thus, a computer may contain one or more processors, and therefore, the computer systems described above may also contain one or more processors. Examples of processors include sequential state machines, microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), application processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, system-on-a-chip (SoCs), baseband processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gate logic, programmable control boards (PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described throughout this disclosure.

[0054] Furthermore, a computer may include one or more memories. Thus, the computer system described above may include one or more memories. Memory may include memory storage devices or addressable storage media, which may include, for example, random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), hard disks, floppy disks, laserdisc players, digital video discs, compact discs, videotapes, audio tapes, magnetic recording tracks, magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory, optical memory storage, quantum mechanical storage, electronic networks, and / or other devices or technologies used to store electronic content such as programs and data. In particular, one or more memories may store computer executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform the procedures and technologies described herein. One or more processors may be operationally associated with one or more memories so that computer executable instructions can be provided to one or more processors for execution. For example, one or more processors may be operationally associated with one or more memories via one or more buses. Furthermore, a computer may have, or be operationally associated with, input devices (e.g., keyboards, keypads, controllers, mice, microphones, touchscreens, sensors) and output devices (e.g., computer screens, printers, or speakers).

[0055] A computer may be advantageously equipped with network communication devices such as network interface cards, modems, or other network connectivity devices suitable for connecting to one or more networks.

[0056] A computer may advantageously include control logic, or program logic, or other board configurations representing data and instructions, that cause the computer to operate in a particular predefined manner as described herein. In particular, a computer program, when executed, enables a control processor to perform and / or cause the execution of features of the present disclosure. Control logic may be advantageously implemented as one or more modules. A module may reside in computer memory and be advantageously configured to run on one or more processors. A module may include, but is not limited to, software or hardware components that perform a particular task. Thus, a module may include components such as, for example, software components, processes, functions, subroutines, procedures, attributes, class components, task components, object-oriented software components, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, and / or similar.

[0057] Control logic traditionally involves the manipulation of digital bits by a processor and the maintenance of these bits within one or more memory storage devices. Such memory storage devices may impose a physical organization on the collection of stored data bits, which are typically stored in specific electrical or magnetic storage cells.

[0058] Control logic generally executes a sequence of computer-executable steps. These steps generally require the manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not always, these quantities take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals that can be stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. Those skilled in the art will commonly refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, text, terms, numbers, files, or similar. However, it should be noted that these terms, and some others, must be associated with appropriate physical quantities for computer operations, and that these terms are merely conventional labels applied to physical quantities present in and during computer operation, based on the designed relationship between physical quantities and the symbolic values ​​they represent.

[0059] It should be understood that computer operations are often referred to using terms such as addition, comparison, movement, and retrieval, which are often associated with manual operations performed by human operators. It should also be understood that human operator involvement may not be necessary, or may even be undesirable. The operations described herein are machine operations performed in cooperation with a human operator or user interacting with one or more computers.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be understood that the programs, modules, processes, methods, etc., described herein are illustrative embodiments and are not related to or limited to any particular computer, device, or computer language. Rather, various general-purpose computer machines or devices can be used with programs built according to some of the teachings described herein. In some embodiments, a very specific computer machine with certain functions may be required.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical terms) have the same meaning as that ordinarily understood by a person of the ordinary art in the field to which the invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries shall be construed to have the same meaning as their meaning in the context of the background art and this disclosure, and shall not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0062] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. While specific configurations of the modular system are described in a particular manner with reference to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention is applicable to a wide range of solutions that fall within the scope and spirit of the claims. Many alternative means of implementing the present invention exist.

[0063] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely examples of applications of the principles of the present invention. References herein to details of the illustrated embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and the claims themselves describe those features that are considered essential to the present invention.

Claims

1. A modular frame system, One or more functional charging bank modules comprising a rear universal port and a front configuration having multiple ports for housing and directly charging multiple batteries and fuel cells; One or more functional display modules comprising a rear universal port and a front screen panel extending across the entire front of the module; It comprises one or more frame devices, and each frame device is Housing and; A universal receiving port located on the front of the housing for detachably coupling with a universal port of a functional module; A mounting structure for fixing the frame device to a vertical surface; A coupling structure on one or more edges of the frame device, configured to connect the frame device to an adjacent frame device; Power supply and; The housing comprises a wirelessly operable controller located within the housing, the controller being capable of communicating with a cloud network, Through the exchange of unique identifiers associated with each frame device, the number and location of interconnected frame devices, as well as the number and type of functional modules currently installed in each frame device in that arrangement, are determined; Based on the above decision, the distribution of power to each frame device and each coupled functional module is monitored and controlled; Based on the above decision, the system is configured to receive the image data to be displayed from the cloud network and to display at least a portion of the image data on the display screen panel of one or more functional modules. Modular frame system.

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

3. The modular frame system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the display modules are equipped with a touchscreen interface.

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

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

6. The modular frame system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the charging bank modules are equipped with an electronically controlled locking mechanism for holding a battery device in a predetermined position within each charging port during charging.

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

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

9. The modular frame system according to claim 1, wherein one or more charging bank modules comprises an array of charging ports designed to charge batteries of different manufacturer specifications, including specific voltage ratings, amperages, and types of physical outlets.

10. The modular frame system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more functional EV charging modules, each comprising a rear universal port and a front outlet structure for charging electric vehicles.

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

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

13. The modular frame system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply includes a connection to a power grid.

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

15. The modular frame system according to claim 14, wherein the controller is further configured to monitor the power usage and power level of the batteries of the other frame devices in response to a determination that one or more other frame devices are connected to the frame device, and to supply power to those batteries when their power is depleted.

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